Analysis of "送杨燕之东鲁" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

The poem "送杨燕之东鲁" (Sòng Yáng Yàn zhī Dōng Lǔ) is a farewell piece attributed to the Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai (李白, 701–762), one of China's most celebrated literary figures. Known for his romanticism and vivid imagery, Li Bai often wrote about friendship, nature, and the fleeting nature of life. This poem reflects the deep emotional bonds between friends in ancient China, as well as the melancholy of parting.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

送杨燕之东鲁
Sòng Yáng Yàn zhī Dōng Lǔ
Seeing Off Yang Yan to Donglu

关西杨伯起
Guānxī Yáng Bóqǐ
Yang Boqi from west of the pass,

汉日旧称贤
Hàn rì jiù chēng xián
In Han times was famed for his virtue.

四代三公族
Sì dài sān gōng zú
Four generations of high ministers,

清风播人天
Qīngfēng bō rén tiān
Their pure influence spread through the world.

夫子华阴居
Fūzǐ Huáyīn jū
You, sir, dwell in Huayin,

开门对玉莲
Kāimén duì yù lián
Your door facing jade-like lotus peaks.

何事历衡霍
Hé shì lì Héng Huò
Why journey through Heng and Huo mountains,

云帆今北还
Yún fān jīn běi huán
Your cloud-like sail now turns northward?

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. Yang Boqi from west of the pass – The poem opens with a reference to Yang Zhen (杨震), a famously incorruptible official of the Eastern Han Dynasty, suggesting the esteemed lineage of the traveler.
2. In Han times was famed for his virtue – Reinforces the historical prestige of Yang’s family, linking the present traveler to a legacy of moral integrity.
3. Four generations of high ministers – Highlights the enduring influence of Yang’s family in Chinese governance.
4. Their pure influence spread through the world – "Pure influence" (清风, qīngfēng) symbolizes incorruptibility, a highly valued trait in Confucian ethics.
5. You, sir, dwell in Huayin – Huayin, near Mount Hua, is a place of natural beauty, reinforcing the scholar’s refined tastes.
6. Your door facing jade-like lotus peaks – The "jade lotus" metaphorically describes the mountain peaks, blending natural imagery with elegance.
7. Why journey through Heng and Huo mountains? – The poet expresses reluctance about the friend’s departure, questioning the necessity of the arduous journey.
8. Your cloud-like sail now turns northward – The "cloud sail" evokes a sense of ethereal movement, emphasizing both the grandeur and transience of travel.

Themes and Symbolism

• Friendship and Parting – The poem captures the bittersweet emotions of farewell, a common theme in Tang poetry.
• Virtue and Legacy – References to Yang Zhen underscore Confucian ideals of moral integrity and family honor.
• Nature’s Majesty – Mountains and clouds symbolize both the beauty and challenges of the journey.

Cultural Context

During the Tang Dynasty, parting poems were a significant literary tradition, often exchanged between scholars and officials. The reference to Yang Zhen reflects the Confucian emphasis on moral exemplars. The imagery of mountains and clouds aligns with Daoist appreciation for nature’s grandeur.

Conclusion

"送杨燕之东鲁" is a poignant reflection on friendship, legacy, and the inevitability of separation. Li Bai’s masterful blending of historical allusion and natural imagery makes this poem a timeless piece of Chinese literature. Its themes of virtue and transience remain deeply resonant, offering modern readers insight into Tang Dynasty values and aesthetics.