Introduction
"Seeing off Yuan Er on his Mission to Anxi" (送元二使安西) by Wang Wei, one of the most celebrated poets of the Tang dynasty, is a classic farewell poem that beautifully captures the emotions of parting and friendship. In this poem, Wang Wei bids farewell to his friend Yuan Er, who is embarking on a journey to the distant frontier of Anxi. Through vivid imagery of morning rain, the green city of Weicheng, and the famous Yang Pass, the poem expresses the deep feelings of separation, hope, and the unspoken bond between friends.
By reading this poem, students will explore universal themes such as friendship, longing, and the uncertainty of journeys—emotions that transcend time and culture. The poem’s gentle tone and evocative scenery invite readers to reflect on the meaning of saying goodbye and the enduring connections we share with others, even as life leads us down different paths.
In this lesson, students will also encounter a carefully crafted English translation of the poem, learning how translators work to preserve both the beauty and the meaning of Chinese poetry for readers around the world. This lesson offers a window into the rich tradition of Chinese literature, showing how a few lines of verse can express profound feelings and timeless stories. Through Wang Wei’s words, students will gain insight into Chinese history, culture, and the art of poetic expression.
Knowledge Builder
Content
Wang Wei,a celebrated poet from the Tang Dynasty. Designed to be accessible and educational, the course fosters an appreciation for poetry, cultural heritage, and emotional expression while aligning with the developmental stage of young learners.
1.1: Video: Background and Analysis Part 1
1.2: Quiz: History and Analysis part 1
1.3: Video: Background and Analysis Part 2
1.4: Quiz: History and Analysis Part 2
1.5: English Read Along
1.6: Chinese Read Along
Instructor
Michael Pratt PhD, JD
Michael Pratt has been an assiduous reader since childhood, ever since he bought a used copy of Oscar Williams’ anthology Immortal Poems of the English Language on a whim. That early curiosity sparked a lifelong love of literature and learning.
He earned his Ph.D. in Spanish literature at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and later a law degree from Temple University. He has worked in multiple professional capacities, including as a professor in the Department of Romance Languages at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and as a trial attorney in Philadelphia, bringing both intellectual rigor and practical insight to his work.
Michael’s passions are wide-ranging: from history and literature, ancient and modern, to science and natural history, with a particular fascination for the lives of birds. He has studied and lived abroad for extended periods in Spain, Mexico, Vietnam, and China, experiences that have deeply shaped his worldview and understanding of culture.
Through his English translations and recitations of Chinese classical poetry, Michael helps Ming Aretê users connect with the timeless beauty and emotional depth of Chinese poetry, allowing them to appreciate its cultural richness beyond language.
- Juris Doctor (JD) – Temple University Beasley School of Law, 2004
- Ph.D – Spanish – University of Wisconsin- Madison,1994
- Master of Arts – Spanish – University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1989