The Rhythmic Paradigm of Classical Chinese Poetry

Abstract

There are several differences between modern and classical Chinese poetry, and one of the most obvious is related to the strict rules imposed on the rhythm of the poem. By the Tang period (from the 7th century AD), much attention was paid to rhythm, especially to the harmony of the first tone. Rhythmic poetry based on melodies was fully formed by the Tang period and a number of strict rules were developed. These rules were in force until the beginning of the 20th century. Below we will take a closer look at the characteristic features of the rhythmic paradigm of ancient poetry. These features will help us understand the essence of the revolutionary poetry reforms that began to flourish in China at the end of the 19th century.