Decoding Rain Alleys Symbolism | Generated by AI
This question tests your understanding of the symbolic meanings of different images in Dai Wangshu’s poem “Rain Alley” (《雨巷》). Let me break down the analysis:
Symbolic Meanings of Each Image
According to the explanation, the symbolic meanings of each image in the poem are:
- Lilac (丁香): Symbolizes beauty, purity, and melancholy
- Rain alley (雨巷): Symbolizes life’s long journey and narrow confines
- Holding an oil-paper umbrella, wandering alone, walking silently: Symbolizes waiting, hope, and pursuit
- Crumbling fence wall (颓圮的篱墙): Symbolizes the decline of home and the overall environmental downturn
- Sorrowful tune of rain (雨的哀曲): Symbolizes desolate environment and unfortunate circumstances
Why the Answer is B, Not D
You chose D (crumbling fence wall), which does convey a sense of desolation, but note the distinction:
- Crumbling fence wall: Focuses more on “decline of home” and “environmental downturn” as a static physical description
- Sorrowful tune of rain: Directly emphasizes “sorrow” and more comprehensively captures the overall atmosphere of desolate environment and unfortunate circumstances
The phrase “sorrowful tune of rain (雨的哀曲)” itself contains “哀曲” (sorrowful tune), which inherently carries emotions of sadness and misfortune. The continuous sound of rain creates a persistent atmosphere of desolation, better matching the complete expression “desolate environment and unfortunate circumstances” in the question.
Key Takeaway
When analyzing symbolic poetry, pay attention to the specific reference of each image—some symbolize beautiful ideals, some symbolize environmental atmosphere, and some symbolize life circumstances. As the auditory background pervading the entire poem, “the sorrowful tune of rain” best embodies the overall desolation and misfortune.