Analysis of "观刈麦" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

The poem "观刈麦" (Guān Yì Mài), or "Watching the Wheat Harvest", was written by the Tang Dynasty poet Bai Juyi (白居易, 772–846). Bai Juyi was a prominent figure in Chinese literature, known for his socially conscious poetry that often highlighted the hardships of common people.

This poem is a vivid depiction of rural labor during the wheat harvest season, contrasting the backbreaking work of peasants with the relative comfort of the privileged class. It reflects Bai Juyi’s deep empathy for the poor and his critique of social inequality—a recurring theme in his works.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

田家少闲月，五月人倍忙。
Tián jiā shǎo xián yuè, wǔ yuè rén bèi máng.
Farming families have few idle months; in May, people are twice as busy.

夜来南风起，小麦覆陇黄。
Yè lái nán fēng qǐ, xiǎo mài fù lǒng huáng.
The south wind rises overnight, covering the ridges with golden wheat.

妇姑荷箪食，童稚携壶浆。
Fù gū hè dān shí, tóng zhì xié hú jiāng.
Women carry baskets of food, children bring jugs of water.

相随饷田去，丁壮在南冈。
Xiāng suí xiǎng tián qù, dīng zhuàng zài nán gāng.
They follow each other to feed the workers, the strong men toiling on the southern slope.

足蒸暑土气，背灼炎天光。
Zú zhēng shǔ tǔ qì, bèi zhuó yán tiān guāng.
Their feet burn in the scorching earth, their backs under the blazing sun.

力尽不知热，但惜夏日长。
Lì jìn bù zhī rè, dàn xī xià rì cháng.
Exhausted, they don’t feel the heat—they only regret the summer days are too short.

复有贫妇人，抱子在其旁。
Fù yǒu pín fù rén, bào zǐ zài qí páng.
There is also a poor woman, holding a child beside them.

右手秉遗穗，左臂悬敝筐。
Yòu shǒu bǐng yí suì, zuǒ bì xuán bì kuāng.
In her right hand, she gathers leftover wheat; on her left arm, a tattered basket hangs.

听其相顾言，闻者为悲伤。
Tīng qí xiāng gù yán, wén zhě wèi bēi shāng.
Hearing her words, those who listen are filled with sorrow.

家田输税尽，拾此充饥肠。
Jiā tián shū shuì jìn, shí cǐ chōng jī cháng.
"Our land was taken for taxes; we gather these scraps to fill our hungry bellies."

今我何功德，曾不事农桑。
Jīn wǒ hé gōng dé, céng bù shì nóng sāng.
Now, what virtue have I, who never toil in fields or mulberry groves?

吏禄三百石，岁晏有余粮。
Lì lù sān bǎi dàn, suì yàn yǒu yú liáng.
My official salary is three hundred dan; at year’s end, I still have surplus grain.

念此私自愧，尽日不能忘。
Niàn cǐ sī zì kuì, jìn rì bù néng wàng.
Thinking of this, I feel ashamed—I cannot forget it all day.

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "田家少闲月，五月人倍忙。"
   The poem opens by emphasizing the relentless labor of farmers, particularly in May during the wheat harvest.

2. "夜来南风起，小麦覆陇黄。"
   The golden wheat fields, ripened by the warm southern wind, create a striking visual contrast with the toil that follows.

3. "妇姑荷箪食，童稚携壶浆。"
   Women and children bring food and water to the fields, showing the collective effort of rural families.

4. "足蒸暑土气，背灼炎天光。"
   The physical suffering of the laborers is palpable—their feet scorched by the earth, their backs burned by the sun.

5. "力尽不知热，但惜夏日长。"
   Despite exhaustion, they push on, fearing the harvest season will end too soon—a poignant commentary on their desperation.

6. "复有贫妇人，抱子在其旁..."
   The introduction of the impoverished woman, scavenging for leftover wheat, deepens the poem’s social critique. Her story reveals the crushing burden of taxes.

7. "今我何功德..."
   Bai Juyi contrasts his own privileged life as an official with the suffering of the peasants, expressing deep guilt.

Themes and Symbolism

• Social Inequality: The poem starkly contrasts the lives of peasants and officials, criticizing systemic injustice.
• Empathy and Guilt: Bai Juyi’s personal reflection highlights Confucian ideals of moral responsibility.
• Nature’s Beauty vs. Human Suffering: The golden wheat fields symbolize abundance, yet the laborers reap little benefit.

Cultural Context

Bai Juyi wrote during the Tang Dynasty, a golden age of Chinese poetry but also a time of heavy taxation and peasant hardship. His works often advocated for social reform, influenced by Confucian ethics. "观刈麦" exemplifies his belief that literature should expose suffering and inspire compassion.

Conclusion

"观刈麦" remains a powerful testament to Bai Juyi’s humanity and his commitment to social justice. Its vivid imagery and emotional depth make it timeless, resonating with modern readers who witness inequality. The poem challenges us to reflect on privilege and our responsibilities to others—a message as relevant today as it was in Tang Dynasty China.