Analysis of "蚕妇" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

The poem "蚕妇" (Cán Fù) is a poignant work by the Song Dynasty poet Zhang Yu (张俞), who lived during the 11th century. Though not as widely known as some Tang Dynasty poets, Zhang Yu's works often reflect the social realities of his time, particularly the hardships faced by common people.

"蚕妇" is a short but powerful piece that highlights the disparity between the labor of silk-producing women and the luxurious lives of those who wear silk. It serves as a subtle critique of social inequality, a theme that resonates across cultures and eras. The poem's simplicity and emotional depth have made it a lasting example of classical Chinese poetry's ability to convey profound messages with minimal words.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

昨日入城市
Zuó rì rù chéng shì
Yesterday I went into the city

归来泪满巾
Guī lái lèi mǎn jīn
Returned with tears soaking my scarf

遍身罗绮者
Biàn shēn luó qǐ zhě
Those dressed head to toe in silks

不是养蚕人
Bú shì yǎng cán rén
Are not the ones who raise silkworms

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "昨日入城市" (Yesterday I went into the city)
   - The poem begins with a simple statement, grounding the narrative in the experience of a rural woman. The word "city" symbolizes wealth and privilege, contrasting sharply with her humble life.

2. "归来泪满巾" (Returned with tears soaking my scarf)
   - The emotional impact is immediate—her sorrow is so intense that her scarf is drenched in tears. This line conveys deep injustice and personal grief.

3. "遍身罗绮者" (Those dressed head to toe in silks)
   - The poet paints a vivid image of the elite adorned in luxurious silk garments. The word "遍身" (head to toe) emphasizes their extravagance.

4. "不是养蚕人" (Are not the ones who raise silkworms)
   - The final line delivers the poem's central irony: those who labor to produce silk cannot afford to wear it. The injustice is left unspoken but deeply felt.

Themes and Symbolism

Social Inequality

The poem critiques the vast gap between the working class and the wealthy. The silk farmer's tears symbolize the unseen suffering behind luxury.

Labor and Exploitation

Silk production was labor-intensive, mostly done by women. The poem subtly questions why those who create beauty live in hardship while others enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Symbolism of Silk

Silk represents both beauty and inequality—it is a luxury item made through backbreaking work, yet the workers themselves are excluded from its benefits.

Cultural Context

During the Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE), China's economy flourished, and silk was a major export. However, the wealth was concentrated among the elite, while peasants and artisans struggled.

This poem reflects Confucian values of fairness and moral responsibility, criticizing those who benefit from others' toil without gratitude or reciprocity. It also aligns with the tradition of shi (诗) poetry, which often addressed social issues with subtlety and emotional depth.

Conclusion

"蚕妇" is a masterpiece of brevity and emotional power. In just four lines, Zhang Yu captures the silent suffering of working women and the stark divide between labor and luxury.

The poem remains relevant today, reminding us of the unseen hands behind many comforts we take for granted. Its message transcends time and culture—a call to recognize and honor the dignity of all labor.

For readers exploring Chinese poetry, "蚕妇" is an excellent example of how classical verse can convey profound social commentary with elegance and restraint.