SOURCE: Hu, Pin-Ching. “The Works of Li Ch'ing-chao.” In Li Ch'ing-chao, pp. 41-77. New York: Twayne Publishers, Inc., 1966.

In the following excerpt, Hu characterizes Li Ch'ing-chao as a purely lyrical and aesthetic poet, showing how her love of nature, her profound sensibility, her love for her husband, and her desire to be free and natural inform her poetry. Hu also describes the poet's critical views, her use of language, and the major themes in her work.

I Li Ch'ing-chao as a Lyric Poet

A great poet should have three fundamental qualities: sensibility, ideals, and creative power. Without sensibility, a poet would not be able to endow his works with life. Without lofty ideals, a poet would not be able to endow his works with a transcendental character. Without creative power, a poet would not be a real poet but only an imitator of his forerunners or contemporaries. Under...