Final answer:
True. The claim that Du Fu is a legendary poet even though he failed the civil service exams is true. His work is renowned and shows that literary talent could catapult one to greatness independently of official success.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that Du Fu became a legendary poet despite failing the civil service exam is true. Du Fu is one of the most celebrated poets of the Tang Dynasty. Poetry during the Tang Dynasty was an indispensable part of elite life and served various purposes from social connections to recording personal emotions. The great poets like Li Bai, Bai Juyi, and Du Fu themselves sometimes served in office, although their literary achievements were significant regardless of their official success. Du Fu, for instance, wrote poignant poems about his experiences during the An Lushan rebellion, reflecting on the separation from his family and the suffering of others. Furthermore, the Tang Dynasty's civil service exam system, though merit-based, was easier to navigate for those from elite backgrounds who had access to education and books. Despite this, Du Fu's poetic talents were so profound that his work became canonized, illustrating that one could attain legendary status through literary accomplishment alone, without passing the civil service examinations.