The Selected Poems of Du Fu

Synopsis

Du Fu (712-777) has been called China's greatest poet, and some call him the greatest nonepic, nondramatic poet whose writings survive in any language. Du Fu excelled in a great variety of poetic forms, showing a richness of language ranging from elegant to colloquial, from allusive to direct. His impressive breadth of subject matter includes intimate personal detail as well as a great deal of historical information-which earned him the epithet "poet-historian." Some 1,400 of Du Fu's poems survive today, his fame resting on about one hundred that have been widely admired over the centuries. Preeminent translator Burton Watson has selected 127 poems, including those for which Du Fu is best remembered and lesser-known works.

Summary

Chapter 1: Early Life and Wanderings

* Themes: Childhood experiences, poverty, and separation
* Example: "Spring Hope" depicts Du Fu's childhood in poverty, his aspirations for a better life, and the pain of leaving his family behind when he embarks on his travels.

Chapter 2: The Imperial Court and the An Lushan Rebellion

* Themes: Political corruption, the Emperor's inaction, and the horrors of war
* Example: "Song of the Wagons" describes the plight of refugees fleeing the rebel forces, highlighting the devastating impact of the rebellion on innocent civilians.

Chapter 3: Exile and Hardship

* Themes: Loss, homelessness, and the resilience of the human spirit
* Example: "The Thatched Hut" captures Du Fu's isolation and desolation during his exile, but also expresses his indomitable spirit amidst adversity.

Chapter 4: Nature and Philosophy

* Themes: The beauty and solitude of nature, and the search for meaning in life
* Example: "Quiet Night Thoughts" explores the poet's reflections on life, loneliness, and the passage of time while observing a peaceful night outside.

Chapter 5: The Return to Chengdu

* Themes: Homecoming, renewal, and the bittersweet memories of the past
* Example: "Returning to Chengdu on a Spring Day" expresses the joy and relief of returning home after years of exile, but also the realization that things have changed and the past cannot be fully recaptured.

Chapter 6: Social Commentary and Historical Records

* Themes: Poverty, injustice, and the suffering of the common people
* Example: "Ballad of the Soldiers' Wives" depicts the lives of soldiers' wives and families, highlighting the burdens they bear and the horrors of war.

Chapter 7: Later Years and Legacy

* Themes: The poet's declining health, the passing of time, and the profound impact of his work on Chinese literature
* Example: "The Hut in the Wild Woods" reflects Du Fu's reflections on his own mortality and the lasting legacy he will leave behind through his poetry.

Real Example:

"Moonlit Night on the River" (from Chapter 5)

Floating clouds in the moonlit sky,
The air is clear and cool.
The river flows silently,
Like a long strip of jade.

A fishing boat is moored by the shore,
A fisherman is casting his line.
The moon shines down on the water,
Like a silver coin.