SOURCE: Hsu, Kai-Yu. “The Poems of Li Ch'ing-chao (1084-1141).” PMLA 77 (December 1962): 521-28.

In the following essay, Hsu presents an overview of Li Ch'ing-chao's life and her writing, from her early poems to the more serious verse she composed after her husband's death. The critic also discusses the poet's contribution to the development of classical Chinese poetry.

Light breeze and fine rain, soughing and soughing Again quicken the endless tears. The flute player is gone, leaving an empty pavilion; Forlorn. Who is to lean on the railing together with me? Picking a twig of beauty, but—                     On earth or in heaven—                     To whom can I send it? 

(from “Poem No. 38”)¹

These words of Li Ch'ing-chao, regarded by many as the greatest woman poet in Chinese history, were written shortly after the death of her husband, who had been her devoted companion and faithful comrade in letters. His death was...