Autumn Sounds: The Poetics of Hearing from Early China to the Northern Song Period

Abstract:The motif of autumn, symbolizing decline and demise, has long permeated Chinese literature. This article explores the auditory dimension of autumn, namely, "autumn sounds," tracing its evolution from pre-Qin observations to the reflections of Tang and Song poets. During the Tang period, hearing emerged as a key sensory experience, but Song poets developed the theme of autumn sounds even further, employing the sense of hearing not only for emotional expression but also for philosophical introspection on human intellection, agency, and self-regulation. The contrast between the Tang and Song periods underscores a broader cultural shift, as poets moved from focusing on the external transience of life to a more introspective and intellectual engagement with sound. This article focuses on the subjective assignment of meaning to sound and hearing, illustrating how writings on autumn sounds illuminate the intricate interplay between auditory experiences and the construction of meaning.