QUESTION:
This poet of the Tang dynasty was born in 701 and is thought to have grown up in Sichuan province. His life appeared to have been one of wandering, with brief periods of both court privileges and political exile. He died only a few years after the An Lu-shan rebellion of 755.

His poetry is known for its easy rhythms and clear expression, as well as for the grace with which it explores social situations and personal states of mind. "The River Merchant's Wife" is, perhaps, this poet's best-known work among Western readers. This poem, in the translated version by the Modernist poet Ezra Pound, is widely anthologized in 20th century English-language poetry collections.

Who is this famous poet?

A. Wong Kar-wai;
B. Po Li;
C. Li Po;
D. Mao Zedong.

ANSWERS:
If you guessed C, you are correct.

Chinese poetry can, like other highly developed literary forms, be difficult to grasp in the beginning, but the beautiful imagery and unique style make discovering Chinese poetry very rewarding.

If you guessed D, the founder of the People's Republic of China in 1949, you are wrong. But Chairman Mao remains well known for his patriotic, stirring revolutionary poems that are also well worth the effort to read.