The Bell and the Drum

The Bell and the Drum: Shih Ching as Formulaic Poetry in an Oral Tradition examines the poetic and oral traditions of ancient Chinese poetry, particularly the Shih Ching (Book of Songs). The study explores how the form of Shih Ching reflects its origins in oral composition, focusing on its acoustic patterns, formulaic phrases, and thematic structures. By identifying these features as integral to the poetry’s dynamic and organic nature, the author highlights the interplay between musical accompan