SOURCE: An introduction to The Prose-Poetry of Su Tung-P ' o, translated by Cyril Drummond Le Gros Clark, 1935. Reprint by Paragon Book Reprint Corp., 1964, pp. 3-52.

In the following essay, Clark explores the elements of Su's philosophy of art, contending that he combined aspects of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism into one unified vision of life and art.

Outside his own country Su Tung-p'o is, perhaps, best known as a satirist whose writings were continually getting him into trouble. Chinese commentators do not agree with this interpretation of Su's writings, and it is probable that satire is the exception, rather than the rule, in the poet's intention. When he was satirical, it must be remembered that he used this most subtle of weapons with a purpose and that, behind that purpose, there stood a man who possessed a remarkable philosophy.

A Confucian in his conduct of life and political...