INTERPRETATION OF A SINGLE POEM

Introduction

Spinning the wheel of the history, it can be seen that Chinese people had splendid literary background. Pieces of literature they created have their own place in the literary world. One of the marvelous Chinese poem is “Sunset” by Tu Fu, which is mostly described as a poet-historian and his works convey a strong emotional impact. This poem is translated by “Kenneth Rexroth” and is about the change in nature that register a range of features.This poem is regarded as one of the remarkable poems for both its content and mood. The poetic imagination seems to be at work and there could be found elements of romanticism throughout the poem. You can also learn Thousands of Bangla to English Translation Online from here.

Discussion

It has been witnessed that nature is one of the most important themes for the poets and in most of the poems they used to add more beauty in nature by inculcating magical words and their emotions along. In “Sunset” central theme is based on the beauty of sunset. In this poem, Tu Fu, is spotting a light on natural phenomenon of sun setting. He has used poetic lines and a perfect expression to describe this process in which every day the sun rises at a particular time, and also sets in specific manner. Most appealing and grabbing aspect of this natural process is that it is a mesmerizing moment or time that attracts everyone towards it. The aim of the writer in this poem is to paint a beautiful picture of the sunset along with praising the nature. This poem provides a glimpse of important features that mainly holds the attention of the readers.

This poem portrays the imagery of sunset and claims that during the sunset there arises different moments. During the description, he adds different features of this natural process. Elements that he had added in this poem includes natural elements such as valleys, insects, natural scent of the gardens, birds and flowers etc. Sunset points towards last element of the day by pointing a charming picture of the nature. Tu Fu has depicted sunset as change as after it (sunset) day changes into night. The time when the sun set in the west, day ends and the night arrives. Main purpose of Tu Fu to depict this scene of sunset is to show his audience his interest in the natural processes and his admiration of the nature. Another important thing that could be noticed in this poem is rural and bucolic aspects that are targeted by Tu Fu. Moreover, he has added some of the features of the natural beauty to link it with his own representation of sunset.

Tu Fu has linked small things such as birds with nature for praising it. Sunset has been portrayed as an alarm for the bird that reminds them to move back towards their homes and nests so that they could have rest and enjoy sleep at night as birds lacks the ability to see at night. In this poem, the poet claims that sunset helps some species to return to their home and beforehand gives them a sign that darkness is about to spread so they must return to their homes. The poet states that “Smoke of cooking/ Fires drift over the slow barges” which refers towards the human activities. Sunset is also the time when people start making their dinner on the fire, people work all day for having their supper at night.

In this poem, the poet has stated “Sparrows hop and tumble” and “Whirling insects/Swarm…” which shows that both birds and insects perform their daily routine duties and activities. In the air, the insect’s buzz and hum, and at the sunset each bird and insects start it journey for reaching towards it home of family. Making of dinner after sunset and taking rest after it in case of insect points towards the patterns of sunset.He has used simple and catchy language that makes it clear to the readers which things he wants to refer. Direct language has been used which any reader could understand without any hassle. The flow of his emotions is presented well with the words he chose to express. This poem shows that poet is straightforward in expressing his views of the nature. Even the small things are worthy for him as they all depict the nature around him. The blooming of the flowers is also reflected as one of the important aspects of nature. The blooming of flowers points their journey towards sleep and flower, garden, and birds all are essential parts of nature. Another important message of the poem is that it shows the last thing of the day and sends a message that day has ended it is the time for the night now.

Throughout the poem, it could be seen that the poet is so much obsessed with nature that he mentions all the details of the natural patterns. He claims that ending of the day with the sunset pattern is filled with sensation. In the lines, he claimed, “Spring flowers/Bloom in the valley” and by this description he has pointed towards the smell of perfume that he could feel in the garden. The way Tu Fu has described the beauty of nature it seems that he has been a keen observer of nature and used to sense the surrounding beauty.

This poem shows the difference in the way of seeing the surroundings, between a poet and a normal human being. For a poet, like Tu Fu, nature a thing of joy that must be enjoyed but not all humans find it as beautiful as it seems to the poet. Imagination and choice of the word has intensified beauty of the poem. Sunset shows normal patterns and processes of nature that are the same from centuries and still are following the same patterns. It is interesting to note that through this simple poem the poet has given its readers a deep message that nature follows a set pattern. There comes night after the day when sunsets, but this set of the sun is also a message for the people to stay hopeful for a brighter day that so nature is also a sign of hope for those who wanted to see at the brighter side.

Conclusion

Taking a look at the above discussion, it could be concluded that Tu Fu has beautifully depicted the natural scene of sunset that reminds the poet of the excellence of the Creator. It won’t be wrong to say that this poem is a complete reflection of the nature and time of sunset at which people start making their meal and birds return home. There is a an underline message of hope been given by the poem as well that after every sunset there is a new day that comes with new hopes and this is how the world and life go on. Through this poem the poet in pointing towards things that are constant in life. Sunset serves the purpose of an alarm for creation. So, as a whole, it could be concluded that this poem is reflecting nature and beautifies it by spotting a light on its impressive and breathtaking natural scene. Tu Fu has spread love for nature and optimistic views through this poem.