绝句·两个黄鹂鸣翠柳

Historical Background: The poem was composed in the late Tang Dynasty, a period following the devastating An Lushan Rebellion (755–763) that shattered the empire’s once-flourishing prosperity. Though the rebellion was suppressed, the Tang Dynasty remained mired in political instability and economic decline. Cultural Background: Jueju, the poetic form employed here, is a classic five-character quatrain unique to Tang poetry, defined by its concise, evocative imagery and strict structural rhythm. Tang poets frequently turned to nature as a spiritual refuge, using natural landscapes to convey personal emotions or subtle social observations. Social Background: Post-rebellion society was marked by widespread poverty, displacement and chaos, but remote regions like Chengdu offered a temporary haven for scholars and commoners alike. The ship bound for far-off Eastern Wu referenced in the poem signals the gradual restoration of river trade, a small yet hopeful sign of social and economic recovery. Personal Experience: After years of wandering, hunger and loss during the rebellion, Du Fu settled in Chengdu in 765 with the aid of local friends, building a humble thatched cottage where he found rare stability in his later years. This poem was crafted during this peaceful interlude, a respite from his lifelong struggles. Creative Purpose & Artistic Features: Du Fu’s goal was to capture a fleeting moment of tranquility and natural beauty, blending personal contentment with understated social commentary. Artistically, he uses vivid color contrasts (golden orioles against green willows, white egrets against blue sky) and clever framing techniques (the window framing distant snow-capped hills, the door framing the moored ship) to create a layered, immersive scene, condensing profound emotion and subtle social hints into just four concise lines.