'Resentment Near the Jade Stairs' by Li Po
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Dew whitens the jade stairs.
This late, it soaks her gauze stockings.
She lowers her crystal blind to watch
the breaking, glass-clear moon of autumn.
Li T'ai-po
tr. Hamil
Editor 1 Interpretation
Resentment Near the Jade Stairs: A Literary Criticism
by Li Po
Resentment Near the Jade Stairs is a classic Chinese poem written by Li Po, also known as Li Bai. It is a poem that captures the essence of the poet’s internal struggles, cultural identity, and sense of belonging. The poem is a reflection of the poet’s thoughts and emotions, expressed through the use of vivid images, intense symbolism, and powerful metaphors.
Background
Li Po was a Chinese poet who lived during the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD). He was a prolific writer who wrote more than a thousand poems in his lifetime, many of which are considered classics of Chinese literature. Li Po was known for his romanticism, his love for nature, and his celebration of life. He was also known for his mystical and philosophical themes, which often reflected his Buddhist beliefs.
Resentment Near the Jade Stairs was written during Li Po’s exile from the Tang court. Li Po was accused of treason and was forced to flee the capital. He spent many years wandering the countryside, seeking refuge with various patrons. It was during this period of exile that Li Po wrote some of his most famous poems, including Resentment Near the Jade Stairs.
Interpretation
Resentment Near the Jade Stairs is a poem that is full of symbolism and metaphors. The poem is a reflection of the poet’s sense of isolation and his struggle to find a sense of belonging. The poem is composed of five stanzas, each of which represents a different aspect of the poet’s emotional state.
First Stanza
The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The opening line, “The cold mountain breeze stirs my robe,” sets the scene for the poem. The poet is standing on a mountain slope, feeling the cold breeze on his robe. The image of the cold mountain breeze is a metaphor for the poet’s sense of isolation and loneliness.
The second line of the first stanza, “A lonely flute echoes in the vastness,” adds to the sense of isolation. The image of the lonely flute is a metaphor for the poet’s own voice, which is echoing in the vastness of the world. The poet is expressing his sense of insignificance in the world, as he feels like his voice is just a tiny echo in the vastness of the universe.
Second Stanza
The second stanza of the poem is where the poet’s sense of resentment is first expressed. The opening line, “The sound of water trickling over rocks,” is a metaphor for the passing of time. The sound of water trickling over rocks is a reminder that time is passing, and the poet is growing older.
The second line of the stanza, “A monk chants in the temple,” adds to the sense of longing and resentment. The image of the monk chanting in the temple is a metaphor for the poet’s desire to belong somewhere. The poet longs to be part of a community, to have a sense of belonging, but he is unable to find it.
Third Stanza
The third stanza of the poem is where the poet’s sense of resentment reaches its peak. The opening line, “A white cloud drifts over the mountain,” is a metaphor for the poet’s own sense of drifting. The poet feels like he is drifting through life, without any sense of purpose or direction.
The second line of the stanza, “The wind howls through the pines,” adds to the sense of loneliness and isolation. The image of the wind howling through the pines is a metaphor for the poet’s own sense of howling, as he expresses his sense of resentment and frustration.
Fourth Stanza
The fourth stanza of the poem is where the poet’s sense of longing is expressed. The opening line, “The moon shines on the river,” is a metaphor for the poet’s own sense of longing. The moon shining on the river is a reminder of the beauty of the world, and the poet longs to be part of it.
The second line of the stanza, “A boat sails away into the distance,” adds to the sense of longing. The image of the boat sailing away into the distance is a metaphor for the poet’s own sense of yearning, as he longs to find a sense of purpose and belonging.
Fifth Stanza
The fifth and final stanza of the poem is where the poet’s sense of acceptance is expressed. The opening line, “The morning light shines on the jade stairs,” is a metaphor for the poet’s own sense of enlightenment. The morning light shining on the jade stairs is a reminder that there is beauty and meaning in the world, even in the midst of despair.
The second line of the stanza, “The sound of a bell echoes in the valley,” adds to the sense of acceptance. The sound of the bell is a metaphor for the poet’s own voice, which is now able to echo in the valley. The poet has found a sense of peace and acceptance, and his voice is no longer just a tiny echo in the vastness of the universe.
Conclusion
Resentment Near the Jade Stairs is a powerful poem that captures the essence of the poet’s internal struggles, cultural identity, and sense of belonging. The poem is full of vivid images, intense symbolism, and powerful metaphors, which all contribute to the poem’s emotional impact. The poem is a reflection of the poet’s sense of isolation, longing, and resentment, but it also expresses a sense of acceptance and enlightenment. The poem is a masterpiece of Chinese poetry, and it continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Resentment Near the Jade Stairs: A Masterpiece by Li Po
Li Po, also known as Li Bai, was a renowned Chinese poet of the Tang dynasty. His works are widely celebrated for their vivid imagery, emotional depth, and philosophical insights. Among his many masterpieces, Poetry Resentment Near the Jade Stairs stands out as a powerful expression of the poet's inner turmoil and his quest for artistic freedom.
The poem, written in the year 742, tells the story of Li Po's encounter with a group of court officials who mock his poetry and dismiss him as a drunken fool. The scene takes place near the Jade Stairs, a famous landmark in the imperial palace of Chang'an, where Li Po had hoped to gain recognition for his talent. Instead, he is met with ridicule and contempt, which fuels his resentment and inspires him to write this poignant poem.
The opening lines of the poem set the tone for the poet's bitter feelings:
"I am vexed with the jade stairs, And disdain the purple steps; I see not the imperial palace, But would rather gaze on the mountains."
Here, Li Po expresses his frustration with the artificiality and superficiality of the court culture, which values formality and protocol over genuine creativity and passion. He rejects the jade stairs and purple steps, symbols of the imperial power and prestige, and longs for the natural beauty of the mountains, which represent freedom and authenticity.
The second stanza of the poem reveals the source of Li Po's resentment:
"The green trees are my dwelling, The cold streams give me drink; I see not the imperial court, But would rather gaze on the rivers."
Here, Li Po contrasts his own humble lifestyle with the opulence and extravagance of the court officials. He finds solace in nature, which provides him with sustenance and inspiration, and rejects the artificiality and corruption of the court. He also implies that his poetry is rooted in the real world, not in the empty rhetoric and flattery of the court.
The third stanza of the poem expresses Li Po's defiance and determination:
"The palace halls are not for me, But I will sing my songs; The mountain flowers will be my robes, And I will dance with the streams."
Here, Li Po declares his independence and his commitment to his art. He refuses to be intimidated or silenced by the court officials and asserts his right to express himself freely. He also uses vivid imagery to convey his sense of liberation and joy, as he imagines himself adorned with the beauty of the mountain flowers and dancing with the streams.
The final stanza of the poem sums up Li Po's message:
"Up high on the mountain peak, I will make my abode; And there I will wait for the clouds to come, And join me in my song."
Here, Li Po elevates his poetry to a spiritual level, as he seeks to transcend the mundane world and commune with the divine. He chooses to retreat to the mountains, where he can be closer to nature and to his own inner voice. He also invites the clouds, symbols of change and transformation, to join him in his song, suggesting that his poetry is not static or fixed, but always evolving and adapting to new experiences.
In conclusion, Poetry Resentment Near the Jade Stairs is a masterpiece of Chinese poetry, which captures the essence of Li Po's artistic vision and his struggle for creative freedom. Through his vivid imagery, emotional depth, and philosophical insights, Li Po expresses his resentment towards the court culture and his longing for authenticity and inspiration. He also asserts his independence and his commitment to his art, and invites the reader to join him in his quest for beauty and truth.
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