Analysis of "章台夜思" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

The poem "章台夜思" (Zhāng Tái Yè Sī) was written by the Tang Dynasty poet Wei Zhuang (韦庄, 836–910). Wei Zhuang was a prominent figure in late Tang poetry, known for his lyrical and emotionally resonant verses. This particular poem reflects the melancholic longing of a traveler far from home, gazing upon the moonlit towers of Chang'an (modern-day Xi'an), the Tang capital. Its themes of solitude, nostalgia, and the passage of time make it a poignant example of classical Chinese poetry.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

章台夜思
Zhāng Tái yè sī
Night Thoughts at Zhangtai

清瑟怨遥夜
Qīng sè yuàn yáo yè
The clear zither grieves through the long night,

绕弦风雨哀
Rào xián fēngyǔ āi
Around its strings, wind and rain lament.

孤灯闻楚角
Gū dēng wén Chǔ jiǎo
A lone lamp hears the Chu horn's call,

残月下章台
Cán yuè xià Zhāng Tái
The waning moon descends on Zhangtai.

芳草已云暮
Fāng cǎo yǐ yún mù
Fragrant grass has long since withered,

故人殊未来
Gù rén shū wèi lái
Yet my old friend still does not come.

乡书不可寄
Xiāng shū bùkě jì
Letters home cannot be sent,

秋雁又南回
Qiū yàn yòu nán huí
Autumn geese return south once more.

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "The clear zither grieves through the long night" – The zither (瑟, sè) symbolizes sorrow, its music echoing the poet's loneliness. The "long night" suggests endless waiting.

2. "Around its strings, wind and rain lament" – Nature itself seems to mourn, reinforcing the melancholy atmosphere.

3. "A lone lamp hears the Chu horn's call" – The "Chu horn" refers to a military signal, evoking distance and war, while the "lone lamp" emphasizes isolation.

4. "The waning moon descends on Zhangtai" – The moon, a common symbol of transience, mirrors the poet's fading hopes.

5. "Fragrant grass has long since withered" – The passing of seasons underscores lost time and unfulfilled longing.

6. "Yet my old friend still does not come" – A direct expression of yearning for companionship.

7. "Letters home cannot be sent" – The futility of communication deepens the sense of separation.

8. "Autumn geese return south once more" – The geese, unlike the poet, can return home, heightening his sorrow.

Themes and Symbolism

• Loneliness & Longing: The poem conveys deep solitude, both for a distant friend and homeland.
• Nature as Emotion: Wind, rain, and the moon reflect the poet’s inner turmoil.
• Time’s Passage: Withered grass and autumn geese symbolize inevitable change and loss.

Cultural Context

Wei Zhuang lived during the Tang Dynasty's decline, a period marked by political instability. "章台夜思" reflects the era’s melancholy, where scholars often lamented displacement and the impermanence of life. The poem also embodies the Chinese literary tradition of yōuyù (忧郁, melancholy contemplation), a recurring theme in classical poetry.

Conclusion

"章台夜思" is a masterful expression of sorrow and nostalgia, blending natural imagery with profound emotion. Its timeless themes resonate even today, reminding readers of the universal human experience of longing and separation. Through Wei Zhuang’s delicate verse, we glimpse the beauty and sorrow of Tang Dynasty China.