Analysis of "漫成二首" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

"漫成二首" (Màn Chéng Èr Shǒu) is a pair of poems written by the renowned Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu (杜甫, 712–770), often regarded as one of China's greatest literary figures. These poems reflect Du Fu's mastery of concise yet profound expression, capturing fleeting moments of life with deep emotional resonance.

Written during a turbulent period in Chinese history (the An Lushan Rebellion), these poems reveal Du Fu's contemplative nature and his ability to find beauty in simplicity. They hold significant cultural value as they embody the Tang Dynasty's poetic ideals—balancing realism with lyrical elegance.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

Poem 1

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

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

沙头宿鹭联拳静
Shā tóu sù lù lián quán jìng
On the sandbar, egrets roost 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—sudden sound.

Poem 2

野径云俱黑
Yě jìng yún jù hēi
The country path and clouds merge into darkness,

江船火独明
Jiāng chuán huǒ dú míng
Only the river boat’s fire shines bright.

晓看红湿处
Xiǎo kàn hóng shī chù
At dawn, I’ll see the reddened, rain-drenched blooms—

花重锦官城
Huā zhòng jǐn guān chéng
Flowers heavy-laden, bowing over Brocade City.

Line-by-Line Analysis

Poem 1

• Lines 1–2: The poet describes an intimate scene—the moon hovering close over the river, while a lantern flickers in the wind. The "third watch" (around midnight) suggests solitude and quiet reflection.
• Lines 3–4: The sleeping egrets symbolize peace, while the sudden splash of a fish introduces movement—a moment of spontaneity in the stillness.

Poem 2

• Lines 1–2: Darkness envelops the landscape, except for the lone boat’s fire, creating a striking contrast. This may symbolize hope amid uncertainty.
• Lines 3–4: The poet anticipates dawn, where rain-soaked flowers ("reddened" from moisture) will weigh down the branches. "Brocade City" (Chengdu) reflects Du Fu’s time spent there, blending natural beauty with urban life.

Themes and Symbolism

• Nature’s Tranquility and Sudden Movement: The poems balance stillness (sleeping egrets) with abrupt energy (leaping fish), mirroring life’s unpredictability.
• Light and Darkness: The contrast between the boat’s fire and the blackened path symbolizes resilience in difficult times.
• Impermanence and Renewal: The rain-drenched flowers suggest the cyclical nature of life—beauty persists even after hardship.

Cultural Context

Du Fu wrote these during the Tang Dynasty’s decline, a period marked by war and displacement. His poetry often reflects Confucian ideals—concern for society, moral integrity, and harmony with nature.

The imagery of the river, moon, and flowers aligns with Chinese aesthetic principles (e.g., yijing 意境, "artistic conception"), where nature evokes deeper philosophical meaning.

Conclusion

"漫成二首" exemplifies Du Fu’s genius in capturing fleeting moments with profound depth. These poems resonate today as meditations on stillness, resilience, and the quiet beauty of existence. For readers exploring Chinese literature, Du Fu’s work offers a timeless window into the soul of Tang Dynasty poetry.

"In just a few brushstrokes of verse, the ordinary becomes eternal."