Popescu1

Siena Popescu
Mrs. Hope
English LPS
9 November 2015

The poem Jade Flower Palace by Tu Fu displays a distinctive tone and attitude of the
author. One of the main concepts of the poem is that nothing is able to last forever. The poem is
describing how a once great palace, headed by a powerful prince, had been incapable of
withstanding the challenges of time. Through the creation of a pessimistic and helpless tone, the
authors intentions become clear in displaying his message.
Primarily, the author uses specific word choice to convey his ideas. For example, Tu Fu
utilizes phrases such as standing in/ Ruins beside the cliffs(Tu Fu 4-5), as well as Their
painted cheeks have crumbled/ Away (Tu Fu 12-13.) The words ruins and crumbled are just
some examples of what the author uses to show the despondent notion the sight has given him.
This is possible due to the negative connotation they have. This again relates to the overall idea
that nothing has enough power to last forever.
In addition to connotation of word choice, there is a negative connotation of the
figurative language, too. In the text it states, The stream swirls. The wind moans in/ The pines.
Gray rats scurry over/ Broken tiles (Tu Fu 1-3.) The quote displays imagery; this type of
figurative language is utilized throughout the poem to create a clear image. The imagery aids in
understanding the effects of time, meaning putting the past and future into perspective. Tu Fu
effectively applies this to illustrate the essence of the writing.
In conclusion, Tu Fus poem, Jade Flower Palace, has a defeatist tone. As it describes the
plight of the scene, including the ruins of a castle that was once full of glory, it uses multiple

Popescu2
literary elements. This includes specific connotation, attitude, and tone, to give a feeling of
despair and hopelessness.