The Book of Poetry and Diplomacy - What Does it Mean to Say, "I love you"‪?‬ How to Read Chinese Poetry Podcast

This episode discusses how the language of love and kinship is used in diplomatic negotiations through the recitation of odes. For example, a Lu minister uses a wedding song to compare smaller states to a bride welcomed by her groom (the powerful Jin). A woman picking artemisia with care becomes the analogue for a powerful state cherishing a weak one. A Zheng minister uses an ode about seduction to forestall or resist aggression. A Jin leader affirms an alliance through an ode celebrating brotherhood.

Guest host: Wai-yee Li, Harvard University