Zhuge's prestige transcends the earth;
There is only reverence for his face;
Yet his will, among the Three Kingdoms at war,
Was only as one feather against a flaming sky.
He was brother of men like Yi and Lu
And in time would have surpassed the greatest of all statesmen.
Though he knew there was no hope for the House of Han,
Yet he wielded his mind for it, yielded his life.
Original Poem:
「咏怀古迹 · 其五」
杜甫
诸葛大名垂宇宙，宗臣遣像肃清高。
三分割据纡筹策，万古云霄一羽毛。
伯仲之间见伊吕，指挥若定失萧曹。
运移汉祚终难复，志决身歼军务劳。
Interpretation:
"Thoughts of Old Time V" is one of a series of poems composed by Du Fu in 766 AD while residing in Kuizhou (present-day Fengjie, Chongqing) during the reign of Emperor Daizong of the Tang Dynasty. At the time, Du Fu was nearly sixty years old, living in a turbulent era marked by national instability and widespread suffering. Gazing into the distance, he visited the Temple of Marquis Wu (Zhuge Liang) and reflected on the remarkable achievements and unfulfilled ambitions of the legendary statesman and strategist. Through Zhuge Liang's story, Du Fu expressed his own sorrow over the state of the nation and his unfulfilled aspirations. This fifth poem focuses on commemorating Zhuge Liang's life and legacy.
First Couplet: "诸葛大名垂宇宙，宗臣遗像肃清高。"
Zhūgě dà míng chuí yǔzhòu, zōng chén yí xiàng sù qīng gāo.
Zhuge Liang's great name echoes through the cosmos; his statue stands solemn and noble, exuding dignity.
The opening couplet praises Zhuge Liang's enduring legacy, emphasizing his fame that transcends time and space. The poet then shifts to describe his own experience standing before Zhuge Liang's statue in the temple, feeling a deep sense of reverence. This tone of admiration and solemnity permeates the entire poem, setting a reverent and poignant mood.
Second Couplet: "三分割据纡筹策，万古云霄一羽毛。"
Sān fēn gējù yū chóu cè, wàn gǔ yúnxiāo yī yǔmáo.
Through his profound strategies, he divided the realm into three; his achievements are as rare as a phoenix feather, unparalleled through the ages.
This couplet extols Zhuge Liang's extraordinary talent. As the chief strategist for Liu Bei, he played a pivotal role in establishing the tripartite division of the realm among Wei, Shu, and Wu, fulfilling the grand plan outlined in the Longzhong Dialogue. The phrase "as rare as a phoenix feather" (万古云霄一羽毛) underscores the uniqueness and brilliance of his accomplishments, elevating him above all others in history.
Third Couplet: "伯仲之间见伊吕，指挥若定失萧曹。"
Bó zhòng zhī jiān jiàn Yī Lǚ, zhǐhuī ruò dìng shī Xiāo Cáo.
In statesmanship, he rivals Yi Yin and Lü Shang; in commanding with calm precision, he surpasses Xiao He and Cao Shen.
Here, Du Fu compares Zhuge Liang to ancient paragons of statesmanship and military strategy. Yi Yin and Lü Shang were legendary ministers of antiquity, while Xiao He and Cao Shen were renowned Han dynasty chancellors. Du Fu asserts that Zhuge Liang excelled in both civil administration and military command, highlighting his unparalleled versatility and brilliance.
Fourth Couplet: "运移汉祚终难复，志决身歼军务劳。"
Yùn yí Hàn zuò zhōng nán fù, zhì jué shēn jiān jūnwù láo.
The fate of the Han dynasty could not be restored; though resolute in his ambition, he exhausted himself in military affairs and met his end.
The final couplet concludes with a somber reflection on Zhuge Liang's unfulfilled mission. Despite his unwavering determination and tireless efforts, he could not reverse the decline of the Han dynasty. His death from overwork in military service adds a tragic dimension to his legacy, underscoring the futility of his struggle against the tides of history.
Overall Appreciation
This poem revolves around Du Fu's visit to the Temple of Marquis Wu, using Zhuge Liang's life and achievements as a lens to express his own feelings of admiration and sorrow. Through vivid descriptions and historical allusions, Du Fu intertwines Zhuge Liang's story with his own, creating a poignant reflection on ambition, legacy, and the passage of time. The poem's tone shifts from reverence to lament, capturing the complexity of Zhuge Liang's legacy and Du Fu's personal emotions.
Writing Characteristics
- Comparative Praise
Du Fu elevates Zhuge Liang by comparing him to historical figures like Yi Yin, Lü Shang, Xiao He, and Cao Shen, emphasizing his unparalleled brilliance in both civil and military domains. - Natural Use of Allusion
The poem seamlessly incorporates historical references, such as the "tripartite division" (三分割据) and the "decline of the Han" (运移汉祚), enriching its depth and resonance. - Emotional Depth and Poignant Tone
The poem begins with admiration and ends with sorrow, reflecting Du Fu's deep respect for Zhuge Liang and his own sense of loss and unfulfilled ambition. - Structured and Layered
The poem progresses from praising Zhuge Liang's fame and achievements to lamenting his unfulfilled mission, creating a clear and impactful narrative structure.
Insights
This poem showcases Du Fu's profound admiration for Zhuge Liang's character and accomplishments, while also reflecting his own frustration and sorrow over his unfulfilled aspirations. It conveys the relentless passage of history and the fragility of human ambition, reminding us to strive with dedication and integrity, even in the face of insurmountable odds. Like Zhuge Liang, who is remembered for his unwavering commitment despite his ultimate failure, we are encouraged to pursue our ideals with perseverance and to leave a legacy of effort and virtue.
Poem translator:
Kiang Kanghu
About the poet
Du Fu (杜甫), 712 - 770 AD, was a great poet of the Tang Dynasty, known as the "Sage of Poetry". Born into a declining bureaucratic family, Du Fu had a rough life, and his turbulent and dislocated life made him keenly aware of the plight of the masses. Therefore, his poems were always closely related to the current affairs, reflecting the social life of that era in a more comprehensive way, with profound thoughts and a broad realm. In his poetic art, he was able to combine many styles, forming a unique style of "profound and thick", and becoming a great realist poet in the history of China.
