Analysis of "七律·长征" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

"七律·长征" (Qī Lǜ · Cháng Zhēng), or "The Long March," is a famous poem written by Mao Zedong (毛泽东), the revolutionary leader and founding father of the People's Republic of China. Composed in 1935, this poem vividly captures the hardships and triumphs of the Red Army during the Long March (1934–1935), a grueling 6,000-mile retreat that became a symbol of perseverance and revolutionary spirit in Chinese history.

The poem is written in the "Seven-Character Regulated Verse" (七律, qī lǜ) style, a classical form of Chinese poetry known for its strict tonal patterns and parallelism. Mao's work blends traditional poetic elegance with revolutionary fervor, making it a unique piece in Chinese literature.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

红军不怕远征难
Hóngjūn bú pà yuǎnzhēng nán
The Red Army fears not the trials of the long march,

万水千山只等闲
Wàn shuǐ qiān shān zhǐ děngxián
Holding myriad rivers and mountains in light esteem.

五岭逶迤腾细浪
Wǔ Lǐng wēiyí téng xì làng
The winding Five Ridges ripple like tiny waves,

乌蒙磅礴走泥丸
Wūméng pángbó zǒu ní wán
The majestic Wumeng Mountains roll like clay balls.

金沙水拍云崖暖
Jīnshā shuǐ pāi yún yá nuǎn
Warm clouds hug cliffs where the Golden Sands’ waters churn,

大渡桥横铁索寒
Dàdù qiáo héng tiěsuǒ hán
Cold iron chains span the raging Dadu River.

更喜岷山千里雪
Gèng xǐ Mín Shān qiānlǐ xuě
Yet more joy comes from Minshan’s thousand miles of snow,

三军过后尽开颜
Sān jūn guò hòu jìn kāi yán
As the three armies pass, all faces beam with smiles.

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "The Red Army fears not the trials of the long march"
   - The opening line establishes the unyielding spirit of the Red Army. The phrase "不怕" (bú pà, "fear not") conveys defiance and courage.

2. "Holding myriad rivers and mountains in light esteem"
   - The phrase "万水千山" (wàn shuǐ qiān shān, "ten thousand rivers, a thousand mountains") symbolizes immense obstacles, yet the soldiers treat them as trivial ("只等闲," zhǐ děngxián).

3. "The winding Five Ridges ripple like tiny waves"
   - The Five Ridges (五岭) were a major geographical barrier. Mao diminishes their grandeur, comparing them to "tiny waves," showing the army's mastery over nature.

4. "The majestic Wumeng Mountains roll like clay balls"
   - The Wumeng Mountains are portrayed as mere playthings ("泥丸," ní wán, "clay balls"), reinforcing the theme of human will overcoming nature.

5. "Warm clouds hug cliffs where the Golden Sands’ waters churn"
   - The Jinsha River (金沙水) was a perilous crossing point. The contrast of "warm" clouds against danger suggests optimism amidst struggle.

6. "Cold iron chains span the raging Dadu River"
   - The Luding Bridge (大渡桥) battle was a critical moment. "Cold iron chains" evoke the harsh reality of war, yet the army prevailed.

7. "Yet more joy comes from Minshan’s thousand miles of snow"
   - Minshan (岷山) marked the march’s end. The snow, usually a hardship, becomes a symbol of triumph.

8. "As the three armies pass, all faces beam with smiles"
   - The final line celebrates unity and victory. "Three armies" (三军) refers to the Red Army’s divisions, now united in joy.

Themes and Symbolism

1. Triumph of Human Will

• The poem glorifies the perseverance of the Red Army, turning natural obstacles into insignificant challenges.

2. Nature as a Metaphor for Struggle

• Mountains and rivers symbolize hardships, yet they are conquered, reflecting Mao’s belief in revolutionary destiny.

3. Unity and Collective Spirit

• The "three armies" represent solidarity, a core value in Chinese revolutionary ideology.

Cultural Context

The Long March was a defining moment in modern Chinese history. Mao’s poem transforms a military retreat into a legend of resilience, reinforcing Communist ideals. The use of classical qī lǜ form connects revolutionary struggle to China’s literary heritage, blending tradition with modernity.

Conclusion

"七律·长征" is more than a war poem—it is a testament to courage, unity, and the indomitable human spirit. Mao’s vivid imagery and classical structure make it a masterpiece of Chinese literature. Today, it remains a symbol of perseverance, inspiring not just Chinese readers but anyone facing great challenges.

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step," Laozi once said. Mao’s poem reminds us that even the longest march is conquered one step at a time.