Analyzing the Farewell when Heading West

Assignment: Analyzing the Farewell when Heading West

Analyzing the Selected Farewell when Heading West

I. Outline Analysis of the Selected Farewell when Heading West (Standard)

1. Introduction

- Brief overview of Phan Bội Châu.
- Introduction to the Farewell when Heading West.
 

2. Body

a. Two opening verses: Notions of the spirit of a dutiful son in the new era:
- A man living in this world must create a 'strange' mark for himself, not passively accepting a dull and ordinary life, but aspiring to lofty ideals, dreams, and great expectations, displaying resilience in all directions.

b. Two practical verses: 'In a hundred years, there must be me/Will there be none after me?' is the author's perception of the responsibility of a dutiful son to the nation and people, a debt of fame that must be repaid. 
- The period of 'a hundred years' implies a human lifetime and suggests a century of national upheaval.
- 'In a hundred years, there must be me' is the author's implication of the importance of oneself in the process of revival and defending the nation.
- 'Will there be none after me?' is a rhetorical question, expressing expectations and encouragement from the author to the generations of youth and beyond.

c. Two concluding verses: The progressive awareness of a patriotic intellectual, a new-style revolutionary, in the face of the national situation.
- 'The rivers and mountains are dead' signifies the death of national sovereignty, territorial sovereignty, and the decline of the feudal regime.
- 'The virtuous and saints are forever learning', addressing the issue, exposing the backwardness of Confucian education, highlighting the reasons for the country's decline.
- Denying the Confucian education that has been associated with oneself for so long is indeed a profound pain for the author, but with the character and noble ideals of a true patriot, no pain surpasses the pain of losing the nation. As a dutiful son, he must demonstrate the role of rejuvenating the homeland through a progressive path rather than clinging to past glory.
=> Recognizing the broad, powerful, and free soul of a genuine patriot, willing to sacrifice everything, enduring personal pain for the benefit of the people, the nation, to repay the debt of fame.

d. Two concluding verses: “Wishing to cross the Eastern sea on the wings of the wind/A myriad waves bid farewell as they set sail” depict the image of a patriotic intellectual embarking on a journey across the sea, leaving the homeland to seek new horizons, acquiring new knowledge to return and serve the Motherland, with a demeanor of dignity and immense confidence. 

3. Conclusion:

Express your thoughts.
 

II. Sample Essay Analysis of the Farewell when Heading West

Tips Techniques for analyzing outstanding and unique poetry

1. Analyzing the Farewell when Heading West by Phan Bội Châu, Sample 1 (Standard):

Phan Bội Châu is a prominent cultural figure, a political leader, a 'great personality' with many progressive activities in the early 20th century. He is best known as the most representative leader in the struggles for national liberation in the early 20th century. Particularly outstanding in the idea of national liberation through the path of capitalist countries, even though it failed, it opened up a new perspective on revolution for the generations that followed, including Hồ Chí Minh. Overall, in his revolutionary life, as well as in the revolutionary activities of Phan Bội Châu in the early 20th century, there is a unique combination and splendor between the two main aspects: politics and culture, similar to Nguyễn Trãi over 400 years ago and Hồ Chí Minh a few years later. In addition to his prominent political career, Phan Bội Châu also had a considerable literary career. He can be seen as the one who paved the way for the revolutionary literature of Vietnam with a tight combination of political substance and sentimentality in many works. The Farewell when Heading West is a work that fully embodies that writing style of Phan Bội Châu, along with the circumstances of its creation closely linked to the changes in the revolutionary thinking of Phan Bội Châu.

Explaining why the Farewell when Heading West is closely associated with the changes in the revolutionary thinking of Phan Bội Châu, the poem was composed in 1905, before he boarded the ship with a number of other outstanding youth to Japan to seek ways to save the country. The poem is an encouragement, a spirit-boosting encouragement full of enthusiasm for those individuals who carry good thoughts and noble spirits to depart for the cause of national liberation, despite knowing there will be many difficulties and obstacles. It is also a work that opens up, directing those who stay behind, directing our people towards a belief that in the future, the country will be better, brighter, revealing the will, determination, and progressive thinking of a patriotic scholar, a leader who wholeheartedly dedicates himself to the nation.

Analyze the poem Farewell when Heading West to understand the noble aspirations of Phan Bội Châu

As Nguyen Ai Quoc wrote in the main essay Praises or Criticisms: Va-ren and Phan Bội Châu, praising Mr. Phan profoundly and respectfully: 'a hero, an angel respected by twenty million compatriots in the circle of slavery'. This is enough to show that Phan Bội Châu embodies the precious qualities of a great personality, a great thinker blending the spirit of a Confucian scholar and a revolutionary in a somewhat capitalist (even slightly socialist) direction. In Farewell when Heading West, the personality and thoughts of Phan Bội Châu are revealed from the first two lines of poetry, which can be named as the spirit of a young man in the new era.

“Being a man must be unique in the world
Willing to move the wisdom autonomously”

At the end of the 18th century, the beginning of the 19th century in the country's history was a period of intense upheaval. On August 1, 1958, France officially invaded our country for the first time, while the Nguyen Dynasty was weak, the feudal regime was rotten, and there was a risk of collapse, lacking the strength to lead the people against foreign invaders as the previous generations did. Patriotic Confucian scholars, compassionate towards the people, but mostly powerless in the face of the times, sought ways to retire, avoid life. Only Phan Bội Châu, one of the few Confucian scholars with many active roles in uprisings against foreign invasions. Because Mr. Phan had a great cultural personality, he accepted diverse, multi-dimensional political tendencies, directly participated in the Can Vuong movements and some traditional uprisings. Phan Bội Châu is a mainstream Confucian scholar, but he quickly realized the shortcomings and outdatedness of these movements. Phan Bội Châu felt the need for a new reform, a new path for the revolution in Vietnam. He examined the constitutional monarchy, then finally decided to liberate the nation along the path that capitalist countries had taken, exemplified by Japan. From that, the Dong Du movement was born, with a hope to change the chaotic situation like the headless snake of the traditional uprising movements in the country. Phan Bội Châu can be seen as a timely hero, with him in a new context, the personality of a Confucian scholar still has to be maintained, but it must be transformed so as not to be outdated, to be similar and to catch up with the times. In which, the spirit of a young man is the essence of a patriotic scholar. Phan Bội Châu believes “Being a man must be unique in the world”, the word “unique” here means that the man must be outstanding in all aspects of career, thought, carrying in himself aspirations, beautiful dreams, and striving to fulfill them. If in the past, men dedicated themselves to studying diligently, determined to take the exam for the glory of the clan or to be a soldier fighting on the battlefield, protecting the border, to repay the national debt. Now, in a time full of changes, men need to have the will, change their own thoughts to repay the public debt for the country, rather than being helpless, avoiding like many contemporary Confucian scholars, due to compromise, conservatism, lamenting over the outdated Confucianism to cry and pity. Phan Bội Châu's belief in the spirit of a young man is revealed in the next line “Willing to move the wisdom autonomously”. This line has shown strength, determined will, challenging the entire universe, demonstrating the grandeur of the poet in the face of the balance of creation. Phan Bội Châu affirms that his destiny must be held by himself, and at the same time, the poetic idea also indicates the bravery, the ideal change of the author's “autonomous wisdom”. In fact, the “autonomous wisdom” here generally still refers to the changes of the times, the French invaders, and the collapse of the feudal regime, causing the country to mourn, chaos. Phan Bội Châu is not indifferent, cannot bear to see that painful scene, he must do something for the Fatherland, for the nation rather than stand still helplessly or shed tears of pity.

“In a century, a servant is needed
Later on, will there be none?”

The next two lines express the author's awareness of his role in facing the times, in the career of liberating the nation, freeing the country. 'A hundred years' is a phrase that cleverly conveys many different meanings. First, it refers to the turbulent period of the country in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when the French invaded, the dynasty was helpless, along with the isolated and failed traditional uprisings. It was the most crisis-ridden period in the national history since the country gained independence from the Northern invaders in 938. Phan Bội Châu was born at a time when the country was in pain, so as a Confucian scholar, he was aware of his responsibility to the nation. Nature placed people in adversity, and life is only a hundred years, so one must live to be worthy of the 'nam nhi' (manly) as arranged by nature. Phan Bội Châu's idea is exactly that. And Mr. Phan not only speaks individually or sets expectations, ideals of saving the country, establishing a reputation for himself, but with him, this 'hundred years' is both an opportunity and a challenge for all young men in the world. He has great hope for future generations, and that question is an encouragement, deep encouragement to many young generations in the country, encouraging them to build their own lofty and powerful ideals, to strive to fulfill them. Phan Bội Châu took the first difficult steps, full of determination and hope for a brilliant future to revive the country. But after his hundred years, who will continue that path? Phan Bội Châu needs collaborators, successors, to turn the revolutionary ideals into reality.

““The lost rivers add more shame to life
Where are the virtues, saints, and old teachings?”

In the next two lines, one can see more clearly the cultural personality of Phan Bội Châu, proving that Mr. Phan is a progressive Confucian scholar, a cultural figure with a multidimensional approach, innovation, and keeping pace with the trends of the early 20th century. As mentioned before, traditional patriotic movements failed miserably, especially the Can Vuong movement, making patriotic Confucian scholars discouraged and disappointed. On the contrary, Phan Bội Châu emerged from that rubble, absorbed the cultural foundation of capitalism, and became a pioneering figure in saving the country along the path of capitalism. It was a big breakthrough. Mr. recognized very clearly the situation of the country 'rivers have died', that is the death of a regime, a dynasty that has collapsed for hundreds of years when both the king and the officials were cowardly, afraid, only craving for wealth and glory, accepting to let the enemy trample on the country. A country without sovereignty, without freedom, and a looking-glass bureaucracy, isn't it already 'dead'? And for a patriotic Confucian scholar, a straightforward person in the bowed posture of the dynasty, the pain of the nation, the arrogance of the colonialists is truly an extremely shameful humiliation. 'Where are the virtues, saints, and old teachings?' is Phan Bội Châu's awareness of the outdatedness and backwardness of Confucianism. With broad thinking, his own mistakes, he realized in this moment that the Tam tự kinh, Luận ngữ, or the Nho học philosophies cannot compete with the bullets of the enemy, cannot revive the country with rigid, inflexible thinking. With the mind of a mainstream Confucian scholar, deeply influenced by Confucianism, it is an extremely bitter and painful realization. But not sinking into helplessness, deadlock like many contemporary Confucian scholars, due to compromise, conservatism, lamenting over outdated Confucianism, Phan Bội Châu was ready to give up what he had been attached to for many years to move towards a new ideology, take the first steps on the path of saving the country in a capitalist direction. Even later, Phan Bội Châu, after being imprisoned in Huế, after the failure with the Dong Du movement, he also recognized and had new perceptions of socialism through the thoughts of Marx and Lenin.

In conjunction with referencing the sample analysis of the poem Farewell at Sunrise to grasp a deeper understanding of the content and meaning of the work, students can also refer to the article Appreciating the poem Farewell at Sunrise, Phan Boi Chau's Ideal Life in the poem Farewell at Sunrise, The Romantic Beauty and Heroic Character of the Sentimental Figure in the poem Farewell at Sunrise, Creating an outline for analyzing the poem Farewell at Sunrise,...

2. Analysis of the poem Farewell at Sunrise, sample 2 (Standard)

Phan Boi Chau (1867-1940), born in Dan Nhiem Village, Nam Hoa Commune, Nam Dan District, Nghe An Province, showed exceptional talent from a young age, coupled with an early love for the country and awareness of the need for national liberation. Phan Boi Chau also held positive views deeply rooted in Confucianism, carrying the burden of male responsibilities. Actively participating in various anti-French movements, after numerous failures, he recognized the mistakes and weaknesses in the organizational style of the patriotic movements of that time. From then on, he advocated saving the country through the capitalist path. He nurtured the intention for outstanding young people of the nation to study in countries like Japan and China and return to contribute to the country, known as the Dong Du movement, with the organization named Duy Tan Association. The progressive thoughts on national salvation by Phan Boi Chau seemed to open a bright path for Vietnam's revolution in the early 19th century, even though the results did not meet expectations. In addition to his role as an outstanding revolutionary activist with significant contributions to the national liberation movement, Phan Boi Chau is also recognized as a great poet and writer in the first half of the 20th century, pioneering revolutionary literature in Vietnam, later carried to its peak by To Huu. Farewell at Sunrise is a representative poem showcasing Phan Boi Chau's writing style. It not only portrays the revolutionary ideals of a patriotic scholar but also marks an important milestone in the initiative to seek the country's salvation through the capitalist ideology of the poet.

Farewell at Sunrise was written in 1905, before Phan Boi Chau and other outstanding young people boarded the ship to cross the sea to Japan for education. The work serves as an encouraging and uplifting piece for those departing, simultaneously reinforcing the spirit, belief, and guiding those staying towards a better, brighter future for the country. It vividly expresses the noble spirit of a Confucian scholar, with a profound love for the country, determined to repay the debt of public duty to the nation in times of crisis and historical upheaval.

Top-notch Analyses of the poem Farewell at Sunrise

In the first two lines, the author clearly expresses his viewpoint on the ideals of being a man in the new era, an era full of changes that necessitate individuals to undergo a transformation of will to carve out a path for themselves and for the nation while maintaining the dignity of a genuine Confucian scholar in the role of a fervent revolutionary.

“To be a man, one must be distinctive in life
Why let wisdom move on its own”

Phan Boi Chau believed that a man's body, “shoulder five yards wide, body ten yards tall,” living in this world, must create something “distinctive” for himself. This implies not accepting a mundane and dull life, confined within the 'stagnant pond of the country,' but instead making oneself stand out through high ideals, dreams, and grand expectations, demonstrating bravery in all directions. A man should dare to challenge oneself beyond the comfort zone, overcome obstacles and losses, break free from any limits boldly and courageously, to achieve significant success, creating an outstanding and extraordinary career that few can accomplish. 'To shine brightly for a minute and then vanish is better than whimpering for a hundred years,' so that a man's life is lived in a way that befits the title of 'a man,' contributing to life and repaying the debt of public duty to the nation during times of crisis and historical upheaval. Phan Boi Chau's perspective on the ideals of being a man in the new era continues to be clarified through the line 'Why let wisdom move on its own.' This expresses a strong will, a proud attitude, a desire to challenge, standing tall with the universe, stating that a vigorous man needs to firmly grasp and decisively determine the fate of life, not desiring a tranquil life, accepting the arrangements of nature but rather exuding a powerful and unyielding spirit, displaying the strong and bold demeanor of a magnanimous figure with utmost confidence, daring, and pride. Phan Boi Chau's poetry not only lies in expressing his own vigor but also carries the meaning of encouraging the youth of the new era to rise, be self-reliant, pursue lofty ideals, serve the Motherland, elevate their own stature to the level of the universe, nature, and cast off a mediocre life, leaving behind the ordinary ponds and fields, to establish themselves and their careers.

In the following two lines, “Within a century, a man must exist / Later, will there be no one?” is the author's realization of the responsibility of a man to the country and the nation, a debt of public duty that must be repaid. Especially in a historical period full of changes and external threats to sovereignty, the youth must step forward to serve the Motherland. The author sketches a period of 'a hundred years,' symbolizing a human lifespan, rooted in the traditional belief passed down through generations, a lifetime equivalent to a hundred years. Secondly, the span of a hundred years serves as a reminder of a century of turmoil for the nation, with numerous changes, the decline of feudalism, and Western imperial invasions leading to profound grievances. 'Within a century, a man must exist' signifies the importance of oneself in the revival and protection of the country. In the midst of nature's arrangement, a man of great spirit, experiencing a tumultuous period, must strive to live up to the expectations of nature and uphold the title of a nobleman. While the previous lines affirm the importance of men in their era, acknowledging the ideals and roles with respect to the country, the line 'Later, will there be no one?' becomes an open question, expressing the author's expectation and encouragement for future generations. Phan Boi Chau used his noble spirit and lofty ideals as a shining example, paving the way for the revolutionary advancement of the nation and Vietnamese youth. Awakening in them a revolutionary spirit, love for the country, a sense of responsibility for the youth, and a confident readiness to face the challenges of the elite.

In the next two lines of discourse, Phan Boi Chau reveals the progressive awareness of a patriotic Confucian scholar, a new-style revolutionary facing the national situation and the decline of the feudal system and Confucianism losing its original position.

“Mountains and rivers have lost their dignity
Virtuous saints, where is the old education?”

“Mountains and rivers have died” signifies the death of national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the decline of the feudal system. The nation is in a pitiful state, yet those in power, the leaders of the country, are submissive, bowing down, and groveling to Western invaders to prolong their luxurious lives, possessing a false reputation while ignoring the fate of the people and the nation. A country without sovereignty, freedom, and a feudal regime in ruins is as close to the brink of extinction as one can get. Therefore, the author states that “mountains and rivers have died,” a harsh truth. Especially for someone with strong patriotism and spirit like Phan Boi Chau, standing before such a scenario is truly humiliating. In the subsequent line, “Virtuous saints, where is the old education?”, one admires Phan Boi Chau's personality and perception. Although Phan Boi Chau was heavily influenced by the Confucian education system since childhood, in the face of the declining feudal system, he did not cling to the obsolete and backward dream of reviving the old ways. Instead, he was one of the first to address the issue directly, exposing the regression of Confucian education and clearly outlining the reasons for the nation's weakness. Denying the Confucian system, which had been ingrained for so long, was undoubtedly an immense pain for the author. However, with the character and lofty ideals of a true patriot, the pain of losing the country far surpassed any personal suffering. As a man, he had to demonstrate the role of national revival through a progressive path, rather than clinging to a glorious dream of the past. From this, we see the broad, strong, and free spirit of a genuine patriot, willing to sacrifice everything, endure personal pain for the benefit of the people and the nation, to repay the debt of public duty.

In the final two concluding lines, “Wishing to cross the Eastern sea with the wind's wings / Thousand layers of silver waves bid farewell to the open ocean” depict the image of a patriotic intellectual embarking on a sea voyage far from the homeland to seek new horizons, acquiring fresh knowledge to return and serve the Motherland and nation with a remarkably confident and upright demeanor. The imagery of the 'Eastern sea' and 'thousand layers of silver waves' conjures a vast, expansive space, reflecting a zest for life alongside aspirations and lofty ideals reaching into the vast ocean of the patriot. The stature of the individual becomes magnificent, towering prominently against the backdrop of nature due to the pride and powerful spirit within the sincere character.

'Lưu biệt khi xuất dương' is an excellent poem with profound content and significant meaning. It not only reveals the aspirations and lofty ideals of a revolutionary figure in the modern era but also serves as encouragement, inspiring a love for the country, national pride, and awakening the confidence, ideals, and lofty aspirations of Vietnamese youth amidst a time of significant changes. It can be said that 'Lưu biệt khi xuất dương' is one of the first poems with a revolutionary sentimental direction, laying the foundation for the later peak of the revolutionary literature of the nation.

3. Analysis of the poem 'Lưu biệt khi xuất dương,' Sample 3:

Phan Bội Châu is remembered as the first in the history of Vietnam to consciously use literature for mobilization and revolutionary propaganda. He is also the pioneer of the revolutionary political sentimental literature. In this context, the poem 'Lưu biệt khi xuất dương' stands out as an exemplary work.

This poem was written during a Tet meal organized by Phan Bội Châu at his home to bid farewell to friends and comrades before departing for Japan in 1905. 'Farewell as Setting Sail' expressed the grand, innovative ideas full of the author's responsibility, revealing the eager anticipation and high determination during the initial sea voyage to pursue national restoration.

The concept of 'chí làm trai' has been mentioned in literature since ancient times but was particularly emphasized during the feudal regime, the era when Confucianism flourished. A man had to achieve fame and success to be considered fulfilling the role of a true man. In 'Expressing Feelings,' Phạm Ngũ Lão wrote:

'The fame of a man still carries debts
Shameful to hear Vũ Hầu' story'

Similarly, Nguyễn Công Trứ wrote:

'Chí làm trai, whether in the north, south, west, or east
Asserting strength, making waves across the four seas.'

To become a recognized true man, one must strive, achieve merits, gain fame, and have the prowess to 'make waves' across the four seas, proving one's talent and capability. Inheriting this Confucian idea, Phan Bội Châu presented a perspective on 'chí làm trai' as a bold declaration:

'Born as a weak man, vow to be sublime
Firmly pledge to cultivate one's own wisdom.'

(Being a man should be extraordinary in life
Perhaps to let wisdom move on its own)

Firstly, Phan Bội Châu contends that being a true man requires being 'distinct', meaning one must live differently from others, avoiding any resemblance to create a unique identity. 'Distinct' also implies being extraordinary, prominent, influencing everything around. It is an active lifestyle, not hesitating, not succumbing to circumstances but having the courage to control them. The sincere character confronts challenges from the world, the land, and the universe to assert oneself and strive for the dream of success. Phan Bội Châu embraces the aspiration to influence destiny rather than allowing it to dictate. He refuses to surrender or bow to fate, using his abilities to change circumstances. It can be said that his 'chí làm trai' is the spirit of a resolute man in the universe, boldly defying and challenging heaven and earth.

Analysis of the poem 'Xuất dương lưu biệt' has a structured outline.

Humans with such grandeur, akin to the vastness of the universe, always carry the consciousness and responsibility of the individual in their era:

'For hundreds of years within oneself, cultivate
Soaring to the sky, wings free from enmity.'

(In the span of a hundred years, there needs to be me
In the future for all time, will there be none?)

In the limited span of a hundred years, Phan Bội Châu desires to dedicate himself to the nation, achieving extraordinary feats to be worthy of leaving a name in the annals of a thousand years. The author affirms his self with full responsibility, actively and positively, not a self of selfish interests. In the two contrasting lines harmonizing the infinite nature of time with the limited nature of human life, Phan Bội Châu uses negation as a background, emphasizing what he asserts. He aspires to do extraordinary things, leaving his name in history without shame for the ideal of 'chí làm trai' that he has adopted as a way of life. Devotion to life is both the duty and responsibility of a true man. In that limited hundred years, a man must fulfill the 'chí làm trai' and leave a good reputation for life after that. These lines urge to awaken the spirit of self-sacrifice for the greater cause of humanity, especially for the strong and young men to contribute fully to the nation-saving effort and find a new direction for the people.

Embedded in the real situation of the country, Phan Bội Châu highlighted the responsibility that a true man should have towards the destiny of the nation:

'Offer your life for the country, do not lament material loss,
The virtuous and saintly naturally praise such deeds'!

(The rivers and mountains have perished, living in disgrace,
The virtuous and saintly are gone, learning is in vain!)

When the country is invaded and the rivers and mountains are no more, living becomes a mere acceptance of humiliation and shame. Knowledge and education lose their meaning when the national sovereignty is violated. Liberation of the nation becomes the top priority as Phan Bội Châu is aware of the urgency of the situation. Books and education become meaningless when the country loses its foundation. The most important and practical task at that time is to find a path, a direction for the nation to escape the invasion and exploitation of French colonialism. Phan Bội Châu, a patriot, hopes that the Đông Du movement he leads will achieve significant results for the homeland. Additionally, the concluding lines serve to awaken those with a patriotic spirit, urging them to change the course of fate for the nation.

The concluding lines of the poem express the momentum, the high determination on the path of national salvation chosen by the patriotic Phan Bội Châu:

'Aspire to cross the Eastern seas and restore former glory,
In the vast universe, be the foremost of all'.

Three exemplary analyses of the poem 'Farewell upon Setting Out on the Journey,' compiled by Mytour, serve as invaluable and essential resources for students when writing essays analyzing paragraphs or verses. Furthermore, for review and knowledge enhancement in the 11th-grade Vietnamese Literature class, students should explore sample essays such as 'Analyzing Love in Nam Cao's Chí Phèo,' 'Analyzing the Short Story Vi hành,' 'Analyzing the Short Story Chữ người tử tù,' and 'Analyzing an excerpt from Hạnh phúc của một tang gia,...