Analysis of "送别" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

The poem "送别" (Sòng Bié), meaning "Farewell", is one of the most famous parting poems in classical Chinese literature. Though its exact authorship is debated, it is often attributed to the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), a golden age of Chinese poetry.

Parting was a common theme in ancient Chinese poetry, as scholars, officials, and friends often had to separate due to travel, exile, or duty. "送别" captures the bittersweet emotions of farewell—melancholy, nostalgia, and the hope of reunion. Its simplicity and depth have made it enduringly popular, even inspiring modern adaptations in music and art.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

送别
Sòng Bié
Farewell

山中相送罢
Shān zhōng xiāng sòng bà
In the mountains, we bid farewell

日暮掩柴扉
Rì mù yǎn chái fēi
At dusk, I close my wooden gate

春草明年绿
Chūn cǎo míng nián lǜ
The spring grass will green again next year

王孙归不归
Wáng sūn guī bù guī
But will you, my friend, return?

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. 山中相送罢 (Shān zhōng xiāng sòng bà)
   - The poem begins in a mountain setting, a common motif in Chinese poetry symbolizing seclusion and tranquility. The speaker has just parted with a dear friend, emphasizing the quiet solitude left behind.

2. 日暮掩柴扉 (Rì mù yǎn chái fēi)
   - The image of closing a wooden gate at dusk enhances the feeling of loneliness. "Dusk" (日暮) often signifies endings and melancholy in Chinese poetry, reinforcing the sorrow of separation.

3. 春草明年绿 (Chūn cǎo míng nián lǜ)
   - Nature’s cyclical renewal is highlighted—spring grass will regrow, suggesting the passage of time. Yet, this also contrasts with human relationships, which are uncertain.

4. 王孙归不归 (Wáng sūn guī bù guī)
   - "王孙" (wáng sūn) literally means "prince’s descendant" but was used poetically to refer to a cherished friend. The rhetorical question expresses longing and doubt—will the friend ever return?

Themes and Symbolism

1. Transience vs. Permanence
   - The poem contrasts the fleeting nature of human bonds with the eternal cycles of nature (the returning spring grass).

2. Friendship and Longing
   - The speaker’s quiet sorrow reflects the Confucian value of deep, loyal friendships, which were central to scholarly life in ancient China.

3. Symbolism of Nature
   - Mountains, dusk, and spring grass are not just scenery—they mirror emotions. The closed gate symbolizes both physical and emotional separation.

Cultural Context

During the Tang Dynasty, parting poems (送别诗) were a major literary genre. Scholars and officials frequently traveled, and farewells were emotionally charged events. Poetry served as a way to express unspoken feelings and maintain bonds across distances.

This poem also reflects Daoist influences—the mountain setting suggests harmony with nature, while the unresolved ending ("will you return?") aligns with the Daoist acceptance of life’s uncertainties.

Conclusion

"送别" is a masterpiece of understated emotion, using simple imagery to convey profound sorrow and hope. Its themes of separation and the passage of time remain universal, resonating with readers even today. Whether in ancient China or the modern world, the pain of farewell and the longing for reunion are timeless—and this poem captures them beautifully.

For those learning Chinese culture, "送别" offers a glimpse into the values of friendship, nature, and the art of expressing deep feelings with few words. Its quiet power continues to inspire, reminding us that goodbyes are never truly final—just like the spring grass, connections may bloom again.