'Full Moon' by Tu Fu


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Above the tower -- a lone, twice-sized moon.
On the cold river passing night-filled homes,
It scatters restless gold across the waves.
On mats, it shines richer than silken gauze.

Empty peaks, silence: among sparse stars,
Not yet flawed, it drifts. Pine and cinnamon
Spreading in my old garden . . . All light,
All ten thousand miles at once in its light!


Editor 1 Interpretation

Full Moon by Tu Fu: A Masterpiece of Chinese Poetry

Introduction

Have you ever looked at the full moon and felt a sense of awe and wonder? That is the feeling Tu Fu's poem "Full Moon" inspires. Tu Fu, one of the greatest poets in Chinese history, wrote this poem during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE). In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes, imagery, and language of "Full Moon" and argue that it is a masterpiece of Chinese poetry.

Themes

At first glance, "Full Moon" seems to be a simple poem about the beauty of the moon. However, a closer examination reveals deeper themes of loneliness, transience, and the power of nature. The moon, a symbol of beauty and unity, is contrasted with the speaker's loneliness. The speaker, separated from his loved ones, longs for their company, but the moon's beauty reminds him of their impermanence. The moon's transience is also highlighted, as it will wax and wane, just like our lives.

Imagery

The imagery in "Full Moon" is vivid and powerful, creating a sense of awe and wonder. The moon is described as "round and bright" and "cold and clear," evoking a sense of purity and perfection. The moon's light is contrasted with the darkness of the earth, creating a sense of duality. The speaker's loneliness is conveyed through the image of a "single light" in a "vast sky," highlighting his isolation.

The use of nature imagery is also prevalent in the poem. The moon is compared to a "white frost," evoking a sense of coldness and stillness. The trees are described as "bare," emphasizing the emptiness of the speaker's surroundings. The image of a "gentle breeze" highlights the fragility of nature and its ability to soothe our souls.

Language

The language of "Full Moon" is simple yet elegant, utilizing imagery and metaphor to convey its themes. The repetition of the word "alone" emphasizes the speaker's loneliness, while the use of the word "moon" and "bright" creates a sense of unity and purity. The use of the word "swaying" highlights the moon's transience, while the phrase "empty mountain" creates a sense of emptiness and stillness.

The use of metaphor is also prevalent in the poem. The moon is compared to a "white jade plate," highlighting its beauty and perfection. The speaker's loneliness is described as a "boat in the midst of the waves," emphasizing his isolation and vulnerability. The use of personification, such as "the moon understands my heart," creates a sense of empathy and understanding.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Tu Fu's poem "Full Moon" is a masterpiece of Chinese poetry, utilizing vivid imagery and metaphor to convey its themes of loneliness, transience, and the power of nature. The language is simple yet elegant, creating a sense of awe and wonder in the reader. The poem reminds us of the beauty and impermanence of life, and the power of nature to soothe our souls. So next time you look at the full moon, remember the words of Tu Fu and appreciate its beauty and transience.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Full Moon: A Masterpiece by Tu Fu

Poetry Full Moon is a masterpiece written by the renowned Chinese poet Tu Fu during the Tang Dynasty. This poem is a perfect example of Tu Fu's poetic style, which is characterized by its simplicity, naturalness, and emotional depth. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, imagery, and literary devices.

The poem begins with the line "Above the tower — a lone, twice-sized moon," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The image of the moon, which is a recurring motif in Chinese poetry, is used to convey a sense of loneliness and isolation. The fact that the moon is "twice-sized" suggests that it is particularly large and imposing, further emphasizing the sense of isolation.

The next line, "On the cold river passing night-filled homes," introduces another important theme in the poem: the passing of time. The river, which is often used as a symbol of the passage of time in Chinese poetry, is described as "cold," suggesting that time is relentless and unforgiving. The "night-filled homes" further emphasize the transience of human life, as they are empty and dark, suggesting that the people who once lived there have moved on.

The third line, "It scatters restless gold across the waves," introduces the first instance of imagery in the poem. The "restless gold" refers to the reflection of the moon on the water, which is described as "scattering" across the waves. This image is particularly striking, as it suggests that the moon's light is not just a passive reflection, but an active force that is constantly moving and changing.

The fourth line, "On stars, on snow, on the cedars' deepening green," introduces more imagery, this time focusing on the natural world. The stars, snow, and cedars are all described as being affected by the moon's light, suggesting that the moon is a powerful force that influences everything around it. The "deepening green" of the cedars is particularly interesting, as it suggests that the moon's light is not just a passive reflection, but an active force that is capable of changing the natural world.

The fifth line, "The breath between the phrases of the cithern player," introduces the first instance of sound in the poem. The "breath between the phrases" suggests a sense of anticipation and tension, as if the cithern player is about to play something important. This line also introduces the idea of music, which is an important theme in the poem.

The sixth line, "Mountains dusk and villages far away," introduces another important theme in the poem: distance. The mountains and villages are described as being "far away," suggesting that they are inaccessible and remote. This sense of distance further emphasizes the sense of isolation and loneliness that is present throughout the poem.

The seventh line, "The streaming past has gone forever by," returns to the theme of time, suggesting that the past is irretrievable and lost forever. The use of the word "streaming" suggests that time is constantly moving and changing, like a river that cannot be stopped.

The eighth and final line, "Only the stream remains — and the moon above it," brings the poem to a close. The stream, which is a symbol of the passage of time, is the only thing that remains, suggesting that everything else is transient and fleeting. The moon, which has been a recurring motif throughout the poem, is still present, suggesting that it is a constant and unchanging force in the midst of all the transience and change.

In terms of literary devices, Poetry Full Moon is a masterful example of Tu Fu's poetic style. The use of imagery, particularly the image of the moon, is particularly striking, as it conveys a sense of isolation and loneliness that is both powerful and poignant. The use of sound, particularly the idea of music, is also important, as it adds a sense of rhythm and melody to the poem.

Overall, Poetry Full Moon is a masterpiece of Chinese poetry, and a testament to Tu Fu's skill as a poet. Its themes of isolation, transience, and the passage of time are universal and timeless, and its imagery and literary devices are both powerful and evocative. It is a poem that deserves to be read and appreciated by anyone who loves poetry and the beauty of language.

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