Classic of Poetry

As discussed in the introduction of “Classic Poetry,” many of the poems in Chinese literary history (1000-6000 B.C.E.) were not simply used for aesthetics. Many of the poems from this era have a “moral or political purpose” (756). One specific focus is the moral expectation of a woman’s virtue through the metaphor of fruit.

“Peach Tree Soft and Tender” is a poem that juxtapositions the pureness of the blossoming peach tree and a bride. One stanza reads:

Peach tree soft and tender,

its leaves spread thick and full.

The bride is going to her home,

she well befits these folk. (760)

In this stanza, the reader is first introduced to the idea of an untainted fruit, in its prime (thick and full) by the unknown narrator. Then, a bride going to her husband’s home, a home for which she is indicated to be appropriate (befits). The stanza beginning with the introduction of pure fruit is no coincidence.

            “Plums Are Falling” is another poem placing a bride and fruit together. The last stanza reads:

Plums are falling,

catch them in a basket;

many men want me,

let me be bride of one. (760)

Unlike the previous poem, this is a poem from a known female’s perspective. Again, the stanza begins with the idea of unsullied fruit and marriage of the bride.

            Lastly, “Quince” is poem that is not as obvious about the purity of a woman and her chance of becoming a bride. However, this love poem describes the exchange of three types of fruit: quince, peach, and plum. While the narrator receives these fruit, he sends back a ruby for the female. Yet, the male claims he is the winner of this deal because “by this love will last” (762). The female’s exchange of her fruit for love is extremely suggestive.

            Although none of these three poems are extremely forthcoming about the moral expectation of a woman’s virtue in order for love, or more importantly, marriage, the suggestive undertones and continuously juxtaposition of fruit and a woman does indicate this. Fruit, in its simple, lushness, has often been paired with the theme of woman, as well as sexuality. The most commonly known is western culture is the forbidden fruit Eve ate from the tree in the Garden of Eden. Also, there is an implication of fruitful fertility.

                             Work Cited 

“Classic of Poetry.” The Norton Anthology of World Literature. Ed. Martin Puchner. Vol. 1. New York: W.W. Norton, 756-766. Print.