A Discussion on Internal Repetition among Liu Yong’s Ci Poems and Its Effects on Their Transmission

Abstract Internal repetition in literary works is a common occurrence; however, there are differences in the degree in which it appears. There is a high amount of repetition in the wording, themes, and compositional structure of Liu Yong’s 柳永 ci poetry. When considering the creative process, the reasons for repetitive and similar texts stem from influences pertaining to the predetermined audience, the length of time used in creating a work, and revisions. Nonetheless, the repetition in Liu’s ci poems did not have a negative impact on their circulation as would be expected, perhaps because they were consumed as individual pieces circulated as songs, making it so audiences had no means of comparison. In addition, their existence as “auditory texts” diminished the focus on their wording. Furthermore, the innovation of manci poetry and its transmission among different audiences made it so that people of the Song paid little attention to the textual repetition in Liu’s ci poetry. During the early years in which manci gained prominence, the repetition occurring within Liu’s ci poems may have had a positive influence.