A Study on the Theme of Frustration (不遇) in Li Bai's Poetry - Transcendental Self and hiding in nature

This study examines the aspects of frustration (不遇) consciousness in Li Bai's poetry and its literary sublimation process. Li Bai's poetry of frustration demonstrates two distinctive characteristics. First, he responded to his circumstances through social criticism and pursuit of transcendental self. While criticizing the irrational political reality of the Tang Dynasty, Li Bai sought to transcend secular values through Taoist thought. His critique of reality went beyond mere negation or resistance, combining with Taoist transcendental consciousness to create a unique poetic realm. Second, he attempted to overcome his frustration through seclusion in nature and admiration for immortals. For Li Bai, nature was not simply a place of escape but a space for spiritual purification and transcendence. His yearning for immortality symbolized an ideal of achieving spiritual freedom beyond worldly troubles. This natural seclusion and orientation toward immortality were formed under the influence of contemporary Taoist thought, well demonstrating the characteristics of Li Bai's poetry that pursued a higher level of spiritual freedom beyond the limitations of reality. Li Bai's poetry of frustration holds a unique position in the High Tang period. While profoundly depicting the consciousness of frustration commonly experienced by contemporary literati, he achieved a new dimension of poetic sublimation by combining it with Taoist thought. His poetic achievement is particularly significant in that he transformed the consciousness of frustration into an opportunity for active spiritual transcendence, going beyond mere frustration or pessimism through two response methods: social criticism with transcendental consciousness, and natural seclusion with admiration for immortals.