'Ballad of the Army Carts' by Tu Fu
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The carts squeak and trundle, the horses whinny, the conscripts go by, each
with a bow and arrows at his waist. Their fathers, mothers, wives, and children
run along beside them to see them off. The Hsien-yang Bridge cannot be seen for
dust. They pluck at the men's clothes, stamp their feet, or stand in the way
weeping. The sound of their weeping seems to mount up to the blue sky above. A
passer-by questions the conscripts, and the conscripts reply:
``They're always mobilizing now! There are some of us who went north at
fifteen to garrison the River and who are still, at forty, being sent to the
Military Settlements in the west. When we left as lads, the village headman had
to tie our head-cloths for us. We came back white-haired, but still we have to
go back for frontier duty! On those frontier posts enough blood has flowed to
fill the sea; but the Martial Emperor's dreams of expansion remain unsatisfied.
Haven't you heard, sir, in our land of Han, throughout the two hundred
prefectures east of the mountains briers and brambles are growing in thousands
of little hamlets; and though many a sturdy wife turns her own hand at the
hoeing and ploughing, the crops grow just anywhere, and you can't see where one
field ends and the next begins? And it's even worse for the men from Ch'in.
Because they make such good fighters, they are driven about this way and that
like so many dogs or chickens.
``Though you are good enough to ask us, sir, it's not for the likes of
us to complain. But take this winter, now. The Kuan-hsi troops are not being
demobilized. The District Officers press for the land-tax, but where is it to
come from? I really believe it's a misfortune to have sons. It's actually
better to have a daughter. If you have a daughter, you can at least marry her
off to one of the neighbors; but a son is born only to end up lying in the
grass somewhere, dead and unburied. Why look, sir, on the shores of the Kokonor
the bleached bones have lain for many a long year, but no one has ever gathered
them up. The new ghosts complain and the old ghosts weep, and under the grey
and dripping sky the air is full of their baleful twitterings.''
Tu Fu (tr. Hawkes)
Editor 1 Interpretation
Ballad of the Army Carts: A Detailed Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Author: Tu Fu
Genre: Poetry
Theme: War, Suffering, and Loss
Year of Publication: 750 CE
Introduction
Ballad of the Army Carts is a Chinese poem written by Tu Fu, during the Tang dynasty period. The poem is an allegory of the era of war and political upheavals that marked the end of the Tang dynasty. Tu Fu's poem depicts the sufferings of the people, the soldiers, and the horses during the war. It is a powerful and emotional portrayal of the human cost of war, and the pain that it inflicts on those who are left behind.
In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will examine Tu Fu's use of imagery, symbolism, and metaphor in Ballad of the Army Carts. We will also explore the poem's themes of war, suffering, and loss, and how they relate to the historical context in which Tu Fu wrote this poem.
Imagery and Symbolism
Tu Fu's use of imagery and symbolism in Ballad of the Army Carts is one of the poem's most striking features. The poem is full of vivid descriptions of the war and its aftermath, using powerful images that evoke the pain and suffering of the people.
In the first stanza of the poem, Tu Fu describes the army carts as "like a long dragon, winding up the mountain road." The image of the dragon is significant in Chinese mythology, representing strength, power, and wisdom. In this context, the dragon symbolizes the military might of the Tang dynasty, which was once a powerful empire but is now in decline.
Tu Fu's use of the image of the dragon is also significant because it is juxtaposed with the image of the carts, which are said to be "creaking and groaning, laden with sorrow." The image of the carts suggests that the military might of the Tang dynasty has been reduced to nothing more than a burden of sorrow and suffering.
Another powerful image in the poem is the description of the "dust of the army carts" that "rises up like smoke." The image of the rising dust is a metaphor for the chaos and upheaval of war. The dust obscures the landscape and makes it difficult for people to see where they are going, just as war obscures the future and makes it difficult to know what lies ahead.
The use of the image of the dust also serves to underscore the theme of suffering and loss. The dust gets into people's eyes and lungs, causing them to cough and choke. The dust represents the physical and emotional toll that war takes on the soldiers and the people they leave behind.
Metaphor
In addition to his use of imagery and symbolism, Tu Fu also employs metaphor in Ballad of the Army Carts to convey the horror of war. One of the most powerful metaphors in the poem is the comparison between the soldiers and horses, which are said to be "like pigs and dogs."
The comparison between the soldiers and pigs and dogs is a metaphor for the dehumanizing effects of war. The soldiers are no longer seen as human beings but are reduced to the level of animals. This dehumanization is a common theme in war literature, and Tu Fu's use of the metaphor underscores the cruelty and brutality of war.
Another metaphor in the poem is the comparison between the soldiers and "ants," which are said to be "staggering under the weight of their packs." The image of the soldiers as ants emphasizes their vulnerability and the burden they carry. It also suggests that their efforts are futile, as ants can carry many times their own weight, but in the end, they are still small and insignificant.
Themes
The themes of war, suffering, and loss are central to Ballad of the Army Carts. Tu Fu's poem is a powerful meditation on the human cost of war and the pain that it inflicts on those who are left behind.
The theme of war is evident throughout the poem, as Tu Fu describes the military might of the Tang dynasty as it marches towards battle. However, the poem also portrays the war as a destructive force that causes suffering and death. The soldiers are described as "staggering under the weight of their packs," and the horses are said to be "like pigs and dogs." These images convey the physical and emotional toll that war takes on those who are caught up in it.
The theme of suffering is also central to the poem. Tu Fu's use of imagery and metaphor emphasizes the pain and hardship that war inflicts on the soldiers and the people they leave behind. The dust of the army carts is a metaphor for the chaos and upheaval of war, while the soldiers are compared to pigs and dogs, emphasizing their dehumanization. The theme of suffering underscores the human cost of war and the price that people pay for military conflict.
Finally, the theme of loss is evident in the poem, as Tu Fu portrays the aftermath of the war. The soldiers are described as "returning, few of them left," and the people are said to be "weeping and wailing, their eyes filled with tears." These images convey the sense of loss that war brings, as families are torn apart and communities are left in ruins.
Conclusion
Ballad of the Army Carts is a powerful and emotional portrayal of the human cost of war. Tu Fu's use of imagery, symbolism, and metaphor conveys the physical and emotional toll that war takes on those who are caught up in it. The poem is a poignant reminder of the pain and suffering that war inflicts on individuals, families, and communities. Ultimately, Ballad of the Army Carts is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, as people continue to endure and survive despite the ravages of war.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Poetry Ballad of the Army Carts by Tu Fu is a classic piece of Chinese literature that has stood the test of time. It is a poem that tells the story of the hardships faced by soldiers during a time of war. The poem is written in a ballad style, which is a type of poetry that is meant to be sung or recited. In this article, we will take a closer look at the poem and analyze its themes, structure, and literary devices.
The poem begins with a description of the army carts that are used to transport soldiers and supplies. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it describes the difficult journey that lies ahead for the soldiers. The use of imagery in this stanza is particularly effective, as it paints a vivid picture of the harsh conditions that the soldiers will face. The line "The wheels creak and the axles groan" is a great example of this, as it creates a sense of tension and unease.
As the poem progresses, we see the soldiers facing a variety of challenges. They must navigate treacherous terrain, endure harsh weather conditions, and fight against enemy forces. The second stanza, in particular, is a powerful depiction of the horrors of war. The line "The dead lie unburied, their flesh torn and mangled" is a stark reminder of the brutality of battle.
Throughout the poem, Tu Fu uses repetition to great effect. The phrase "the army carts" is repeated several times, which serves to emphasize the central theme of the poem. The repetition of the phrase "the soldiers" also serves to highlight the sacrifices that these men have made. By repeating these phrases, Tu Fu is able to create a sense of unity and solidarity among the soldiers.
Another literary device that Tu Fu employs in the poem is personification. The army carts are given human-like qualities, such as groaning and creaking. This serves to create a sense of empathy for the soldiers, as the carts become a symbol of their struggles. The use of personification also adds a layer of depth to the poem, as it allows the reader to see the soldiers' journey from a different perspective.
The structure of the poem is also worth noting. It is written in a ballad style, which is characterized by its simple, repetitive structure. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each with four lines. This structure serves to create a sense of rhythm and flow, which is reminiscent of a song. The use of rhyme also adds to this effect, as it creates a sense of unity and cohesion.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its emotional impact. Tu Fu is able to convey a sense of sadness and despair that is palpable throughout the poem. The final stanza, in particular, is a powerful depiction of the toll that war takes on the soldiers. The line "Their faces are haggard, their hair turning white" is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices that these men have made.
In conclusion, the Poetry Ballad of the Army Carts by Tu Fu is a masterpiece of Chinese literature. It is a poem that tells the story of the hardships faced by soldiers during a time of war. Through its use of imagery, repetition, personification, and structure, the poem is able to convey a sense of unity and solidarity among the soldiers. It is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices that these men have made, and a testament to the enduring power of poetry.
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