Analysis of "更漏子" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

The Gēng Lòu Zǐ (更漏子) is a classical Chinese poetic form often associated with the cí (词) genre, which flourished during the Tang and Song dynasties. One of the most famous examples is by Wen Tingyun (温庭筠), a prominent poet of the late Tang Dynasty known for his lyrical and evocative style.

This poem captures the quiet melancholy of a sleepless night, blending natural imagery with deep emotional undercurrents. It is celebrated for its delicate beauty and its ability to convey profound loneliness through subtle, refined language.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

玉炉香
Yù lú xiāng
The jade incense burner’s fragrance,

红蜡泪
Hóng là lèi
The red candle sheds tears,

偏照画堂秋思
Piān zhào huà táng qiū sī
Yet shines only on the painted hall’s autumn sorrow.

眉翠薄
Méi cuì bó
Faded are the dark brows,

鬓云残
Bìn yún cán
Disheveled the cloud-like hair,

夜长衾枕寒
Yè cháng qīn zhěn hán
The night is long, the quilt and pillow cold.

梧桐树
Wú tóng shù
The parasol tree,

三更雨
Sān gēng yǔ
The midnight rain,

不道离情正苦
Bù dào lí qíng zhèng kǔ
Cares not for the bitterness of parting.

一叶叶
Yī yè yè
Leaf by leaf,

一声声
Yī shēng shēng
Drop by drop,

空阶滴到明
Kōng jiē dī dào míng
It drips on the empty steps till dawn.

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "The jade incense burner’s fragrance" – The poem opens with an image of luxury (jade) and transience (burning incense), setting a melancholic tone.
2. "The red candle sheds tears" – Personification of the candle, symbolizing sorrow and the passage of time.
3. "Yet shines only on the painted hall’s autumn sorrow" – The beauty of the hall contrasts with the speaker’s inner sadness.
4. "Faded are the dark brows" – Suggests neglect, possibly from grief or longing.
5. "Disheveled the cloud-like hair" – A traditional image of a woman in distress, emphasizing loneliness.
6. "The night is long, the quilt and pillow cold" – Physical coldness mirrors emotional isolation.
7. "The parasol tree, the midnight rain" – The wú tóng tree is a classic symbol of loneliness in Chinese poetry.
8. "Cares not for the bitterness of parting" – Nature is indifferent to human suffering.
9. "Leaf by leaf, drop by drop" – The relentless rain mirrors the unending sorrow.
10. "It drips on the empty steps till dawn" – The final image emphasizes solitude and the slow passage of time.

Themes and Symbolism

• Loneliness and Longing: The poem conveys deep solitude, possibly due to separation from a loved one.
• Nature’s Indifference: The rain and tree symbolize how the natural world continues unaffected by human grief.
• Time and Transience: The candle, incense, and dripping rain all evoke the fleeting nature of moments and emotions.

Cultural Context

Wen Tingyun wrote during the late Tang Dynasty, a period of both artistic refinement and political decline. His poetry often reflects the delicate aesthetics of the era, where emotions were expressed indirectly through nature and objects.

The Gēng Lòu Zǐ form traditionally describes the night watch (measured by water clocks, or gēng lòu), making it ideal for themes of time and solitude. This poem exemplifies the wǎnyuē (婉约) style—subtle, graceful, and emotionally restrained.

Conclusion

Wen Tingyun’s Gēng Lòu Zǐ is a masterpiece of understated beauty, using simple yet profound imagery to evoke deep emotion. Its themes of loneliness and the passage of time resonate across cultures, making it timeless. For modern readers, it serves as a reminder of how poetry can capture the quietest, most universal sorrows—where even a raindrop can speak volumes.