Analysis of "秋风词" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

The "Qiū Fēng Cí" (秋风词, "Song of the Autumn Wind") is a poignant lyric poem attributed to Li Bai (李白, 701–762), one of China's most celebrated poets from the Tang Dynasty. Known for his romantic and expressive style, Li Bai often wove themes of nature, longing, and melancholy into his works. This particular poem captures the wistful sorrow of autumn, a season traditionally associated with loneliness and reflection in Chinese literature.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

Full Text and Translation

秋风清，秋月明。
Qiū fēng qīng, qiū yuè míng.
The autumn wind is clear, the autumn moon bright.

落叶聚还散，寒鸦栖复惊。
Luò yè jù huán sàn, hán yā qī fù jīng.
Fallen leaves gather, then scatter; cold crows roost, then startle.

相思相见知何日？此时此夜难为情！
Xiāng sī xiāng jiàn zhī hé rì? Cǐ shí cǐ yè nán wéi qíng!
When will we meet again, longing for each other? This hour, this night—how hard to bear!

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "The autumn wind is clear, the autumn moon bright."
   - The opening lines set a tranquil yet melancholic scene. Autumn in Chinese poetry often symbolizes transience and sorrow, while the bright moon evokes beauty and solitude.

2. "Fallen leaves gather, then scatter; cold crows roost, then startle."
   - The imagery of leaves and crows reflects impermanence—relationships, like leaves, are fleeting. The crows' sudden fright suggests unease, mirroring the poet's restless heart.

3. "When will we meet again, longing for each other? This hour, this night—how hard to bear!"
   - The poem shifts from nature to human emotion, expressing deep yearning. The rhetorical question emphasizes uncertainty, while the exclamation conveys overwhelming sorrow.

Themes and Symbolism

• Transience & Longing: Autumn represents the passage of time, and the poet laments separation from a loved one.
• Nature as Emotion: The wind, moon, leaves, and crows mirror the poet's inner turmoil—serene yet unsettled.
• Unfulfilled Desire: The unanswered question ("When will we meet again?") underscores the pain of unresolved love.

Cultural Context

• Tang Dynasty Poetry: Li Bai was part of the "Golden Age" of Chinese poetry, where nature and emotion were central themes.
• Autumn in Chinese Culture: Unlike Western associations with harvest, autumn in China often conveys loneliness and decay, as seen in "Qiū Fēng Cí."
• Moon Symbolism: The moon frequently represents reunion in Chinese poetry, making its brightness here bittersweet—illuminating the poet's solitude.

Conclusion

Li Bai’s "Qiū Fēng Cí" is a masterpiece of emotional depth, blending natural beauty with human sorrow. Its enduring appeal lies in its universal themes—love, loss, and the passage of time—rendered through vivid, lyrical imagery. For modern readers, the poem remains a touching meditation on how fleeting moments of connection shape our lives.

"This hour, this night—how hard to bear!"
Even centuries later, these words resonate with anyone who has ever longed for a distant love.