Death, Dying, Family and Friendship in Tang Literature

Dear Colleagues,

Although the erasing of the private space and the encouragement of social engagement have been the dominant concerns in Confucian teachings since early China, individual experience, private feelings and personal relationships are still important parts of Tang literati’s life, often intertwined with ambition or frustration in political pursuit and governmental post. This entanglement between the private life and public service is highlighted in critical moments, such as political success or failure, as well as the time when they face death and the loss of family members or friends. This Special Issue aims to examine these moments when death and dying are complicated, with the affection and emotion for family and friends and how they are expressed in Tang writings. We are pleased to invite you to join us in a Special Issue investigating how death and dying are conceptualized and expressed with the thoughts of one’s family and friendships in Tang poetry, essays and epitaphs. In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. The themes include, for example, what is death/dying in Tang literature? Are there any differences between death and dying? How are family and friends involved in the writings of death and dying? Are there different approaches and expressions of death and dying between poetry and essays? How are death and dying related with the sense of commemoration?

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Jianjun He
Guest Editor

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