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How Does Li Po Change Throughout The Tang Dynasty

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During Tang Dynasty, there were many poems published that talked difficulties that poets faced, such as consequences of rebellion, separation with family, and personal issues. I would like to focus on the translation of Drinking Alone with the Moon of Li Bo.
In Drinking Alone with the moon, I found it interesting that Li Po said when he drinks with the moon and his shadow; he exchanges their joys when “still sober,” (line 10),but they go separate ways when he is “drunk.” (line 11) Why would Li Po say that, which contrast to what people usually think or act? It’s because Li Po was not being understood by others, while he was being opposed by all other government officials and no one appreciated. He had no friends but the moon and his shadow. Based on his situation, I recalled the proverb “A good man in an evil society seems the greatest villain of all,” he is alone, solitary, isolated, and not being valued. …show more content…

However, I think there are better explanations for it. One of the reasons could be Li Po only sees moons as his friend which "Still sober, we exchange our joys,/ Drunk- and we'll go our separate ways," (line 10-11) but I think this explanation may not be valid since Li Po pledge with the moon to be friend. The moon might be symbolized as the friend who always back him up and willing to listening to him. Second possible reason is that moon and shadow are emotionless in the first place, so Li Po didn’t really see them as friends. Yet, I think this explanation is invalid since he actually mentions that they have enjoyed their time together, and they sing and dance. The last explanation is that Li Po is trying to say their relationship is beyond human level, which matches his characteristic of being bold, unruly, and

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