Analysis of "石头城" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

The poem "石头城" (Shítóu Chéng, "The City of Stone") was written by Liu Yuxi (刘禹锡, 772–842), a prominent poet of the Tang Dynasty. Liu Yuxi was known for his reflective and often melancholic verses that explored themes of history, time, and human transience. "石头城" is part of his "Five Songs of Nostalgia" (《金陵五题》), a series reflecting on the ruins of the ancient capital Jiankang (modern-day Nanjing).

The poem captures the desolation of the once-glorious city, serving as a meditation on the rise and fall of dynasties. It is celebrated for its evocative imagery and philosophical depth, making it a classic in Chinese literature.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

山围故国周遭在
Shān wéi gù guó zhōu zāo zài
The mountains surround the old capital, still standing firm,

潮打空城寂寞回
Cháo dǎ kōng chéng jì mò huí
The tides beat against the empty city, then retreat in silence.

淮水东边旧时月
Huái shuǐ dōng biān jiù shí yuè
The same moon that once shone east of the Huai River,

夜深还过女墙来
Yè shēn hái guò nǚ qiáng lái
Still climbs over the battlements deep in the night.

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "山围故国周遭在"
   - The poem opens with an image of mountains encircling the ruins of the old capital. The word "故国" (gù guó, "old country") evokes nostalgia for a lost era. The mountains remain unchanged, emphasizing nature’s indifference to human history.

2. "潮打空城寂寞回"
   - The "潮" (cháo, "tide") symbolizes the relentless passage of time. The "空城" (kōng chéng, "empty city") suggests abandonment, while "寂寞回" (jì mò huí, "retreats in solitude") personifies the tide as a lonely observer of decay.

3. "淮水东边旧时月"
   - The Huai River was historically significant in Nanjing. The "旧时月" (jiù shí yuè, "moon of old times") contrasts the unchanging moon with the vanished glory of the city.

4. "夜深还过女墙来"
   - The "女墙" (nǚ qiáng, "battlements") are remnants of the city’s defenses. The moon, a silent witness, still visits, underscoring the futility of human endeavors against time.

Themes and Symbolism

• Transience of Power: The poem reflects on the inevitable decline of empires, a common theme in Tang poetry.
• Nature vs. Civilization: The enduring mountains and moon contrast with the ruined city, highlighting nature’s permanence.
• Loneliness and Memory: The "empty city" and "solitary tides" evoke a sense of abandonment, while the moon symbolizes lingering memories.

Cultural Context

• Historical Ruins: Nanjing was the capital of several dynasties but was often ravaged by war. Liu Yuxi wrote this after visiting its ruins during the Tang Dynasty’s decline.
• Philosophical Influence: The poem aligns with Daoist and Buddhist ideas of impermanence ("无常" wú cháng), a recurring motif in Chinese literature.

Conclusion

"石头城" is a masterpiece of Tang poetry, blending vivid imagery with profound reflection on history. Its depiction of ruins and timeless nature resonates with universal themes of change and memory. For modern readers, it serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of human achievements—a message as relevant today as it was over a thousand years ago.

Would you like to explore another poem from Liu Yuxi’s "Five Songs of Nostalgia"? Let us know in the comments!