Final answer:
Du Fu, the esteemed poet from the Tang dynasty, did indeed compose poetry while a captive in Chang'an during the An Lushan Rebellion, reflecting on personal and societal struggles of that time period.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is true that Du Fu composed several poems while in captivity in Chang'an. During the period of the An Lushan Rebellion, Du Fu, who served in office, experienced separation from his family and witnessed the turmoil and suffering caused by the civil war. This tumultuous period in his life resulted in the creation of poems that detail these struggles and reflect on the plight of others affected by the conflict. These historical events suggest that as part of the elite, Du Fu utilized poetry not only to express personal emotions but also to record critical observations associated with the societal changes during the Tang dynasty.
Poetry at that time was deeply interwoven in social and cultural activities, serving as a means to connect with others and commemorate various occasions within aristocratic society. As such, the rich cultural environment of the Tang dynasty and the significant role poetry played in the lives of the elite and in broader society leads to the conclusion that Du Fu indeed composed poems during his time in Chang'an.