Essay on Literature - Classic Text | Alexandria
Essay on Literature (Wen Fu)
Lu Ji's "Essay on Literature" (文賦, Wen Fu), composed around 280 CE during the Western Jin dynasty, stands as one of the earliest and most influential works of Chinese literary criticism, offering profound insights into the creative process and the nature of literary composition. Written in the fu (rhapsody) style, this masterpiece represents both a theoretical treatise and a poetic meditation on the art of writing.
The text emerged during a pivotal period in Chinese literary history, as the Han dynasty's collapse gave way to the Wei-Jin era's flourishing literary culture. Lu Ji (261-303 CE), a distinguished poet and official from a prominent literary family in Wu (modern-day Suzhou), composed this work during a time of political uncertainty and intellectual ferment. His personal experience as both a statesman and writer informed the deep philosophical underpinnings of the text.
The "Essay on Literature" presents a sophisticated analysis of literary creation, describing it as a quasi-mystical process that connects the writer to cosmic forces. Lu Ji methodically explores various aspects of composition, from the initial moment of inspiration—which he famously describes as "harvesting the universe" (觀宇宙之大)—to the careful selection of words and literary forms. The text's enduring influence lies in its remarkable ability to capture the ineffable nature of artistic creation while providing practical guidance for writers.
Lu Ji's legacy continues to resonate in contemporary discussions of literary theory and creative practice. His metaphorical description of the writing process as a journey through mental and spiritual landscapes prefigures modern psychological approaches to creativity. The "Essay on Literature" remains particularly relevant in discussions of mindfulness and artistic practice, as it emphasizes the importance of mental preparation and spiritual cultivation in creative work. Scholars continue to debate the full implications of Lu Ji's insights, particularly his understanding of the relationship between language, thought, and cosmic order, making the text a perpetual source of inspiration for both literary critics and practitioners of the written word.
What makes Lu Ji's work especially intriguing is how it bridges practical instruction with philosophical contemplation, raising enduring questions about the nature of creativity and human expression that remain pertinent in our digital age.