張耒原(yuan)籍(ji)亳州譙縣(xian)(xian)(今安(an)徽亳州),后遷居山陽(yang)縣(xian)(xian)(今淮(huai)安(an)市淮(huai)安(an)區,原(yuan)縣(xian)(xian)級淮(huai)安(an)市)。馬端(duan)臨《文(wen)獻通考(kao)》作(zuo)“譙郡(jun)人”,秦少(shao)游(you)《書(shu)(shu)晉賢圖后》記載:“獨譙郡(jun)張文(wen)潛(qian)與余以(yi)為不(bu)然(ran)……”,他在《思淮(huai)亭(ting)記》中稱“予淮(huai)南人也,自幼至壯,習于淮(huai)而樂之。”。張耒從小就受著正統的(de)封建(jian)詩禮的(de)熏陶,加之受業于“山陽(yang)學(xue)(xue)官”,少(shao)年時即(ji)表現出對(dui)文(wen)辭的(de)靈感,“十(shi)有三歲(sui)而好為文(wen)”(《投知(zhi)己書(shu)(shu)》),十(shi)七歲(sui)作(zuo)《函關賦》,傳誦(song)人口。此后,他游(you)學(xue)(xue)于陳州,得到(dao)當時在陳為學(xue)(xue)宮的(de)蘇轍的(de)厚(hou)愛。
熙寧四年(nian)(1071年(nian)),蘇(su)軾出任杭(hang)州(zhou)通判前(qian),來陳(chen)州(zhou)與(yu)其弟(di)話(hua)別,張耒(lei)得以謁見蘇(su)軾,頗(po)受(shou)青睞,自此便成為蘇(su)氏兄(xiong)弟(di)的門下(xia)客,并(bing)在東(dong)坡(po)引薦下(xia),應舉姑蘇(su)。
熙寧六(liu)年(1073年),由神宗(zong)親策(ce)為進士,王安(an)石負責提舉,授臨淮(今安(an)徽(hui)泗縣)主簿,開始步(bu)入仕途。
熙寧八年(1075年),蘇軾在密州修“超然(ran)臺”,張耒(lei)應約寫了《超然(ran)臺賦》。蘇軾稱他“超逸絕塵(chen)”,有秀杰(jie)之(zhi)氣,這(zhe)是他們詩文交往的(de)開始(shi)。與(yu)此前后,張耒(lei)與(yu)秦(qin)觀、晁補之(zhi)也有詩文唱(chang)和,結(jie)為知交。
熙寧六年(nian)(nian)(nian)至元豐八年(nian)(nian)(nian)(1073年(nian)(nian)(nian)-1085年(nian)(nian)(nian)),張耒先后在安徽、河南等地(di)做了十多年(nian)(nian)(nian)縣尉、縣丞(cheng)一類地(di)方官(guan),并(bing)因秩滿改官(guan)不斷,往(wang)來京洛間,為政特別辛勞。“我迂趨(qu)世拙,十載困微官(guan)”(《悼(dao)逝(shi)》),“飄然(ran)羈孤,挈其(qi)妻(qi)孥(nu),就食四方,莫知所歸(gui)”(《上蔡侍郎書(shu)》)說的(de)就是(shi)這段(duan)經歷(li)。張耒為官(guan)清廉,他本(ben)想憑著他那微薄的(de)俸祿養其(qi)親小(xiao),淡(dan)泊(bo)平生,然(ran)厄運頻(pin)頻(pin)而(er)至,他的(de)父母(mu)、前妻(qi)相繼謝世,家境每況愈下,經濟拮據,生活困窘。
元豐八(ba)年(1085),神(shen)宗崩,年幼的(de)哲宗登位,支持(chi)舊黨(dang)的(de)高太(tai)后垂簾聽政,起用反變法(fa)派司馬光,蘇(su)軾(shi)、蘇(su)轍相繼奉調(diao)晉京。
元祐元年(nian)(1086年(nian))大臣范純(chun)仁薦(jian)舉張(zhang)耒參(can)加太學學士院(yuan)考(kao)試。這(zhe)次被(bei)薦(jian)參(can)加考(kao)試的還(huan)有黃庭(ting)堅、晁補之等人(ren),由翰林學士蘇軾命題,考(kao)試結果三人(ren)同(tong)被(bei)拔擢(zhuo),張(zhang)耒被(bei)任為秘書省正字,其后歷任著(zhu)作佐郎、秘書丞、史館檢討,直到起居舍(she)人(ren)。
元祐二年(1087年)春(chun),蘇軾主持禮部貢舉,張(zhang)耒(lei)被聘為讀卷官,入試院檢(jian)點(dian)審(shen)閱(yue)舉子試卷。
元祐三年(nian)(nian)(1088年(nian)(nian)),秦觀被(bei)召到(dao)京師,任太學博士,校正秘書(shu),亦(yi)入蘇軾門(men)下。在暇日與張(zhang)耒或舉酒歡宴(yan),或同游(you)京都名勝,詩(shi)文(wen)(wen)酬唱,作畫題(ti)跋,互(hu)相(xiang)砥(di)礪,共受蘇軾薰沐。這(zhe)是(shi)他們(men)難(nan)以忘懷(huai)的歡樂年(nian)(nian)代(dai),也是(shi)北(bei)宋文(wen)(wen)壇(tan)上的盛事。他們(men)“一文(wen)(wen)一詩(shi)出,人爭傳誦之,紙價為貴”。館閣八年(nian)(nian),張(zhang)耒有(you)緣披覽國(guo)家藏書(shu),過著(zhu)“圖書(shu)堆枕旁,編簡(jian)自(zi)相(xiang)依”的生活,其文(wen)(wen)翰學術也日有(you)進益。
宋哲宗親政后,新黨得勢,竭力報復元祐舊臣,隨著蘇軾等人的被貶,蘇門(men)弟子也受到株連。紹圣元年(nian)(1094年(nian)),張耒在以(yi)直龍圖閣知潤州(今鎮江)任(ren)上,徙(xi)宣州(今宣城(cheng))。
紹(shao)圣四年(nian)(1097年(nian)),貶黃州(今(jin)湖(hu)北(bei)黃岡)酒(jiu)(jiu)稅監督,再(zai)貶復州(宋地名,今(jin)湖(hu)北(bei)天門)監竟(jing)陵郡酒(jiu)(jiu)稅。
元(yuan)符二年(nian)(nian)(1099年(nian)(nian)),起為(wei)(wei)黃(huang)州(zhou)(zhou)(zhou)通判。宋徽(hui)宗即位,四(si)十(shi)七(qi)歲的(de)張(zhang)耒(lei)一(yi)(yi)(yi)度(du)內召為(wei)(wei)太常(chang)少卿,后又被(bei)啟用為(wei)(wei)兗州(zhou)(zhou)(zhou)、潁州(zhou)(zhou)(zhou)(今阜陽)知州(zhou)(zhou)(zhou),但(dan)為(wei)(wei)時都很短促。當(dang)時蘇(su)軾自海南遷內地(di),張(zhang)耒(lei)賦詩相(xiang)慶;“今晨風日何佳哉(zai)?南極老(lao)人(ren)度(du)嶺來(lai)。此(ci)翁身(shen)如白玉樹(shu),已過千百大(da)火聚。”不(bu)(bu)(bu)久,噩(e)耗傳來(lai),蘇(su)軾于(yu)途中卒(zu)于(yu)常(chang)州(zhou)(zhou)(zhou)。張(zhang)耒(lei)在潁州(zhou)(zhou)(zhou)舉哀行服,痛(tong)悼一(yi)(yi)(yi)代(dai)文豪和恩師。未想(xiang)竟(jing)觸(chu)怒了上(shang)方,于(yu)崇寧元(yuan)年(nian)(nian)(1102年(nian)(nian))被(bei)貶為(wei)(wei)房州(zhou)(zhou)(zhou)(今湖北房縣(xian))別駕,安(an)(an)置于(yu)黃(huang)州(zhou)(zhou)(zhou),他(ta)在黃(huang)州(zhou)(zhou)(zhou)先(xian)后共(gong)住了七(qi)八(ba)年(nian)(nian),作為(wei)(wei)逐臣,他(ta)不(bu)(bu)(bu)得住官舍和佛寺(si),只(zhi)能(neng)在柯(ke)山(shan)旁租屋(wu)而居(ju)。荒樹(shu)枯(ku)木,蓬蒿滿眼,自然令人(ren)惆(chou)悵莫名,但(dan)“江(jiang)上(shang)魚肥春水(shui)生,江(jiang)南秀色碧云鬟”,倒也(ye)給他(ta)不(bu)(bu)(bu)少安(an)(an)慰。特(te)別值得一(yi)(yi)(yi)提的(de)是(shi)在柯(ke)山(shan)腳下,張(zhang)耒(lei)與蘇(su)軾弟(di)子(zi)潘(pan)大(da)臨結為(wei)(wei)緊鄰(lin),兩人(ren)彼此(ci)安(an)(an)慰,相(xiang)濡以(yi)沫,共(gong)守(shou)大(da)節。據載,當(dang)時的(de)郡守(shou)瞿(ju)汝(ru)文憐其(qi)家(jia)貧,欲為(wei)(wei)其(qi)購(gou)買一(yi)(yi)(yi)份(fen)公田,以(yi)種植豆粟蔬菜(cai)等,貼補家(jia)用,張(zhang)耒(lei)敬(jing)謝(xie)不(bu)(bu)(bu)取(qu)。正是(shi)此(ci)地(di)的(de)哀和樂使他(ta)難以(yi)忘懷,故他(ta)自號為(wei)(wei)“柯(ke)山(shan)”。
崇(chong)寧(ning)四年(nian)(1105年(nian)),秦觀的(de)兒子自藤(teng)州(zhou)(今廣(guang)西藤(teng)縣)奉(feng)父柩(jiu)歸葬(zang)揚州(zhou),路(lu)過黃州(zhou)時張(zhang)耒臨江祭奠,他為好友(you)的(de)“竄(cuan)身瘴海,卒仆荒陋”而痛(tong)哭(ku)失聲(sheng)。淚水未(wei)干,黃庭堅又相(xiang)繼(ji)去世(shi)。
崇寧五(wu)年(1106年),宋徽宗詔除一切黨(dang)禁,張耒才得任便(bian)居住。這年冬天,他自(zi)黃州經(jing)潁州,回到故(gu)鄉淮安,大約住了(le)一年多時間。
大觀年間,移居陳州,監南岳廟,主管(guan)崇福宮。由(you)(you)于晚年長期賦(fu)閑(xian),他(ta)貧病(bing)交加(jia),《歲暮即事(shi)寄子由(you)(you)先生(sheng)》云(yun),“肉似聞韻(yun)客,齋如持(chi)律徒。女寒愁粉黛,男窘補衣(yi)裾。已(yi)病(bing)藥(yao)三暴(bao),辭(ci)貧飯一盂。長瓶臥(wo)墻(qiang)角,短(duan)褐(he)倒天(tian)吳。宵(xiao)寐衾鋪鐵,晨飲火數珠。”可以想見(jian)他(ta)當時已(yi)衣(yi)食不(bu)繼(ji),三月(yue)不(bu)知肉味了。詩人就這(zhe)樣堅持(chi)著(zhu),繼(ji)蘇轍和(he)晁(chao)補之(zhi)(zhi)謝世之(zhi)(zhi)后,也(ye)在寂寞和(he)痛苦(ku)中(zhong)死去,據乾隆《山陽(yang)縣志》載,葬于故土(tu)淮安“治北七里”。
張耒(lei)平生仕途坎坷,屢(lv)遭不幸,可他從未忘懷(huai)操(cao)寫詩(shi)文。其著作(zuo)被(bei)后人(ren)多次雕版印行,名為《柯山集》、《張右史文集》、《宛(wan)丘集》等,今(jin)人(ren)李(li)逸安、孫通海(hai)、傅信(xin)三(san)人(ren)編輯的《張耒(lei)集》,收詩(shi)約二(er)千(qian)三(san)百首,散文、史論、議(yi)論近三(san)百篇(pian)。
其(qi)文(wen)(wen)(wen)集(ji)(ji)今存(cun)(cun)主要有(you)(you)四(si)種(zhong)版本(ben)(ben):《宛丘先生(sheng)文(wen)(wen)(wen)集(ji)(ji)》七(qi)十(shi)六(liu)卷(juan)(juan)(juan)(juan)(juan),存(cun)(cun)清康熙呂無隱(yin)鈔本(ben)(ben)、《四(si)庫全(quan)(quan)書》本(ben)(ben)等(deng)(deng)。《柯(ke)山集(ji)(ji)》五(wu)十(shi)卷(juan)(juan)(juan)(juan)(juan)、拾(shi)遺十(shi)二(er)卷(juan)(juan)(juan)(juan)(juan),存(cun)(cun)武英殿(dian)聚(ju)珍版本(ben)(ben)、廣雅書局(ju)刻(ke)本(ben)(ben),見(jian)(jian)(jian)于《宛丘先生(sheng)集(ji)(ji)》而不(bu)見(jian)(jian)(jian)于《柯(ke)山集(ji)(ji)》的詩文(wen)(wen)(wen),均輯入該本(ben)(ben)《拾(shi)遺》。《張(zhang)右(you)史文(wen)(wen)(wen)集(ji)(ji)》六(liu)十(shi)五(wu)卷(juan)(juan)(juan)(juan)(juan),存(cun)(cun)明萬歷抄本(ben)(ben)、清雍正七(qi)年(nian)謝(xie)浦(pu)泰抄本(ben)(ben)等(deng)(deng)。《張(zhang)文(wen)(wen)(wen)潛文(wen)(wen)(wen)集(ji)(ji)》十(shi)三卷(juan)(juan)(juan)(juan)(juan),存(cun)(cun)明嘉靖三年(nian)郝梁刻(ke)本(ben)(ben)。四(si)種(zhong)版本(ben)(ben)文(wen)(wen)(wen)集(ji)(ji)所收篇目互有(you)(you)差(cha)異。中華書局(ju)1999年(nian)出版有(you)(you)李逸安等(deng)(deng)校點《張(zhang)耒(lei)集(ji)(ji)》,較為(wei)完備精審(shen)。張(zhang)耒(lei)還撰有(you)(you)《明道(dao)雜志(zhi)》一(yi)(yi)(yi)卷(juan)(juan)(juan)(juan)(juan),南宋慶元(yuan)時陳升刻(ke)于黃州(zhou),現存(cun)(cun)明刻(ke)本(ben)(ben)、《唐宋叢書》本(ben)(ben)、《學海類編》本(ben)(ben)。《全(quan)(quan)宋詞(ci)》第一(yi)(yi)(yi)冊收其(qi)詞(ci)六(liu)首。《全(quan)(quan)宋詩》卷(juan)(juan)(juan)(juan)(juan)一(yi)(yi)(yi)一(yi)(yi)(yi)五(wu)五(wu)至(zhi)(zhi)一(yi)(yi)(yi)八七(qi)錄其(qi)詩三十(shi)三卷(juan)(juan)(juan)(juan)(juan)。《全(quan)(quan)宋文(wen)(wen)(wen)》卷(juan)(juan)(juan)(juan)(juan)二(er)七(qi)五(wu)○至(zhi)(zhi)二(er)七(qi)七(qi)一(yi)(yi)(yi)收其(qi)文(wen)(wen)(wen)二(er)十(shi)二(er)卷(juan)(juan)(juan)(juan)(juan)。事跡見(jian)(jian)(jian)《東都事略》卷(juan)(juan)(juan)(juan)(juan)一(yi)(yi)(yi)一(yi)(yi)(yi)六(liu)、《宋史》卷(juan)(juan)(juan)(juan)(juan)四(si)四(si)四(si)本(ben)(ben)傳。近人邵(shao)祖壽編有(you)(you)《張(zhang)文(wen)(wen)(wen)潛先生(sheng)年(nian)譜》一(yi)(yi)(yi)卷(juan)(juan)(juan)(juan)(juan)。
由于(yu)他自己早(zao)年生(sheng)活窮困,顛(dian)沛流離(li),后又屢遭(zao)貶謫,長期任地方卑官,對社會現實體察甚(shen)深,因而對勞苦(ku)百姓的(de)關心(xin)也頗切(qie),如在《勞歌》一詩(shi)(shi)中(zhong)對那些“筋骸長彀”、“半(ban)衲(na)遮背(bei)”的(de)“負重民(min)(min)(min)”以憐憫;在《和晁應之憫農(nong)》一詩(shi)(shi)中(zhong)對那些“夜(ye)為盜賊朝受刑(xing)”的(de)“南山壯兒”以同(tong)情等(deng)等(deng),等(deng)等(deng)。也正因為其“哀哉天地間(jian),生(sheng)民(min)(min)(min)常苦(ku)辛”(《糶官粟有(you)感》)的(de)憫農(nong)意識,才使(shi)他在政治觀點(dian)上追隨蘇軾(shi),反對王安(an)石的(de)“變(bian)法”,而在實踐(jian)中(zhong)則(ze)主(zhu)張富國強民(min)(min)(min),改革(ge)弊政,以減輕人民(min)(min)(min)負擔,這(zhe)與司馬(ma)光(guang)等(deng)人純粹的(de)因循守舊乃是有(you)著本質區別的(de)。與此同(tong)時,面(mian)對遼、夏對北宋(song)的(de)侵凌,他也積極主(zhu)張開邊御(yu)敵(di),建立奇功(gong)。他的(de)《少年行(xing)》、《昭陵(ling)六馬(ma)》、《聽客(ke)話澶淵事》等(deng)無不洋溢著一股勃郁的(de)愛國主(zhu)義精(jing)神,讀來令人感奮不已。
張耒對詩文(wen)(wen)創(chuang)(chuang)作(zuo)亦有(you)(you)他自(zi)己的(de)(de)觀點,其核心(xin)則是以理(li)為(wei)主(zhu),辭情翼之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)。“學文(wen)(wen)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)端(duan),急于明理(li),如(ru)知文(wen)(wen)而(er)(er)(er)不(bu)務理(li),求(qiu)文(wen)(wen)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)工(gong),世未嘗有(you)(you)也(ye)(ye)。夫決水(shui)于江、河、淮、海也(ye)(ye),順道(dao)而(er)(er)(er)行,滔滔汩汩,日夜不(bu)止,沖砥柱、絕呂(lv)梁,放(fang)于江湖而(er)(er)(er)納(na)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)海,其舒為(wei)淪(lun)漣,鼓為(wei)波濤(tao),激之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)為(wei)風(feng)飆,怒之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)為(wei)雷霆,蚊龍(long)魚(yu)鱉(bie),噴薄出(chu)沒,是水(shui)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)奇(qi)(qi)變也(ye)(ye)。水(shui)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)初,豈若(ruo)是哉(zai)!順道(dao)而(er)(er)(er)決之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi),因(yin)其所遇(yu)而(er)(er)(er)變生焉。……江、河、淮、海之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)水(shui),理(li)達之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)文(wen)(wen)也(ye)(ye),不(bu)求(qiu)奇(qi)(qi)而(er)(er)(er)奇(qi)(qi)至矣。”(《宋史》本傳(chuan))。又云:“文(wen)(wen)章之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)于人,有(you)(you)滿心(xin)而(er)(er)(er)發,肆口而(er)(er)(er)成(cheng),不(bu)待(dai)思(si)慮而(er)(er)(er)工(gong),不(bu)待(dai)雕琢而(er)(er)(er)麗者,皆天(tian)理(li)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)自(zi)然(ran)而(er)(er)(er)情性之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)道(dao)也(ye)(ye)”(《賀方(fang)回樂府序》),一時之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)學者奉為(wei)至言。平心(xin)而(er)(er)(er)論,強調在創(chuang)(chuang)作(zuo)過程的(de)(de)發抒真情、筆隨意(yi)驅,自(zi)有(you)(you)其合理(li)性的(de)(de)一面,而(er)(er)(er)且(qie)的(de)(de)確(que)也(ye)(ye)是把握了文(wen)(wen)藝創(chuang)(chuang)作(zuo)的(de)(de)規律(lv),但一味地否認構思(si)、修飾、琢磨(mo)、錘(chui)煉等在創(chuang)(chuang)作(zuo)過程中的(de)(de)必要性,則又不(bu)免(mian)矯枉過正。作(zuo)者本人的(de)(de)創(chuang)(chuang)作(zuo)也(ye)(ye)正因(yin)了其自(zi)立的(de)(de)樊籬,因(yin)而(er)(er)(er)多(duo)少顯得肌理(li)有(you)(you)余而(er)(er)(er)文(wen)(wen)采不(bu)足,略嫌(xian)枯槁相。其創(chuang)(chuang)作(zuo)成(cheng)就前未及東坡(蘇軾),后不(bu)如(ru)放(fang)翁(陸游),痼或(huo)即(ji)是。
張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)耒是北宋(song)中(zhong)晚期重(zhong)要的(de)文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)家,為蘇(su)門四(si)學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)士(shi)之(zhi)(zhi)一(yi)。其(qi)(qi)論文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)創(chuang)作(zuo)(zuo)淵源于三蘇(su),提(ti)倡文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)理(li)(li)并重(zhong),以(yi)(yi)為“文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)以(yi)(yi)意(yi)為車,意(yi)以(yi)(yi)文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)為馬,理(li)(li)強意(yi)乃勝,氣(qi)(qi)盛(sheng)文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)如駕”(《與友人(ren)(ren)論文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)因以(yi)(yi)詩(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)投之(zhi)(zhi)》)。在(zai)(zai)《答李推(tui)官書(shu)》中(zhong)他(ta)(ta)又(you)(you)明(ming)(ming)確(que)申說(shuo)學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)在(zai)(zai)于明(ming)(ming)理(li)(li),“如知文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)而(er)(er)(er)不(bu)(bu)務理(li)(li),求(qiu)文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)之(zhi)(zhi)工,世未嘗(chang)有(you)是也(ye)”。在(zai)(zai)文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)章風(feng)(feng)格上,他(ta)(ta)反(fan)對(dui)奇簡,提(ti)倡平(ping)易;反(fan)對(dui)曲晦,提(ti)倡詞(ci)達;反(fan)對(dui)雕(diao)(diao)琢文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)辭(ci),力主順應(ying)天(tian)理(li)(li)之(zhi)(zhi)自(zi)(zi)然,直抒胸臆,“文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)章之(zhi)(zhi)于人(ren)(ren),有(you)滿心而(er)(er)(er)發,肆(si)口而(er)(er)(er)成,不(bu)(bu)待思慮而(er)(er)(er)工,不(bu)(bu)待雕(diao)(diao)琢而(er)(er)(er)麗(li)者(zhe),皆(jie)天(tian)理(li)(li)之(zhi)(zhi)自(zi)(zi)然,而(er)(er)(er)情(qing)性(xing)之(zhi)(zhi)道也(ye)”(《賀方回樂府(fu)序》)。張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)耒的(de)詩(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)正是其(qi)(qi)創(chuang)作(zuo)(zuo)理(li)(li)論的(de)具體(ti)(ti)體(ti)(ti)現,長(chang)(chang)短利弊皆(jie)本(ben)于此(ci)。其(qi)(qi)文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)風(feng)(feng)近似蘇(su)轍(che),蘇(su)軾對(dui)他(ta)(ta)有(you)“汪(wang)洋沖澹(dan),有(you)一(yi)倡三嘆之(zhi)(zhi)聲(sheng)”的(de)稱譽(《答張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)潛(qian)(qian)書(shu)》),張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)表臣也(ye)稱其(qi)(qi)文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)“雄深(shen)雅健,纖秾瑰麗(li),無(wu)所不(bu)(bu)有(you)”(《張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)右史(shi)文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)集(ji)(ji)(ji)(ji)序》)。他(ta)(ta)擅長(chang)(chang)辭(ci)賦(fu)(fu),《哀(ai)伯牙賦(fu)(fu)》抒發曲高者(zhe)孤(gu)獨無(wu)與,媚眾(zhong)者(zhe)身安得(de)志的(de)憤悶,《鳴蛙賦(fu)(fu)》運用(yong)各(ge)類(lei)比喻形容蛙鳴,《雨(yu)望賦(fu)(fu)》描寫風(feng)(feng)雨(yu)氣(qi)(qi)勢(shi),在(zai)(zai)立意(yi)遣辭(ci)上都(dou)有(you)超過(guo)唐(tang)人(ren)(ren)辭(ci)賦(fu)(fu)之(zhi)(zhi)處(chu)(《復小齋賦(fu)(fu)話》)。議論文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)立意(yi)警(jing)辟,文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)筆高奇,如《論法(fa)》、《敦俗論》、《憫(min)刑論》諸(zhu)篇,均為佳作(zuo)(zuo)。張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)耒的(de)詩(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)歌(ge)創(chuang)作(zuo)(zuo)成就卓著,汪(wang)藻稱其(qi)(qi)詩(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)“體(ti)(ti)制(zhi)敷腴,音節疏亮,則后之(zhi)(zhi)學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)公者(zhe),皆(jie)莫能仿(fang)佛(fo)”(《柯(ke)山(shan)(shan)張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)潛(qian)(qian)集(ji)(ji)(ji)(ji)書(shu)后》)。《宋(song)史(shi)》本(ben)傳也(ye)說(shuo)他(ta)(ta)至晚年(nian),詩(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)風(feng)(feng)益(yi)務平(ping)淡,效白居易體(ti)(ti),樂府(fu)效張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)籍。詩(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)歌(ge)取材廣泛,在(zai)(zai)很多詩(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)篇中(zhong)反(fan)映(ying)了當時(shi)下(xia)層(ceng)百姓的(de)生(sheng)活,像《倉前(qian)村民輸麥行》、《勞歌(ge)》、《和晁(chao)應(ying)之(zhi)(zhi)憫(min)農(nong)》諸(zhu)篇,無(wu)論是題材,還是表現風(feng)(feng)格,都(dou)與唐(tang)代新樂府(fu)詩(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)極(ji)為相近。張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)耒詩(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)以(yi)(yi)平(ping)易流麗(li)明(ming)(ming)快見長(chang)(chang),很少使(shi)用(yong)硬語僻典,蘇(su)軾稱贊他(ta)(ta)“氣(qi)(qi)韻雄拔,疏通秀明(ming)(ming)”(《曲洧舊(jiu)聞》卷(juan)(juan)五引(yin)),晁(chao)補(bu)之(zhi)(zhi)亦(yi)謂“君詩(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)容易不(bu)(bu)著意(yi),忽似春(chun)風(feng)(feng)花(hua)自(zi)(zi)開”(《題文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)潛(qian)(qian)詩(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)冊后》)。他(ta)(ta)作(zuo)(zuo)詩(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)喜歡(huan)學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)習唐(tang)人(ren)(ren),在(zai)(zai)集(ji)(ji)(ji)(ji)中(zhong)有(you)很多模仿(fang)杜甫、李白、韋應(ying)物的(de)篇章,開北宋(song)詩(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)人(ren)(ren)學(xue)(xue)(xue)(xue)習唐(tang)調風(feng)(feng)氣(qi)(qi)之(zhi)(zhi)先。他(ta)(ta)注重(zhong)煉句(ju),呂本(ben)中(zhong)《童蒙詩(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)訓(xun)》云(yun):“文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)潛(qian)(qian)詩(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)自(zi)(zi)然奇逸(yi),非他(ta)(ta)人(ren)(ren)可及,如‘秋明(ming)(ming)樹外天(tian)’,‘客(ke)燈青映(ying)壁(bi),城角(jiao)冷(leng)吟霜’,‘淺山(shan)(shan)塞(sai)帶水,旱日白吹風(feng)(feng)’,‘川塢半夜(ye)雨(yu),臥冷(leng)五更(geng)秋’之(zhi)(zhi)類(lei),迥出時(shi)流”(《苕溪漁隱叢話》前(qian)集(ji)(ji)(ji)(ji)卷(juan)(juan)五一(yi))。此(ci)類(lei)佳句(ju)可謂俯拾皆(jie)是。但(dan)(dan)是張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)耒的(de)詩(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)過(guo)分強調“滿心而(er)(er)(er)發,肆(si)意(yi)而(er)(er)(er)成”,因此(ci)部分作(zuo)(zuo)品顯(xian)得(de)粗率質(zhi)直,朱熹曾批評說(shuo)“張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)潛(qian)(qian)詩(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)有(you)好(hao)(hao)底多,但(dan)(dan)頗率爾”,又(you)(you)云(yun)“張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)潛(qian)(qian)詩(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)只一(yi)筆寫去,重(zhong)意(yi)、重(zhong)字皆(jie)不(bu)(bu)問,然好(hao)(hao)處(chu)亦(yi)是絕好(hao)(hao)”(《朱子(zi)語類(lei)》卷(juan)(juan)一(yi)四(si)○)。張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)耒詞(ci)作(zuo)(zuo)不(bu)(bu)多,詞(ci)風(feng)(feng)柔(rou)情(qing)深(shen)婉,與秦觀詞(ci)相近。其(qi)(qi)《風(feng)(feng)流子(zi)》(木葉亭皋下(xia))敘寫秋思離愁,鋪(pu)景朗倩,烘托愁緒無(wu)極(ji)(《草堂(tang)詩(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)(shi)余》正集(ji)(ji)(ji)(ji)卷(juan)(juan)六沈(shen)際飛評)。張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)耒的(de)文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)集(ji)(ji)(ji)(ji),在(zai)(zai)南宋(song)時(shi)即(ji)有(you)多種刻本(ben)傳世:羅仲洪刊(kan)(kan)(kan)本(ben)《柯(ke)山(shan)(shan)集(ji)(ji)(ji)(ji)》十(shi)卷(juan)(juan),汪(wang)藻刊(kan)(kan)(kan)本(ben)《張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)龍閣集(ji)(ji)(ji)(ji)》三十(shi)卷(juan)(juan),張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)表臣刊(kan)(kan)(kan)本(ben)《張(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)(zhang)右史(shi)文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)集(ji)(ji)(ji)(ji)》七十(shi)卷(juan)(juan),井晦之(zhi)(zhi)刊(kan)(kan)(kan)本(ben)《譙郡先生(sheng)集(ji)(ji)(ji)(ji)》一(yi)百卷(juan)(juan)(均見周紫芝(zhi)《書(shu)譙郡先生(sheng)文(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)集(ji)(ji)(ji)(ji)后》)。
其詩早年體制豐腴,音節瀏亮,東坡稱之(zhi)“汪洋(yang)沖淡,有一唱三嘆之(zhi)音”,晚歲落其華,趨務平(ping)易(yi),酷肖白樂天(tian)(居易(yi))、張文昌(籍),一時獨步吟壇;其文則雄深雅健。纖秾瑰麗,無所不(bu)有,蔚然成家。
南宋高宗(zong)即位后,下詔追(zhui)贈(zeng)蘇軾為(wei)(wei)資政殿學(xue)士(shi),贈(zeng)張(zhang)耒集英殿修撰,誥詞說:“四人以(yi)文采(cai)風流為(wei)(wei)一時冠,學(xue)者欣慕之及繼述之”。既概述了張(zhang)耒等(deng)人的影響,又肯定了其文學(xue)成(cheng)就,終于使張(zhang)耒等(deng)巨名昭彰(zhang),流芳(fang)千(qian)秋。
在蘇(su)軾、蘇(su)轍、黃庭堅、晁補之、秦(qin)觀等(deng)相繼辭世后(hou),仍作為文壇(tan)中流砥柱,傳(chuan)道授業(ye),光大文風。《宋史·文藝傳(chuan)》稱其:“耒獨存,士人就學者眾。”