Ode to the Goose (咏鹅): The Tang Dynasty Masterpiece Written by a Child

Описание: • Subject: Chinese Literature / Tang Dynasty Poetry
• Poem: Ode to the Goose (咏鹅 - Yǒng É)
• Author: Luo Binwang (骆宾王)
• Language: Mandarin Chinese / English Analysis

Main Description
Synopsis: In this video, we explore one of the most famous poems in Chinese history, "Ode to the Goose" (咏鹅). Written by Luo Binwang when he was just a child, this poem is a masterclass in combining sound, color, and dynamic imagery. We dive into the history, translation, and the deeper symbolic meanings hidden within these simple lines.
The Poem: 鹅，鹅，鹅，曲项向天歌。 (Geese, Geese, Geese, with curved necks singing to the sky.) 白毛浮绿水，红掌拨清波。 (White feathers float on green water, red paws paddle through clear waves.)
Video Chapters & Key Insights:
1. The Story of a Prodigy Luo Binwang wrote this poem as a child living in a village north of Yiwu. The story goes that a guest visited the family, and upon reaching a pond named "Luojiatang," pointed to the geese and challenged the young Luo to write a poem. After a brief moment of thought, he composed this timeless verse.
2. Visuals and Aesthetics The poem is celebrated for its vivid use of color and contrast.
• Color: The poet uses "white" feathers against "green" water, and "red" paws against "clear" waves, creating a bright and dazzling visual effect.
• Motion: The word "float" (浮) captures the leisure of the geese, while "paddle" (拨) depicts their exertion, creating a beautiful balance between stillness and motion.
3. Deeper Meaning: Ambition and Spirit While this is a poem about an object ("Ode to Things"), it possesses a "spirit" that connects to human ideals.
• The phrase "Singing to the sky" (向天歌) is crucial; it gives the poem a vast background and implies a lofty ambition.
• By personifying the geese as "singing" rather than just calling, the poet imbues them with a high-spirited, confident, and eager personality.
• The goose is depicted not just as a farm animal, but as a creature with a broad vision and extraordinary aspirations.
4. About the Author Luo Binwang (c. 640–684) is one of the "Four Greats of the Early Tang Dynasty". Later in life, he famously wrote a manifesto against Empress Wu Zetian for the rebellion of Xu Jingye. After the rebellion failed, his fate remains a mystery—some say he was killed, while others believe he became a monk