On May 20, 2025, Wang Jingwei Irrevocable Trust co-hosted “Wang Jingwei Poetry Appreciation Seminar” with Tunghai University’s Chinese Department. The first-of-its-kind event was attended by enthusiastic students and teachers from different backgrounds, in and outside of the University, further validating Wang Jingwei’s belief that his Shuangzhaolou poetry would be truly remembered by future generations.
We thank the participants for using differing approaches and media to interpret Wang Jingwei’s poetry and sharing their insights. Here are some of their presentations:
Kuang Wenxi
Kuang Wenxi, a third-year student from Hong Kong, described the symbolic relationship between the Jingwei bird and Wang Jingwei the poet, and recited Wang’s poems in the poet’s mother tongue: Cantonese. He also saw a parallel between Wang and the character Lin Daiyu from Dream of the Red Chamber, contending that both tried to maintain purity amidst filth.
Liu Yuhui
Another third-year student Li Yuhui analyzed the use of flowers and imagery in Wang’s poetry. She discovered that not only do plum, chrysanthemum, kapok, appear many times, the nature of each flower reflects the poet’s character and asserts that “flowers in the poems are not just scenery, but the poet’s personification.”
Guo Jiajin
Doctoral candidate Guo Jiajin analyzed the emotions contained in Wang’s poetry, and how Wang;s verse reveal his never changing love for Chen Bijun despite tumultuous circumstances.
In addition to students from Tunghai University, the seminar attracted students from other schools, including a middle-school student who previously considered poetry too abstract. But after reading Wang’s poems over and over again, she now appreciates their rhythms and decisiveness:
The simple, direct and powerful words convey a resounding message, which can better express the poet’s determination.
We thank Professor Lin and Professor Chung from Tunghai University for organizing the event, and for sharing their own thoughts.
Host: Lin Hsiang Ling
Professor Lin introduced the entry points into Wang’s poetry, and shared poems outside of the Shuangzhaolou collection.
Shiao-Feng Chung
Professor Shiao-Feng Chung argued that readers should not ignore the history of the period when reading Wang’s poetry. A country's weakness and the invasion of foreign powers made his writings not only an expression of personal emotions, but also a response to the current situation. Although Wang inherited Tao Yuanming’s leisurely imagery, his poetry also enphasizeed unwavering will-power and spirit. Wang possessed Du Fu’s desolation as well as agility and intimacy in the description of scenery.
Special guest: Eugene Chiu
Former Dean at Tunghai University’s Chinese Department and Distinguished Professor of History, Eugene Chiu supplemented the presentations by providiung details of Wang Jingwei’s background, his upbringing and affinity for the works of Tao Yuanming and Wang Yangming. Professor Chiu beleives that Wang’s writings show his determination for revolution and readiness for self-sacrifice. He thanked the students for sharing their thoughts and allowing others to see both Wang’s solemn sadness and agility, honoring the classics yet responding to today’s time.
In this seminar dedicated to poetry appreciation without preconceived positions, students focused on the essence of literature. By reading about the poet’s situation and emotions, the students came away with a better understanding of one of the most controversial historical figures in modern Chinese history. Their insights also confirmed the value of Wang Jingwei’s poems, which can still resonate with readers even after nearly one hundred years.
We look forward to hearing more perspectives on Wang Jingwei and his poetry, especially from younger generations. If you are interested in hosting such a sharing event, please contact us.
