Analysis of "双燕离" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

"双燕离" (Shuāng Yàn Lí, "A Pair of Parting Swallows") is a poignant poem from the Tang Dynasty, attributed to the poet Bai Juyi (白居易, 772–846). Bai Juyi was a prolific and influential poet known for his accessible style and deep empathy for common people. This poem captures the sorrow of separation through the metaphor of swallows, birds often associated with loyalty and companionship in Chinese culture.

The poem reflects Bai Juyi’s mastery of conveying profound emotions with simplicity, making it a beloved piece in classical Chinese literature. Its themes of love, loss, and the inevitability of parting resonate across cultures and time.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

双燕离
Shuāng yàn lí
A Pair of Parting Swallows

双燕复双燕，
Shuāng yàn fù shuāng yàn,
A pair of swallows, again a pair of swallows,

双飞令人羡。
Shuāng fēi lìng rén xiàn.
Flying together, envied by all.

玉楼珠阁不独栖，
Yù lóu zhū gé bù dú qī,
They nest not alone in towers of jade and pearl,

金窗绣户长相见。
Jīn chuāng xiù hù cháng xiāng jiàn.
But meet often by gilded windows and embroidered doors.

柏梁失火去，
Bǎi liáng shī huǒ qù,
When the palace of Boliang burned, they fled apart,

因入吴王宫。
Yīn rù Wú wáng gōng.
One entering the palace of the King of Wu.

吴宫又焚荡，
Wú gōng yòu fén dàng,
Then the Wu palace too was razed by fire,

雏尽巢亦空。
Chú jìn cháo yì kōng.
Their nest emptied, their young all gone.

憔悴一身在，
Qiáo cuì yī shēn zài,
Gaunt and weary, one alone remains,

孀雌忆故雄。
Shuāng cí yì gù xióng.
The widowed hen longing for her mate.

双飞难再得，
Shuāng fēi nán zài dé,
To fly as a pair can never be again,

伤我寸心中。
Shāng wǒ cùn xīn zhōng.
Grieving my heart to its core.

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "A pair of swallows, again a pair of swallows"
   The repetition emphasizes the beauty of their unity, making their eventual separation more tragic.

2. "Flying together, envied by all"
   Swallows symbolize marital harmony in Chinese culture; their togetherness is idealized.

3. "They nest not alone in towers of jade and pearl"
   Their home is luxurious, but their bond, not the setting, defines their happiness.

4. "But meet often by gilded windows and embroidered doors"
   Their love thrives in opulence, but also in simple, daily reunions.

5. "When the palace of Boliang burned, they fled apart"
   Disaster strikes—historical reference to the Han Dynasty’s Boliang Palace fire, symbolizing sudden loss.

6. "One entering the palace of the King of Wu"
   The swallows are separated by circumstance, like lovers torn apart by war or fate.

7. "Then the Wu palace too was razed by fire"
   Misfortune compounds; even refuge is destroyed.

8. "Their nest emptied, their young all gone"
   The devastation is complete—home and future lost.

9. "Gaunt and weary, one alone remains"
   The surviving swallow embodies grief and exhaustion.

10. "The widowed hen longing for her mate"
    A heart-wrenching image of enduring love and sorrow.

11. "To fly as a pair can never be again"
    The finality of loss is underscored—no reunion awaits.

12. "Grieving my heart to its core"
    The poet internalizes the swallows’ pain, universalizing the theme of separation.

Themes and Symbolism

1. Love and Loss
   The swallows represent devoted partners, making their separation a metaphor for human love shattered by fate.

2. Impermanence
   Disasters (fire) symbolize life’s unpredictability—prosperity and joy can vanish instantly.

3. Loyalty and Memory
   The surviving swallow’s longing highlights fidelity beyond physical presence.

Cultural Context

• Swallows in Chinese Culture: Seen as symbols of love and reunion; their migratory nature also evokes themes of departure and return.
• Tang Dynasty Poetry: Bai Juyi’s works often focused on social issues and emotional authenticity, bridging elite and popular audiences.
• Historical Allusions: References to palace fires ground the poem in real historical tragedies, blending personal and collective grief.

Conclusion

"双燕离" is a masterpiece of emotional depth, using the swallows’ plight to explore universal human experiences—love, loss, and resilience. Bai Juyi’s simple yet vivid language makes the poem accessible while carrying profound philosophical weight.

Today, its message remains relevant: in a world of constant change, the bonds we cherish are fragile yet define our deepest sorrows and joys. The poem invites readers to reflect on their own relationships and the inevitability of parting, offering solace through shared understanding.