Literature · LT

Literary Forms

Nine forms open onto the long scroll of Chinese writing, from lyric poetry to stories of everyday life.

9forms

57sub-forms

943works

01 · LT100Classical PoetryOrthodox classical Chinese poetry spanning archaic ballads to Tang regulated verse.175 works9 sub-formsFour-Character VerseChu ElegiesYuefu Ballads+6 more02 · LT200Ci LyricsPinnacle of lyric verse and musical poetry spanning delicate grace and heroic grandeur.59 works5 sub-formsShort LyricsMid-Length LyricsLong Lyrics+2 more03 · LT300Sanqu & DramaSanqu lyric suites, Yuan Zaju poetic dramas, and Ming-Qing Kunqu masterworks.30 works6 sub-formsSanqu SongsSong SuitesYuan Zaju Drama+3 more04 · LT400Rhapsody & Parallel ProseGrand rhapsodies and parallel prose showcasing acoustic symmetry and ornate eloquence.36 works5 sub-formsGrand Han RhapsodiesShort RhapsodiesParallel Prose+2 more05 · LT500Classical ProseAuthoritative classical prose from Pre-Qin philosophers to Tang-Song prose masters.158 works8 sub-formsPre-Qin MastersHistorical NarrativeEssays & Memorials+5 more06 · LT600Classical FictionNarrative masterworks from Six Dynasties strange tales to epic Ming-Qing novels.32 works6 sub-formsTales of the StrangeTang–Song TalesVernacular Stories+3 more07 · LT700Fables & LorePhilosophical fables, historical allusion narratives, and primordial mythology.94 works5 sub-formsPhilosophers' FablesSatirical ParablesHistorical Allusions+2 more08 · LT800Literary CriticismClassical literary aesthetics, treatises on poetic craft, and critical commentaries.26 works4 sub-formsLiterary TheoryPoetry TalksDrama Criticism+1 more09 · LT900Sayings & IdiomsLiving Chinese linguistic heritage comprising idioms, proverbs, aphorisms, and couplets.333 works9 sub-formsIdiomsProverbsCommon Sayings+6 more
Through the DynastiesFifteen dynasties across the nine forms.