Analysis of "夷门歌" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

"夷门歌" (Yí Mén Gē) is a famous poem by the Tang Dynasty poet Wang Wei (王维, 701–761), one of China's most celebrated literary figures. Known for his serene landscape poetry and Buddhist influences, Wang Wei also wrote poignant historical and narrative poems. "夷门歌" recounts the story of Hou Ying (侯嬴), a humble gatekeeper who played a crucial role in a famous historical event during the Warring States period. The poem reflects themes of loyalty, wisdom, and the virtue of recognizing talent regardless of social status.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

夷门歌
Yí Mén Gē
Song of the Yi Gate

七雄雄雌犹未分
Qī xióng xióng cí yóu wèi fēn
The seven states' supremacy was still undecided,

攻城杀将何纷纷
Gōng chéng shā jiàng hé fēn fēn
Cities were stormed, generals slain—chaos reigned.

秦兵益围邯郸急
Qín bīng yì wéi Hándān jí
Qin's troops tightened their siege on Handan,

魏王不救平原君
Wèi wáng bù jiù Píngyuán jūn
The King of Wei refused to aid Lord Pingyuan.

公子为嬴停驷马
Gōngzǐ wèi Yíng tíng sì mǎ
The noble prince halted his carriage for Ying,

执辔愈恭意愈下
Zhí pèi yù gōng yì yù xià
Holding the reins, his respect grew ever deeper.

亥为屠肆鼓刀人
Hài wéi tú sì gǔ dāo rén
Zhu Hai was a butcher, a man of the knife,

嬴乃夷门抱关者
Yíng nǎi yí mén bào guān zhě
While Ying was but a gatekeeper at Yi Gate.

非但慷慨献奇谋
Fēi dàn kāngkǎi xiàn qí móu
Not only did he offer a bold, ingenious plan,

意气兼将生命酬
Yìqì jiān jiāng shēngmìng chóu
But with unwavering spirit, he gave his life in return.

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "The seven states' supremacy was still undecided"
   The poem opens by setting the historical stage—the Warring States period (475–221 BCE), when seven major states vied for dominance.

2. "Cities were stormed, generals slain—chaos reigned"
   Wang Wei paints a picture of relentless warfare, emphasizing the brutality of the era.

3. "Qin's troops tightened their siege on Handan"
   The Qin state, which would later unify China, besieges Handan, capital of Zhao. The situation is dire.

4. "The King of Wei refused to aid Lord Pingyuan"
   Lord Pingyuan, a Zhao noble, seeks help from Wei, but its king hesitates, fearing Qin's power.

5-6. "The noble prince halted his carriage for Ying... Holding the reins, his respect grew ever deeper"
The "noble prince" refers to Lord Xinling (信陵君), who humbly seeks advice from Hou Ying, the lowly gatekeeper. Their interaction highlights Confucian values of humility and respect for wisdom.

7-8. "Zhu Hai was a butcher... Ying was but a gatekeeper"
The poem contrasts two men of humble origins—Zhu Hai, a butcher, and Hou Ying—who prove instrumental in saving Zhao.

9-10. "Not only did he offer a bold, ingenious plan... he gave his life in return"
Hou Ying devises a strategy to steal the Qin army's command token, and though successful, he later commits suicide to honor his loyalty.

Themes and Symbolism

1. Loyalty and Sacrifice
   Hou Ying's ultimate sacrifice embodies the Confucian ideal of loyalty (忠, zhōng), even at the cost of one's life.

2. Wisdom Beyond Status
   The poem challenges social hierarchies, showing that brilliance can reside in the lowliest individuals.

3. Heroism in Humility
   Both Hou Ying and Zhu Hai symbolize how heroism often arises from unexpected places.

Cultural Context

During the Tang Dynasty, historical poetry like "夷门歌" was a way to reflect on moral lessons and governance. Wang Wei, though primarily known for his nature poetry, here engages with a historical narrative to emphasize virtues like humility, wisdom, and self-sacrifice. The story of Hou Ying was well-known in Chinese historiography, recorded in Records of the Grand Historian (史记, Shǐ Jì) by Sima Qian.

Conclusion

"夷门歌" is a powerful tribute to unrecognized heroes and the enduring values of loyalty and humility. Wang Wei's concise yet vivid retelling reminds us that true wisdom and courage transcend social status—a message that resonates across cultures and time. Today, the poem invites reflection on how we value and recognize the contributions of those society often overlooks.

"Great minds may dwell by city gates; honor lies in the heart, not in titles."