Analysis of "江城子·密州出猎" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

The poem "Jiāng Chéng Zǐ · Mì Zhōu Chū Liè" (江城子·密州出猎) was written by Su Shi (苏轼), also known as Su Dongpo (苏东坡), one of the most celebrated poets of the Song Dynasty (960–1279). Su Shi was a polymath—a poet, calligrapher, painter, and statesman—whose works reflect deep philosophical insights and emotional richness.

This particular poem is a ci (词), a type of lyric poetry that follows specific tonal patterns. It was composed in 1075 when Su Shi served as a prefect in Mizhou (密州, modern-day Zhucheng, Shandong). Unlike his more melancholic works, this piece is heroic and vigorous, capturing the spirit of a hunting expedition and expressing the poet’s unfulfilled ambition to serve his country.

The poem is significant for its bold imagery, rhythmic intensity, and patriotic fervor, making it a standout example of Song Dynasty literature.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

老夫聊发少年狂
Lǎo fū liáo fā shào nián kuáng
This old man, for a moment, unleashes his youthful madness,

左牵黄，右擎苍
Zuǒ qiān huáng, yòu qíng cāng
Left hand holding a yellow hound, right hand a falcon grey.

锦帽貂裘，千骑卷平冈
Jǐn mào diāo qiú, qiān jì juǎn píng gāng
In brocade hats and sable coats, a thousand riders sweep the plain.

为报倾城随太守
Wèi bào qīng chéng suí tài shǒu
To repay the whole city’s devotion to their governor,

亲射虎，看孙郎
Qīn shè hǔ, kàn Sūn láng
I’ll shoot the tiger myself—behold the Sun Lang in me!

酒酣胸胆尚开张
Jiǔ hān xiōng dǎn shàng kāi zhāng
Wine-flushed, my heart swells bold and wide,

鬓微霜，又何妨
Bìn wēi shuāng, yòu hé fáng
Though temples bear a touch of frost, what does it matter?

持节云中，何日遣冯唐
Chí jié yún zhōng, hé rì qiǎn Féng Táng
When will the emperor send a Feng Tang with the imperial tally,

会挽雕弓如满月
Huì wǎn diāo gōng rú mǎn yuè
To let me draw my carved bow like a full moon,

西北望，射天狼
Xī běi wàng, shè tiān láng
And, facing northwest, shoot down the Celestial Wolf?

Line-by-Line Analysis

Stanza 1: The Hunting Scene

The opening lines depict Su Shi, though older, embracing a youthful, heroic spirit.
- "Left hand holding a yellow hound, right hand a falcon grey" – The imagery of hunting dogs and falcons symbolizes martial prowess.
- "A thousand riders sweep the plain" – The grand scale of the hunt reflects the poet’s commanding presence.

Stanza 2: The Poet’s Ambition

• "I’ll shoot the tiger myself—behold the Sun Lang in me!" – Sun Lang refers to Sun Quan, a warlord from the Three Kingdoms period known for his bravery. Su Shi compares himself to this legendary figure.
• "Wine-flushed, my heart swells bold and wide" – The poet’s passion and courage are heightened by wine, a common motif in Chinese poetry.

Stanza 3: Longing for Recognition

• "When will the emperor send a Feng Tang?" – Feng Tang was a Han Dynasty envoy who reinstated a wronged general. Su Shi hopes for imperial trust to serve his country.
• "Shoot down the Celestial Wolf" – The Celestial Wolf (天狼) is a star representing invaders (likely the Xixia or Liao tribes). This line expresses Su Shi’s desire to defend the nation.

Themes and Symbolism

1. Heroism and Aging

Despite his age ("touched by frost"), Su Shi yearns to prove his valor, blending Confucian duty with romantic idealism.

2. Patriotism

The poem is a call to action—Su Shi wishes to serve the empire against northern threats, reflecting the militaristic tensions of the Song Dynasty.

3. Nature and Man

The hunting scene merges human energy with natural grandeur, a hallmark of Su Shi’s style.

Cultural Context

• Song Dynasty Politics: The Song faced constant threats from northern tribes, making military themes poignant.
• Ci Poetry: Unlike rigid shi (诗) poetry, ci allowed emotional flexibility, which Su Shi masterfully exploits.
• Historical Allusions: References to Sun Quan and Feng Tang would have been instantly recognizable to educated readers, adding depth.

Conclusion

"Jiāng Chéng Zǐ · Mì Zhōu Chū Liè" is a rousing anthem of courage and patriotism, blending personal vigor with national duty. Su Shi’s vivid imagery—hounds, falcons, and the Celestial Wolf—paints a scene both dynamic and symbolic.

Today, the poem resonates as a timeless ode to resilience, reminding us that passion and purpose need not fade with age. For English readers, it offers a thrilling glimpse into China’s literary and martial heritage.

"Though my hair grows white, my spirit remains unbroken—
For the country, I would still draw my bow."