Analysis of "清平调·其二" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

"清平调·其二" (Qīng Píng Diào·Qí Èr) is one of three famous lyrical poems written by the great Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai (李白, 701–762). These poems were composed to celebrate the beauty of Yang Guifei (杨贵妃), the beloved consort of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang. Li Bai, known as the "Immortal Poet," was renowned for his romantic and imaginative style, blending natural imagery with emotional depth. This poem exemplifies classical Chinese poetry's elegance, using floral metaphors to convey admiration and longing.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

一枝红艳露凝香
Yī zhī hóng yàn lù níng xiāng
A branch of red blooms, dew-kissed and fragrant,

云雨巫山枉断肠
Yún yǔ Wū Shān wǎng duàn cháng
The clouds and rain of Wu Mountain—vain heartbreak.

借问汉宫谁得似
Jiè wèn Hàn gōng shéi dé sì
Pray, tell me, in Han palaces, who could compare?

可怜飞燕倚新妆
Kě lián Fēi Yàn yǐ xīn zhuāng
Lovely Fei Yan, relying on her new adornments.

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "A branch of red blooms, dew-kissed and fragrant"
   - The "red blooms" symbolize Yang Guifei’s beauty, fresh and radiant like a flower glistening with morning dew. The imagery evokes natural perfection and delicate allure.

2. "The clouds and rain of Wu Mountain—vain heartbreak"
   - "Clouds and rain of Wu Mountain" alludes to an ancient romantic legend of a goddess and a king. Li Bai suggests that even this mythical love pales compared to Yang Guifei’s beauty, making other admirers’ longing futile.

3. "Pray, tell me, in Han palaces, who could compare?"
   - The Han Dynasty was known for its legendary beauties. The poet challenges history to find someone as exquisite as Yang Guifei, elevating her above past icons.

4. "Lovely Fei Yan, relying on her new adornments"
   - Zhao Feiyan (飞燕), a famously beautiful Han empress, needed fine attire to enhance her charm. In contrast, Yang Guifei’s beauty is innate, surpassing even historical figures.

Themes and Symbolism

• Beauty and Transience: The poem celebrates Yang Guifei’s unmatched beauty while subtly hinting at its fleeting nature, much like dew on a flower.
• Myth and Reality: By referencing Wu Mountain and Han palaces, Li Bai blends myth and history to immortalize Yang Guifei’s allure.
• Natural Imagery: Flowers, dew, and clouds create a vivid, sensory-rich portrait, reflecting the Tang Dynasty’s love for nature-inspired aesthetics.

Cultural Context

During the Tang Dynasty, poetry was a refined art form, often composed for imperial courts. Li Bai’s work epitomizes the era’s romanticism, where beauty, love, and nature were central themes. The "清平调" series was performed with music, merging poetry and song—a testament to the cultural importance of lyrical expression.

Conclusion

"清平调·其二" is a masterpiece of classical Chinese poetry, blending myth, history, and nature to immortalize Yang Guifei’s beauty. Li Bai’s elegant metaphors and allusions create a timeless tribute, showcasing the depth and artistry of Tang poetry. For modern readers, the poem offers a window into China’s rich literary heritage, where beauty and emotion transcend time.