Wen and wu as key components of the traditional model of Chinese masculinity on the material of the first poem of Zuo Si’s ‘Poems on History’

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of the traditional model of Chinese masculinity through the prism of the concept of wen - wu (文武), where wen represents cultural achievements and education, and wu - military valour, on the example of the first poem from Zuo Xi’s cycle ‘Poems on history’ (咏诗八首). The article examines the historical roots of the wen-wu dichotomy, its relationship to Confucian canons, and its role in the formation of the ideal male image in traditional Chinese culture. Based on the analysis of the first poem of the cycle, it was concluded that the harmonious combination of education, mastery of words on the one hand and knowledge of martial arts on the other embodies the traditional gender ideal of wen-wu shuangquan, which means ‘to be well-versed in literature and martial arts’. The study emphasises the significance of the categories of wen and wu for Chinese culture, and demonstrates how literary creativity reflects socio-cultural norms of masculinity.

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