Analysis of an excerpt from the poem 'Viet Bac,' sample number 4:
In October 1954, the successful resistance against French colonialism, the army and government relocated from the combat zone to Hanoi. Amidst the nostalgic farewell atmosphere, To Huu penned the poem 'Viet Bac' to reaffirm his loyal sentiment towards the land of Viet Bac.
Essay:
To Huu, a poetic soul of the nation, a prominent poet in Vietnamese literature. It can be said that his works not only express his own thoughts and principles but also reflect significant events of the national revolution. In October 1954, following the victory at Dien Bien Phu, our forces had to relocate to the capital and bid farewell to the Viet Bac combat zone. Those staying and those departing couldn't help but feel nostalgic, recalling the unity and sacrifice of the people and soldiers during the fifteen years of resistance. In light of this significant event and the accompanying emotions, To Huu composed the poem 'Viet Bac.'
The poem 'Viet Bac' begins with the farewell of the resistance fighters and the local residents:
'Returning home, memories flood
Fifteen years of earnest dedication.
Returning home, do we remember?
Gazing at trees, reminiscing mountains, watching rivers and longing for the source?
Whose voice tenderly lingers by the shore
Mingled feelings, restless steps
Wearing Cham garments, bidding farewell
Holding hands, knowing not what to say today...'
The opening eight verses depict both the scene and sentiment of farewell. Always the same, 'When we're here, it's just a place we live/ When we depart, the land transforms into soul'.
View detailed sample HERE.
5. Analysis of an excerpt from the poem 'Viet Bac,' sample number 5:
Viet Bac is regarded as one of the pinnacles of wartime literature, marking an important milestone in To Huu's poetic journey.
Essay:
Viet Bac is a letter-poem consisting of two parts. The excerpt 'Viet Bac' by poet To Huu in part 1 vividly portrays the hardships and glory of the revolution and resistance in the Viet Bac combat zone. This excerpt is considered the pinnacle of To Huu's poetry and is also an outstanding literary work of Vietnam during the anti-French resistance period.
The excerpt begins with a questioning 'Upon returning, do we remember...gazing at the river, reminiscing the source.' It's a query directed at those departing, asking if they remember the Viet Bac combat zone, the 15-year-long resistance, and the nature of Viet Bac. Alongside this, the passage also portrays the worries and anxieties of those staying behind, fearing that those leaving for the capital will forget the wild nature of the mountains and forests, as well as the people left behind.
'Upon returning to the urban... amidst the forest.' The poet employs a plethora of emotionally rich adjectives with a sweet resonance, expressing deeply rooted sentiments. Perhaps, 'we' and 'them' are all part of life. To Huu, by letting those staying speak first, demonstrates his keen political awareness and the delicate heart of a soldier. Simultaneously, by letting those staying speak first, the author provides an opportunity for them to express their feelings and helps those departing to express their emotions naturally. And therein lies a subtle reminder to the forthcoming revolution and the entire nation to return to their roots, to remember the ancient traditions of gratitude and ethics of the nation.
View detailed sample HERE.
6. Analysis of an excerpt from the poem 'Viet Bac,' sample number 6:
Viet Bac is a political love poem depicting the profound affection between the resistance cadre and the combat zone.
Essay:
Viet Bac is a deeply sentimental poem expressing the profound loyalty of the author - an officer soon to depart Viet Bac for the southern region - towards the revolutionary base of the nation.
This is an epic poem spanning 150 lines, completed by To Huu in January 1954, precisely at the time when our Party and State were about to leave the Viet Bac combat zone for Hanoi after the successful resistance against French colonialism, establishing peace and fully liberating the northern region of our country.
Viet Bac is a profoundly sentimental poem expressing the deep loyalty of the author - an officer about to leave Viet Bac for the southern region - towards the revolutionary base of the entire nation. This is not only the poet's personal sentiment but also the common mood of everyone. This poem exemplifies the noble thoughts and beautiful sentiments of the resistance fighters towards the revolutionary homeland, towards the country and its people, towards the resistance and revolution. It can also be said that this is a collective emotional ode not only of our resistance fighters, of our people, but also delving into the profound tradition of national solidarity, loyalty, continuity, and further enriching that noble tradition.
View detailed sample HERE.
7. Analysis of an excerpt from the poem 'Viet Bac,' sample number 7:
Through the poem Viet Bac, the author To Huu has portrayed the deep, loyal affection and attachment of the officers about to leave the combat zone to return to the capital of the nation.
Essay:
The poetry of To Huu is the voice of the people, of the souls deeply connected to the revolutionary cause, to the homeland, to the nation. In these verses, we encounter profound love, sincerity, stemming from a heart loyal to the nation and its people, epitomized by the poem Viet Bac, one of To Huu's finest works.
To Huu (1920-2002), born Nguyen Duy Thanh, hailed from Quang Tho commune, Quang Dien district, Thua Thien Hue province, the cradle of folk literature. To Huu is a great poet, a pioneer of Vietnamese revolutionary poetry, whose poetry is always intertwined with the revolutionary journey of the nation. His poetic style, deeply imbued with political sentiment, aims at common values, large ideals, great emotions. The ego in his poetry always represents the Party, the national community, and these verses are both melodious and deeply nationalistic.
View detailed sample HERE.
In addition to the analysis of an excerpt from the poem Viet Bac, students can also refer to: Analysis of the poem Beloved Wife by Tu Xuong; Analysis of the poem Autumn Fishing; Analysis of the poem Self-Love by Ho Xuan Huong; Analysis of the character Vu Nuong in The Story of Nam Xuong's Daughter; Analysis of the poem Westward Expansion by Quang Dung; Analysis of President Ho Chi Minh's Declaration of Independence.
https://example.com/sample-poem-analysis
