Li Sao by Qu Yuan: A Journey to Sorrow, Essay Example

Enveloped by his desire to be accepted, Qu Yuan characterizes himself in his poem as a righteous person who is not accepted I court because of his position against corruption. While his poem Li Sao takes on several different themes and dedicates its attention to different aspects of development and personal journey, this analysis shall focus upon the distinct utilization of political factors that would fully determine the condition by which the poem directs the readers into realizing the social condition that was prevalent during the time the poem was first written.

Estranged, this is the feeling that Qu Yuan specifically defines in his poem. He presents the character in the poem to be undergoing a state of demise, a distinct feeling that puts him in a state of confusion as to why his thoughts and idealisms are no accepted in a society he has always loved. Trying to struggle for a good life for his people, the character in Li Sao finds out a sad truth about life’s reality which suggests that sometimes, acceptance is vane for those who tend to impose pure goodness. The strategies of politics do not thrive on good values but on determinable personal views of what is right, what is wrong, what is acceptable and what is convincingly effective when it comes to ruling the people and giving them a better chance to a good life.

Utilizing the concept of shamanism, this poem tries to bring about a sense of realization to its readers especially when it comes to understanding the importance of spiritual journey, a theme that has made the poem Li Sao a distinct pillar of literary excellence in the field of Asian and Chinese literary-history. Coming from the Kingdom of Chu, Qu Yuan specifically utilized several aspects of metaphorical representations in his poem to define his society and the way politics existed at the time. Classical as it is, this poem provides more than just a literary work of art, it gives the current generation a glimpse towards the social situations and issues people had to live with during the said times.

Visiting spirits and deities in his poem, Qu Yuan [as he places himself as the central figure in his poem] visualizes the manner by which a person tries to find redemption, a sense of being and a sense of purpose that puts him in the context of determining his position in the society he tries to survive in. Being a prominent individual, he sees himself as someone who should have a ‘say’ in the process of leading the people. Perhaps to be viewed as an adviser, he hopes to be heard by his king. Nevertheless, the system of politics makes such desire impossible from being heard.

To note the political accuracy of the piece, the poem makes note of particular individuals who may or may have no connection to actual persons in real life in relation to China’s historical data on political dynasties and the advisors that existed then to assist the kings. One of which is Peng Xian (whose identity has not been fully determined yet in relation to historical records) who seemed to have been considered by the poet as somewhat prominent in the society yet unheard with his desires and his suggestions to better leadership and governance. He has been assumed by scholars as one coming rom the Shang Dynasty; perhaps an official who has reportedly drowned himself due to not being heard for his advice to the king. Another is Wang Yi, who is described as the Han Dynasty librarian who has compiled the Chuci for literary recording and safekeeping.

With 373 lines of determining his journey in the spirit’s realm, the poem Li Sao does more than just to determine the desire of the poet to travel. It gives a more indicative sense on how the poet aims to travel through the systems of the society and make definite changes that he thinks would make China and its people more prosperous and specifically successful in its desire of becoming known for its good governance. Nevertheless, not being heard for such a desire of making good out of himself and out of his capacity to influence brings the poet into a rather sorrowful journey that makes it hard for him to determine his place in the society.

This poem specifically depicts the ancient and modern China; a system compounded into accepting both the good and the bad aspects of the people in the country. Leaders are given the chance to make a change; this is the reason why their decisions matter so much especially in determining the lives of those whom they are governing. Nevertheless, having the support of advisers from both the left and the right wing of the government makes their decision making process more of a daunting task to take. Relatively though, as mentioned in the poem, there are instances when it is the good people and the good advice that gets rejected; a sad truth but a prominent aspect of governance not only in China but all over the globe. Sometimes, goodness is not enough when it comes to surviving the strategies of politics. True to its sense, Qu Yuan was able to present a part of reality that serves well in determining the role of politics in the society then and now. The reality that binds the process of decision making in this particular institution in the society is specifically relative in determining what suggestions are worth applying and what others ought to be rejected. Politics is about strategy; considering a series of patterns that would actually allow the government and its officials to retain their power amidst the different social issues and chaotic situations that occur is the primary goal of most government leaders. Sometimes, when it comes to such aspect of leadership, being good and idealistic in the process of giving assumptive direction to the people and the nation may not be as efficient as it may seemingly appeal to many. There are instances when corruption and other supposedly unethical decisions make the table because they are the ones that would practically work.