Chinese Literature

Tyler Dixon Dixon, Sande Carmona
10 IB Hour 5
Ms Peifer
20th Of April, 2009

"Drinking Alone Beneath the Moon" Commentary

In "Drinking Alone Beneath the Moon," Li Po's purpose is to express solidarity by using images commonly associated with loneliness. He utilizes pictures of his drinking, the moon, and his shadow to elevate the isolated mood.

In the first few lines of the poem, the author introduces the concrete detail of the character's drinking; "I drink alone, no kith or kin near, (Li Po "Drinking Alone Beneath the Moon," 2). While the image of drinking is also associated with celebration and friends, Li Po uses it here to accentuate his singleness and light melancholy. The reflection of the character's solitary toast to the moon supports this idea.

Po makes an assortment of references to the moon in this work. The connotations many attach to the moon add to the reclusive and wistful atmosphere. The author goes as far as to suggest not even the moon accompanies him; he states, after he offers his beverage to the moon, "Alas, the moon is unconcerned about drinking," ("Drinking Alone Beneath the Moon," 5). This creates a painting of the character's complete isolation, left alone beneath the moon, which also neglects him.

The poet depicts his shadow as a companion, albeit a somewhat unwilling one. He writes of his and his shadow's dancing, yet he states "my shadow merely follows me around," (Li Po "Drinking Alone Beneath the Moon," 6). This is another example of his taking of an image representing loneliness to an even larger extent, as seen with the picture of the moon, to further push the feeling already created.

Li Po uses his concrete and subtle imagery cumulatively to enhance his theme. Although the feeling of his poem his feeling is not one as tangible as found in other works, it is still striking to the audience. His use of imagery, albeit not eloquent, is concise and more than sufficient. Li Po proves his worth as a brilliant poet by creating an amazingly powerful aura.


Works Cited

Po, Li. "Drinking alone Beneath the Moon."