最实用的英文讲解词Chengdu-Dufu-Thatched-Cottage(总6页).doc

Chapter 3: Thatched Cottage of Du Fu (Brief introduction) The chinese people were very proud of their country in the Tang Dynasty. The Tang dynasty was the peak time of ancient China. China was believed to be the biggest, richest and strongest country of the world during that period.It is said: After people have enough wealth, they start to pursue spiritual satisfaction. In this case, wealth means not just money, but enough food and shelter, and peace. So the Tang dynasty achieved not only a strong economy but a great culture also. During that time, 2,000 famous poets lived and worked, and 40,000 excellent poems were composed. From their poems we can follow the rise and fall of Tang. If you want to know more about the Tang Dynasty, and its culture, Du Fu is the poet who can lead the way. Du Fu is one of the most famous poets of Tang Dynasty. He is as famous to the Chinese people as Shakespeare is to you. His most well known realistic masterpieces are “Three Conscription Officers” and “Three Laments of Parting”. Du Fu was born in Henan province in 712AD, in family of government officials. His talent for literature started showing in his childhood. Before the age of 20, he spent all his time in traveling. He met many people, made many friends, but never tried to be an official. His father died, and soon after, Du Fu ran into economic difficulty. He then went for his imperial examination. Unfortunately, his talent was envied by the prime minister. He could only get a very low position, working as a “mini censor”. He stayed in the capital – Changan, and lead a peaceful life for 10 years. In the late Tang Dynasty, around 755AD, a rebellion broke out, led by An Lushan and Shi Siming. It was called “An Shi Revolt” in Chinese history. The King and many officials fled from the capital Changan. Du Fu fled to Chengdu in the year 759AD. With the help of his friend Gao Shi, he built a humble cottage at the riverbank of Huanhua Brook (Flower Bathing Brook). During his stay in Chengdu for about four years, Du Fu composed more than 400 poems, among them 240 pieces have been passed down. His poems are called “ Historical Poems”, which reflect upon the misery of the people. He is also respected as the “The Sage of Poetry”. In 763AD, his friend Gao Shi died of disease. Without his friend’s economic support, Du Fu had to leave Chengdu, sailing down along the Yangzi River, to seek aid from another friend. In 770AD, Du Fu died on the Xiang Jiang River in his boat. In 1962, the World Peace Council conferred him upon Du Fu the title “World Cultural Giant”. (In front of Dufu’ s Thatched Cottage ) At the front gate stand two antique wooden screens, one bears a brief account of Du Fus life, and the other, a traditional Chinese drawing of Dufus cottage. These two tree roots were excavated from the courtyard. Follow me to the left side path. Here is a washroom; we may have a short stop for those who need to relax. (Walking in a bamboo covered path to Da Xie – The Garden Lobby) To commemorate Du Fu, in the Song Dynasties, the people built a cottage on the original site. Reconstructions were made in the following dynasties. How could they be so sure about the site location after so many years? Because Du Fu recorded his address in his poem: “A residence to the west of Wanli Bridge, a hamlet to the north of Baihua Brook.” (In front of the Garden Lobby) This is the front Gate of the Park, and that building is the main entrance of the Du Fu’s cottage. It is called “Da Xie” - the Garden Lobby, which means the office of government officials. Who ever came to visit Du Fu, must get off their horse here, and tidy their clothes. Now make sure your shoelaces are tied nicely. Haw Haw! Just a joke to make you bow to our great poet!. This copper statue was made by the Chinese sculptor Qian Shaowu. We see Du Fu kneeling down at the head of the boat, holding his book, facing the sky. It must be the true picture of Du Fu on the Xiang Jiang River (which you call the Yangtze River) before he passed away. Look at his hands, they are shining brightly! Because Du Fu was such a talented poet, people hope that by touching his hands his inspiration will “rub off” on them!. ( In front of Shi Shi Tang – History in Verse Hall ) The 2nd hall is “Shi Shi Tang” -- History in Verse Hall. The half-length copper statue is the work of Liu Kai Qu. Since this statue has no hands, where could people get inspiration? Yes, the beard. Because the poet always holding his beard while composing poems. You see the statues on either side: one is Du Fu the other is Libai. Who is Libai? Libai is the other great poet of the Tang Dynasty. He is also referred to “Libo” in the western countries. They are the most outstanding poets in Tang Dynasty of ancient China. Did they have any relationship? Yes! They were very close friends. Libai was born in Jiangyou Sichuan. He was 10 years older than Du Fu. He lived in the peak time of the Tang Dyna。