My brothers are all scattered, and I have no family to ask about life and death.
Artistic conception appreciation: In classical poetry, missing relatives and friends is a common theme. This kind of works must avoid mediocrity and be unconventional. It is not enough to rely on the author's life experience alone, but also must improve the expression technique. Ingenuity. It is in the treatment of such common themes that Du Fu shows his true qualities.
Creative background: This poem was written by Du Fu in Qinzhou in the autumn of the second year of Qianyuan (759) of Emperor Suzong of the Tang Dynasty. In the fourteenth year of Tianbao (755), Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty, the Anshi Rebellion broke out. In September of the second year of Qianyuan, the rebels An Lushan and Shi Siming led troops south from Fan Yang, captured Bianzhou, and marched westward to Luoyang. Shandong and Henan were both in war. At that time, Du Fu's younger brothers were scattered in this area. Due to the war and the lack of communication, they caused him strong anxiety and longing. This poem is a true record of his thoughts and feelings at that time.