Analysis of "重别李评事" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

"重别李评事" (Chóng Bié Lǐ Píngshì, "Farewell to Official Li Again") is a poignant farewell poem by the renowned Tang Dynasty poet Wang Changling (王昌龄, 698–757). Wang was a master of jueju (绝句), a four-line poetic form known for its brevity and emotional depth. This poem reflects the Tang Dynasty's golden age of poetry, where parting verses (bieshi) were a common literary expression of friendship and sorrow.

Wang Changling was known for his ability to convey deep emotions with simple yet vivid imagery. "重别李评事" is a testament to his skill—a short but powerful meditation on separation, time, and the bittersweet nature of farewells.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

重别李评事
Chóng Bié Lǐ Píngshì
Farewell to Official Li Again

莫道秋江离别难
Mò dào qiū jiāng líbié nán
Do not say parting by the autumn river is hard—

舟船明日是长安
Zhōu chuán míngrì shì Cháng'ān
Tomorrow, your boat will reach Chang’an.

吴姬缓舞留君醉
Wú Jī huǎn wǔ liú jūn zuì
The Wu maidens dance slowly, urging you to stay drunk,

随意青枫白露寒
Suíyì qīng fēng bái lù hán
While green maples and white dew turn cold at will.

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "Do not say parting by the autumn river is hard—"
   - The poem opens with a gentle admonition, suggesting that the speaker is trying to console both himself and his friend. The "autumn river" symbolizes transience, as autumn is a season of change and decline.

2. "Tomorrow, your boat will reach Chang’an."
   - Chang’an (modern Xi’an) was the Tang capital, a bustling metropolis. The line contrasts the melancholy of parting with the inevitability of the journey ahead.

3. "The Wu maidens dance slowly, urging you to stay drunk,"
   - Wu maidens (from the Wu region, known for their grace) represent fleeting pleasures. The poet implies that revelry can delay but not prevent separation.

4. "While green maples and white dew turn cold at will."
   - Nature is indifferent to human sorrow. The "green maples" and "white dew" evoke a serene yet chilling scene, emphasizing the loneliness that follows farewells.

Themes and Symbolism

1. The Pain of Parting
   - A central theme in Tang poetry, farewells were deeply emotional due to the dangers of travel and uncertain reunions.

2. Nature’s Indifference
   - The "white dew" and "green maples" symbolize the relentless passage of time, contrasting with human attachment.

3. Temporary Escapism
   - The Wu maidens’ dance suggests that joy is momentary, a distraction from the inevitability of separation.

Cultural Context

During the Tang Dynasty, parting poems were exchanged between friends, officials, and scholars as tokens of affection and respect. Travel was perilous, and farewells often carried a sense of finality.

Wang Changling’s poem reflects Daoist and Confucian influences:
- Daoist: Acceptance of nature’s cycles (the dew, the river).
- Confucian: Emphasis on duty (Li’s journey to Chang’an for official business).

Conclusion

"重别李评事" is a masterpiece of economy and emotion. In just four lines, Wang Changling captures the universal experience of saying goodbye—melancholic yet resigned, tender yet wise.

Today, the poem resonates with anyone who has faced separation, reminding us that farewells are part of life’s journey, as natural as the turning of seasons. Its beauty lies in its quiet acceptance, a lesson in letting go with grace.

"Do not say parting is hard—for even the coldest dew will fade with dawn."