Analysis of "莺啼序·残寒正欺病酒" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

The poem Ying Ti Xu·Can Han Zheng Qi Bing Jiu (莺啼序·残寒正欺病酒) is a masterpiece by Wu Wenying (吴文英), a prominent poet of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279). Wu was known for his dense, allusive style and melancholic themes, often reflecting the sorrow of a dynasty in decline. This particular poem is part of the ci (词) genre, a form of lyric poetry that flourished during the Song Dynasty.

Ying Ti Xu is one of the longest ci forms, allowing for intricate emotional expression. Wu Wenying's work is celebrated for its dreamlike imagery, deep nostalgia, and exquisite craftsmanship. The poem captures the poet’s sorrow over lost love and the passage of time, blending personal grief with the broader melancholy of a fading era.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

First Stanza

残寒正欺病酒

Cán hán zhèng qī bìng jiǔ

The lingering cold torments my wine-sick heart,

掩沉香绣户

Yǎn chén xiāng xiù hù

I close the fragrant, embroidered door,

燕来晚、飞入西城

Yàn lái wǎn, fēi rù xī chéng

The swallows come late, flying into the western town,

似说春事迟暮

Sì shuō chūn shì chí mù

As if whispering of spring’s belated end.

(The full poem is much longer, but for brevity, we focus on the opening stanza.)

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "The lingering cold torments my wine-sick heart"
   - The poet begins with a sense of physical and emotional discomfort. "Wine-sick" suggests excessive drinking to drown sorrow, while "lingering cold" symbolizes persistent grief.

2. "I close the fragrant, embroidered door"
   - The act of closing the door reflects isolation. "Fragrant" hints at past luxury or love, now shut away.

3. "The swallows come late, flying into the western town"
   - Swallows are traditional symbols of spring and renewal, but their lateness suggests missed opportunities or delayed happiness.

4. "As if whispering of spring’s belated end"
   - The poet anthropomorphizes nature, hearing the swallows lament the fading of spring—a metaphor for lost youth or love.

Themes and Symbolism

Major Themes

• Transience and Loss: The poem mourns the fleeting nature of time, love, and beauty.
• Isolation: The closed door and late swallows evoke loneliness.
• Nostalgia: Wu Wenying often revisits memories, blending dream and reality.

Key Symbols

• Swallows: Messengers of spring, but here they signal melancholy.
• Wine: Represents both escapism and sorrow.
• Lingering Cold: Emotional and physical suffering.

Cultural Context

Wu Wenying lived during the Southern Song Dynasty, a time of political instability before the Mongol invasion. His poetry reflects the anxieties of an era in decline. The ci form, often set to music, was used to express personal and collective sorrow.

The poem’s dense imagery and allusions are characteristic of wanyue (婉约) poetry—a refined, subtle style contrasting with the heroic haofang (豪放) tradition.

Conclusion

Ying Ti Xu·Can Han Zheng Qi Bing Jiu is a poignant meditation on loss and the passage of time. Wu Wenying’s mastery of imagery and emotion makes this poem a timeless reflection on human sorrow. Even today, readers can connect with its themes of nostalgia and isolation, proving the universality of great poetry.

For those exploring Chinese literature, Wu Wenying’s work offers a window into the introspective beauty of Song Dynasty poetry.