Analysis of "丽人行" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

"丽人行" (Lì Rén Xíng, "The Beautiful Women") is a famous poem by the Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu (杜甫, 712–770), one of China’s greatest literary figures. Written during the height of the Tang Dynasty, the poem offers a vivid yet critical portrayal of aristocratic extravagance and political corruption.

Du Fu was known for his socially conscious poetry, often reflecting the struggles of common people amid the opulence of the ruling class. "丽人行" is a satirical masterpiece, using lavish descriptions of noblewomen to subtly critique the decadence of the Yang family, particularly Yang Guifei (杨贵妃), the beloved consort of Emperor Xuanzong, whose influence contributed to political turmoil.

This poem remains significant for its artistic brilliance and its bold commentary on power and morality—a timeless theme in Chinese literature.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

三月三日天气新，
Sān yuè sān rì tiānqì xīn,
On the third day of the third month, the weather is fresh,

长安水边多丽人。
Cháng'ān shuǐ biān duō lì rén.
By the waters of Chang’an, many beautiful women gather.

态浓意远淑且真，
Tài nóng yì yuǎn shū qiě zhēn,
Their air dignified, their grace refined and pure,

肌理细腻骨肉匀。
Jīlǐ xìnì gǔròu yún.
Their skin smooth, their figures perfectly proportioned.

绣罗衣裳照暮春，
Xiù luó yīshang zhào mù chūn,
Their embroidered silks gleam in the late spring light,

蹙金孔雀银麒麟。
Cù jīn kǒngquè yín qílín.
Golden peacocks, silver unicorns stitched in gold.

头上何所有？
Tóu shàng hé suǒ yǒu?
What do they wear upon their heads?

翠微㔩叶垂鬓唇。
Cuìwēi è yè chuí bìn chún.
Kingfisher-feather ornaments dangling by their temples.

背后何所见？
Bèi hòu hé suǒ jiàn?
What can be seen behind them?

珠压腰衱稳称身。
Zhū yā yāo jié wěn chèn shēn.
Pearl-weighted sashes, perfectly fitted to their waists.

(The poem continues, but this excerpt captures its essence.)

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "On the third day of the third month..."
   The poem opens on the Shangsi Festival (上巳节), a traditional spring celebration where people gathered by rivers for purification rituals. The "fresh weather" contrasts with the artificiality of the noblewomen’s display.

2. "By the waters of Chang’an..."
   Chang’an, the Tang capital, symbolizes imperial power. The "beautiful women" are not just ordinary ladies but the elite—likely Yang Guifei and her sisters, whose extravagance was legendary.

3. "Their air dignified, their grace refined..."
   Du Fu describes their elegance with irony. While they appear noble ("dignified"), their beauty is superficial, masking moral decay.

4. "Golden peacocks, silver unicorns..."
   The lavish embroidery symbolizes wealth and vanity. Peacocks and qilin (unicorns) were auspicious motifs, but here they highlight excess.

5. "Pearl-weighted sashes..."
   The pearls signify luxury, but the phrase "perfectly fitted" suggests artifice—their beauty is crafted, not natural.

Themes and Symbolism

1. Critique of Excess
   The poem contrasts natural beauty (spring) with the artificial glamour of the aristocracy. The women’s opulence mirrors the Tang court’s corruption.

2. Political Satire
   Du Fu subtly targets the Yang family, whose influence led to the An Lushan Rebellion (755–763). Their beauty is a facade for greed.

3. Symbolism of Clothing
   The embroidered robes and jewels represent wasted resources—while the elite flaunt wealth, commoners suffer.

Cultural Context

The Tang Dynasty (618–907) was a golden age of art but also saw stark inequality. Du Fu, a Confucian moralist, believed rulers should prioritize virtue over luxury. "丽人行" reflects this philosophy, warning that decadence leads to downfall.

The poem also critiques meiren (美人, "beautiful women") culture—where feminine charm was politicized. Yang Guifei’s beauty captivated the emperor, distracting him from governance.

Conclusion

"丽人行" is a masterpiece of layered meaning: a dazzling portrait that condemns what it describes. Du Fu’s irony makes it timeless—relevant not just to Tang Dynasty corruption but to any society where power breeds excess.

For modern readers, the poem is a reminder that true beauty lies not in opulence but in integrity. Its vivid imagery and sharp critique ensure its place among China’s greatest literary works.

"The pearls may gleam, but the poem reveals the tarnish beneath."