Analysis of "李夫人" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

The poem "李夫人" (Lǐ Fūrén) is attributed to Emperor Wu of Han (汉武帝, Hàn Wǔdì), one of the most powerful rulers of the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE). It is a poignant elegy written in memory of his beloved concubine, Lady Li (李夫人), who died young. The poem reflects the emperor's deep grief and longing, blending personal emotion with the refined literary style of the Han court.

This poem holds a significant place in Chinese literature as one of the earliest examples of imperial poetry expressing personal sorrow. It also exemplifies the classical yuefu (乐府) style, a form of lyrical poetry often set to music.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

是邪非邪？
Shì yé fēi yé?
Is it her or not?

立而望之，
Lì ér wàng zhī,
Standing, I gaze at her,

偏何姗姗其来迟！
Piān hé shānshān qí lái chí!
Why does she linger so slowly in coming?

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "Is it her or not?"
   - The opening line captures the emperor's uncertainty and hope. He questions whether the vision before him is truly Lady Li or just an illusion, reflecting his desperate longing.

2. "Standing, I gaze at her"
   - This line conveys stillness and fixation. The emperor remains motionless, transfixed by the fleeting image of his lost love, emphasizing his inability to move on.

3. "Why does she linger so slowly in coming?"
   - The lament here is both tender and sorrowful. The word 姗姗 (shānshān) suggests a slow, graceful movement, as if Lady Li is drifting just out of reach. The delay symbolizes the cruel separation between life and death.

Themes and Symbolism

• Grief and Longing
  The poem revolves around the emperor's sorrow and his struggle to accept loss. His yearning is so intense that he imagines her presence, blurring the line between reality and illusion.

• Transience of Life
  Lady Li’s untimely death underscores the fleeting nature of beauty and happiness, a recurring theme in classical Chinese poetry.

• Symbol of the Unattainable
  The emperor’s vision of Lady Li is ephemeral—she is always just beyond his grasp, symbolizing the impossibility of holding onto love beyond death.

Cultural Context

During the Han Dynasty, poetry was often used to express both personal and political sentiments. Emperor Wu was known for his patronage of the arts, and his lament for Lady Li became legendary. The story goes that after her death, a shaman conjured her spirit, inspiring this poem.

This piece also reflects Confucian and Daoist influences—Confucianism emphasizes ritual mourning, while Daoist thought often explores the boundary between life and death. The emperor’s grief is both a personal emotion and a performative act of devotion.

Conclusion

"李夫人" is a moving testament to love and loss, capturing the universal human experience of mourning. Its simplicity and emotional depth make it timeless, resonating with readers even today. The poem reminds us that grief transcends time and culture, and that the longing for what is lost is a shared part of the human condition.

For modern readers, it offers a glimpse into the heart of an ancient ruler, proving that even emperors were not immune to the pain of love and death.