earticle

한국어

This study investigates the symbolic and emotional functions of natural imagery in the poetry of Li Shangyin, a prominent poet of the late Tang dynasty. In his works, nature is not merely a passive background but an active agent that conveys philosophical reflection and emotional resonance. Natural elements such as falling leaves, flowers, frost, and moonlight symbolize the passage of time and the fleeting nature of life. The analysis centers on three major themes: the flow of time, the finiteness of human life, and the projection of emotion. Through these lenses, the study explores how Li Shangyin employs nature as a mirror of the poet’s inner landscape and as a metaphor for existential concerns. His use of seasonal cycles and vivid sensory imagery—colors, sounds, and atmospheric changes—enables an emotional depth and creates a poetic space where sentiment and scene blend seamlessly (情景交融). Nature in his poetry often reflects personal loss, longing, and isolation, especially in times of political instability. The symbolic use of natural elements also helps articulate the poet’s internal struggles, offering a place for emotional release and philosophical contemplation. By viewing nature as a conduit of both emotion and reflection, this study reveals the multidimensional roles that nature plays in shaping the mood and meaning of Li’s poetry. Ultimately, this research goes beyond rhetorical or descriptive readings to highlight how nature in Li Shangyin’s poetry serves as a complex structure of emotional and philosophical expression. It provides new insight into the intertwining of nature and sentiment in East Asian classical literature and lays the groundwork for future studies that explore the depth and nuance of this relationship.