Analysis of "漫成十五首" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

The "漫成十五首" (Màn Chéng Shí Wǔ Shǒu, "Fifteen Casual Poems") is a series of poems by the Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu (杜甫, 712–770), one of China's greatest literary figures. Known as the "Poet Sage," Du Fu wrote during a turbulent period marked by the An Lushan Rebellion, which deeply influenced his work. These poems reflect his contemplative and often melancholic observations of life, nature, and society.

"漫成十五首" exemplifies Du Fu's mastery of concise yet profound expression, blending personal emotion with broader philosophical and social commentary. The series remains significant for its insight into Tang Dynasty culture and its enduring influence on Chinese poetry.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

Below is one of the most famous poems from the series, along with its translation.

江月去人只数尺
Jiāng yuè qù rén zhǐ shù chǐ
The river moon is but a few feet from me,

风灯照夜欲三更
Fēng dēng zhào yè yù sān gēng
The wind-lit lamp shines into the nearing third watch.

沙头宿鹭联拳静
Shā tóu sù lù lián quán jìng
On the sandbar, herons sleep in stillness, curled together,

船尾跳鱼拨剌鸣
Chuán wěi tiào yú bō là míng
At the boat’s stern, a leaping fish splashes with a sudden sound.

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "The river moon is but a few feet from me"
   - Du Fu creates an intimate scene where the moon’s reflection on the water appears close enough to touch. This imagery conveys solitude and a deep connection with nature.

2. "The wind-lit lamp shines into the nearing third watch"
   - The "third watch" (三更, sān gēng) refers to midnight in ancient Chinese timekeeping. The flickering lamp suggests the poet’s wakefulness, possibly due to contemplation or unrest.

3. "On the sandbar, herons sleep in stillness, curled together"
   - The herons symbolize peace and harmony, contrasting with the poet’s solitude. Their "curled" posture evokes a sense of protection and tranquility.

4. "At the boat’s stern, a leaping fish splashes with a sudden sound"
   - The sudden splash disrupts the quiet night, mirroring the unpredictability of life. This moment of movement contrasts with the stillness of the herons, creating a dynamic balance.

Themes and Symbolism

1. Solitude and Reflection

The poem captures a quiet night where the poet observes nature while alone on a boat. The moon and lamp symbolize introspection, while the herons and fish represent the duality of stillness and change.

2. Harmony with Nature

Du Fu often wrote about the natural world as a refuge from human turmoil. The herons sleeping peacefully and the moon’s closeness reflect a desire for unity with nature.

3. Transience and Impermanence

The leaping fish’s sudden movement reminds us of life’s fleeting moments, a common theme in Chinese poetry influenced by Daoist and Buddhist thought.

Cultural Context

Du Fu lived during the Tang Dynasty (618–907), a golden age of Chinese poetry. However, the An Lushan Rebellion (755–763) brought chaos, displacing many, including Du Fu. His later works often reflect sorrow and resilience.

This poem embodies Chinese aesthetic principles such as:
- Jìng (静): Quietness and stillness as a form of beauty.
- Yìjìng (意境): The "artistic conception" where nature mirrors human emotion.

Conclusion

"漫成十五首" exemplifies Du Fu’s ability to find profundity in simplicity. Through delicate imagery and subtle emotion, he transforms a quiet night on the river into a meditation on life, nature, and impermanence.

For modern readers, the poem remains a timeless reminder of the beauty in stillness and the fleeting nature of existence. Whether appreciating its lyrical beauty or its philosophical depth, Du Fu’s work continues to resonate across cultures and centuries.

Would you like to explore another poem from the series or a different Tang Dynasty poet? Let me know in the comments!