Analysis of "咏荆轲" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

The poem "咏荆轲" (Yǒng Jīng Kē, "Ode to Jing Ke") was written by the renowned Jin Dynasty poet Tao Yuanming (365–427 AD), also known as Tao Qian. He is celebrated for his pastoral poetry and philosophical reflections, but "咏荆轲" stands out as a rare heroic narrative in his works. The poem recounts the legendary assassination attempt by Jing Ke, a warrior who tried to kill the tyrannical First Emperor of Qin in 227 BC. Though the mission failed, Jing Ke became a symbol of loyalty, courage, and resistance against oppression. Tao Yuanming's poem immortalizes this story, blending historical grandeur with poetic elegance.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

燕丹善养士
Yān Dān shàn yǎng shì
Prince Dan of Yan was skilled in nurturing warriors,

志在报强嬴
Zhì zài bào qiáng Yíng
His will set on avenging the mighty Qin.

招集百夫良
Zhāo jí bǎi fū liáng
He gathered a hundred exceptional men,

岁暮得荆卿
Suì mù dé Jīng qīng
And at year's end, he obtained Jing Qing.

君子死知己
Jūnzǐ sǐ zhījǐ
A noble man dies for one who knows him,

提剑出燕京
Tí jiàn chū Yān jīng
Sword in hand, he left the Yan capital.

素骥鸣广陌
Sù jì míng guǎng mò
A white steed neighed on the broad road,

慷慨送我行
Kāngkǎi sòng wǒ xíng
Passionately seeing me off on my journey.

雄发指危冠
Xióng fà zhǐ wēi guān
His bristling hair lifted his high cap,

猛气冲长缨
Měng qì chōng cháng yīng
Fierce energy surged through his long tassels.

饮饯易水上
Yǐn jiàn Yì shuǐ shàng
A farewell feast by the Yi River,

四座列群英
Sì zuò liè qún yīng
Surrounded by rows of assembled heroes.

渐离击悲筑
Jiàn lí jī bēi zhù
Jian Li struck the mournful zhu,

宋意唱高声
Sòng yì chàng gāo shēng
Song Yi sang with a mighty voice.

萧萧哀风逝
Xiāoxiāo āi fēng shì
The mournful wind sighed and faded,

淡淡寒波生
Dàndàn hán bō shēng
Cold ripples rose on the water.

商音更流涕
Shāng yīn gèng liú tì
The Shang note brought flowing tears,

羽奏壮士惊
Yǔ zòu zhuàngshì jīng
The Yu melody startled the brave warrior.

心知去不归
Xīn zhī qù bù guī
Knowing in his heart he would not return,

且有后世名
Qiě yǒu hòushì míng
Yet he would leave a name for later ages.

登车何时顾
Dēng chē hé shí gù
Once in the carriage, he never looked back,

飞盖入秦庭
Fēi gài rù Qín tíng
Speeding straight to the Qin court.

凌厉越万里
Línglì yuè wàn lǐ
Swiftly traversing ten thousand miles,

逶迤过千城
Wēiyí guò qiān chéng
Winding past a thousand cities.

图穷事自至
Tú qióng shì zì zhì
When the map unrolled, the deed was done,

豪主正怔营
Háo zhǔ zhèng zhēng yíng
The proud ruler stood in terror.

惜哉剑术疏
Xī zāi jiàn shù shū
Alas, his swordsmanship was flawed,

奇功遂不成
Qí gōng suì bù chéng
And so the great task was left undone.

其人虽已没
Qí rén suī yǐ mò
Though the man is long gone,

千载有馀情
Qiān zǎi yǒu yú qíng
For a thousand years, his spirit lingers.

Line-by-Line Analysis

Opening (Lines 1-4)

Tao Yuanming introduces Prince Dan of Yan, who sought revenge against Qin. The phrase "岁暮得荆卿" (at year's end, he obtained Jing Qing) suggests Jing Ke was a rare find, a hero destined for a fatal mission.

Heroic Resolve (Lines 5-10)

Jing Ke’s loyalty ("君子死知己") and fearless demeanor ("雄发指危冠") are emphasized. The white steed symbolizes purity and sacrifice, while "慷慨送我行" conveys the emotional send-off.

Farewell Scene (Lines 11-18)

The Yi River banquet is laden with sorrow. The music ("渐离击悲筑") and the cold wind ("萧萧哀风逝") create a tragic atmosphere. The Shang and Yu musical notes deepen the mood—traditional Chinese music theory associates Shang with grief and Yu with heroism.

The Journey and Failure (Lines 19-26)

Jing Ke’s determination ("登车何时顾") contrasts with his inevitable failure ("惜哉剑术疏"). The phrase "图穷事自至" refers to the moment when Jing Ke’s dagger was revealed from a scroll, sealing his fate.

Legacy (Lines 27-28)

Despite his failure, Jing Ke’s courage lives on ("千载有馀情"), a testament to the enduring power of heroism.

Themes and Symbolism

• Loyalty and Sacrifice: Jing Ke embodies the Confucian ideal of dying for a righteous cause.
• Heroism vs. Fate: The poem contrasts human bravery with the inevitability of destiny.
• Music and Nature: The lamenting music and cold river symbolize the tragedy of Jing Ke’s mission.

Cultural Context

Jing Ke’s story comes from Records of the Grand Historian by Sima Qian. Tao Yuanming, known for his reclusive poetry, diverges here to celebrate a martyr. The poem reflects the "xia" (侠) tradition—knight-errant values of honor, vengeance, and self-sacrifice.

Conclusion

"咏荆轲" is a powerful exception in Tao Yuanming’s oeuvre, blending history, heroism, and lyrical beauty. Its message—that courage outlives failure—resonates across cultures. In an age of tyranny, Jing Ke’s story reminds us that defiance, even in defeat, can inspire generations.