Analyzing The Poem 'Du Fu'

Du Fu was a classic Tang Dynasty poet who was given the nickname, the “Sage of Poetry” for his extensive knowledge of the art of poetry. Li Bo was another famous Tang Dynasty poet who was given the nickname of “Poet Immortal,” because many people thought that his poetry was from heaven. Although Kevin Marsh sees "Du Fu as one of the greatest and most influential poets of that time" in his journal "Du Fu,” Li Bo was a more influential poet to the Tang Dynasty's culture because of his writing style, rebellion, and uniqueness.

Although Du Fu’s writing style was the more common style, Li Bo took normal old poetic forms to new heights. Du Fu grew up with very strict Confucian education, and it becomes apparent in his writing forms and his morals. This education formed him to be a gentleman of high integrity and

greatly impacted both of these poets lives. Du Fu had a minor post in the government at the time, and had a wife and kids. This rebellion however, tore his life apart in many ways. He was apart from his wife and children for a year while he was held captive by the rebels. Even when he was reunited with his family, they lived as poor refugees in Sichuan, which is a providence in west central China. Many of his poems are openly critical of the An Lushan rebellion and the wasteful luxury of the emperor’s court. Li Bo swiftly became one of the emperor’s favorite poets. According to legend, the emperor let him perform in front of him while drunk, and did not make him kneel before him while he was in his presence. Li Bo had only worked for the government for almost two years before he was exiled for making false and damaging statements about someone. He joined the An Lushan rebellion, and was a key part in attempting to keep it alive. This rebellion played a very key role in the cultural traditions of the Tang Dynasty, and Li Bo was a key person involved. When the rebellion failed, however, he was exiled