In the past

the study of literary function often pointed to readers and ignored the author and did not pay enough attention to genre differences. For ancient Chinese poetry

it mainly has four functions at the author’s aspect: First

passing the imperial examination and getting an officer career. The main expectation of this kind of poetry is the examiner and the powerful people who can bring the poets into the career. Second

social intercourse. The main expectations of this type of poetry are participants in various group gatherings

as well as colleagues

relatives and friends. Third

making one’s spirit immortal. The main expectation of this kind of poetry is that all readers of later generations. Fourth

confiding emotions and comforting hearts. The most important target audience for this kind of poetry is the poet himself. These four functions cannot be completely separated

and the expected readers behind them are often mixed with each other. These functions act on the creation of poets and constitute the uniqueness of ancient Chinese poetry that is different from other genres.