On the Formation of Li He's View of Life and Death and Its Influence on His Poetic Style

Li He, a poet of the Middle Tang Dynasty, was posthumously dubbed the "Poet Demon". His poetry often revolves around the symbolic themes of immortals and ghosts, reflecting a departure from mundane concerns to explore metaphysical and existential questions. His verses are characterized by their lush and eerie imagery, with frequent use of cold, ominous terms such as "blood", "tears", "ghosts", and "death". Through such imagery, Li He confronts the mysteries of existence, expressing his reflections on life and death during his brief lifetime, as well as his insights into humanity and the self. As the "Poet of Ghosts", he does not fear the supernatural but instead reveres the mysterious aspects of himself that remain unexplored. Analyzing Li He's poetry reveals the nascent seeds of self-awareness and independent personality among Middle Tang poets, and highlights the allure of the "self".