Analysis of Hàn Mặc Tử's 'Ripe Spring' Poem

 Note

10th-grade students can find new content in the article Analysis and Evaluation of 'Ripe Spring' by Hàn Mặc Tử, Grade 10 Vietnamese Language.

Prompt: Analyze 'Ripe Spring' by Hàn Mặc Tử

Analysis of Hàn Mặc Tử's 'Ripe Spring' Poem

I. Standard Outline for Analyzing 'Ripe Spring' by Hàn Mặc Tử

1. Introduction

The poem 'Ripe Spring' is a representative piece, contributing to Hàn Mặc Tử's reputation.

2. Body of the Poem

- Signs of spring's arrival:
+ Blushing sunlight
+ Dreamy smoke
+ Thatched roof beside the water lily garden
-> Serene, simple, charming, and full of tender affection...(Continued)

>> See detailed outline for analyzing Hàn Mặc Tử's 'Ripe Spring' poem here.

II. Standard Sample Essay: Analysis of the Poem 'Ripe Spring' by Hàn Mặc Tử

1. Analysis of the Poem 'Ripe Spring' by Hàn Mặc Tử - Sample 1: 

Hàn Mặc Tử was a poet with a very unique and distinctive poetic style. He left many famous poetry collections to posterity such as 'Country Girl', 'Mad Poems', or 'Playing Amidst the Moon Season'. The poem 'Ripe Spring' is a representative piece, contributing to the poet's reputation.

The title of the poem 'Ripe Spring' sounds impressive, evoking a sense of softness, with a hint of vibrant spring flavor, yet equally rich and profound in meaning, intriguing us to explore the essence of 'ripeness' in Hàn Mặc Tử's poetry.

'In the warm sunlight, dreams of smoke disperse
Thatched roofs gleam gold in the distance
Gentle breeze teases the blue dress
On the water lily trellis, spring's shadow shines'

The picture of spring in the countryside is truly peaceful and charming, exuding deep affection. In the light of the sky, distant smoke seems to dissolve, creating a dreamy and realistic beauty, not overly detailed, just a few strokes that captivate us before the serene sky at this moment. On the thatched roofs of poor rural homes adorned with colors of water lilies, the gentle breeze sways the green leaves, creating a strange, soothing sound. Spring is infiltrating the scenery, on the water lily trellis heralding the arrival of spring, spring has come, the grass waves up to the sky, and the village girls sing on the hill;

'Waves of fresh green grass reach to the sky
Countless village girls sing on the hilltop;'

Everything carries the essence of spring, the spring rain nourishes the grass and trees with new vitality, lush and fresh, reaching up to the sky as if playing with the sun, the wind, and the clouds. The welcoming songs of village girls brim with tenderness, as spring arrives, bringing joy and excitement to everyone, with hearts full of youthfulness and love for life. The melody of music rises with the lyrics:

'In the green spring crowd tomorrow
Some will follow their husbands, leaving behind the games.'

The joy of spring blends with the joy of couplehood, so tomorrow amidst the green spring crowd, some village girls will leave to marry, leaving behind the joys, with a hint of nostalgia mixed within that happiness. Spring embellishes life, bearing sweet fruit for love, the season of overflowing happiness.

'The singing echoes halfway up the mountain,
Muddled like the words of the clouds,
Whispering to someone under the bamboo,
Revealing flavors and innocent poetry...'

The zest for life depicted in innocent, pure, mischievous verses, the echoing 'singing halfway up the mountain,' merging with the scenery, resonating endlessly. The sounds seem to move with the rhythm of time, 'muddled' and 'whispering' to each other with affectionate meanings. How the poetry sounds so poignant, stirring up inexplicable emotions.

'Travelers afar meet in the ripe spring,
Hearts and minds filled with longing for the village.
This year she still carries the rice,
Along the white-sunlit riverbank.'

If the first stanza paints an image of lush greenery, this one presents a contrasting scene as spring ripens, losing its dreaminess from the earlier days. It now carries hues of wistfulness, tinged with the rustic sun and wind: 'Along the white-sunlit riverbank,' the rhyme of 'ang' at the end imbues the verse with indescribable, profound emotions, reflecting the inner turmoil and poignant contemplation of a woman's fate:

'This year she still carries the rice,
Along the white-sunlit riverbank.'

In the days of youth, when spring's rhythm resonated with the songs of young maidens, now, as spring ripens, departing from the green springs of yesteryears, 'she' becomes a woman burdened with countless worries. The responsibilities of motherhood and wifehood weigh heavily, yet amidst the toil and hardship, her radiance shines bright.

The poem is gentle, its language simple yet meticulously chosen by the poet. Each verse carries a sky of affection, mingled with sentiments of longing for the arduous, difficult homeland. With language refined by the poet's compassionate heart, Han Mac Tu has crafted a complete, profound 'ripe spring.'

2. Analysis of Han Mac Tu's Ripe Spring - Sample 2: 

Han Mac Tu was one of the pioneers of the New Poetry movement. His poem 'Ripe Spring' is a famous work from his lifetime. It appears in the section 'Fragrance,' in the poetry collection 'Pain,' published in 1938.

The title of the poem 'Ripe Spring' leaves a strong impression on readers with its combination of a noun and an adjective. 'Ripe' refers to fruit that is ripe for eating, with vibrant colors and delicious flavors. 'Ripe Spring' evokes images of spring in its freshest, most abundant, vibrant, and lively state. This is also the picture that the author portrays in the poem. The emotional journey moves from a love of the spring scenery to the heart's scenes, thoughts, and worries about the impending withering.

In the blush of sunlight, dreamy smoke disperses

Thatched roofs gleam with golden patches

Rustling winds tease the blue garments

On the trellis of coral vine. The shadow of spring comes.

Right from the first stanza, Hàn Mặc Tử immediately describes the beauty of spring that he encounters: early morning, the morning mist dissipates to make way for the clear sunlight, gently advancing. The sunlight shines down on the thatched roofs, turning them into patches of 'golden gleam.' These two lines are full of freshness and brightness, allowing readers to feel the warm, joyful atmosphere of spring permeating the space. Not only the sunlight, but also the wind is personified with a playful, childlike action of 'teasing the blue garments.' Here, the author uses the colloquial term 'rustling' combined with the poetic device of inversion to make the verse expressive, leaving an impression on the reader. Moving to the final line, the rhythm of the verse changes. The punctuation mark in the middle of the line changes the rhythm from 2/2/3 to 4/3. This pause acts like a suspended clock, unsure about what it intends to say.

And then the author also affirms, 'The shadow of spring comes.' Spring has arrived, bringing sunlight, breeze, and many cheerful colors, making the poet's soul also become lively.

'Waves of green grass fresh to the sky.'

Amidst the green spring, village maidens sing on the hill.

- Tomorrow amidst that green spring,

Some will follow husbands, leaving the games behind.

The echoing songs along the mountain's back.

As whimsical as the words of the misty clouds,

Secretly whispering to those under the bamboo,

Discerning the essence and innocent poetry.”

The first verse of the second stanza reminds us of a similar line by Nguyễn Du: “The green grass reaches to the edge of the sky.” However, in Hàn Mặc Tử's poetry, it's the harmonious beauty of nature and humanity. Amidst the greenish-blue grass, lush and fresh, spreading to the blue sky, there are the figures of “many village maidens”. The beautiful spring also brings forth young, lovely girls, with their laughter and lively singing, making the scene even more vibrant. Yet, at a moment when people are immersed in beauty, the poet brings a prediction: “- Tomorrow amidst that green spring,/ Some will follow husbands, leaving the games behind.” It's a firm statement tinged with a hint of reluctance. Despite the premonitions and regrets about the future partings, Hàn Mặc Tử is still drawn to the pure song emanating from the “back of the mountain ridge”. The singing is described with words like “echoing”, “whimsical”, “secretly whispering”, combined with the simile “as whimsical as the words of the misty clouds” to convey “the essence and innocent poetry.”

“Distant guests, encountered in the ripe spring,

The heart and mind filled with longing for the village

- This year, she still carries the sheaves of rice

Along the riverside, white under the radiant sun?”

To truly perceive the fervent love for life as felt by the poet Hàn Mặc Tử, along with his distinct style of composition, beside the analysis of 'Spring in Bloom,' you may also explore the analysis of the poem 'Night in the Hamlet of Vĩ Dạ' on Mytour.