Analysis of "清平乐·六盘山" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

"清平乐·六盘山" (Qīngpíng Yuè · Liùpán Shān) is a celebrated poem written by Mao Zedong (1893–1976), the revolutionary leader and poet of modern China. Composed in 1935 during the Long March, this poem reflects Mao's optimism and determination amid hardship. It stands as a testament to the resilience of the Red Army and embodies the spirit of perseverance in Chinese culture. The poem is significant not only for its literary merit but also for its historical and political context.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

天高云淡，
Tiān gāo yún dàn,
The sky is vast, the clouds are light,

望断南飞雁。
Wàng duàn nán fēi yàn.
I gaze until the southbound geese disappear from sight.

不到长城非好汉，
Bú dào Chángchéng fēi hǎohàn,
He who fails to reach the Great Wall is no true man,

屈指行程二万。
Qū zhǐ xíngchéng èr wàn.
Counting, we’ve marched twenty thousand li in our span.

六盘山上高峰，
Liùpán shān shàng gāofēng,
The lofty peak of Mount Liupan,

红旗漫卷西风。
Hóngqí màn juǎn xīfēng.
Red banners flutter freely in the western wind.

今日长缨在手，
Jīnrì cháng yīng zài shǒu,
Today we hold the long rope in hand,

何时缚住苍龙？
Héshí fù zhù cānglóng?
When shall we bind the azure dragon?

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "天高云淡" (Tiān gāo yún dàn)
   - The opening line paints a serene yet expansive scene of the sky and faint clouds, symbolizing both freedom and the vast challenges ahead.

2. "望断南飞雁" (Wàng duàn nán fēi yàn)
   - The poet watches migrating geese, a traditional symbol of longing and endurance in Chinese poetry. Here, it may reflect Mao’s thoughts on the journey ahead.

3. "不到长城非好汉" (Bú dào Chángchéng fēi hǎohàn)
   - A famous declaration of perseverance. The Great Wall represents an unyielding spirit—only those who persist are deemed heroic.

4. "屈指行程二万" (Qū zhǐ xíngchéng èr wàn)
   - The Red Army had already marched an astonishing distance (20,000 li, ~10,000 km), emphasizing their endurance.

5. "六盘山上高峰" (Liùpán shān shàng gāofēng)
   - Mount Liupan was a strategic point during the Long March. The "lofty peak" symbolizes both a physical and ideological triumph.

6. "红旗漫卷西风" (Hóngqí màn juǎn xīfēng)
   - The red banners, symbols of revolution, wave freely in the wind, suggesting unstoppable momentum.

7. "今日长缨在手" (Jīnrì cháng yīng zài shǒu)
   - The "long rope" is a metaphor for strength and readiness to overcome obstacles.

8. "何时缚住苍龙？" (Héshí fù zhù cānglóng?)
   - The "azure dragon" represents formidable foes (e.g., the Nationalist forces). The rhetorical question conveys confidence in eventual victory.

Themes and Symbolism

• Perseverance and Triumph – The poem celebrates the Red Army’s resilience, framing struggle as a path to glory.
• Nature as a Metaphor – The sky, geese, and mountain symbolize both challenges and the vast potential of the revolution.
• Revolutionary Fervor – The red banners and "azure dragon" reflect Mao’s ideological conviction and determination to succeed.

Cultural Context

Written during the Long March (1934–1935), this poem captures a pivotal moment in Chinese history. The Red Army’s retreat across harsh terrain became a symbol of Communist perseverance. Mao’s poetry often blends classical form with revolutionary themes, making his work unique in Chinese literature. The reference to the Great Wall ties the struggle to China’s historical identity, reinforcing national pride.

Conclusion

"清平乐·六盘山" is a powerful fusion of classical lyricism and revolutionary spirit. Its vivid imagery and defiant tone resonate beyond its historical moment, offering timeless inspiration. For modern readers, the poem is a reminder of the strength found in perseverance and vision—an enduring message in both Chinese culture and global literature.

Would you like further exploration of Mao’s other works or comparisons with traditional Chinese poetry? Let me know in the comments!