Korina Cunanan

Comparative Essay on The River Song by Li Po and Recruiting Officer of Shih-hao by Tu

Fu

Chinese philosophy have shaped many modernised beliefs, however, it all boils down to
the formation of ones full being. In the poems The River Song and the Recruiting Officer of
Shih-hao, two types of beliefs were portrayed; Taoism and Confucianism. There were other
variation present between the poems and this includes its atmosphere and the way the way the
poems were overall formation.

The atmosphere between the poems showcased differences involving its formation. The
poem Recruiting Officer of Shih-hao established a dark interior. This can be seen in the various
scenes within the poem where violence was portrayed. The use of force was also greatly used
throughout. The resolution was no exception as it was decided that an old woman was to join
the war, although not as soldiers but as a cook. In contrast to that, the River Song contained
many descriptive words that established a rather light and happy theme. The environment of the
poem revealed a rather fictional place compared with the other poem. In can be concluded that
the contrast between the two poems was evident as it demonstrated different approaches to an
individual’s character. Other than the atmosphere, the belief system in both poems has also
added to its indifferences.

The authors of the poems, Li Po and Tu Fu, came from two different eras that
established district beliefs. In Taoism, having connection with nature was given emphasis. The
River Song recounted an individual's journey through a river. Throughout the poem, the
significance of nature was prominent through the choices of words being portrayed. It was
described with flowering words that highlights natural references. An example would be found
in the first paragraph wherein it was described that seamen use gulls as a guide. In can be
inferred from these statements that nature is part of all of us and that it is needed to reform an
individual to his/her best self. On the other hand, the beliefs within Tu Fu’s era revolves around
Confucianism. Instead of the use of nature to refine one’s self, the use of the community is
stressed upon this belief. It was explained in the poem, Recruiting Officer of Shih-hao, that in
order to build a strong country, one must give sacrifices such as one's service in wars. Not only
is this applicable as a country, but as individuals as well. The old woman, although wrinkly and
weak, offered herself to showcase her being as a member of her family and a member of a
country. In conclusion, both poems showcased the refinement of an individual as a concluding
result but the journey through that refinement passes through different paths revolving around
nature and community.

In a nutshell, both poems emphasised in the progression of an individual. Chinese

philosophy includes other belief systems, however, it was varied through time. Within the
timeline of Chinese history, wars thrive anywhere and the way to resolve this matter is through
strengthening their community. Peaceful times also appeared but the evolution of an individual
will need a boost from apart from him/her.