Chinese Literature Assignment 2

Jake Wythers
Ms Peifer
10 IB Hour Five
4/19/09

Chinese Poetry Commentary # 2

In “On Returning to Sung Mountain” Wang Wei’s purpose is to praise the peaceful qualities and natural order of life in the country. Wang Wei achieves his purpose through repetition and use of serene imagery.
One of the tools Wang Wei uses to make country life seem peaceful in “On Returning to Sung Mountain” is repetition. “Carriage horses amble with ease, with ease” (Wang Wei 2). This image gives the audience an impression of peaceful order. The repetition of the phrase “with ease” emphasizes the tranquil feeling in the scene. The word “amble” also adds to the relaxed mood.
Wang Wei uses additional imagery to strengthen the serenity of country life. “Flowing water seems to be purposeful” (3). By writing that something natural like the flow of a river has purpose, Wang Wei adds a feeling of calm order to the countryside.
Wang Wei continues to emphasize the natural order of the country with the line, “Evening birds in pairs return” (4). By pairing animals together in the environment Wang Wei adds to the feel of peaceful order in nature.
Wang Wei’s purpose in “On Returning to Sung Mountain” is to pay tribute to the calm, peaceful order of nature and life in the countryside. He achieves his purpose by using repetition and tranquil imagery.