Abstract:
The relationship between Du Fu, chivalry and chivalrous culture is an indispensible cultural perspective for the understanding of Du Fu and his spirit of poetry creation, as well as a rarely explored area of Du Fu studies. The overwhelming chivalrous vogue of the Tang Dynasty is the real cause of Du Fu’s chivalrous immersion, and deeply influences his behavior and poetry creation. On the other hand, the traditional Confucian education he received, the upright chivalrous family edification and an outspoken personality contributes to his spiritual support of advocating of chivalry, which also accomplishes his individual temperament of Confucianism and chivalry complementation, and the conformity of bookishness and chivalrousness. Compared with other men of letters in the Tang Dynasty, Du Fu’s acceptance of chivalry possesses the selectivity of Confucianism justice and manifests intense humanistic concern. Du Fu’s sober understanding, selective acceptance and dialectical advocating of chivalry makes it go beyond personal fame and gain, and rises to the level of nation and people, which heightens the chivalrous personality, making chivalrous culture transcend the narrow sense of gratitude and of revenge, thus becoming a spiritual strength that exerts positive influence on the individual, society and nation.
