The "Encountering Sorrow" as Quest Allegory

 

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

 

 

 

 

Outline of Li Sao "Encountering Sorrow"

 

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
5. FINAL JOURNEY Lines 329-end