Analysis of "忆秦娥·娄山关" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

"忆秦娥·娄山关" (Yì Qín É · Lóu Shān Guān) is a famous poem written by Mao Zedong (1893–1976), the revolutionary leader and poet of modern China. While Mao is primarily known for his political role, his poetry blends classical Chinese literary traditions with revolutionary themes.

This poem was composed in 1935 during the Long March, a pivotal military retreat of the Red Army. The poem reflects the harsh conditions of the march while conveying determination and revolutionary spirit. It is celebrated for its vivid imagery and emotional depth, making it a significant work in modern Chinese poetry.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

西风烈，
Xī fēng liè,
The west wind roars fiercely,

长空雁叫霜晨月。
Cháng kōng yàn jiào shuāng chén yuè.
In the vast sky, wild geese cry under the frosty dawn moon.

霜晨月，
Shuāng chén yuè,
Frosty dawn moon,

马蹄声碎，
Mǎ tí shēng suì,
The sound of horse hooves clatters,

喇叭声咽。
Lǎ ba shēng yè.
The bugle’s call is choked.

雄关漫道真如铁，
Xióng guān màn dào zhēn rú tiě,
The mighty pass is said to be iron-clad,

而今迈步从头越。
Ér jīn mài bù cóng tóu yuè.
Yet now we stride across it from the start.

从头越，
Cóng tóu yuè,
From the start,

苍山如海，
Cāng shān rú hǎi,
The blue mountains surge like the sea,

残阳如血。
Cán yáng rú xuè.
The setting sun is blood-red.

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "西风烈，长空雁叫霜晨月。"
   - The "west wind" symbolizes hardship, while the "wild geese" evoke loneliness and struggle. The "frosty dawn moon" creates a cold, desolate atmosphere, reflecting the difficult conditions of the Long March.

2. "霜晨月，马蹄声碎，喇叭声咽。"
   - The repetition of "frosty dawn moon" intensifies the bleak mood. The "clattering hooves" and "choked bugle" suggest exhaustion and suppressed emotions among the soldiers.

3. "雄关漫道真如铁，而今迈步从头越。"
   - The "iron-clad pass" represents an insurmountable obstacle, yet the line "now we stride across it" conveys defiance and revolutionary resolve.

4. "从头越，苍山如海，残阳如血。"
   - The "blue mountains like the sea" and "blood-red sunset" create a grand, dramatic landscape, symbolizing both the vast challenges ahead and the sacrifices made.

Themes and Symbolism

Struggle and Perseverance

The poem captures the relentless spirit of the Long March, emphasizing resilience against overwhelming odds.

Nature as a Reflection of Emotion

• Wind, frost, and cold moon → Hardship and adversity.
• Mountains and sunset → The vastness of the revolution’s journey and its sacrifices.

Revolutionary Zeal

The defiance in "now we stride across it" reflects Mao’s belief in overcoming obstacles through sheer will.

Cultural Context

• Written during the Long March (1934–1936), a retreat that solidified Mao’s leadership.
• Combines classical cí (词) poetry style with modern revolutionary themes.
• Reflects the Chinese Communist Party’s ideology of struggle and eventual triumph.

Conclusion

"忆秦娥·娄山关" is a powerful fusion of classical poetry and revolutionary spirit. Its vivid imagery—howling winds, frosty moons, and blood-red sunsets—paints a gripping picture of struggle and determination. Beyond its historical context, the poem speaks universally about overcoming adversity, making it timeless.

For readers exploring Chinese poetry, Mao’s works offer a unique bridge between tradition and modernity, where ancient literary forms meet 20th-century ideals.