1. On one level the persona pursues a quest for VIRTUE, which is manifested in the wearing of flowers.

2. On another level the persona pursues a quest for a COUNTERPART, vaguely referred to in the poem as the "Fair One" or the "Fragrant One" or even the "Godly One."

3. The two levels merge on a 3rd level as a quest for TIMELESSNESS, or immortality:

a. the freshness of flowers

b. the constancy of romantic love and political loyalty

c. the eternity of spiritual union

1.

 

 

VIRTUE IS TIMELESS (Virtue is Timelessness)

A. My Virtue

B. Virtue and Vice of the Past

Lines 1-48

Lines 1-24

Lines 25-48

2.

PREPARATION IN THE QUEST FOR TIMELESSNESS

A. Cultivation of Virtue

B. Making a Resolution

C. New Sense of Freedom

Lines 49-176

Lines 49-104

Lines 105-128

Lines 129-176

3.

 

 

THE QUEST

A. Beginning of Celestial Journey

B. Ending in Failure

Lines 177-256

Lines 183-86

Lines 208-9

4.

 

 

REPARATION (Regeneration)

A. Ling Fen's Oracle

B. Wu Xian's Oracle

Lines 257-329

Lines 259-76

Lines 285-300