About the Antithesis (2)

For this reason, the Chinese style of expression could be little bit harder to write than other languages, especially you want to be a good writer. In fact, the word ‘elegance’ translate into Chinese could be 讲究 means something not only precious but have story.  In this case, any Chinese family loved to put antithetical couplet in front door or gate. Either rich or poor, once you have more antithetical couplets in your yard or on the wall of your living room, it will tell the visitor about your attitude of living. Here are some famous antithetical couplets:

In the front of Memorial Hall of 诸葛亮Zhu Ge-Liang (you may see his image in the movie Battle of Red Cliff, the one who always kept a feather fan in hand)

The antithetical couplet is:

能攻心则反侧自消，从古知兵非好战，

Using psychological strategy so the rebel and mob will self-disappear. From ancient good militarist didn’t like war.

不审势即宽严皆误，后来治蜀要深思。

Ignoring mega-trends then easy or strict polices either be mistakes. Hence later ruler of 蜀 do take care.

Here is another:

牡丹花下死，做鬼也风流
Died under peony, even become ghost, be the romantic one

阿娇枕边卧，为人复何求？

Slept aside beauty, as a human, what can expect else?