The complete poem "A Bright Moon Full of the Universe" is explained as follows:
"A Bright Moon Full of the Universe" is a seven-character poem written by Wu Cheng'en, a poet of the Ming Dynasty.
This is the rhythmic poem in Chapter 36 of "Journey to the West". This poem is rich and majestic, as if a loud recitation travels through the vast time and space. The numbers from one to ten are arranged in flashback. It seems careless, but in fact it is carefully crafted. The night is quiet and beautiful, everything is silent. From the earth to the sky, from the bustling city to the fishing boats in the port, the scenery is arranged very reasonably.
Annotation translation
Poetry annotation
Diao Lun: the line on the fishing rod.
Vernacular Translation
No one has walked through the pavilion for tens of miles, and bright stars appear in the nine heavens.
All the ships in the eight rivers were returned to the port, and the gates of Qiqianzhou County were closed.
The officials have all returned to their residences, and there is no one fishing on the river.
The bells of the two drum towers rang, and a bright moon illuminated the universe.
Poem Appreciation
This is the author's verse in Chapter 36 of "Journey to the West". This poem is rich and majestic, as if a loud recitation travels through the vast time and space. The numbers from one to ten are arranged in flashback. It seems careless, but in fact it is carefully crafted. The night is quiet and beautiful, everything is silent. From the earth to the sky, from the bustling city to the fishing boats in the port, the scenery is arranged very reasonably.
At the end of the poem, two clear bells and drums suddenly sounded against the backdrop of a beautiful bright moon, giving a sense of completion. This poem is exquisitely conceived, especially the combination of numbers and words. The numbers are covered with literature, and the poetic image shows a unique wit.
About the author
Wu Chengen (1501-1582), named Ruzhong, also known as Sheyangshanren. Han nationality, from Shanyang County, Huai'an Prefecture (now Chuzhou District, Huai'an City, Jiangsu Province). An outstanding novelist of the Ming Dynasty in China, he is the author of "Journey to the West", one of the four famous works.
There is a newly renovated cemetery in Erbao Village, Madian Township, southeast of Huai'an, Jiangsu Province, and there is a memorial hall in Huai'an City. In addition, the large-scale mythological TV series "Wu Cheng'en and Journey to the West" starring six-year-old children became a hit in early 2010.