Analysis of "后出塞五首" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

"后出塞五首" (Hòu Chū Sài Wǔ Shǒu) is a series of five poems written by the renowned Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu (杜甫, 712-770). Du Fu is often regarded as one of China's greatest literary figures, known for his profound social consciousness and masterful use of language. These poems were composed during a period of military campaigns and reflect the poet's observations about war, its impact on soldiers, and the broader societal consequences.

The "后出塞" series holds significant literary value as it captures the tension between patriotic duty and the human cost of war—a theme that resonates across cultures and eras. Written during the An Lushan Rebellion (755-763), these works offer a window into Tang Dynasty society while showcasing Du Fu's ability to blend personal emotion with historical commentary.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

Here is the second poem from the series, one of the most celebrated:

朝进东门营

Zhāo jìn dōng mén yíng

At dawn I enter the camp at East Gate

暮上河阳桥

Mù shàng hé yáng qiáo

At dusk I cross the Heyang Bridge

落日照大旗

Luòrì zhào dà qí

The setting sun shines on grand banners

马鸣风萧萧

Mǎ míng fēng xiāoxiāo

Horses neigh as winds whistle bleakly

平沙列万幕

Píng shā liè wàn mù

On flat sands, tents stand in thousands

部伍各见招

Bù wǔ gè jiàn zhāo

Each troop answers its own summons

中天悬明月

Zhōng tiān xuán míng yuè

A bright moon hangs in mid-sky

令严夜寂寥

Lìng yán yè jìliáo

Strict orders bring silent nights

悲笳数声动

Bēi jiā shù shēng dòng

A few sad notes from reed pipes stir

壮士惨不骄

Zhuàngshì cǎn bù jiāo

Brave warriors grieve, their pride gone

Line-by-Line Analysis

Opening Lines (1-4):
The poem immediately establishes a journey through time ("dawn" to "dusk") and space (entering camp, crossing a bridge). The imagery of the setting sun on banners and the soundscape of neighing horses with whistling wind creates a somber military atmosphere.

Middle Section (5-8):
The "tents stand in thousands" visualizes the massive scale of mobilization, while "each troop answers its own summons" suggests organized chaos. The bright moon hanging over the strictly enforced quiet camp creates a striking contrast between natural beauty and military discipline.

Closing Lines (9-10):
The melancholy sound of reed pipes (笳, jiā) breaks the silence, revealing the emotional truth beneath the martial surface. The final line delivers the poem's punch—even brave warriors lose their pride when confronted with war's reality.

Themes and Symbolism

The Cost of War:
Beyond the surface depiction of military life, the poem reveals war's psychological toll. The progression from orderly scenes to emotional vulnerability shows how discipline cannot mask human suffering.

Nature's Witness:
Natural elements (sun, wind, moon) serve as silent observers to human affairs, their beauty contrasting with man-made conflict. The moon particularly symbolizes both the passage of time and emotional isolation.

Sound Imagery:
From the initial horse neighs to the final reed pipes, auditory elements carry emotional weight. The "whistling bleakly" wind and "sad notes" create an aural atmosphere of melancholy.

Cultural Context

Written during the An Lushan Rebellion—a devastating civil war—these poems reflect Du Fu's "poetic history" style that documented societal conditions. Military service was both a duty and a burden in Tang China, with conscription affecting all social classes.

The poem embodies Confucian values through:
1. The tension between loyalty to the state (responding to summons)
2. The humanistic concern for individual suffering
3. The emphasis on moral responsibility in recording truth

The reed pipes (笳) were traditional instruments used in northern frontier garrisons, making their sound a cultural symbol of military life and homesickness.

Conclusion

Du Fu's "后出塞" poem transcends its 8th-century origins to speak universally about the soldier's experience. Its power lies in how it moves from visual grandeur to intimate vulnerability, revealing that true courage includes acknowledging war's emotional devastation.

For modern readers, the work remains relevant as a meditation on how institutions demand sacrifice from individuals, and how nature bears witness to human struggles. The poem's enduring appeal lies in its honest portrayal of conflicted patriotism—a theme that resonates across cultures and centuries.

As we read these lines today, we hear not just ancient Chinese soldiers, but all who have marched to war with mixed pride and sorrow, their stories illuminated by the same moon that hung over Tang Dynasty battlefields.