Oral-Formulaic Theory: Annotated Bibliography

Ching-Hsien Wang. The Bell and the Drum: Shih Ching as Formulaic Poetry in an Oral Tradition. Berkeley: University of California Pres.

After introductory remarks on the ancient lyrics of Shih Ching, its critical history, and oral-formulaic theory, he illustrates the pervasive presence of formulas and themes in the texts, using computer-assisted analysis to establish profiles of word, phrase, line, stanza, and poem. Makes the case for a "transition" period during which oral-formulaic devices were employed by lettered poets.
Area: CH