Analysis of "奉赠韦左丞丈二十二韵" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

The poem "奉赠韦左丞丈二十二韵" (Fèng zèng Wéi Zuǒchéng zhàng èrshí'èr yùn) was written by the renowned Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu (712–770), often regarded as one of China's greatest literary figures. Composed during a time of political turmoil and personal hardship, this poem reflects Du Fu's struggles, aspirations, and deep sense of moral responsibility.

The poem is significant in Chinese literature for its candid expression of the poet's frustrations with the imperial examination system and his plea for recognition. It showcases Du Fu's mastery of language, his profound empathy for the common people, and his unwavering Confucian ideals.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

纨绔不饿死，儒冠多误身。
Wánkù bù è sǐ, rú guān duō wù shēn.
Silken-robed youths never starve to death, while scholars often ruin their lives.

丈人试静听，贱子请具陈。
Zhàngrén shì jìng tīng, jiàn zǐ qǐng jù chén.
My elder, please listen quietly; this humble man begs to explain in full.

甫昔少年日，早充观国宾。
Fǔ xī shàonián rì, zǎo chōng guān guó bīn.
In my youthful days, I early served as a guest at the state observances.

读书破万卷，下笔如有神。
Dúshū pò wàn juǎn, xià bǐ rú yǒu shén.
Having read ten thousand volumes, I write as if guided by spirits.

赋料扬雄敌，诗看子建亲。
Fù liào Yáng Xióng dí, shī kàn Zǐjiàn qīn.
My prose rivals Yang Xiong's; my poetry approaches Cao Zhi's.

李邕求识面，王翰愿卜邻。
Lǐ Yōng qiú shí miàn, Wáng Hàn yuàn bǔ lín.
Li Yong sought to know me; Wang Han wished to be my neighbor.

自谓颇挺出，立登要路津。
Zì wèi pō tǐng chū, lì dēng yào lù jīn.
I thought myself outstanding, fit to rise swiftly to high position.

致君尧舜上，再使风俗淳。
Zhì jūn Yáo Shùn shàng, zài shǐ fēngsú chún.
To make my sovereign surpass Yao and Shun, and restore pure customs once more.

(The full poem contains 22 couplets, but for brevity, we analyze key excerpts.)

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "Silken-robed youths never starve to death, while scholars often ruin their lives."
   Du Fu opens with a striking contrast between the privileged aristocracy ("silken-robed youths") and struggling scholars like himself. The bitterness reflects Tang Dynasty social inequities.

2. "Having read ten thousand volumes, I write as if guided by spirits."
   This famous line reveals Du Fu's confidence in his literary talent. The hyperbole "ten thousand volumes" underscores his dedication to learning.

3. "My prose rivals Yang Xiong's; my poetry approaches Cao Zhi's."
   Yang Xiong (Han Dynasty philosopher) and Cao Zhi (legendary poet) represent the highest literary standards. Du Fu humbly compares himself to these giants.

4. "To make my sovereign surpass Yao and Shun, and restore pure customs once more."
   Yao and Shun are mythical sage-kings symbolizing ideal governance. This line embodies Du Fu's Confucian dream of serving the emperor to improve society.

Themes and Symbolism

1. Frustration with Social Injustice
   The poem critiques a system where birthright trumps merit. The "silken-robed youths" symbolize unworthy elites, while scholars represent neglected talent.

2. Confucian Idealism
   Du Fu's desire to guide the emperor reflects the Confucian ideal of the scholar-official who uplifts society through moral leadership.

3. Literary Pride and Humility
   While showcasing his erudition, Du Fu balances pride with deference (e.g., addressing the recipient as "elder").

Cultural Context

• Written around 753 CE, the poem reflects Du Fu's failed attempts to secure an official post despite his brilliance. The Tang Dynasty's civil service exams were theoretically meritocratic but often corrupted by nepotism.
• The poem exemplifies "gǎn yù" (感遇) poetry—literary works expressing personal grievances and social criticism.
• Du Fu's reference to Yao and Shun connects to a broader Chinese tradition of using ancient paragons to critique contemporary rulers.

Conclusion

"奉赠韦左丞丈二十二韵" is a masterpiece of emotional depth and social commentary. Du Fu's blend of personal vulnerability, literary brilliance, and moral urgency gives the poem timeless resonance. For modern readers, it speaks to universal struggles: the tension between talent and recognition, and the enduring hope to contribute meaningfully to society.

As we read Du Fu's plea across the centuries, we recognize not just a poet's lament, but a profound meditation on the human condition.