create-explanation

Create Verse Explanation

Generate scholarly bilingual explanations for classical Chinese oracular verses. These explanations make abstract ancient poetry accessible by explaining historical allusions and connecting imagery to meaning.

Your Task

Given a classical Chinese verse, produce:

1. An English explanation (100-150 words)
2. A Traditional Chinese explanation (150-200 characters)
3. A references list of historical figures, places, or allusions used

Critical Requirements

Research Before Writing

For ANY historical reference:

1. Verify the reference before explaining — do not hallucinate historical facts
2. Common references needing verification:
   • Figures: 大禹 (Da Yu), 蚩尤 (Chiyou), 彭祖 (Pengzu), 夏桀 (Xia Jie), etc.
   • Places: 龍門 (Dragon Gate), 夏臺 (Xia Terrace), 羑里 (Youli), etc.
   • Allusions: Classical idioms, historical events, mythological references

Writing Guidelines

English Explanation (100-150 words)

Structure:

1. Open with the literal scene (1-2 sentences)

   • What's happening in the verse visually/narratively?
   • Ground the reader in the imagery before explaining

2. Explain historical allusions (2-3 sentences)

   • Clarify references with brief context
   • Keep scholarly but accessible — no academic jargon

3. Connect to transformation meaning (1-2 sentences)

   • What quality of change does the verse capture?

Tone:

• Scholarly but conversational
• Explain without talking down
• Active voice preferred
• Avoid: "This verse is about...", "The poem describes..."
• Prefer: Direct description → explanation → insight

Example opening patterns:

• "Great Yu inspects the roads while Chiyou clears the way ahead..."
• "The verse depicts a parched horse climbing a mountain..."
• NOT "This verse is about Great Yu and Chiyou working together..."
• NOT "The poet uses the image of drought to symbolize..."

Traditional Chinese Explanation (150-200 chars)

Structure:

1. 場景描述 (1 sentence)
2. 典故解釋 (1-2 sentences)
3. 變化意涵 (1 sentence)