Analysis of "卜算子" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

The "卜算子" (Bǔ Suàn Zǐ) is a famous cí (词) poem written by Li Zhiyi (李之仪), a poet from the Northern Song Dynasty (960–1127). This lyrical form follows a specific tonal pattern and was often sung to music. Li Zhiyi’s "卜算子" is a poignant expression of longing and separation, capturing deep emotions through simple yet profound imagery. It remains one of the most beloved cí poems in Chinese literature, admired for its emotional depth and elegant structure.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

Original Text:

我住长江头，
Wǒ zhù Cháng Jiāng tóu,
I live upstream of the Yangtze River,

君住长江尾。
Jūn zhù Cháng Jiāng wěi.
You live downstream of the Yangtze River.

日日思君不见君，
Rì rì sī jūn bù jiàn jūn,
Day after day, I think of you but cannot see you,

共饮长江水。
Gòng yǐn Cháng Jiāng shuǐ.
Yet we both drink from the same river.

此水几时休，
Cǐ shuǐ jǐ shí xiū,
When will this river ever cease to flow?

此恨何时已。
Cǐ hèn hé shí yǐ.
When will this sorrow ever fade away?

只愿君心似我心，
Zhǐ yuàn jūn xīn sì wǒ xīn,
I only hope your heart is like mine,

定不负相思意。
Dìng bù fù xiāng sī yì.
Then you would never betray this longing of mine.

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "I live upstream of the Yangtze River, / You live downstream of the Yangtze River."
   - The Yangtze River symbolizes both connection and separation. Though the lovers share the same river, distance keeps them apart.

2. "Day after day, I think of you but cannot see you, / Yet we both drink from the same river."
   - The shared water becomes a metaphor for their bond—physically apart but spiritually connected.

3. "When will this river ever cease to flow? / When will this sorrow ever fade away?"
   - The river’s endless flow mirrors the poet’s unending sorrow. The rhetorical questions emphasize the depth of his longing.

4. "I only hope your heart is like mine, / Then you would never betray this longing of mine."
   - The poet expresses a wish for mutual devotion, fearing unrequited love.

Themes and Symbolism

• Longing and Separation: The poem conveys deep yearning, a common theme in classical Chinese poetry.
• Nature as Metaphor: The Yangtze River represents both distance and connection, illustrating how love persists despite physical separation.
• Eternal Love vs. Transient Life: The river’s endless flow contrasts with human sorrow, suggesting love outlasts time.

Cultural Context

During the Song Dynasty, cí poetry flourished as a lyrical form, often expressing personal emotions. Li Zhiyi’s work reflects Confucian ideals of loyalty and devotion, while also embracing the introspective nature of literati poetry. The Yangtze River, a vital part of Chinese geography, symbolizes both life’s continuity and the pain of separation.

Conclusion

Li Zhiyi’s "卜算子" is a masterpiece of emotional restraint and lyrical beauty. Its simple yet profound imagery speaks universally of love and longing, transcending time and culture. For modern readers, it remains a touching reminder of how deeply human emotions connect us, even across great distances.