“River Town Hunter in Mizhou”: Appreciation of Su Shi’s Pioneering Heroic Ci Poem
I. Su Shi‘s Original Poem
“River Town Hunter in Mizhou”
Though old, my fiery zeal still keeps me young;
Left hand leading the yellow hound,
On right wrist perched my falcon grey.
In brocade hat and sable coat,
A thousand horsemen sweep across the plain.
The whole town follows their commander bold
To watch him shoot the tiger—
Another Sun Lang he.
Wine flushed, my heart beats still more bold;
Though whitened at the temples,
What does it matter?
When will the court send me as envoy
With flags and drums to the frontier?
Then I’ll bend my bow like a full moon,
And aiming northwest,
I’ll shoot down the fierce Wolf from the sky.
II. Historical Context
Composed in winter 1075 when Su Shi (then 40) served as governor of Mizhou (modern Zhucheng, Shandong), this work represents:
- The first truly heroic-style ci poem in Chinese literature
- A milestone in Su Shi’s poetic transition
Political Background:
- Wang Anshi‘s controversial reforms underway
- Su Shi’s self-exile due to political differences
- Northern Song facing threats from Western Xia and Liao
Personal Circumstances:
- Prime-aged but politically marginalized
- First local governance experience
- Burning desire to serve his country
III. Artistic Features
1. Pioneering Heroic Style
(1) Shattered conventional graceful ci conventions
(2) Narrative approach with grand scenes
(3) Vigorous language and majestic momentum
2. Masterful Imagery
- “Yellow hound” and “falcon grey”: Hunting grandeur
- “Thousand horsemen sweep”: Epic spectacle
- “Shoot down the fierce Wolf”: Patriotic symbolism
3. Classical Allusions
- “Another Sun Lang”: Sun Quan’s tiger-hunting legend
- “Envoy with flags”: Feng Tang’s historical mission
- “Fierce Wolf”: From “Nine Songs” of Chu Ci
IV. Philosophical Depth
1. Undimmed Heroic Spirit
- “Fiery zeal keeps me young”: Defying age
- “Whitened temples matter not”: Timeless valor
- “Bend my bow like full moon”: Readiness to serve
2. Patriotic Fervor
- Hunting metaphor for national defense
- “Aiming northwest” targets Western Xia
- Embodies Confucian scholar-officials’ duty
3. Indomitable Optimism
- Positivity amid adversity
- Fusing personal and national destinies
- Realizing Confucian ideal to “benefit all under heaven”
V. Historical Significance
Literary Revolution:
- Founded the heroic ci school
- Expanded ci’s thematic scope
- Elevated ci’s artistic stature
Critical Reception:
- Qing critic Chen Tingzhuo: “Su’s heroic style stands unrivaled”
- Modern scholars regard it as his stylistic turning point
Contemporary Relevance:
- Inspires proactive spirit
- Exemplifies intellectual patriotism
- Provides spiritual fortitude
VI. Notable Lines
“Though old, my fiery zeal still keeps me young”
- “Zeal” (狂) sets the tone
- Defies aging stereotypes
- Establishes the poem’s emotional core
“Bend my bow like full moon…shoot down the fierce Wolf”
- Dynamic action portrayal
- Profound symbolic meaning
- Embodies loyal patriotism
“Wine flushed, my heart beats still more bold”
- Heroic self-portrait
- Reveals Su’s authentic character
- Perfect synergy of wine and valor
VII. Modern Insights
Personal Growth:
- Maintain proactive mindset
- Age shouldn’t limit aspirations
- Cultivate civic responsibility
Cultural Legacy:
- Showcases traditional literati spirit
- Promotes patriotic values
- Transmits cultural excellence
Literary Inspiration:
- Innovation requires courage
- Authenticity resonates most
- Art transcends yet roots in life
Conclusion
“River Town Hunter in Mizhou” marks not only Su Shi’s stylistic evolution but also a monumental milestone in Chinese ci poetry. Fusing personal passion with national consciousness, this masterpiece radiates heroic grandeur and profound patriotism. Nine centuries later, its fiery spirit and indomitable will continue inspiring generations. With his mighty pen, Su Shi bequeathed this invaluable spiritual legacy—an eternal torch illuminating China’s cultural journey.
