Poetry other variations of "shi" poetry, generally either a four line (quatrain, or "jueju") or else an eight line poem is normal; either way with the even numbered lines rhyming. The line length is scanned by according number of characters (according to the convention that one character equals one syllable), and are predominantly either five or seven characters long, with a caesura before the final three syllables. The lines are generally end-stopped, considered as a series of couplets, and exhibit verbal parallelism as a key poetic device. The "old style" verse ("gushi") is less formally strict than the "jintishi", or regulated
The Quatrain of Seven Steps means "to cry"), and 煎 (to pan-fry using oil). The Quatrain of Seven Steps The Seven Steps Verse, also known as the Quatrain of Seven Steps (), is a highly allegorical poem that is usually attributed to the poet Cao Zhi. The poem's first appeared in the classic text "Shishuo Xinyu", published in 430. The famed scene (79th "hui") describes Cao Pi's suspicions of his brother Cao Zhi trying to usurp his rule (Cao Pi was also jealous of his brother's talents, particularly his masterful command of imagery). Consequently, Cao Zhi is summoned to the court and is issued an