The road is long and far away, I will search up and down, from the 97th sentence of Qu Yuan's "Li Sao". Combined with the context, it can be understood as: The road is narrow, long and endless, and I must work hard to find the sun in my heart. It expresses Qu Yuan's positive attitude of "exploring the road while the sky is still dark".

Qu Yuan's life

Qu Yuan was trusted by King Huai of Chu in his early years and served as Zuotu and Sanlu official. He often discussed state affairs with King Huai, participated in the formulation of laws, and advocated clear laws and regulations. Appoint talents, reform politics, unite Qi to resist Qin. At the same time, he presides over foreign affairs. He advocated that Chu and Qi should unite and fight against Qin together. With Qu Yuan's efforts, Chu's national strength increased.

However, due to his own upright character and the slander and exclusion of others, Qu Yuan was gradually alienated by King Huai of Chu. In 305 BC, Qu Yuan objected to King Chu Huai's signing of the Yellow Thorn Alliance with Qin, but Chu still completely fell into the arms of Qin. As a result, Qu Yuan was also expelled from Yingdu by King Huai of Chu and lived in northern Han Dynasty.

Compared with his political achievements, his literary achievements went further. Under his leadership, the cultural and artistic form of Chu Ci was established. In addition to Li Sao, there are also a series of masterpieces such as Tianwen and Jiuge. His writing style is very romantic, and he talks about the right path in the world among ghosts and gods.

Qu Yuan finally chose to end his life when the Qin State began to attack the Chu State. At this time, due to the strength of the Qin State, the Chu State had to retreat again and again, but this concession did not exchange for Peace has not been exchanged for the preservation of the country. In the end, King Huai of Chu had to abandon the capital and fled to what is now Henan.

At this time, Qu Yuan, who had been exiled twice, finally saw that his dreams were shattered and his country would no longer exist! He was so passionate that he could no longer save his motherland. He actually advocated political reform and suggested that the state of Chu unite with Qi to resist Qin. However, this suggestion was not adopted by King Huai of Chu.

But in fact, Qu Yuan also reached a high-level position like Sanlu Doctor. At this time, the Chu State enriched its people and strengthened its army, but after all, it came into contact with the interests of the nobles at that time. In the end, the reform failed, and the Chu State also perished.

Extended information:

Creative background

As for the creation time of "Li Sao", Sima Qian said in "Historical Records·Tai Shi Gong's Preface": "Qu Yuan was exiled. "Li Sao" is regarded as after Qu Yuan's exile. People today have different opinions on this. Some say it was written during the reign of King Huai of Chu after Qu Yuan was alienated. Some say it was written during the reign of King Qingxiang of Chu after Qu Yuan was exiled. Some say it was written at the end of King Huai's reign and the beginning of King Qingxiang's reign. Some say it was written at the beginning. It was formed during the reign of King Huai and at the beginning of King Qingxiang. There is no conclusion yet. The writing time will be in autumn.

By reading the full text of Li Sao, it is not difficult to find that hidden behind the gorgeous words is Qu Yuan’s worried and angry heart. Some people relieve the pressure in their hearts through writing and literary creation, but in fact, if we look at it again Looking at Qu Yuan's words, this kind of release is relatively small, so it is difficult for him to get some relief from it.