Rich Mistress, Poor Seamstress
The poem “葛屦” (Ge Ju) captures the stark contrast between wealth and poverty through the lens of a seamstress and her mistress. The narrative follows a seamstress who, despite her own hardships, toils to create clothes for her indifferent mistress. This vivid portrayal highlights not only the physical and emotional toil of the seamstress but also the societal disparities and injustices of the time.
The poem opens with a poignant image: the seamstress, wearing summer sandals, trudging through frost-covered ground. This imagery immediately conveys her suffering and poverty. Her frail, slender hands, despite their weakness, are tasked with sewing clothes for others. The scene is further intensified when she must present the newly made clothes to her mistress for fitting. The mistress, pleased with the comfort of the new attire, pays no attention to the seamstress and instead busies herself with adorning her hair with ivory pins. This indifference and self-absorption sharply contrast with the seamstress’s diligent efforts, underscoring the disparity between their worlds.
The poet’s intent is clear: to criticize the narrow-minded and cruel nature of the wealthy mistress. The seamstress’s perspective is filled with bitterness and resentment, leading her to compose this poem as a form of protest. Historical interpretations of this poem have often focused on its social critique. The “毛诗序” (Mao Shi Xu) describes it as a critique of narrow-mindedness, while Zhu Xi’s “诗集传” (Shi Ji Chuan) and Fang Yurun’s “诗经原始” (Shi Jing Yuan Shi) elaborate on the societal customs and economic conditions that exacerbate such disparities.
The poem comprises two sections, with the first dedicated to illustrating the seamstress’s dire circumstances. The onset of cold weather finds her still in summer footwear, suffering not only from the cold but also from hunger due to her mistress’s mistreatment and stinginess. Despite her own suffering, she must sew new clothes for her mistress, emphasizing the cruel irony of her situation.
The second section shifts focus to the mistress’s wealth and arrogance. As she tries on the new clothes, her lack of acknowledgment for the seamstress’s efforts becomes apparent. She indulges in her vanity, caring more for her appearance than the person who made her comfort possible. This act of turning away from the seamstress highlights her selfishness and lack of empathy.
The use of contrast in this poem is deliberate and powerful. By juxtaposing the seamstress’s poverty with the mistress’s wealth, the poet emphasizes the stark differences between their lives. This technique not only creates a vivid image but also evokes a strong emotional response from the reader, making the social critique more impactful.
Another significant artistic feature of the poem is its detailed depiction of the characters. Through meticulous details, the poet brings the seamstress and the mistress to life. The seamstress’s summer sandals and slender hands vividly portray her suffering and hardship. In contrast, the mistress’s actions, such as trying on clothes with a sense of entitlement and adorning herself with ivory pins, paint a clear picture of her character. These details contribute to the reader’s understanding of the deep social divide between the two women.
The concluding lines of the poem serve to clarify its satirical nature. Without these lines, the preceding descriptions and contrasts might not fully convey the intended criticism. The explicit statement of the poem’s satirical purpose enhances its impact, transforming it from a simple narrative into a pointed social commentary. This technique of revealing the true intent at the end is a common feature in satirical poetry, adding an element of surprise and deepening the reader’s understanding of the poem’s message.
In conclusion, “葛屦” (Ge Ju) is a powerful critique of social inequality, using the contrasting lives of a seamstress and her mistress to highlight the disparities and injustices of the time. Through detailed descriptions and effective use of contrast, the poet not only brings the characters to life but also evokes a strong emotional response from the reader, making the social critique both vivid and compelling. The poem’s final lines serve to underline its satirical intent, adding depth to its artistic expression and leaving a lasting impression on the reader.