Analysis of "龟虽寿" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

"龟虽寿" (Guī Suī Shòu, "Though the Tortoise Lives Long") is a famous poem by Cao Cao (曹操), a warlord, statesman, and poet during the late Eastern Han Dynasty (c. 155–220 AD). Known for his military prowess and literary talent, Cao Cao was a central figure in the turbulent Three Kingdoms period.

This poem is part of a series called 步出夏门行 (Bù Chū Xià Mén Xíng, "Strolling Out of the Xia Gate"). It reflects Daoist and Confucian philosophies on life, longevity, and ambition. Unlike many classical poems that focus on nature or melancholy, "龟虽寿" is a bold meditation on human willpower and determination, making it unique in Chinese literature.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

神龟虽寿，犹有竟时。
Shén guī suī shòu, yóu yǒu jìng shí.
Though the divine tortoise enjoys long life, it must meet its end.

腾蛇乘雾，终为土灰。
Téng shé chéng wù, zhōng wéi tǔ huī.
Though the winged serpent rides the mist, it turns to dust and ashes.

老骥伏枥，志在千里。
Lǎo jì fú lì, zhì zài qiān lǐ.
An old warhorse may be stabled, yet it still longs to gallop a thousand miles.

烈士暮年，壮心不已。
Liè shì mù nián, zhuàng xīn bù yǐ.
A heroic man in his twilight years never abandons his lofty aspirations.

盈缩之期，不但在天；
Yíng suō zhī qī, bù dàn zài tiān;
The span of life is not determined by Heaven alone;

养怡之福，可得永年。
Yǎng yí zhī fú, kě dé yǒng nián.
Nourishing joy brings blessings, and one may live long years.

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "Though the divine tortoise enjoys long life, it must meet its end."
   - The divine tortoise (shén guī) symbolizes longevity in Chinese mythology, yet Cao Cao reminds us that even it dies. This sets the theme: mortality is inevitable.

2. "Though the winged serpent rides the mist, it turns to dust and ashes."
   - The winged serpent (téng shé) is another mythical creature, representing power and transcendence. Yet, like the tortoise, it too perishes.

3. "An old warhorse may be stabled, yet it still longs to gallop a thousand miles."
   - A powerful metaphor: an aged horse (lǎo jì) symbolizes unfulfilled ambition. Even in old age, the spirit remains restless.

4. "A heroic man in his twilight years never abandons his lofty aspirations."
   - Cao Cao identifies himself with the heroic man (liè shì), refusing to surrender to time. This line is often quoted to inspire perseverance.

5. "The span of life is not determined by Heaven alone."
   - A rejection of fatalism—Cao Cao argues that human effort (nourishing joy) can influence destiny.

6. "Nourishing joy brings blessings, and one may live long years."
   - A Daoist-inspired conclusion: inner peace and vitality can extend life beyond mere fate.

Themes and Symbolism

1. Mortality vs. Ambition
   - The poem contrasts the inevitability of death with unyielding human will.

2. Symbolism of Mythical Creatures
   - The tortoise and serpent represent immortality, yet their decay underscores life’s impermanence.

3. The Unbroken Spirit
   - The warhorse and heroic man embody resilience, a core value in Confucian and warrior ethics.

4. Self-Determination
   - Unlike many classical poems that accept fate, Cao Cao emphasizes personal agency in shaping one’s life.

Cultural Context

• Three Kingdoms Era (220–280 AD): A time of war and chaos, where Cao Cao sought to unify China. His poem reflects the era’s pragmatism and ambition.
• Influence of Daoism and Confucianism: The poem blends Daoist acceptance of nature with Confucian emphasis on moral striving.
• Legacy in Chinese Culture: The phrase "烈士暮年，壮心不已" (A heroic man in old age never gives up) is still used to inspire perseverance.

Conclusion

"龟虽寿" is a defiant celebration of human spirit in the face of mortality. Unlike passive meditations on nature, Cao Cao’s poem urges action, resilience, and joy as antidotes to life’s brevity.

For modern readers, its message remains powerful: Age and fate may limit us, but the will to strive defines our legacy. Whether in ancient China or today, this poem resonates with anyone who refuses to surrender to time.

Would you like a recommendation for similar poems? Let me know in the comments!