赠汪伦

Historical Background: Written during the High Tang Dynasty (712–766), a period of unparalleled cultural flourishing where poetry became a central part of social and artistic life. Farewell poems were a popular genre, reflecting the era’s emphasis on personal bonds and the widespread wanderlust of scholar-officials and literati. Cultural Background: 'Treading songs' (tage) was a traditional folk custom for seeing off loved ones—people would stamp their feet to keep rhythm while singing folk melodies, expressing both warmth and reluctance at parting. The Peach Blossom Pool, in modern Anhui Province, was a scenic retreat frequented by Tang scholars. Social Background: Tang literati often traveled extensively for official posts, literary gatherings, or spiritual exploration, forging deep friendships that were frequently celebrated in poetry. Personal Experience: At the time, Li Bai was roaming the Yangtze River region. Wang Lun, a local landowner and avid admirer, lured Li Bai to his home by promising 'ten miles of peach blossoms' and 'ten thousand wine shops'—actually referring to a pool named 'Peach Blossom' and a shop owned by someone named Wan. Li Bai enjoyed his stay and was deeply moved by Wang Lun’s sincere send-off. Artistic Features & Purpose: The poem uses hyperbole and metaphor to amplify its theme of profound friendship, contrasting the tangible depth of the pool with the intangible warmth of Wang’s affection. Its colloquial, natural language avoids ornate rhetoric, letting raw sincerity take center stage, making it accessible yet emotionally resonant. Li Bai’s purpose was to honor Wang Lun’s kindness, and this simplicity has made it one of the most iconic quatrains in Chinese poetry.