The Implications of Postcolonial and Female Anarchy in Yi Ling’s Poems

The Implications of Postcolonial and Female Anarchy in Yi Ling’s Poems

     Observing the poems of Macau female poet Yi Ling, one can discern her frequent reflections on modern Macau society, particularly closely tied to the development trends post Macau's return to China. She often challenges the literary scene in Macau with a skeptical approach, and "political poetry" has become a prominent label for her. Examining the reasons behind this, besides Yi Ling's educational background, she openly discusses politics, even advocating for creative and intellectual freedom in the early stages of her life.

     Amid the post-colonial context before and after Macau's return, the transformation of Yi Ling's poetic subjectivity and identity is noteworthy. Firstly, contrasting the colonial specter with Macau's long-standing identity wavering between Portugal and China, Yi Ling's early anti-colonial stance based on ethnic solidarity is unquestionable. However, following the events of June Fourth, she gradually loosened her "Chinese knot" and adjusted her critical perspective witnessing the situation of small Macau within greater China. Thus, Yi Ling's poetry vividly reflects the sense of crisis in writing Macau's identity under post-colonial circumstances.

     Secondly, facing the fluidity of Macau's cultural mix, Yi Ling introduces the concept of the "Floating Island." It's evident that the original identity of Macau residents has transformed into a so-called "third identity." Yi Ling believes that Macau is a "Floating Island" incapable of retaining talent, and this fluidity bestows upon Macau a "third identity," akin to a spiritual homesickness in a rootless state.

     Thirdly, concerning the dialectic between individual and collective in Macau, as a local poet, Yi Ling places a stronger emphasis on the issue of individual and collective existence space amid conflicts over Macau's political environment and cultural identity. Consequently, she possesses a strong social critique consciousness, aiming to subvert the entire patriarchal system and pursue the ideal of feminine anarchy.

      Since the beginning of this century, it's undeniable that Yi Ling expresses dissatisfaction with Macau's current political environment, the lingering shadows of old colonialism, and the alienation of individual existence space. Utilizing her female identity, she satirizes the collective dominance of the patriarchy. In the two poetry collections published after Macau's return, both bear the word "Collective": "Collective Games" and "Collective Death." These titles indicate a desire to gain rebirth through death and to establish a paradise of feminine anarchy through a playful attitude – undoubtedly a practice of the "third space."

Application and Highlights:

This article primarily explores the poet Yi Ling's poems before and after the return of Macau to China, examining issues of subjectivity and identity transformation from three perspectives: nation, homeland, and women. In contrast to previous discussions that focused on the postmodern style of Yi Ling's poetry, this article shifts its focus to the post-colonial hues embedded in her works. It further analyzes Yi Ling's observations on the fluidity of identity in the cultural mix of Macau. The discussion also delves into the "feminine anarchy" aspects in her poetry, engaging in a dialectic of living space from a female perspective. This aims to highlight Yi Ling's pursuit of the ideal of feminine anarchy as a means to resist patriarchal systems.

Research Team Members:  Chih-Jen Cheng

Representative Department:

Center for General Education

Center for Languages and Culture (Assistant Professor)

Contact Email: chihjen@kmu.edu.tw

Publication: Chinese Modern Literature. 2022, 6 ; 41: 93-118.

Full-Text Article:

https://www.airitilibrary.com/Article/Detail?DocID=16844238-202206-202207260010-202207260010-93-118