Analysis of "四块玉·别情" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

The poem "四块玉·别情" (Sì Kuài Yù · Bié Qíng) is a renowned sanqu (散曲) lyric written by Guan Hanqing (关汉卿), one of the most celebrated playwrights and poets of the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368). As a master of zaju (杂剧, poetic drama set to music), Guan Hanqing was known for his emotionally charged works that often explored themes of love, separation, and social injustice.

"四块玉·别情" is part of the Four Pieces of Jade series, capturing the bittersweet sorrow of parting between lovers. This poem holds significant cultural value as it exemplifies the lyrical beauty and emotional depth of Yuan Dynasty sanqu poetry, which blended vernacular language with classical elegance.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

自送别，心难舍，
Zì sòngbié, xīn nán shě,
Since bidding you farewell, my heart clings unwillingly,

一点相思几时绝？
Yīdiǎn xiāngsī jǐshí jué?
When will this longing ever cease?

凭阑袖拂杨花雪。
Píng lán xiù fú yánghuā xuě.
Leaning on the rail, my sleeve brushes willow catkins like snow.

溪又斜，山又遮，人去也！
Xī yòu xié, shān yòu zhē, rén qù yě!
The stream winds away, mountains block my view—gone, you are gone!

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "自送别，心难舍"
   The opening lines express the speaker’s lingering attachment after a farewell. The phrase "心难舍" (heart clings unwillingly) conveys unresolved emotions, suggesting love persists despite physical separation.

2. "一点相思几时绝？"
   The rhetorical question "几时绝?" (when will it end?) amplifies the torment of endless longing. The "一点相思" (a speck of相思) is ironic—what seems small grows into an unbearable weight.

3. "凭阑袖拂杨花雪。"
   Here, nature mirrors the speaker’s sorrow. Willow catkins (杨花), resembling snow, symbolize fleeting time and fragile love. The gesture of brushing them away reflects futile attempts to dismiss grief.

4. "溪又斜，山又遮，人去也！"
   The winding stream and towering mountains become obstacles, emphasizing distance. The exclamation "人去也！" (gone, you are gone!) is abrupt and heart-wrenching, underscoring finality.

Themes and Symbolism

• Love and Separation: Central to the poem is the agony of parting (别情). Unlike Western love poetry’s grandeur, Guan Hanqing focuses on quiet despair—a hallmark of Chinese lyrical restraint.
• Nature as Emotion: The "杨花雪" (willow catkin snow) and obstructing landscape externalize inner turmoil. In Chinese tradition, willows (柳) symbolize parting, as their name liǔ (柳) echoes liú (留, "to stay").
• Time and Longing: The unanswered "几时绝?" suggests love transcends time, resonating with the Daoist idea of eternal cycles.

Cultural Context

Written during the Yuan Dynasty, a period of Mongol rule, sanqu poetry like this often expressed personal grief subtly intertwined with political disillusionment. Guan Hanqing, though famed for his dramas, used sanqu to distill emotions into concise, musical verses.

The poem reflects Confucian values of loyalty in relationships and Daoist acceptance of life’s impermanence. Its imagery also draws from classical ci (词) poetry traditions, where natural elements convey unspoken feelings.

Conclusion

"四块玉·别情" captures universal heartache with delicate precision. Guan Hanqing’s genius lies in weaving simplicity with profound emotion—a single moment at a balcony becomes a timeless lament. Today, the poem remains relatable, reminding us that love’s pain, like willow catkins, is both fleeting and enduring. Its quiet beauty continues to inspire, bridging centuries and cultures through shared human experience.

Final thought: In an age of instant connection, this medieval poem asks us to sit with absence—and find meaning in what lingers.