“A Critique of Shameless Behavior”

The poem “Xiang Shu” from the Book of Songs (《诗经》) stands out as one of the most explicit and scathing pieces of ancient Chinese literature. It uses the image of a rat—known for its repulsiveness and cunning—as a metaphor to criticize individuals who, in the poet’s view, have sunk to the lowest depths of immorality and shamelessness.

The poem begins with a powerful image:

“You see, this rat still has its skin; how can people be so shameless?”

“If a person lacks shame, they might as well be dead.”

Here, the rat’s skin symbolizes the superficial appearance of respectability that people maintain despite their internal decay. The poet argues that just as the rat retains its skin despite its vile nature, people who lack shame are merely cloaked in a false pretense of decency. The rhetorical suggestion is that such individuals, devoid of basic human dignity, are beyond redemption and might as well cease to exist.

The second verse intensifies the critique:

“You see, this rat still has its teeth; how can people disregard virtue?”

“If a person has no virtue, what are they waiting for but death?”

The rat’s teeth represent the ability to cause harm and commit deceit. This imagery criticizes those who, despite having the faculties and opportunities to act virtuously, choose instead to indulge in immoral behavior. The poet insists that if people cannot adhere to ethical principles, their continued existence is a disservice to society, suggesting that death would be a more fitting end for such individuals.

In the final verse, the critique becomes even sharper:

“You see, this rat still has its limbs; how can people be so ignorant of propriety?”

“If a person is ignorant of propriety, they should die as soon as possible.”

Here, the rat’s limbs symbolize its ability to act and move, and by extension, its capability to adhere to or violate social norms. The poet condemns those who, despite having the means and opportunities to practice propriety, choose to live in disregard of societal expectations. The poet’s harsh conclusion—suggesting that such individuals should hasten their own demise—serves to underscore the depth of the poet’s disdain.

This poem is one of the most direct and vehement criticisms in the Book of Songs, characterized by its harsh language and unambiguous imagery. Ancient scholars have debated its interpretation, with some suggesting it is a critique of corrupt officials, while others argue it is a personal admonition aimed at a wayward spouse. However, the consensus remains that the poem targets those in positions of power who exhibit moral and ethical failings, likening them to the detestable rat.

The structure of the poem involves three repetitive sections, each expanding upon the metaphor of the rat:

The first section critiques the lack of outward decorum.

It highlights how the outward appearance of a person, akin to the rat’s skin, can be deceiving. Despite maintaining a facade of respectability, the true nature of such individuals is fundamentally corrupt.

The second section addresses the absence of inner virtue.

Here, the focus shifts to the individual’s internal moral failings, represented by the rat’s teeth. This section emphasizes that even though one may appear virtuous, the absence of genuine inner morality is far more critical.

The third section condemns a disregard for social propriety.

This part of the poem critiques behavior and social conduct, using the rat’s limbs as a metaphor for one’s ability to adhere to or neglect social norms. The poet underscores that the complete failure to follow societal expectations renders a person unworthy of continued existence.

The repetitive structure not only emphasizes the poet’s condemnation but also enhances the poem’s satirical edge. By likening the faults of people to the most repugnant characteristics of a rat, the poet delivers a scathing rebuke, underscoring the profound disappointment and frustration with the moral state of those in power.

This poem remains a vivid example of how ancient Chinese literature employed harsh imagery and direct language to deliver moral and political criticism, reflecting deep-seated values and social norms of the time.