Classical Chinese poetry forms rules, of this poetry form. It is most associated with the eight-line style, although the same rules basically apply to the curtailed form ("jueju") and the expanded form ("pailu"). A form of regulated verse with eight lines of five characters each. A form of regulated verse with eight lines of seven characters each. The curtailed form is sometimes referred to as a "quatrain" due to its requirement to consist of four lines. Basically, the "jueju" is a shortened version of the eight-line version, resulting in a verse form which can more challenging in terms of conveying a complete poem or
The Quatrain of Seven Steps 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 ultimatum in which he must produce a poem within