Translation of the ancient poem "Plum Blossom": There are a few plum blossoms in the corner, blooming alone in the severe cold.
Why do you know from a distance that the white plum blossoms are not snow? Because there is a faint fragrance of plum blossoms.
Original poem
Comments:
①Linghan: braving the severe cold
②Yao: far away.
③Zhi: Know.
④ is: because.
⑤Secret fragrance: refers to the fragrance of plum blossoms
Creative background
After Wang Anshi was dismissed as prime minister again, he became frustrated, gave up, and retreated to Zhongshan . At this time, the author's lonely mentality and difficult situation have a lot in common with the proud plum blossoms of snow and frost, so he wrote this poem.
Appreciation:
The first two sentences of this poem describe the plum blossoms in the corner that are not afraid of the severe cold and bloom alone proudly; the last two sentences describe the fragrance of plum blossoms, using plum blossoms as personification, and metaphorically blooming alone in the cold weather. Dian's noble character and refreshing fragrance symbolize his talent.
The first sentence "There are a few plum blossoms in the corner", the "corner" is not eye-catching, not easily known, and not appreciated by others, but it doesn't matter. The environment of "corner" highlights the simple and solitary beauty of Shuzhimei. It reflects the attitude of the poet who still insists on his own opinions despite the harsh environment he lives in.
The second sentence "Ling Han drives alone", "alone", has a strong meaning, not afraid of the eyes of others, and still stands tall in a harsh environment. It reflects the poet's belief in persisting in himself.
The third sentence "Knowing from a distance is not snow", "Knowing from a distance" means that the fragrance is coming from a long way away, faint and not obvious. The poet has a keen sense of smell, a unique discernment, and is good at discovery. "It's not snow", not talking about plum blossoms, but the whiteness of plum blossoms can be seen. It means that it looks very pure and white from a distance, but you know that it is not snow but plum blossoms. The poetry is tortuous, subtle, and thought-provoking. A subtle and quiet aroma.
The fourth sentence is "because of the secret fragrance." The "secret fragrance" refers to the aroma of plum blossoms, which is personified by plum blossoms. They bloom alone in the cold weather, which is a metaphor for noble character; the refreshing fragrance symbolizes the beauty of plum blossoms. Overflowing with talent.
The plum blossoms stand in a secluded and deserted corner, blooming quietly despite the severe cold, sending their rich fragrance to the world from a distance. This is a peerless plum and a peerless person.
About the author:
Wang Anshi (1021-1086), courtesy name Jiefu and nickname Banshan, was a writer and thinker, one of the "Eight Great Masters of the Tang and Song Dynasties", and was known as Wang Jinggong, Mr. Linchuan and Wang Wengong.