1. What is the short poem, “Moonlit Night” (1031) about? Who do you think “she” is in the poem? What is the general atmosphere and feeling of this poem? What in the poem contributes to these feelings?
2. Like Tao Qian, Du Fu also mentions is “ Thatched Roof” (1032). What is the difference in their descriptions of their homes? Why did he start the poem talking about his own situation and ended up talking about a “ towering roof” for “poorest gentlemen of all this world”? A hint—focus on the word “gentleman”. In general what do houses stand for in poems, either in Tao Qian’s or Du Fu’s ?
3. “Thoughts while Traveling by Night” (1034)
Try to picture this poem in your mind. What do you see? What do you feel? What is this poem about and what is the general atmosphere?
4. In “Spring Prospect,” Du Fu describes chaos and rebellion in the land. How does he respond to it and how is his attitude different or similar ot Tao Qian?
Du Fu is probably one of the most respected of all Chinese poets of the classical era. Given your understanding of, especially Confucian ideals, why do you think he is so admired? Do the poems reveal any of these Confucian ideals?
5.Compare him with Tao Qian, do you see any differences in the general tone and mood in their poems? Can you give a specific example?