Understanding "无题·闻道阊门萼绿华" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 无题·闻道阊门萼绿华
• Pinyin: Wú tí · Wén dào Chāng mén è lǜ huá
• Literal Meaning: "Untitled · Hearing of the E Lü Hua at Chang Gate"
• Primary Meaning: This is the title of a classical Chinese poem by the Tang Dynasty poet Li Shangyin (李商隐). The poem reflects themes of unrequited love, longing, and the fleeting nature of beauty.

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

"无题·闻道阊门萼绿华" is part of a series of "Untitled" (无题) poems by Li Shangyin, which are famous for their ambiguous and deeply emotional content. The poem describes a fleeting encounter with a beautiful woman (symbolized by "萼绿华," a mythical fairy) and the poet's melancholy over the impossibility of their union.

The phrase "闻道阊门萼绿华" ("Hearing of the E Lü Hua at Chang Gate") alludes to a legendary beauty, emphasizing the transient and unattainable nature of love. The poem is often studied in Chinese literature for its rich imagery and emotional depth.

Character Breakdown

• 无题 (Wú tí): "Untitled" – a common title for poems whose themes are intentionally ambiguous.
• 闻道 (Wén dào): "Hearing of" or "It is said that" – introduces a secondhand account.
• 阊门 (Chāng mén): "Chang Gate" – a famous gate in ancient Suzhou, often symbolizing a place of separation or longing.
• 萼绿华 (È lǜ huá): "E Lü Hua" – a mythical fairy or goddess in Chinese folklore, representing ethereal beauty.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 李商隐的《无题·闻道阊门萼绿华》充满了哀愁与美感。
   Pinyin: Lǐ Shāngyǐn de 《Wú tí · Wén dào Chāng mén è lǜ huá》 chōngmǎn le āichóu yǔ měigǎn.
   English: Li Shangyin's "Untitled · Hearing of the E Lü Hua at Chang Gate" is filled with sorrow and beauty.

2. Chinese: 这首诗中的“萼绿华”象征着可望而不可即的爱情。
   Pinyin: Zhè shǒu shī zhōng de “è lǜ huá” xiàngzhēng zhe kě wàng ér bùkě jí de àiqíng.
   English: The "E Lü Hua" in this poem symbolizes love that is visible yet unattainable.

3. Chinese: 阊门在古代文学中常代表离别与思念。
   Pinyin: Chāng mén zài gǔdài wénxué zhōng cháng dàibiǎo líbié yǔ sīniàn.
   English: In classical literature, Chang Gate often represents separation and longing.

Cultural Notes

• Li Shangyin's "Untitled" poems are renowned for their elusive meanings, often leaving room for multiple interpretations.
• "萼绿华" (E Lü Hua) is a figure from Daoist mythology, representing an immortal fairy, which adds a layer of mysticism to the poem.
• The Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD) was a golden age of Chinese poetry, and Li Shangyin is one of its most celebrated poets, known for his romantic and melancholic style.

Conclusion

"无题·闻道阊门萼绿华" is a profound Tang Dynasty poem that explores themes of love, longing, and the ephemeral nature of beauty. By understanding its characters and cultural context, learners can appreciate the depth of classical Chinese poetry. Remember, the "Untitled" series often conveys emotions that words alone cannot fully capture.