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Life and Homeland in the Colors of Jiangnan Spring by Du Mu

Author(s)

Xuefei Liu1, Haiqin Wu2

Affiliation(s)

1Shangrao Normal University, Shangrao, Jiangxi, China 2Maojialing Primary School, Shangrao, Jiangxi, China

Abstract

The color art in Du Mu's "Spring South of the Yangtze" lies essentially in the profound blend of the poet's life vicissitudes and his patriotic devotion. Vivid chromes embody his longing for ideals, while misty shades echo his reflection on reality. Their interplay weaves a poignant emotional tension, evoking the elegance of classical poetry. This paper focuses on Du Mu's “Spring in the South of the Yangtze” and analyzes the aesthetic qualities of classical poetry from three dimensions—emotional cultivation, artistic characteristics, and artistic expression techniques—using its use of color as a starting point. By comparing it with the use of color in other poems, it reveals the important role of color in classical poetry, which is not only a visual presentation but also an emotional carrier and cultural symbol. “Spring in the South” employs contrasting light and dark hues, warm and cool tones, and the interplay of motion and stillness to create a profound artistic realm. It embodies reflections on historical rise and fall alongside praise for natural beauty, exemplifying the classical poetic aesthetic ideal of “poetry within painting, emotion within imagery.”

Keywords

Du Mu; Color; Emotional Cultivation; Patriotic Sentiment

References

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