Overview
This lecture introduces Su Dongpo's life, character, and the famous Wutai Poetry Case, exploring his experiences, mental journey, and impact.
Su Dongpo's Growth and Family Background
- Su Dongpo was born in Meishan, Sichuan, and showed talent from a young age.
- The Su family trio (Su Xun, Su Shi, Su Zhe) were all literary masters, known as the "Three Sus."
- In 1056, he went to Bianjing with his father and brother to take the imperial examination; Ouyang Xiu was the chief examiner and appreciated his talent.
Official Career and Personality Traits
- Passed the imperial examination at twenty and became famous by thirty.
- Straightforward personality, openly talented, not good at being tactful, prone to conflicts with powerful figures.
- Had conflicts with Chen Xiliang while serving in Fengxiang; controversies arose from his satirical writings, later leading to self-reflection and remorse.
Wang Anshi's Reforms and Su Dongpo's Attitude
- The Northern Song was impoverished and weak; Wang Anshi implemented reforms aimed at strengthening the country.
- Su Dongpo did not oppose the reforms themselves but opposed their rushed implementation and autocratic methods.
- He submitted memorials to Emperor Shenzong expressing his political views, but they were not accepted.
The Wutai Poetry Case
- Su Dongpo was effective in governance during his local posts and was deeply loved by the people.
- He satirized the new laws in the "Xie Biao" and other poems and writings in Huzhou, leading to impeachment by censors.
- The court arrested Su Dongpo on charges of using poetry to criticize politics and deceive the emperor, sending him to the capital for trial.
Imprisonment and Brotherly Affection
- Su Dongpo was imprisoned in Wutai Prison for 130 days, suffering physically and mentally.
- He shared a deep bond with his brother Su Zhe, with poems expressing their life-and-death loyalty.
- Many tried to help him, including Wang Anshi and Empress Dowager Cao, who pleaded on his behalf.
Outcome and Life Turning Point
- After the trial, Su Dongpo was demoted to Huangzhou and had his movements restricted.
- The Wutai Poetry Case became a major turning point in his life and the starting point of his emotional maturity.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Three Sus — Su Xun, Su Shi, and Su Zhe, a father and two sons, all famous Song dynasty literati.
- Wutai Poetry Case — The case in which Su Dongpo was arrested and exiled for poems criticizing the government.
- Wang Anshi's Reforms — Political and economic reforms implemented by Wang Anshi during the Northern Song.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the relationship between Su Dongpo and Wang Anshi's reforms and the process of the Wutai Poetry Case.
- Understand Su Shi's poetry and his life philosophy's influence on later generations.