Analysis of "官仓鼠" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

The poem "官仓鼠" ("Official Granary Mice") is a famous satirical work by the late Tang Dynasty poet Cao Ye (曹邺). Written during a period of political corruption and social inequality, the poem uses vivid imagery to critique greedy officials who hoard resources while the common people suffer. Though short, it packs a powerful punch and remains relevant as a commentary on abuse of power.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

官仓老鼠大如斗
Guān cāng lǎoshǔ dà rú dǒu
The granary mice are as big as buckets,

见人开仓亦不走
Jiàn rén kāi cāng yì bù zǒu
They don’t flee even when the granary opens.

健儿无粮百姓饥
Jiàn'ér wú liáng bǎixìng jī
Soldiers lack rations, the people starve,

谁遣朝朝入君口
Shuí qiǎn zhāozhāo rù jūn kǒu
Yet who lets them feast daily in your mouths?

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "The granary mice are as big as buckets"
   - The poem opens with absurd exaggeration—mice the size of buckets (a dǒu is a traditional grain measure). This hyperbole immediately signals satire, mocking the audacity of corrupt officials.

2. "They don’t flee even when the granary opens"
   - Normally, mice scatter when discovered. Here, they’re so brazen they don’t bother hiding, symbolizing officials who steal openly without fear of punishment.

3. "Soldiers lack rations, the people starve"
   - The consequences of corruption are laid bare: those who protect the nation (soldiers) and ordinary citizens suffer while resources are plundered.

4. "Yet who lets them feast daily in your mouths?"
   - The rhetorical question shifts blame upward, implying higher authorities enable the theft. "Your mouths" could address the mice or the corrupt elite, blurring the line between literal rodents and human exploiters.

Themes and Symbolism

• Corruption and Inequality: The mice symbolize officials who drain public resources. Their size and boldness reflect unchecked greed.
• Social Injustice: The contrast between the mice’s gluttony and the people’s starvation highlights systemic failure.
• Satire: By comparing officials to rodents, Cao Ye uses humor to deliver a scathing critique, a common technique in classical Chinese protest poetry.

Cultural Context

The Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE) was a golden age for Chinese poetry, but its later years saw rampant corruption. Cao Ye, a mid-tier official, wrote boldly about societal issues. "官仓鼠" reflects Confucian ideals of righteous governance, where leaders should prioritize the people’s welfare. The poem’s enduring popularity stems from its universal message—critiquing power abuse resonates across centuries and cultures.

Conclusion

"官仓鼠" is a masterclass in economical yet potent satire. Its imagery—grotesque, fearless mice—vividly encapsulates the shamelessness of corruption. While rooted in Tang Dynasty politics, the poem’s themes feel startlingly modern, reminding us that unchecked power and inequality are timeless struggles. Cao Ye’s wit and moral clarity make this short verse a lasting gem of Chinese literature.