Nian Nu Jiao (Nian Nu Jiao) - Reminiscences of Red Cliff is a masterpiece of the famous Northern Song Dynasty writer Su Shi. It is known as the most beautiful song of all time and was written in 1082. Su Shi expresses his feelings through his majestic style of lyrics.
This lyric is important in the DSE Chinese Reading Paper. It combines a long history, deep emotions. It describes the Yangtze River going east and the strange peaks of Red Cliff. At the same time, it vividly depicts historical heroes like Zhou Yu and Xiao Qiao.
We will interpret the poem through translation. We will analyse the lyrics, the main idea and the rhetorical devices. The lyric expresses his thoughts on history and life through the description of the words "the old country is a godly place to visit". The poem is not only a sigh of history, but also reflects Su Shi's personal feelings.
Highlights
- Nian Nujiao (Nian Nu Jiao) - Reminiscences of Red Cliff is a masterpiece of Su Shi, which is known as "The Greatest Song of All Time".
- The lyrics are a blend of historical scenes and personal insights, demonstrating a bold style of lyricism.
- The lyric depicts the magnificent scenery of the Yangtze River going east and the Red Cliffs.
- Highlighting historical characters such as Zhou Yu and Xiao Qiao.
- Expresses thoughts on history and life through descriptions such as "travelling in the homeland".
- It is one of the most important sample texts in the DSE Chinese Reading Paper.
The Origin and Development of Song Lyrics
Collection of worksheets on benevolence, filial piety, and being a gentleman
The Historical Background of Song Lyrics
The prosperous economy and culture of the Song Dynasty led to the development of lyrics. According to records, there were 21,055 Song lyrics. There were different styles of Song lyrics, such as Euphemism, Magnificence and Metrical.
The Place of Song Lyrics in Literary History
Song lyrics are an important part of Chinese literary history. It is a continuation of the Tang poems with unique features. Su Shi's "Nian Nu Jiao - Reminiscences of Red Cliff" is one of the most famous poems in the Song Dynasty, which demonstrates a bold and unrestrained style.
This lyric evokes memories of heroes and has a deep sense of life.
Main Features of Song Lyrics
Song lyrics have a variety of characteristics:
- Stringent structure and harmonic rhythm
- A wide range of subjects including children's stories, mountain scenery and heroic tales.
- Use a variety of rhetorical devices, such as similes and metaphors.
- Expressing Emotions through Natural Landscapes
Nian Nu Jiao (念奴嬌), a classic work of Song lyrics, demonstrates the high artistry of Song lyrics.
Nian Nu Jiao (Nian Nu Jiao)
Nian Nu Jiao (念奴嬌) is a famous lyric of the Song Dynasty. It is very important in the history of literature. The lyric consists of 100 words and has a "two-tone" structure.
The rhyme scheme of this poem is unique. Most of the words rhyme with the initial consonant, such as 物, 牆,滅,傑. In this way, the poem is short but powerful, adding musical beauty.
In Nian Nu Jiao - Red Cliff Remembrance of Antiquity, Su Shi is famous for his use of the word ""(念奴嬌-赤壁懷古). This is also one of the examination points in the DSE Chinese Language Examination.
The composition of the licence is very demanding. The writer needs to be literate and have excellent writing skills. It begins with a thought-provoking description of a landscape.
Biography of Su Shi
Su Shi (蘇軾) was one of the most famous literary figures of the Northern Song Dynasty. He excelled in literature, calligraphy and painting, and is best known for his lyrics.
Literary Achievements
He innovated the bold and free style of lyrics. Nian Nu Jiao (Nian Nu Jiao Red Cliff Reminiscences) is one of his masterpieces. Su Shi also made many contributions to prose and poetry, and was honoured as one of the Eight Great Poets of the Tang and Song dynasties.
political career
Su Shi's political career had many twists and turns. He was deported to Huangzhou at the age of 43 because of the Wutai Poetry Incident. This deportation had a great impact on his creative work.
| age | important event | Influence |
|---|---|---|
| Forty-three. | The Case of Wutai Poetry | Deposed in Huangzhou |
| 45 years old. | Nian Nu Jiao (Reminiscences of Red Cliff) | Masterpieces of Magnificent Lyrics |
Background of Nian Nujiao - Reminiscences of Red Cliffs
Historical Background of the Battle of Red Cliff
The Battle of Red Cliff took place in the winter of 208 AD. It was one of the most crucial battles of the Three Kingdoms period. In this battle, Cao Cao led an army of one million men and was defeated by the allied forces of Sun Quan and Liu Bei.
Zhou Yu played a key role in the battle. He used the fire strategy to successfully repel Cao Cao's army.
This battle not only affected the political situation at that time. It also led to the gradual establishment of the Three Kingdoms. Su Shi expressed his respect for the heroes of history in Nian Nujiao (Nian Nu Jiao) - Reminiscences of Red Cliff.
| battle element | Details |
|---|---|
| time | Winter 208 A.D. |
| Place | Chibi (in present-day Wuhan, Hubei Province) |
| the two opposing sides (in a dispute) | Cao Cao's army vs Sun Quan and Liu Bei's allied army |
| Key People | Zhou Yu, Zhu Ge Liang |
| Key to Victory | firefighting |
The Battle of Red Cliff had a profound impact on Chinese history. It not only changed the politics of the time, but also influenced the literature of later generations. Su Shi's "Nian Nu Jiao - Reminiscences of Red Cliff" demonstrates his understanding of the times through his personal reflections on history.
Understanding the historical background of the Battle of Red Cliffs is important in reading Su Shi's words. It helps us to better feel the lyricist's reflection on history and the shortness of life. By reviewing the battle, Su combined his emotions with history to write this unforgettable poem.
Nian Nujiao Red Cliffs and Ancient Memories Translation
Nian Nu Jiao (念奴嬌赤壁懷古) is one of Su Shi's most famous poems. It is one of Su Shi's most famous poems. It shows his straightforward and bold style of writing. It describes the beauty of the Red Cliff and remembers the heroes of the past.
In order to help you understand the lyrics, we have provided the original text and a translation. The key words are also explained.
Comparison of the original text
| original | Simplified |
|---|---|
| As the great river goes east, the waves have exhausted all the characters of the ancient winds and streams. | As the great river goes east, the waves have exhausted all the characters of the past. |
| On the west side of the old fortress is the Red Cliff of Zhou Lang of the Three Kingdoms. | To the west of the old fortress, people say it is the Red Cliff of Zhou Lang of the Three Kingdoms. |
| Random stones pierce through the air, the waves beat against the shore, and a thousand piles of snow are rolled up. | Stones pierced the air, waves beat the shore, and a thousand piles of snow were rolled up. |
| The rivers and mountains are like a painting, and there are many heroes at one time. | The rivers and mountains are so picturesque, how many great men and women are there at one time. |
Full text translation
The translation of Nian Nu Jiao Red Cliffs and Ancient Memories helps us to understand the thinking of Su Shi. The Yangtze River flows eastward, carrying away countless people in their prime. To the west of the ancient citadel, the battle of Red Cliff, fought by Zhou Yu, the hero of the Three Kingdoms, is celebrated. The rocks pierced through the clouds and the waves were like snow. This beautiful scenery has witnessed many heroes.
Explanation of Key Terms
Knowing the key words will help you to grasp the content of the text. Here are some explanations of words:
- Big River: refers to the Yangtze River
- A person of great talent and elegance.
- Home base: Ancient fortress
- Zhou Lang: refers to Zhou Yu in the Three Kingdoms period.
- Amazing Waves: Earth-shattering Waves
- Heroic: A man of valour
Through the detailed interpretations of these words, we have a deeper sense of Su Shi's emotions and thoughts. These words not only recall history, but also reflect the impermanence of life.
Collection of worksheets on benevolence, filial piety, and being a gentleman
Word Structure Analysis
Nian Nujiao (Nian Nu Jiao) - Reminiscences of the Red Cliffs (念奴嬌-赤壁懷古) demonstrates Su Shi's outstanding literary talent. With more than 90 words, this is a long poem. It is cleverly divided into two parts, each with its own characteristics.
The first piece mainly describes the beautiful scenery of the Red Cliff and writes about its grandeur. Su Shi uses various kinds of rhetoric, including borrowing and simile. This gives the poem a deeper and more emotional feel for history.
The next piece uses the scenery to bring in the emotions and make the reader empathise with them. The poet's thoughts about historical figures arouse his own deep thoughts. The linkage from the past to the present makes the concept clearer.
| Structure | Main content | Writing Techniques |
|---|---|---|
| first film | Description of Red Cliff Scenery | Scenic descriptions, exaggerations, metaphors |
| stop screening a film | Historical Reminiscences, Personal Thoughts | Lyricism through scenery and events |
Exploring the Theme of Lyrics
Su Shi's "Nian Nu Jiao Red Cliff Reminiscences" is a colourful Song poem. It describes the author's deep thoughts about history. It also reveals the author's views on life.
cherish the past and grieve over the present
In this poem, Su remembers Zhou Yu and other heroes through the Battle of Red Cliff. He compares it to his own current situation. Su vividly describes the scenery of the river, showing his respect for heroes and history.
Hero Complex
life lessons
Su Shi was deeply touched by the rapid passage of time and the futility of fame. He compared life to a short dream and talked about the impermanence of life. Finally, Su showed a transcendent attitude towards the world.
| Theme | presentation | significance |
|---|---|---|
| cherish the past and grieve over the present | Depicting the Battle of Red Cliff | Contrasting History and Reality |
| Hero Complex | Praise for Zhou Yu and other historical figures | Expressing the pursuit of an ideal personality |
| life lessons | Compare life to a dream. | Reflections on Life |
Nian Nu Jiao (念奴嬌赤壁懷古) is a great example of Su Shi's literary talent. Through his thoughts on history and life, he created an impressive piece of poetry.
Analysis of Writing Techniques
Su Shi demonstrated his literary skills in Nian Nu Jiao (念奴嬌赤壁懷古), a poem that describes the historical background and tragic scenes of the Battle of Red Cliff. The poem describes the historical background and the tragic scenes of the Battle of Red Cliff.
First of all, he used the past to set off the present. By describing Zhou Yu's deeds and hinting at his own mood, he makes the reader feel nostalgic about the past. This contrast makes the words more emotional.
Secondly, Su Shi used the scenery to express his feelings. The scenery of the Red Cliff he depicted was so vivid that it expressed the lyricist's feelings. He used phrases such as "the rocks crashing into the clouds, the waves splitting the shore, and rolling up thousands of piles of snow" to show the beauty of nature and express the feelings of the lyricist's heart.
Nian Nu Jiao (念奴嬌赤壁懷古) uses a variety of techniques to create a rich and moving narrative. It is one of Su Shi's finest works, demonstrating his deep understanding of history and life.
| Writing Techniques | Specific application | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| use the past to highlight the present | Describe Zhou Yu's achievements | Reflecting one's own situation |
| borrow scenery to express emotion | Describe the scenery of Red Cliff | Express your inner feelings |
| Characterisation | Portrayal of Zhou Yu | Setting the mood for heroism |
| Entrusting an object to rise | Using the metaphor of a river flowing away | Invoking life's emotions |
Exploration of rhetorical devices
simile
The metaphors in this poem are very cleverly used. "The river and mountains are like a painting" describes the beauty of the Red Cliff, which is as beautiful as a painting. This not only depicts the beautiful natural scenery, but also conveys the heaviness of ancient history.
exaggerate
The use of hyperbole in the lyrics adds to the momentum of the content. The expression "the waves have eliminated all the characters of the ancient wind and streams" describes the transience and minuteness of the historical figures. This expression emphasises the power of history, and at the same time demonstrates the style of Song lyrics.
comparison
The use of contrasts in the lyric is very prominent. The contrast between the past and the present, such as "the west side of the old fortress, and the Red Cliff of Zhou Lang of the Three Kingdoms," demonstrates the changes in history. Su Shi also expresses his own feelings by comparing himself with Zhou Yu.
These rhetorical devices make "Nian Nu Jiao Red Cliff Reminiscences" stand out from the rest. Through these techniques and language, the lyric perfectly combines historical scenes with personal emotions. It embodies the artistic beauty and literary value of Song lyrics.
imagery analysis
Nian Nu Jiao (念奴嬌赤壁懷古), a Song poem, is rich in unique imagery. The imagery demonstrates Su Shi's profound literary skills and his thoughts on history. Through these images, the work is enriched and made more meaningful.
In the lyrics, the image of "the great river going east" is particularly important. It represents the passage of time and the change of history. In this way, Su Shi conveys the shortness of life and the tragedy of history. It is closely related to the Battle of Red Cliffs, highlighting the immortality of heroic deeds and the fragility of individual life.
"Red Cliff" symbolises the famous historical battle. It has a double meaning: on the one hand, it shows the greatness of the Three Kingdoms; on the other hand, it outlines Su Shi's nostalgia for the past. This imagery brings the reader into the era of legendary heroes.
"Zhou Lang" represents the image of a hero, talented and young. Through his description, Su reveres the heroes of history. At the same time, he also expresses his disappointment over his unfinished business. The contrast between this image and Su Shi's situation highlights his helplessness.
"Huala Hair" depicts the image of the author as he grows old. Compared with "Zhou Lang", it emphasises the rapid passage of time and the rarity of heroes. Here Su Shi describes the shortness of life and the regret of not being able to fulfil his dream.
| imagery | Symbolism | Emotional Expressions |
|---|---|---|
| The Great River goes east. | Time is running out. | the vicissitudes of history |
| Chibi | Historical Battlefield | cherish the past and grieve over the present |
| Zhou Lang (1913-1979), communist politician, prime minister from 2002, minister of finance from 2008 | Heroes incarnate | Admiration and regret |
| Hair | Old age | Short Life Pause |
The careful use of these images makes "Nian Nujiao Red Cliff Reminiscences" a classic piece. Through these images, Su thought deeply about history and life, highlighting his unique insights. This demonstrates the boldness of his style.
Collection of worksheets on benevolence, filial piety, and being a gentleman
Characteristics of the Magnificent Lyric School
Su Shi's Nian Nu Jiao (念奴嬌赤壁懷古) represents the characteristics of the Magnificent Lyric School. This poem describes his creative style. He was 45 years old at the time.
Nian Nu Jiao (Nian Nu Jiao: Reminiscences of Red Cliff) demonstrates several features of the bold and free style of lyrics:
- Wide range of topics: history, politics and philosophy of life.
- Majestic: describes a spectacular scene, such as the Battle of Red Cliffs.
- Emotional honesty: expressed his true feelings without reservation
- Powerful language: powerful words are used, such as "east wind" and "big river".
Su Shi's majestic style also had a profound influence on later generations of writers. Take Mao Zedong's "Qinyuanchun - Snow" as an example, he inherited Su Shi's style and demonstrated his grandeur and profound thoughts.
| Characteristics of the Magnificent Lyrics School | Nian Nu Jiao Red Cliff and Ancient Times |
|---|---|
| Wide range of topics | Involving the Battle of Red Cliff, Life Lessons |
| majestic | Descriptions of "The Great River Goes East", "Red Cliff Rocky", etc. |
| Emotional | "Life is like a dream." |
| Language | Words like "the waves have been eliminated" and "characters of a thousand winds and streams". |
Comparison with Three Other Song Lyrics
In the DSE Chinese Language examination, three Song lyrics are very important. Su Shi's Nian Nu Jiao Red Cliff Remembrance of the Ancient Times, Li Qingzhao's The Sound of Sound - Autumn Feelings, and Xin Wuzhi's The Case of the Green Jade - New Year's Eve are compulsory readings. These three poems demonstrate the diversity and artistic achievement of Song lyrics.
Su Shi's Nian Nu Jiao (念奴嬌赤壁懷古) is renowned for its boldness and eloquence. His vivid depiction of "the otter flying into ashes" highlights the author's deep thoughts on history. Li Qingzhao's The Sound of Autumn, on the other hand, is known for its elegance and delicacy, depicting the unique emotional world of women.
| Lyrics | Style Features | Main content |
|---|---|---|
| Nian Nujiao Red Cliff Memories | bold and powerful (idiom);渾渾(popularity) | Wistfulness of the past and sadness of the present, heroic feelings |
| The Sound of Music - Autumn Feeling | Subtle and delicate | Thoughts, Boudoir Topic |
| The Case of the Green Jade - New Year's Eve | couple strength and gentleness | Lantern Festival Scene, Patriotic Feelings |
Xin Wuzhi's The Case of the Green Jade - The Lantern's Eve combines the qualities of both strength and softness. He not only depicts the joy of the Lantern Festival, but also expresses his patriotic feelings. Through comparing these Song lyrics, students can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Song lyrics and improve their scores in the Literature Examination.
In order to prepare for the DSE Chinese examination, students are advised to analyse the writing style, rhetoric and theme of each lyric. Through this learning method, students will gain a deeper understanding of the Song Dynasty. This will also help to improve your literary appreciation and bring you good results in the exam.
Nian Nu Jiao - Reminiscences of Red Cliff in Song Lyrics
Nian Nu Jiao (念奴嬌-赤壁懷古) is one of Su Shi's masterpieces. It has a special place in the Song lyrics. It is one of Su Shi's masterpieces. It has been praised as "the most beautiful song of the past and present".
Su Shi wrote this poem at the age of 47 when he was exiled from Huangzhou. The poem describes the beauty of the Yangtze River and recalls the Battle of Red Cliff. It expresses admiration for the hero Zhou Yu. The famous line "Life is like a dream, a libation for the river moon" has a profound meaning.
Nian Nu Jiao - Reminiscences of Red Cliff" demonstrates Su Shi's mastery of the lyric art. At the same time, it marks an important moment in the development of Song lyrics. It enriched the content and form of Song lyrics. It gave a lot of inspiration to later poets. It is regarded as an indispensable classic in the history of Chinese literature.
DSE Chinese Exam Tips
In the DSE Chinese Language examination, emphasis is placed on texts such as Niannujiao Chibi Huaigu. These texts form part of the examination content of 30%. Candidates are expected to know 12 classical texts in the Chinese language.
There has been an improvement in the results of Paper 1 in recent years. This is mainly attributable to the number of marks awarded for the Language and Literature section. However, the number of chapters of classical Chinese in each year's examination paper varies. Like in 2022, seven model texts were tested.
Reading Strategies for Literature
When faced with the DSE questions on Literature and Language, students need to have effective reading strategies. Firstly, understand the meaning of words and sentences. Then, they should grasp the structure and theme of the whole text.
It is recommended that Chuang study sample essays that have not been frequently tested in recent years, such as The Analects of Confucius and The Teacher's Commentary. At the same time, he should also review some of his favourite texts, such as the biography of Lian Bo (藺相如列传).
Key Points
When taking an exam, it is important to understand the text accurately and to analyse the author's writing style. It is important to explore the thematic ideas of the essay in depth. It is important to answer the questions long, as this affects the grade.
Answering questions using the TIES four-step process can help to achieve marks. In addition, using online resources and apps to work on the questions can help to make revision more efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
The types of questions in DSE Chinese Paper 1 included word interpretations, sentence translations and extracts from the original text. Candidates need to familiarise themselves with the techniques of answering these different types of questions. It is important to note that questions with quotations from the original text usually scored higher marks.
In recent years, the number of marks for questions in the Part A model essay has been reduced. However, the weighting of marks for each question has also become higher. Therefore, candidates should not miss these parts.
Nian Nujiao (Nian Nu Jiao) Red Cliff in Ancient Times Translation
1. Explain the meaning of the following words: (4 marks)
a) The Great River Goes East: _______
b) On the Smoky River: _______
2. Translate the following sentences into vernacular: (4 marks)
"Reminiscing of the days of Kung Jin, when Xiao Qiao was first married, he was majestic and handsome."
3. How does the author describe the Battle of Red Cliff? Please give an example. (4 marks)
4. Explain the meaning and function of the phrase "The human world is like a dream, a bottle of libation for the river and the moon" in the lyric. (3 marks)
5. What historical figures are mentioned in the lyrics? What do they represent? (3 marks)
6. How does the author express his feelings about life in the lyrics? (4 marks)
7. Translate the following sentences into modern Chinese: (4 marks)
"Random stones pierce through the air, the waves beat against the shore, and a thousand piles of snow are rolled up."
8. Briefly describe the main idea of the poem and analyse how the author expresses his feelings through the contrast between the present and the past. (4 marks)
FAQ
What is the Song Dynasty? What is the position of Song lyrics in the history of literature?
Song lyrics are an ancient form of poetry that flourished during the Song Dynasty. It is short, concise and easy to sing. Song lyrics are an important branch of classical Chinese literature, characterised by precise diction, harmonious rhymes and a wide range of subjects.
What is Nian Nu Jiao? What are its characteristics?
Nian Nu Jiao (念奴嬌), a long tone of 100 characters, is divided into two parts. The requirements for its composition are very strict, involving the number of words, the level and the rhyme scheme, and so on.
The use of dynamic rhymes in this poem gives the tiles a strong sense of rhythm and simplicity of meaning. The setting is fixed, and the writer is required to fill in the various elements according to the rules.
Who is Su Shi? What is the background of the composition of Nian Nujiao (Nian Nu Jiao) - Reminiscences of Red Cliff?
Su Shi (蘇軾) was an outstanding writer in the Northern Song Dynasty. He was known for his bold and unrestrained style of writing, and was honoured as one of the "Eight Great Poets of Tang and Song Dynasty". He was once imprisoned for his political activities and was later relegated to Huangzhou.
Nian Nujiao (Nian Nu Jiao) - Reminiscences of Red Cliff was composed during the Huangzhou period. The poem reveals Su Shi's perception of life and his thoughts on ancient Chinese history.
What historical event is the Battle of Red Cliff?
The Battle of Red Cliff took place in 208 AD, during the Three Kingdoms period. In this crucial battle, the allied forces of Sun and Liu defeated the mighty Cao Cao with a clever plan.
This victory was due in part to Zhou Yu's fire attack strategy, which resulted in a huge loss for Cao Cao. The result of the Battle of Red Cliffs was a dramatic change of fortune, thus creating the Three Kingdoms.
What is the main content and structure of Nian Nujiao - Reminiscences of Red Cliff?
This poem is divided into two parts. The upper part describes the scenery of Red Cliff, which is so picturesque that one can't take his eyes off it. The second part uses the battle of Red Cliff as the background to inspire nostalgic feelings.
The lyrics evoke thoughts of history through the beautiful scenery and express Su Shi's concern for the political situation of the time. The whole poem presents a beautiful and touching picture scroll through scenery and poetic feelings.
What is the theme of the poem?
Nian Nu Jiao (Nian Nu Jiao) - Reminiscences of Red Cliff is a multi-layered theme. It remembers the deeds of ancient heroes, reflects on his own situation, and deeply expresses the author's feelings about life.
This poem expresses the lingerings of history and the present, and embodies Su Shi's love of culture. Through his nostalgia for the past, the author reflects on his personal destiny and constructs a rich picture of his thoughts.
What writing techniques does Su Shi use in this poem?
In Nian Nu Jiao - Reminiscences of Red Cliff, Su Shi uses a variety of literary techniques. For example, the modernisation of ancient texts, the use of lyricism and aesthetics, and the description of characters. This makes the work rich and profound.
What are the rhetorical features of "Nian Nujiao - Red Cliff in Memory of Antiquity"?
Nian Nujiao (Nian Nu Jiao) - Reminiscences of Red Cliff in Ancient Times employs a variety of rhetorical techniques, such as simile, hyperbole and contrast. For example, metaphors, exaggerations and contrasts. Through these techniques, they make the work more vivid and touching.
What is the "Magnificent Lyrics School"? How does "Nian Nujiao - Reminiscences of Red Cliff" reflect this characteristic?
The Magnificent Lyrics School focuses on expressing emotions and advocating grandeur and strength of spirit. This type of lyric is brave enough to challenge the rules of language and has a magnificent atmosphere. Nian Nujiao (Nian Nu Jiao) - Reminiscences of Red Cliff is a masterpiece of this genre, which demonstrates this style.
What is the importance of Nian Nu Jiao - Chibi Huai Gu in DSE Chinese Exam?
Nian Nu Jiao (念奴嬌)-Chibi Huai Gu (赤壁懷古) is often included in the Song Lyrics section of the DSE Chinese Language examination. Candidates need to understand the content, writing techniques and themes. This plays a key role in the examination.
