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| Sunday, 11 December 2005 |
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A/L English Literature Made Easy - Poetry Escorting Candidates to the Examination Hall (AD805) - by Po Chu A Chinese poem translated by Arthur Waley. This is a Chinese Poem by Po Chu and translated into English by Arthur Waley. China is one of the countries that carries a history for over many centuries, long before the modern European civilization. It is famous for art, crafts, paintings, sculpture and architecture.
The poem begins with the words AT DAWN creating the appropriate background for the event. MORNING being the best time of the day, bright and hopeful for the commencement of an event that is weighty, and important. "At dawn I rode to escort the doctors of art, In the eastern quarter the sky was still grey I said to myself, you have started far too soon But horses and coaches already thronged the road. The Doctors of Art are students from rich families involved in academic education. Though it looks as if the journey was started too soon, the symbolic appearance of the horses and coaches indicate the initial stage of a day's routine. The poet seems to be full of pity when he sees the riders trot to the early levee ( the assembly held by the king or the person representing him. Only men were allowed to be in.) The poet seems to express his sympathy for these people because they are striving, with hope for wealth and popularity, entirely unconcerned about the welfare of the community. "You with your striving what shall you each seek? Profit and fame, for that is all you care" The writer seems to lead a free life, full of leisure. He lives in a carefree manner. "But I, you courtiers, rise from my bed at noon And live idly in the city of Changan" He , having retired from service to the king he lives according to his wishes, free and contented. "spring is deep and my terms of office spent day by day my thoughts go back to the hills" The writer seems to have reached the conclusion of renouncing his worldly life and becoming an ascetic. The title of the poem Escorting Candidates To The Examination Hall and the date AD805 ratify that China was a country with a recorded history of many centuries. It was famous for architecture painting and sculpture, providing the suitable background to give rise to ideas. The Chinese were supposed to be the first to have held highly competitive and highly selective public examinations for civil administration. But the poet is not pleased with the attitudes and intentions of those who are involved. "Profit and fame, for that is all you care" The poet lives a free life, but he lives a richer life free from bondage. He wishes to admire the beauty of nature. His sensitivity to beautiful nature is symbolized in the last two lines - a reflection of the poet's final decision. "Spring is deep and my term of office spent Day by day my thoughts go back to the hills" The diction is simple and direct, enhanced by the use of symbolic words. "resume their great strife" "the sky was still grey" "horses and coaches" "riders' torches bobbed" Words and ideas flow in a spontaneous manner paving the way for the attraction and attention of the reader. The speaker's aspirations seem to be set and presented in a clear and brilliant manner in contrast with that of the riders whose ultimate desire is for wealth and fame. "Riders, when I see you trot, so pleased with yourselves, To your early levee, pity fills my heart." The sixteen lines of the entire poem consists of the poet's sincere ideas expressed in a very eloquent manner, inviting the reader's attention to the facts highlighted revealing the state of China around AD 805. Mrs. C. Ekanayake, Retd. Specialist Teacher, English Literature, St. Anne's College, Kurunegala. |
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The Chinese were highly educated and well informed. Their standard in
the Fine Arts and Literature were exceptional. The poem Escorting
Candidates To The Examination Hall, symbolizes the high standard of
education that existed in China. 
