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About this quote

What does it mean?
A whimsical tale of lovers turning into birds after eloping among peach blossoms, set in the reign of Emperor Hwang.
In plain terms
Lovers become birds after an adventure in a peach‑blossom park.
What can you take from it?
Love can transform and endure beyond life.

Where it applies

  • telling folklore
  • describing romantic legends

Putting it to work

  • use as a metaphor for lasting love
  • illustrate transformation in storytelling

Questions to consider

  • What does the bird symbolize for the lovers?
  • How does myth help convey emotional truths?

Another view

The story blends myth with historical references, which may be confusing.

More from Andrew Lang

  1. There's a joy without canker or cark, There's a pleasure eternally new, 'T is to gloat on the glaze and the mark Of china that's ancient and blue.

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