Canto 61

Canto 61 brings the Chinese History Cantos to an appropriate culmination, an ideogrammatic representation of the peaceful and prosperous reign of the Manchu emperor, Yong Tching (1723-35), demonstrating Confucian principles in action. Three primary thematic strands bind the canto together, drawing together the main arguments of the Chinese Cantos overall. First, tradition and continuity, with particular emphasis on filial piety, based on natural affection which socialized becomes the foundation of social cohesion and balance. Secondly, the theme of good governance as manifest in public works, sound economic policies, the proper recognition of civic talent and legal justice. Thirdly, the anti-social forces that oppose good governance are in this canto particularly represented by an alien and imperialistic Christianity. By focusing on a relatively short period of time, in contrast to the historical sweep that characterizes the preceding Chinese Cantos, Canto 61 effectively highlights and balances the key motifs of Pound's ethical view of governance. The Chinese Cantos present the macro historical framework for the following Adams Cantos' presentation of a specific individual actively translating Confucian values into a different time and culture.