Analysis of "戏为六绝句" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

"戏为六绝句" (Xì Wéi Liù Jué Jù), or Playfully Written Six Quatrains, is a series of six short poems composed by the Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu (712–770). These poems are unique because they serve as both literary criticism and poetic expression, discussing the merits of earlier poets and the nature of poetry itself. Written in a playful yet profound tone, they reflect Du Fu’s deep engagement with literary tradition and his own artistic philosophy.

These quatrains are significant in Chinese literature as they represent one of the earliest examples of using poetry to critique poetry—a meta-literary approach that influenced later scholars.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

Below is the first of the six quatrains, which is particularly famous for its commentary on literary tradition.

庾信文章老更成

Yǔ Xìn wénzhāng lǎo gèng chéng

Yu Xin's writings grow more accomplished with age,

凌云健笔意纵横

Líng yún jiàn bǐ yì zònghéng

His soaring brushwork flows with boundless vigor.

今人嗤点流传赋

Jīnrén chīdiǎn liúchuán fù

Yet modern men mock his handed-down rhapsodies,

不觉前贤畏后生

Bù jué qián xián wèi hòushēng

Unaware that the ancients might fear the young.

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "庾信文章老更成" (Yu Xin's writings grow more accomplished with age)
   - Du Fu praises Yu Xin, a Liang Dynasty poet, whose literary skill matured with time. The line suggests that true artistry deepens with experience.

2. "凌云健笔意纵横" (His soaring brushwork flows with boundless vigor)
   - The imagery of "soaring brushwork" (líng yún jiàn bǐ) conveys Yu Xin’s dynamic and unrestrained creativity, comparing his writing to a powerful, free-flowing force.

3. "今人嗤点流传赋" (Yet modern men mock his handed-down rhapsodies)
   - Here, Du Fu critiques contemporary poets who dismiss Yu Xin’s legacy. The word "mock" (chīdiǎn) implies shallow criticism from those who don’t appreciate tradition.

4. "不觉前贤畏后生" (Unaware that the ancients might fear the young)
   - The final line is ironic: Du Fu suggests that if the ancients (like Yu Xin) saw the arrogance of later generations, they might feel intimidated—but only because the young lack reverence for mastery.

Themes and Symbolism

1. Respect for Literary Tradition
   - The poem emphasizes the importance of honoring past masters rather than dismissing them. Du Fu argues that true artistry builds on tradition.

2. The Paradox of Age and Genius
   - Yu Xin’s improvement with age symbolizes the idea that wisdom and skill deepen over time, contrasting with the impatience of younger critics.

3. The Brush as a Symbol of Creativity
   - The "soaring brush" metaphor represents the freedom and power of great writing, unconstrained by petty criticism.

Cultural Context

• Tang Dynasty Literary Debates: Du Fu wrote during a time when poets debated the value of older styles versus new innovations. His defense of Yu Xin reflects his belief in continuity rather than rebellion against tradition.
• Confucian Influence: The poem aligns with Confucian respect for elders and predecessors, suggesting that dismissing the past is a sign of arrogance.
• Meta-Poetry: These quatrains are among the first in Chinese literature to use poetry as a medium for literary criticism, setting a precedent for later scholars.

Conclusion

Du Fu’s "戏为六绝句" is a masterful blend of wit, wisdom, and reverence for literary heritage. Through his playful yet sharp critique, he reminds readers that true artistry requires both talent and humility—an enduring lesson for writers today.

In an age where trends often overshadow tradition, Du Fu’s words resonate: greatness is not born from disdain for the past, but from building upon it.