Analysis of "彭衙行" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

The poem "彭衙行" (Péng Yá Xíng) was written by the renowned Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu (杜甫, 712-770), often considered one of China's greatest literary masters. Composed during the chaotic An Lushan Rebellion (755-763), this work reflects Du Fu's personal hardships while offering profound social commentary.

As a prime example of Du Fu's "historical poetry," it blends autobiographical narrative with observations about war's devastation. The poem holds significance as both a literary masterpiece and a valuable historical record of Tang Dynasty society during crisis.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

忆昔避贼初

Yì xī bì zéi chū

I remember when first fleeing the rebels

北走经险艰

Běi zǒu jīng xiǎn jiān

Northward escape through perilous hardships

夜深彭衙道

Yè shēn Péng Yá dào

Late night on the Pengya road

月照白水山

Yuè zhào bái shuǐ shān

Moonlight shines on White Water Mountain

尽室久徒步

Jìn shì jiǔ tú bù

My whole family long walking on foot

逢人多厚颜

Féng rén duō hòu yán

Meeting people, often ashamed-faced

参差谷鸟吟

Cēn cī gǔ niǎo yín

Uneven valley birds sing

不见游子还

Bú jiàn yóu zǐ huán

No wandering son returns to be seen

Line-by-Line Analysis

Lines 1-2: The opening establishes the poem's context - the poet's forced flight from rebel forces. "Fleeing the rebels" refers to escaping An Lushan's troops, while "northward escape" suggests a desperate journey toward safety.

Lines 3-4: The nighttime setting on Pengya road creates an atmosphere of vulnerability. The moonlight on White Water Mountain offers a moment of natural beauty contrasting with human suffering.

Lines 5-6: "Whole family walking" emphasizes the collective hardship, while "ashamed-faced" reveals Du Fu's complex emotions about seeking help during displacement - a remarkably honest confession from a Confucian scholar.

Lines 7-8: The birds' song becomes ironic against human silence, with "no wandering son returns" underscoring war's disruption of normal life and family bonds.

Themes and Symbolism

War's Devastation: The poem vividly portrays civilian suffering during conflict, from forced migration to loss of dignity.

Nature's Indifference: The beautiful moon and singing birds contrast sharply with human tragedy, suggesting nature's impartial continuity.

Confucian Dilemma: Du Fu's shame reflects Confucian values about self-sufficiency conflicting with wartime realities.

Key symbols:
- Moonlight: Traditional symbol of clarity that here illuminates hardship
- Birds' song: Normally joyful, here emphasizing human absence
- Road: Represents both physical journey and life's difficult path

Cultural Context

Written during the Tang Dynasty's decline, this poem exemplifies how Chinese poets documented history through personal experience. The An Lushan Rebellion (755-763) killed millions and destabilized China's golden age.

Du Fu's work reflects:
- Confucian concern for social responsibility
- The scholar-official's role as witness to history
- Traditional Chinese valuing of family stability
- The concept of 诗史 (shī shǐ, poetry as history)

This period saw many similar refugee experiences, making the poem both personal and universal for Tang readers.

Conclusion

"彭衙行" remains powerful for its unflinching honesty and artistic balance between personal narrative and historical record. Du Fu transforms his family's hardship into timeless art that speaks to universal experiences of displacement and resilience.

The poem's enduring relevance lies in its humane portrayal of ordinary people caught in historical upheavals - a theme that resonates across cultures and centuries. Through exquisite craftsmanship and profound empathy, Du Fu demonstrates why Chinese poetry remains vital world literature.