Analysis of "赠内人" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

"赠内人" (Zèng Nèirén, "To My Wife") is a poignant poem by Zhang Hu (张祜), a Tang Dynasty poet known for his lyrical and emotionally resonant verses. This poem reflects the deep affection and quiet sorrow of separation, a common theme in classical Chinese poetry. Written during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), a golden age of Chinese literature, it exemplifies the refined elegance and emotional depth of the era’s poetry.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

赠内人
Zèng Nèirén
To My Wife

禁门宫树月痕过
Jìn mén gōng shù yuè hén guò
The moon's trace glides past palace trees by the forbidden gate,

媚眼惟看宿鹭窠
Mèi yǎn wéi kàn sù lù kē
Her lovely eyes gaze only at the heron's nest.

斜拔玉钗灯影畔
Xié bá yù chāi dēng yǐng pàn
By lamplight, she tilts her jade hairpin aside,

剔开红焰救飞蛾
Tī kāi hóng yàn jiù fēi é
And parts the crimson flame to save a moth in flight.

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "The moon's trace glides past palace trees by the forbidden gate"
   - The "forbidden gate" suggests the imperial palace, evoking a sense of seclusion and loneliness.
   - The moon, a traditional symbol of longing, moves silently, emphasizing the passage of time in solitude.

2. "Her lovely eyes gaze only at the heron's nest"
   - The "heron's nest" symbolizes domestic harmony, contrasting with the speaker's separation from his wife.
   - Her focus on the nest implies yearning for home and companionship.

3. "By lamplight, she tilts her jade hairpin aside"
   - The jade hairpin signifies refinement and beauty, while the act of adjusting it suggests restlessness.
   - The lamplight creates an intimate, melancholic atmosphere.

4. "And parts the crimson flame to save a moth in flight"
   - The moth, drawn to the flame, represents vulnerability and the risk of love.
   - Her act of saving it reveals compassion and perhaps a fear of loss.

Themes and Symbolism

• Longing and Separation: The poem conveys quiet sorrow, depicting a woman alone in a grand but isolating palace.
• Nature and Humanity: The heron’s nest and moth symbolize the natural world, contrasting with human constraints.
• Light and Darkness: The lamplight and moon create a soft, introspective mood, reinforcing themes of solitude.

Cultural Context

During the Tang Dynasty, many scholars and officials spent years away from home, leading to a genre of poetry expressing longing for loved ones. "赠内人" reflects Confucian values of loyalty and familial devotion, while its delicate imagery aligns with Daoist appreciation for nature’s quiet beauty.

Conclusion

Zhang Hu’s "赠内人" is a masterpiece of subtle emotion, using simple yet profound imagery to express love and separation. Its enduring appeal lies in its universal themes—longing, compassion, and the quiet beauty of small acts of kindness. Even today, it resonates with anyone who has experienced the ache of distance from a loved one.