Jasmine Phun
on translating Bai Juyi
Bai Juyi is one of the most famous Tang poets in Chinese history. Like much famous classical Chinese poetry, his works are concise yet powerful in evoking feeling and expression due to his careful choice of words. This poem in particular stood out to me for Bai’s effort to show a different perspective on death. Although initially depressing, his careful choice of words throughout the poem complicate and expand its mood. I was struck by the sense of beauty he gives to the depressing concept of death. In an effort to maintain his concise writing style, I chose short and simple phrases with careful, spare words.
about the author
Bai Juyi (白居易) is one of the most famous Chinese poets of all time. He lived from 772 to 846. A government official who rose to fame during the Tang Dynasty, he is known for his straightforward writing style, which makes his poetry popular not only with the native Chinese but also with others outside China, particularly in Japan. His poetry often addresses government corruption and militarism.
about the translator
Jasmine Phun is a pre-med student at Penn with a special interest in learning languages. Beyond a heavy load of science classes, she has taken Korean and Chinese for at least four semesters and continues to study Chinese. Although she has been learning Chinese since freshman year of high school, this is her first translation of Chinese literature. It has been refreshing for her to be exposed to a different side of China, as her studies of the language are usually dominated by the country’s political and economic influence in the world.
