李白的俠客形象

The Image of a Knight-Errant in Li Po

王國瓔(Kuo-Ying Wang)

《中國文哲研究集刊》 3期 (1993/03) Pp. 335-359

https://doi.org/10.6351/BICLP.199303.0335

並列摘要

The purpose of this article is to offer a critical analysis of the meaning and significance of the self-image of a knight-errant as projected in Li Po's (701-762) own writings. Although poems in praise of knight-errants' daring and chivalrous deeds had long been a literary convention since the Wei-Chin periods (3rd to 4th centuries), in Li Po's writings, there emerged certain new aspects. First, Li Po's praise of knight-errant often goes hand-in-hand with his contempt for Confucian scholars who read books till their hairs turn white but know little about the real world. Li Po's attitude is perhaps closely related to his self-consciousness of being a man from a non-scholar-official family background which was generally regarded unfavorably by Tang society. Second, while other poets look at the knight-errants admiringly from a distance, Li Po often assumes the role himself. He pictures himself as someone who sneers at personal wealth, gives generously and expects no reward in return, hastens to the side of those who are in trouble, is capable of restoring peace, stability, or justice at a time voluntarily as soon as his missions are accomplished. Li Po's continuous when society is in chaos, and willing to withdraw from the world display of such an image is apparently intended to serve as a valuable credential in his attempt to realize his political ambition. Behind the self-image of a knight-errant in Li Po's works, there is a man who prizes himself as a man of political talent, ready to serve the sovereign. In his consciousness of being an outsider to the pretigeous scholar-official class, Li Po tries anxiously to convince the world as well as himself that a hero may emerge from a humble background. When his talents are recognized and put into use, he can always make great achievements and earn eternal fame.