Classic of Poetry

          The Classic of Poetry, whose order and canonization is attributed to Confucius, compiles poems meant to offer not just example of the time’s writing style but works which allow “individuals in society to cultivate their moral virtue and thus contribute to social order” (756). In addition to the lessons on nature, there are moral perspectives meant to enlighten and educate the reader, as well as serve to bridge communication between classes. However, inspection of the works “XX. Plums are Falling” and “LXIV. Quince” creates more questions about the lessons within. Both works are connected by their treatment of women and relation to food. The element of plums, quince, and peaches serve as reminder of the reproductive abilities of women—in the same way that food sustains life, women give birth to life. Additionally, the cycle of growth and harvesting mirror the life cycle and fertility cycle for women.

          In the first poem, “Plums are Falling,” the speaker begins with a bounty of fruits which seems to mimic the many suitors available. Abundance indicates youth and vitality, and so the speaker’s discretion is based upon appearance, as she wants a “fine” man (ln. 4). When anything is plentiful, the naïve mode of selection is based upon which item looks best; the same is true of picking between suitors. In the second stanza, there is less bounty. The reader is told “three are the fruits” and the speaker shares though “many men want me,/ let me have a steady one” (“Plums” 6-8). Later in the season, the selection is smaller; discretion dictates to choose the soundest option. Possibly, the speaker has gained wisdom and values depth of character above appearance. The final stanza offers more trouble for understanding the moral of the poem, for “Plums are falling,/ catch them in a basket;/ many men want me,/ let me be bride of one” (“Plums” 9-12). In attitude, the speaker has moved from an active selection of suitor to a passive role, which is befitting traditional gender roles for women. There are no more numbers given for how many fruit abound, but they must be caught—this indicates a dearth that, when coupled with the speaker’s desire to have anyone, suggests a later season in life. A sense of settling seems anticlimactic and contrary to the modern ideals of love in marriage, but suggests resignation to the sense of duty and powerlessness in antiquated womens’ roles. What is meant to be gratitude and humility at being selected for marriage in modern evaluation is apathy and dispassion.

          A similar disconnect appears in “LXIV. Quince.” This speaker is male, discussing the exchange between himself and a woman. She gives him fruit, which he repays with a jewel, and concludes “it was no equal return./ but by this love will last” (“Quince” lns. 3-4). From one perspective, a priceless jewel seems a steep price for a piece of fruit; however, the concept of the fruit as sustenance and life-giving is not to be underestimated in value. The exchange between man and woman is depicted thus: woman imparts a natural gift, one which provides life; in exchange, man pays a great price. Yet somehow this sustains love. Archetypally, the man is the financial provider; woman maintains the home and births children. The speaker repeats “by this love will last,” but the unequal exchange is troubling. Gifts of food and life are temporal but nourishing and emotionally charged. Gifts of jewelry, while enduring, are cold and typically made by another. Given the restructuring and gradual erosion of gender roles, the exchange does not seem to sustain love; rather, it seems transactional. The morality and virtues of such a system are then called into question.

          From a modern perspective, the moral values of the Classic of Poetry are sexist and the prescription for heterosexual relationships is flawed. Abandoning emotion and feeling, though on the surface, logical, robs relationships of their most valuable component: passion. While passion is complicated and may cause disagreements, it provides depth and vibrancy to life.

Works Cited

Akbari, Suzanne, et. al. “Classic of Poetry.” The Norton Anthology of World Literature. Gen. ed. Martin Puchner. 3rd ed. Vol. 1. New York: Norton, 2012. 756-759. Print.

“LXIV. Quince.” The Norton Anthology of World Literature. Gen. ed. Martin Puchner. 3rd ed. Vol. 1. New York: Norton, 2012. 762. Print.

“XX. Plums Are Falling.” The Norton Anthology of World Literature. Gen. ed. Martin Puchner. 3rd ed. Vol. 1. New York: Norton, 2012. 760. Print.