Analysis of "古柏行" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

"古柏行" (Gǔ Bǎi Xíng), or "Ode to the Ancient Cypress," is a famous poem by the Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu (杜甫, 712–770). Du Fu is widely regarded as one of China's greatest poets, known for his profound reflections on nature, society, and human suffering. Written during a turbulent period in Chinese history, this poem uses the image of an ancient cypress tree to symbolize resilience, virtue, and the enduring spirit of the righteous.

The poem is significant in Chinese literature for its rich imagery, deep philosophical undertones, and emotional depth. It reflects Confucian ideals of moral integrity and Daoist appreciation for nature's timeless wisdom.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

孔明庙前有老柏
Kǒngmíng miào qián yǒu lǎo bǎi
Before Kongming's temple stands an ancient cypress,

柯如青铜根如石
Kē rú qīngtóng gēn rú shí
Its branches like bronze, its roots like stone.

霜皮溜雨四十围
Shuāng pí liū yǔ sìshí wéi
Frost-scarred bark, rain-slicked, forty spans round,

黛色参天二千尺
Dài sè cāntiān èrqiān chǐ
Its dark hue pierces the sky two thousand feet high.

君臣已与时际会
Jūn chén yǐ yǔ shí jìhuì
Ruler and minister once met in harmony,

树木犹为人爱惜
Shùmù yóu wéi rén àixī
And still the tree is cherished by men.

云来气接巫峡长
Yún lái qì jiē Wū xiá cháng
Clouds draw near, its aura stretches to Wu Gorge,

月出寒通雪山白
Yuè chū hán tōng xuěshān bái
Moonrise chills connect to snowy peaks' white.

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "Before Kongming's temple stands an ancient cypress"
   - The poem opens with a reference to Zhuge Liang (Kongming), a revered statesman and strategist of the Three Kingdoms period. The cypress, standing before his temple, symbolizes enduring wisdom and virtue.

2. "Its branches like bronze, its roots like stone"
   - The tree's strength is emphasized through metallic and mineral imagery, suggesting permanence and unyielding resilience.

3. "Frost-scarred bark, rain-slicked, forty spans round"
   - The tree bears the marks of time (frost and rain), yet remains massive and unbroken—a metaphor for enduring hardship.

4. "Its dark hue pierces the sky two thousand feet high"
   - The cypress's towering presence represents lofty ideals and spiritual aspiration.

5. "Ruler and minister once met in harmony"
   - Alludes to the ideal relationship between Zhuge Liang and Liu Bei, symbolizing virtuous governance.

6. "And still the tree is cherished by men"
   - The tree's legacy lives on, much like the admiration for historical paragons of virtue.

7. "Clouds draw near, its aura stretches to Wu Gorge"
   - The tree's influence is vast, connecting heaven and earth, past and present.

8. "Moonrise chills connect to snowy peaks' white"
   - A serene yet majestic image, blending natural beauty with a sense of transcendence.

Themes and Symbolism

1. Resilience and Endurance
   - The cypress symbolizes unyielding strength, surviving the ravages of time and nature.

2. Virtue and Legacy
   - The tree's association with Zhuge Liang reflects Confucian ideals of loyalty, wisdom, and moral integrity.

3. Nature and the Cosmos
   - The poem blends Daoist reverence for nature with a sense of cosmic harmony, where the tree bridges earth and sky.

Cultural Context

Du Fu wrote during the An Lushan Rebellion (755–763), a time of chaos and suffering. The poem's emphasis on endurance and virtue likely reflects his longing for stability and righteous leadership. The cypress also embodies the Chinese cultural value of jianren (坚韧, perseverance), admired in both nature and human character.

Conclusion

"古柏行" is a masterpiece of classical Chinese poetry, weaving together nature, history, and philosophy. Its depiction of the ancient cypress serves as a timeless reminder of resilience and moral fortitude. For modern readers, the poem resonates as a tribute to the enduring power of virtue and the beauty of nature's wisdom.

Du Fu's ability to find profound meaning in a single tree exemplifies why his works remain beloved centuries later—they speak to universal human experiences with eloquence and depth.