Women’s Perspective of Fu Xuan through Poetry

Abstract

This research is a qualitative study aimed at analyzing poetry about women in the verse literature of Fu Xuan, with a focus on examining the author’s concepts and attitudes toward women in ancient Chinese society. The findings reveal that the portrayal of women in Fu Xuan’s poetry is diverse, encompassing both positive and negative aspects, reflecting the complexity of women's roles in ancient Chinese society, which were constrained by traditions and social values. Fu Xuan sought to present women as human beings with thoughts and diverse desires. In his perspective, women were not confined solely to the roles of wives and mothers but also asserted their value as integral members of society. Fu Xuan praised women who possessed virtues and courage akin to men, encouraging them to exercise their own judgment to discern right from wrong, even in the actions of their husbands. He also introduced the concept of gender equality within Confucianism, offering his perspective on this idea within a patriarchal society.