A Madman of Chu

A Madman of Ch’u: The Chinese Myth of Loyalty and Dissent offers a compelling exploration of the enduring legacy of Ch’ü Yuan, an ancient poet and statesman whose life symbolizes loyalty, dissent, and the complex interplay between personal conviction and public duty. Through a detailed analysis of classical texts, folk traditions, and modern reinterpretations, the book traces the evolution of Ch’ü Yuan’s mythology from the Warring States period to the 20th century. His seminal poem, Li Sao, serves as the foundation of China's lyrical tradition and embodies his passionate ideals and moral struggles. Ch’ü Yuan’s tragic story—marked by political exile, unyielding integrity, and ultimate self-sacrifice—provides a lens to examine broader cultural themes such as the tension between individuality and collective responsibility, and the role of art as a vehicle for political dissent.

The study also investigates how the Ch’ü Yuan lore has been reimagined to address evolving societal needs, from Confucian ideals of loyalty to revolutionary ideologies in modern China. By examining themes of time, space, and madness, the book highlights his transformation from a southern cultural hero into a modern symbol of radical reform and intellectual independence. This work offers valuable insights into how mythology shapes national identity and cultural continuity, making it an essential resource for scholars of Chinese literature, history, and political thought.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1980.