• 2021-09-28

Love is an eternal theme in literature. From ancient times to present, poetry has been written about love in the most sincere and moving ways. Indeed, it has an important place in literary history and elicits the most fanciful thoughts the heart can conjure up. In an effort to expand public reading, National Central Library has continued in 2021 its tradition of a springtime reading lecture series. This time the theme is love. Many renowned scholars were invited to give lectures, guiding attendees through moving poems, deepening their understanding of the poets’ emotional world, and tasting the myriad of emotions and passions in the poems. Just as NCL Director-General Shu-hsien Tseng said as the pandemic continues to spread, this last year has been tough for people across the globe. At the same time, that the public can still come to the library to attend reading events, listen to amazing lectures by renowned experts, and actively enrich themselves is definitely a source of positive energy for every participant.

The 2021 Spring Poetry Reading Festival theme was “What Is Affection? A Guided Reading of Historical Love Poems.” From February 20 to April 24, seven scholars were invited to give seven amazing guided readings:

(1) Dr. Kunyang Yan from the Department of Chinese Literature at Fu Jen Catholic University spoke on “Uncovering Layer upon Layer of Clothing: Letting Love Return to Its Primary Heart—A Lively Reading of Love Poetry in Pre-Qin Times” (February 20)

(2) Dr. Min-min Wu from the Department of Chinese Literature at National Taiwan University spoke on “Separation, then Understanding Love More: On Han Dynasty Love Poetry” (March 13)

(3) Dr. Yu Tsai from the Department of Chinese Literature at National Taiwan University spoke on “Tao Yuanming’s Illusory Affection and Rational Love” (March 20)

(4) Dr. Li-chuan Ou from the Department of Chinese Literature at National Taiwan University spoke on “Marriage and Love in Tang Poetry” (March 27)

(5) Dr. Siu-Hung Lau from the Department of Chinese Literature at National Taiwan University spoke on “What I Think of You Is What You Think of Me: On A Type of Longing in Love Lyrics from the Tang and Song” (April 10)

(6) Dr. Wen-hui Cheng from the Department of Chinese Literature at Chengchi University spoke on “Teaching through Rites and through Emotion – Women’s Bodies, the State System – Gendered Politics: Love Poetry in the Yuan and Ming Dynasties” (April 17)

(7) Dr. Shu-ling Hung from the Department of Chinese Literature at National Taiwan University spoke on “Gentleness and Pain in Modern Love Poetry” (April 24)

Each year NCL has continued to hold the Four Seasons Reading Lecture, which has been supported and enjoyed by the public. Lectures and topics have been well received. With the pandemic putting a limitation on things, attendance at each session has still been high. The effect on reading habits in Taiwan is quite marked. The 2021 Spring Poetry Reading Festival “What Is Affection? A Guided Reading of Historical Love Poems” lecture series, held during the enchanting spring season, came to a poetic and beautiful end after the seven outstanding guided readings by experts and the equally passionate participation by attendees.