Analysis of "饮湖上初晴后雨" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

The poem "饮湖上初晴后雨" ("Drinking on the Lake, First in Sunshine, Then in Rain") was written by Su Shi (苏轼), one of the most celebrated poets of the Song Dynasty (960–1279). Also known by his literary name Dongpo, Su Shi was a master of ci (lyric poetry) and shi (classical poetry), as well as a statesman, calligrapher, and gastronome.

This poem captures the fleeting beauty of West Lake (西湖) in Hangzhou, where Su Shi served as a government official. It is renowned for its vivid imagery and philosophical depth, comparing the lake’s changing scenery to the legendary beauty Xi Shi (西施). The poem remains one of the most beloved works in Chinese literature, embodying the harmony between nature and human emotion.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

饮湖上初晴后雨 (Yǐn Hú shàng Chū Qíng Hòu Yǔ)

Drinking on the Lake, First in Sunshine, Then in Rain

水光潋滟晴方好

Shuǐ guāng liàn yàn qíng fāng hǎo

The shimmering water glows in sunny weather,

山色空蒙雨亦奇

Shān sè kōng méng yǔ yì qí

The misty mountains form a wonder in the rain.

欲把西湖比西子

Yù bǎ Xī Hú bǐ Xī Zǐ

If West Lake were to be compared to Xi Shi,

淡妆浓抹总相宜

Dàn zhuāng nóng mǒ zǒng xiāng yí

She would look fair, whether plainly dressed or adorned.

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "水光潋滟晴方好"
   - The first line depicts sunlit ripples on the lake, emphasizing the radiance of clear skies.
   - "Liàn yàn" (潋滟) suggests sparkling, almost dazzling water, evoking joy and serenity.

2. "山色空蒙雨亦奇"
   - The second line shifts to misty rain, where distant mountains appear dreamlike and mysterious.
   - "Kōng méng" (空蒙) conveys a hazy, ethereal beauty, showing that rain enhances nature’s charm.

3. "欲把西湖比西子"
   - Here, Su Shi makes a bold comparison between West Lake and Xi Shi, a legendary beauty from the Spring and Autumn Period.
   - Xi Shi symbolizes natural elegance, suggesting the lake’s allure is timeless.

4. "淡妆浓抹总相宜"
   - The final line states that Xi Shi—and by extension, West Lake—is beautiful in any state, whether lightly adorned (dàn zhuāng) or richly dressed (nóng mǒ).
   - This reflects the Daoist appreciation of natural balance—perfection lies in adaptability.

Themes and Symbolism

1. The Beauty of Impermanence

• The poem celebrates transient moments—sunshine shifting to rain—highlighting how change enhances beauty.
• This aligns with Chinese aesthetics, where impermanence (无常) is cherished.

2. Nature as a Mirror of Human Emotion

• The lake’s moods mirror human feelings: joy (sunshine) and melancholy (rain).
• Su Shi implies that both emotions are valuable, a core tenet of Confucian and Daoist thought.

3. Xi Shi as a Symbol of Grace

• By comparing the lake to Xi Shi, Su Shi elevates nature to divine beauty.
• The metaphor also suggests that true beauty requires no artifice—it is innate.

Cultural Context

West Lake’s Significance

• West Lake was (and still is) a cultural landmark, inspiring countless poets and painters.
• Su Shi oversaw its dredging as a governor, deepening his personal connection to the scenery.

Philosophical Influences

• The poem embodies Daoist harmony (天人合一), where humanity and nature coexist seamlessly.
• It also reflects Chan (Zen) Buddhist ideals—finding wonder in ordinary moments.

Legacy in Chinese Literature

• The Xi Shi comparison became a classic literary trope, often reused to describe beauty.
• Modern Hangzhou tourism still references this poem, proving its enduring cultural impact.

Conclusion

Su Shi’s "饮湖上初晴后雨" is a masterpiece of brevity and depth, capturing West Lake’s magic in just four lines. Its brilliance lies in universalizing nature’s beauty—whether under sunlight or rain, the lake (like Xi Shi) remains enchanting.

For modern readers, the poem is a reminder to appreciate life’s fleeting moments. In a world obsessed with permanence, Su Shi’s words teach us that true beauty lies in adaptability and acceptance of change.

As you gaze upon West Lake today, you might still hear echoes of Su Shi’s voice—whispering that nature, like poetry, is timeless.