KEY CONCEPTS

TERMBASES

Virtue and Knowledge Produce Good Writing.

First used in “A Letter of Response to Li Yi” by Han Yu (768-824), this concept means that when a writer is virtuous and well-educated, his work will be rich in content and have a powerful message with the use of appropriate language and expressions. To make writings expressive, harmoniously rhymed and inspirational, their authors should have a lofty character, Han Yu aimed to learn the ancient thoughts by gaining a full understanding of ancient texts. He believed that a strong inner aspiration and a noble character are as important as linguistic expression. If one has moral integrity and is free from distraction, well-educated, passionate,and has an active mind, then he can use all his knowledge, life experience and creative experience to write good articles, But this does not mean that Han Yu ignored the form of language. Appropriate language requires mastery of the rules and techniques of writing. He emphasizes, however, that writing should deliver a good message. Good self-cultivation creates an appropriate and natural form of linguistic expression, thus enhancing the writing’s appeal.

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1
If a piece of writing has a vigorous style, the length of the sentences will be well-balanced and the choice of tone and cadence will be appropriate.
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2
The Third Letter to the Prime Minister” is short but well-written. It is rich in content and has a powerful message, and its style is appropriate.
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3
Ouyang Xiu followed the example of Han Yu. Carrying on his ideas, his followers Su Shi and Su Zhe further developed his teachings, and their writings are all based on the principle that virtue and knowledge produce a good piece of writing.
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