The Lament by the River (Masterplots II: Poetry, Revised Edition)
At a glance:
- Author: Du Fu
- First Published: 757
- Type of Work: Ballad
- Genres: Poetry, Ballad
- Subjects: History, Revolutions, Asia or Asians, Kings, queens, or royalty, China or Chinese people
The Poem
“Lament by the River” is one of the most well-known poems by Du Fu (Tu Fu). The title suggests a tragic sense aroused by scenes along the river; its function is to establish the setting and mood of the poem. The word “lament” leads naturally to the “stifled sobs” in the beginning line. The poem is written in the first person. Although “I” is never mentioned and the first person speaks through the persona of “an old rustic from Shaoling,” no distinction lies between the poet and the speaker of the poem. Like most Chinese classical poets, Du Fu...
[The entire page is 1498 words long]
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