Analysis of "忆扬州" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

The poem "忆扬州" (Yì Yángzhōu, "Remembering Yangzhou") was written by the Tang Dynasty poet Xu Hun (许浑, Xǔ Hún). Xu Hun was known for his lyrical and melancholic style, often reflecting on the passage of time and the beauty of lost moments. Yangzhou, a prosperous city during the Tang Dynasty, was a cultural and economic hub, famous for its scenic beauty and vibrant nightlife.

This poem is a nostalgic reflection on Yangzhou’s enchanting nights, blending personal longing with vivid imagery. It is celebrated for its delicate emotional depth and its ability to evoke a sense of wistful remembrance.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

萧娘脸薄难胜泪
Xiāo niáng liǎn báo nán shèng lèi
The delicate face of Lady Xiao could hardly bear her tears,

桃叶眉长易觉愁
Táo yè méi cháng yì jué chóu
The long brows of Taoye easily revealed her sorrow.

天下三分明月夜
Tiānxià sān fēn míngyuè yè
Of all the moonlit nights under heaven,

二分无赖是扬州
Èr fēn wúlài shì Yángzhōu
Two-thirds belong, enchantingly, to Yangzhou.

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "萧娘脸薄难胜泪" (Xiāo niáng liǎn báo nán shèng lèi)
   - Imagery: "Lady Xiao" (萧娘) was a classical reference to a beautiful, fragile woman. The poet describes her delicate face unable to withstand tears, suggesting deep sorrow.
   - Emotion: This line conveys tenderness and melancholy, possibly symbolizing the poet’s own sadness in remembering Yangzhou.

2. "桃叶眉长易觉愁" (Táo yè méi cháng yì jué chóu)
   - Cultural Reference: "Taoye" (桃叶) was another classical beauty, known for her elegance. Her long, expressive brows reveal her sorrow effortlessly.
   - Metaphor: The poet may be comparing Yangzhou itself to a sorrowful beauty, emphasizing its emotional impact on him.

3. "天下三分明月夜" (Tiānxià sān fēn míngyuè yè)
   - Hyperbole: The poet claims that if the beauty of moonlit nights were divided into three parts, Yangzhou would claim most of it.
   - Symbolism: The moon often symbolizes nostalgia and longing in Chinese poetry, reinforcing the theme of remembrance.

4. "二分无赖是扬州" (Èr fēn wúlài shì Yángzhōu)
   - Wordplay: "无赖" (wúlài) can mean "mischievous" or "irresistibly charming," suggesting Yangzhou’s beauty is so overwhelming it feels almost unfair.
   - Final Emotion: The poet concludes with admiration and helpless longing, as if Yangzhou’s beauty is impossible to forget.

Themes and Symbolism

• Nostalgia & Longing: The poem is a meditation on memory and the pain of separation from a beloved place.
• Beauty & Transience: Yangzhou’s enchanting nights are fleeting, much like the delicate beauty of the women described.
• Moon Symbolism: The moon represents both the passage of time and the poet’s lingering attachment to the past.

Cultural Context

During the Tang Dynasty, Yangzhou was a thriving city known for its canals, gardens, and lively entertainment. Many poets, including Li Bai and Du Mu, wrote about its allure. Xu Hun’s poem captures the bittersweet feeling of recalling a place that no longer exists as it once did—a common sentiment in classical Chinese poetry, where the past is often idealized.

The phrase "二分无赖是扬州" has become proverbial, often quoted to describe Yangzhou’s incomparable charm.

Conclusion

"忆扬州" is a masterpiece of wistful elegance, blending personal emotion with universal themes of beauty and loss. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to make readers feel the poet’s longing, as if they, too, have been touched by Yangzhou’s moonlight.

Even today, the poem resonates with anyone who has cherished a memory so vivid it feels almost unfair—proof that great poetry transcends time and culture.