Analysis of "马嵬坡" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

The poem 马嵬坡 (Mǎ Wéi Pō) was written by 郑畋 (Zhèng Tián), a poet and statesman of the late Tang Dynasty. It reflects on the tragic fate of Yang Guifei (杨贵妃, Yáng Guìfēi), the beloved consort of Emperor Xuanzong (唐玄宗, Táng Xuánzōng), who was forced to commit suicide during the An Lushan Rebellion (安史之乱, Ān Shǐ Zhī Luàn) at Mawei Slope (马嵬坡, Mǎ Wéi Pō).

This poem is significant in Chinese literature as it captures the sorrow of lost love and the consequences of political turmoil, blending historical reflection with lyrical beauty.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

玄宗回马杨妃死
Xuánzōng huí mǎ Yáng fēi sǐ
The emperor returns on horseback, but Lady Yang is dead.

云雨难忘日月新
Yún yǔ nán wàng rì yuè xīn
Though their love remains unforgettable, the world has moved on.

终是圣明天子事
Zhōng shì shèng míng tiānzǐ shì
In the end, it was the act of a wise emperor,

景阳宫井又何人
Jǐngyáng gōng jǐng yòu hé rén
But who remembers the well at Jingyang Palace?

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "玄宗回马杨妃死"
   - The first line starkly contrasts Emperor Xuanzong’s return to power with Yang Guifei’s death. The phrase "回马" (huí mǎ, "returns on horseback") suggests a reluctant retreat, while "杨妃死" (Yáng fēi sǐ, "Lady Yang is dead") delivers the tragedy bluntly.

2. "云雨难忘日月新"
   - "云雨" (yún yǔ, "clouds and rain") is a classical metaphor for romantic love, derived from the Chu Ci (楚辞, Chǔ Cí) tradition. The line suggests that while their love was deep, time ("日月新" (rì yuè xīn, "sun and moon renew")) moves forward, indifferent to personal grief.

3. "终是圣明天子事"
   - This line is ironic. While the emperor’s decision to execute Yang Guifei is framed as "圣明" (shèng míng, "wise and enlightened"), it underscores the cruel necessity of sacrificing love for political survival.

4. "景阳宫井又何人"
   - The Jingyang Palace well refers to another historical tragedy: the Chen Dynasty’s last emperor and his consort hiding in a well before capture. The poet implies that such tragedies repeat throughout history, yet people forget.

Themes and Symbolism

• Love and Power: The poem explores the tension between personal affection and political duty. Emperor Xuanzong’s love for Yang Guifei weakened his rule, leading to rebellion.
• Time and Memory: The "日月新" (rì yuè xīn) motif suggests that history moves on, erasing individual sorrows.
• Irony of Fate: The emperor’s "wisdom" in sacrificing Yang Guifei is undercut by the lingering grief and historical repetition.

Cultural Context

• Tang Dynasty Decline: The An Lushan Rebellion (755–763 CE) marked the Tang Dynasty’s decline. Yang Guifei’s death became a symbol of the cost of imperial indulgence.
• Historical Parallels: The reference to Jingyang Palace connects this event to earlier dynastic collapses, suggesting a cyclical view of history.
• Confucian Values: The poem subtly critiques rulers who prioritize personal desires over state stability, reflecting Confucian ideals of governance.

Conclusion

马嵬坡 is a poignant meditation on love, power, and historical memory. Its concise yet profound imagery captures the tragedy of Yang Guifei while questioning the inevitability of such sacrifices.

For modern readers, the poem resonates as a reminder of how personal and political conflicts intertwine—and how history often forgets the human cost of power. Its enduring beauty lies in its ability to evoke deep emotion while reflecting on universal themes.