Rediscovering Sound in Tao Yuanming’s (365-427?) Poetry: A Data-based Study of Jin Phonology and Poetic Patterns

Abstract

Tao Yuanming, an outstanding Chinese poet, utilized exceptional sound patterns in his poetry. However, due to the evolution of Chinese phonology over time, these sound effects are often overlooked in contemporary readings of his work. This paper aims to rediscover the significance of sound in Tao’s poetry by reconstructing its phonology based on both Axel Schuessler’s Late Han Chinese and Middle Chinese reconstruction, and analyzing the sound patterns, such as rhyming, alliteration, assonance, and reduplication, employed by Tao in his poetic compositions. The study reveals that Tao’s poetry demonstrates a careful and deliberate use of sound patterns to enhance its emotional resonance and thematic depth. By examining Tao’s application of these sound patterns, the paper highlights the poetic devices that create rhythm, reinforce content, and produce pleasurable responses in readers. Through this exploration, the paper seeks to reestablish the importance of sound as an indispensable component of Tao Yuanming’s poetry and Chinese poetry. By offering a comprehensive review of the sound patterns in Tao Yuanming’s poetry and reconstructing the original phonology, this paper provides a fresh perspective on the richness and complexity of his works. It not only enhances our understanding of Tao Yuanming’s poetic mastery but also sheds light on the broader significance of sound in the realm of Chinese poetry, emphasizing its importance as an integral aspect of poetic expression.