As a conclusion to our discussion of the metaphorical and symbolic meaning that water often carried in Tang poetry, all of the three poets that the present analysis centered on, Wang Wei, Du Fu, and Li Bai, painted vivid, sentimental imagery of water as a means to express their own emotional and mental state. This depiction of water as a non-self existence (i.e. in the external world) is both a juxtaposition and a reflection of the poet’s internal psychological world. By using water to echo and reflect their own personal experiences and emotional dynamism, the poets are able to create their own unique aesthetic world through the depiction of the water imagery. Moreover, the metaphorical meaning of the water symbol also transcends beyond the mere reflection of the poet’s emotional world and serves as an outlet for the (or for the lack of) political aspiration in their contemporary society. Though Du Fu often uses water to express his deep concern and apprehension for the political involvements of the nation while Li Bai uses water to express his lack of opportunity and societal understanding to make political contributions and disillusionment towards those in power, they converge at their aspiration to further politically serve their countries and monarchs. Wang Wei, on the other hand, uses water as a motif to express his deep longing for serenity and tranquility in an idyllic, unrestrained life.

 

The different purposes that the water motif served are also interesting reflections of the existence or non-existence of self of the poets. This provides a segway for the exploration of many philosophical ideas, such as loneliness and alienation, social marginalization, the conception of self, and the intrinsic value and purpose of life. Though the three poets have been traditionally associated with different philosophical schools of teachings, it is not to say that they are only influenced solely by the ideological teachings of the respective philosophy. A vast array of different factors influenced the literal and aesthetic styles adopted by the different poets. Though Li Bai has been deeply affiliated with the Daoist ideologies (such as returning to a state governed by the spontaneity of the universe and letting go of mundane desires), no doubt he is also somewhat influenced by the Confucian ideal to serve the nation at the time of need. On the other hand, Wang Wei also sits at the interesting intersection between Daoism and Buddhism and his works can be said to reflect the ideologies of both philosophies. While Du Fu and Li Bai both impart water with an independent consciousness and acknowledge the inherent existence of the concept of self, the emptiness that Wang Wei’s portrayal of water created reflects the lack of inherent existence of self or being in the world. Through the portrayal of water in these Tang poetry, it is evident that the emotional, political, and philosophical inferences are integrated into a unique meaning system and reflects a magnificent cultural reservoir that we call the Chinese culture, which continues to influence the way of life of people in the modern world.