A Probe into SU Shi’s Study of Change and His Poetics

SU Shi became interested in the study of changes during his imprisonment after the Wutai case. After he had been expelled to danzhou, SU accomplished his work SU’s Study of Changes. From his attitude pursuing a natural and comfortable life formed in his early years, we can find that his thought and characters were deeply influenced by such study. On the basis of the study, SU showed his vast mind and great tolerance of traditional culture with his various works like essays, poetry, lyrics, painting and calligraphy. People in Song Dynasty like SU studied changes and liked to show their great opinions. Accordingly, they tended to compose more poems and comment in their academic styles. Sometimes, the poetic style would be lost in poets’ pursuit of strange interest. Therefore, during his staying at Zhanzhou, SU had to follow the poetic styles of Wei and Jin Dynasties in stead of those of Tang Dynasties. So, there is no wonder why he followed TAO Yuan-ming’s styles.