Xu Zhimo Biography
Early Life
Xu Zhimo, one of China's many distinguished poets, was born on January 15, 1893, in Haining, Zhejiang Province, China. Born to a wealthy family, Xu's moms and dads provided him with an excellent education that exposed him to both standard Chinese and Western arts and literature. He became fluent in classical Chinese texts and developed a deep appreciation for Chinese culture from a young age.
Throughout his youth, Xu was affected by the Chinese classical poets Li Bai and
Du Fu. He later came across the works of Western poets such as
Percy Bysshe Shelley,
William Wordsworth, and
John Keats, which influenced him to try out contemporary styles of composing.
Education
In 1915, Xu went into Peking University to study law and political science. Nevertheless, he quickly became enamored with literature and poetry, switching his focus to liberal arts. At Peking University, he developed close relationships with intellectuals and writers, including the literary critic Chen Duxiu, who later co-founded the Chinese Communist Party. Chen's advocacy for literary reform and his welcome of Western literary styles deeply affected Xu.
Xu continued his studies in the United States in 1918, attending Clark University in Massachusetts, where he studied economics and political science. Nevertheless, after just one term, he moved to Columbia University in New York City, pursuing a degree in political science and economics, where he became interested with American democratic suitables.
In 1920, Xu relocated to England to study at King's College, University of Cambridge. There, he satisfied intellectuals and students from numerous cultural backgrounds, further expanding his horizons. He entered into the renowned literary group "The Bloomsbury Group", which included authors like
Virginia Woolf,
John Maynard Keynes, and E.M. Forster. He also closely followed the works of British poets like W.B. Yeats and T.S. Eliot.
Literary Career
Sustained by the exchanges and connections created overseas, Xu Zhimo became a critical figure in the "New Culture Movement" when he went back to China in 1922. This motion looked for to promote literary reform through the adoption of Western ideas and styles, along with to break away from the strictures of the conventional Chinese literati.
Xu first made his mark on the Chinese literary scene with his translations of popular Western poets. In 1923, he published "An Anthology of European Poetry" which included translations of works by poets he admired, such as
Percy Bysshe Shelley,
William Butler Yeats, and T.S. Eliot.
Understood for his romantic and lyrical poetry, Xu's writing was identified by its simpleness, emotional depth, and stylish use of language. His most well-known poem, "Saying Goodbye to Cambridge Again", written in 1928, shows the fond memories and affection he had for the city where he quickly studied. Throughout his profession, Xu published several volumes of poetry, including "Feather in the Wind" (1925) and "Wings of the Wind" (1927).
Furthermore, Xu developed and edited a number of literary magazines, consisting of "The Crescent Moon Society" (1923) and "Chenguang" (1926), which provided platforms for young voices and literary experimentation.
Personal Life and Relationships
Xu Zhimo was known for his enthusiastic and tumultuous romantic relationships. In 1915, he wed Zhang Youyi, an early Chinese feminist and a fellow trainee at Peking University, however their marital relationship was bothered. In 1922, Xu met writer and political activist Lu Xiaoman in Beijing and fell in love with her. As a result, Xu divorced Zhang in 1925 and married Lu, causing a scandal in conservative Chinese society.
His marital relationship to Lu Xiaoman was also filled with problems, as the couple struggled with financial difficulties and psychological chaos. In spite of their rocky marital relationship, the 2 remained together up until Xu's death in 1931.
Death and Legacy
On November 19, 1931, Xu Zhimo unfortunately died in an aircraft crash while taking a trip from Nanjing to Beijing. He was only 38 years old. His sudden and unfortunate death deeply stunned China and the literary world.
Despite his short life, Xu Zhimo left an enduring mark on Chinese literature. As a pioneer of contemporary Chinese verse, Xu is commemorated for his combination of Chinese and Western poetic strategies, his innovative use of language, and his sensitive exploration of emotions, nature, and charm. His poetry continues to be revered in China and is often consisted of in cultural and academic curricula.
Our collection contains 1 quotes who is written / told by Xu.
Related authors: Du Fu (Poet), William Butler Yeats (Poet), William Wordsworth (Poet), John Keats (Poet), John Maynard Keynes (Economist), Virginia Woolf (Author), Lawrence Taylor (Athlete), Percy Bysshe Shelley (Poet)
Xu Zhimo Famous Works:
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