Analysis of "离思" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

The poem 离思 (Lí Sī), or "Parting Thoughts", is one of the most famous works by the Tang Dynasty poet Yuan Zhen (元稹, 779–831). A prominent literary figure, Yuan Zhen was known for his romantic and melancholic poetry, often reflecting on love, separation, and longing.

离思 is part of a series of poems Yuan Zhen wrote mourning the death of his beloved wife, Wei Cong (韦丛). It is celebrated for its profound emotional depth and elegant simplicity, making it a masterpiece of classical Chinese love poetry.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

曾经沧海难为水
Céngjīng cānghǎi nán wéi shuǐ
Having seen the ocean, nothing else can be called water;

除却巫山不是云
Chú què Wū Shān bù shì yún
After Mount Wu, no clouds deserve the name.

取次花丛懒回顾
Qǔ cì huā cóng lǎn huígù
Passing through blooming flowers, I care not to glance;

半缘修道半缘君
Bàn yuán xiūdào bàn yuán jūn
Half for my vows, half for thoughts of you.

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "Having seen the ocean, nothing else can be called water"
   - This line uses the vastness of the ocean as a metaphor for the depth of the poet's love. Once he has experienced such profound love, all other affections seem insignificant.

2. "After Mount Wu, no clouds deserve the name"
   - Mount Wu (巫山) is famous in Chinese mythology for its dreamlike clouds, often associated with a romantic encounter between a goddess and a mortal. The poet suggests that no other beauty compares to his lost love.

3. "Passing through blooming flowers, I care not to glance"
   - The "blooming flowers" symbolize other potential lovers, but the poet remains indifferent, still devoted to his late wife.

4. "Half for my vows, half for thoughts of you"
   - The poet explains his detachment: partly due to his spiritual pursuits (xiūdào), but mostly because his heart remains with his beloved.

Themes and Symbolism

• Eternal Love & Loss: The poem expresses undying devotion, suggesting that true love cannot be replaced.
• Nature as Metaphor: The ocean and Mount Wu symbolize the incomparable beauty of the poet’s love.
• Renunciation of Worldly Desires: The poet rejects distractions, showing deep emotional loyalty.

Cultural Context

Yuan Zhen wrote this during the Tang Dynasty (618–907), a golden age of Chinese poetry. Confucian values emphasized loyalty and devotion, which influenced Yuan Zhen’s expression of eternal love.

The reference to Mount Wu comes from the legend of the Goddess of Mount Wu (巫山神女), a symbol of unattainable beauty. By invoking this myth, Yuan Zhen elevates his wife to a divine status.

Conclusion

离思 is a timeless meditation on love and loss, capturing the depth of human emotion in just four lines. Its enduring appeal lies in its universal themes—how true love leaves an indelible mark, making all else pale in comparison.

For modern readers, the poem serves as a reminder of the power of devotion and the beauty of classical Chinese literary expression. Even across centuries, Yuan Zhen’s words resonate with anyone who has loved deeply and lost.