Bai Juyi

Bai Juyi (Chinese: 白居易; pinyin: Bái Jūyì; Wade–Giles: Pai Chü-i; 772–846) was a renowned Chinese poet and government official of the Tang dynasty. He is also known by his courtesy name, Letian (樂天 / 乐天; Lètiān; Lo-t'ien).

Bai Juyi is considered one of the greatest poets of the Tang era. His poetry is characterized by its accessibility, realism, and social commentary. He often wrote about the lives of ordinary people, the injustices of the court, and the suffering caused by war and famine. His works are known for their clear language and emotional depth, making them widely popular among both the literate and illiterate.

Life and Career:

Born in Xinzheng (modern-day Zhengzhou, Henan province), Bai Juyi came from a family of minor officials. He passed the imperial examinations at a young age and began his career in the civil service. He held various positions in the government, including Hanlin academician and vice president of the Board of Punishments. However, his outspoken criticism of government policies and officials often led to his demotion and exile. He spent several years in exile, during which time he continued to write poetry.

Poetry:

Bai Juyi wrote over 3,000 poems, many of which survive today. Some of his most famous works include:

• "Song of Everlasting Regret" (長恨歌 / 长恨歌; Chánghèn Gē): A long narrative poem about the tragic love story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei.
• "Pipa Song" (琵琶行; Pípá Xíng): A poem depicting a meeting with a retired musician who recounts her past glories and present misfortunes.
• "Selling Charcoal" (賣炭翁 / 卖炭翁; Mài Tàn Wēng): A poem portraying the hardship of a charcoal seller exploited by imperial officials.

Influence:

Bai Juyi's poetry had a significant influence on later generations of Chinese poets. His emphasis on accessibility and social relevance inspired many writers to address the concerns of ordinary people in their work. His poems were also widely circulated in Korea and Japan, where they were admired for their artistic merit and philosophical insights. He remains one of the most beloved and widely read poets in Chinese history.