Su Shi Wrote Jiangchengzi in Mizhou | Generated by AI
This question tests knowledge of Su Shi’s life circumstances when he wrote the famous ci poem “Jiangchengzi” (江城子·十年生死两茫茫).
Question Analysis
Correct Answer: B - During his transfer to Mizhou (调任密州时期)
Background Story
Su Shi’s Marriage:
- Married Wang Fu (王弗) at age 19
- They had a loving marriage for 10 years
- Wang Fu died tragically, leaving Su Shi devastated
Political Context:
- Su Shi became embroiled in court factional struggles
- To escape political turmoil and pursue local governance
- He requested external posting
Career Progression:
- First: Hangzhou Vice Magistrate (杭州通判)
- Then: Mizhou Prefect (密州知州) ← When he wrote this poem
The Poem “Jiangchengzi”
Opening lines: “十年生死两茫茫” (Ten years between life and death, two worlds apart)
This deeply emotional poem was written:
- Ten years after his wife’s death
- While serving in Mizhou
- As a memorial to his deceased wife Wang Fu
Why Other Options Are Wrong
-
Option A (Hangzhou posting): He served in Hangzhou before Mizhou, and the poem explicitly mentions “ten years” since his wife’s death
-
Option C (Banishment to Huangzhou): The famous “Wutai Poetry Case” (乌台诗案) that led to his Huangzhou exile came after his Mizhou period
-
Option D (Exile to Danzhou): This was his harshest punishment, occurring much later in life on Hainan Island
Timeline Summary
- Marriage to Wang Fu (age 19)
- Wife’s death (after 10 years of marriage)
- Hangzhou Vice Magistrate
- Mizhou Prefect ← Wrote “Jiangchengzi” here
- Later: Huangzhou exile (after poetry case)
- Much later: Danzhou exile
The key is remembering that this deeply personal poem was written during his Mizhou period, about ten years after losing his beloved wife.