Topic: Analyzing the final two lines of Ho Chi Minh's poem 'Admiring the Moon'
I. Outline
II. Sample Essay
Analyzing the final two lines of Ho Chi Minh's poem 'Admiring the Moon'
Tips: Method for analyzing poems or passages to achieve high scores
I. Outline Analyzing the final two lines of Ho Chi Minh's poem 'Admiring the Moon'
1. Introduction
- Introduction to the overview of the poem 'Admiring the Moon'
- Leading into the final two lines of the poem
2. Body of the poem
a. Harmony and camaraderie between the moon and the individual
- Space: in the prison cell.
- Time: at night
- Uncle Ho 'admires' the moon, enjoying its beauty through the prison cell window, intoxicated by the beauty of nature.
- The moon 'peeks' through the crack in the door to 'admire' the prisoner.
=> Mutual understanding, spiritual connection between the moon and the individual.
b. The poet's inner beauty.
- The prison cell does not make the revolutionary weary or tired.
- Optimism in adversity
- Love for nature, sensitivity to nature
3. Conclusion
Reaffirming the beauty in the final two lines of the poem.
II. Sample Essay Analyzing the final two lines of Ho Chi Minh's poem 'Admiring the Moon'
The moon has always been an endless source of inspiration for countless poets and writers worldwide, and in Vietnam in particular. Among them, we must mention a poet deeply attached to the moon, that is Ho Chi Minh. Uncle Ho wrote extensively about the moon, but perhaps 'Admiring the Moon' is his finest poem because it contains both scenery and emotions. Especially, the final two lines of the poem have depicted a self-portrait full of harmony and uniqueness between the individual and the moon:
'One gazes at the moon shining outside the window
The moon peeks through the door crack to gaze at the poet'
In the iron bars and chains of the prison, in the cramped space with four cold walls, one might think it's loneliness to the extreme. But no, in the prison cell where there's no wine or flowers as companions, loyalty finds its way to Him as the moon. He appreciates the moonlight amidst the prisoner's circumstances, exuding an unusual serenity and relaxation. Outside the window, the moonlight shines, as He quietly gazes at the gentle moonlight, the vast, tranquil light of nature that dispels the hardships of the dark prison. The prison confines Him physically, but it cannot confine His soul. Through the window frame, the modest beauty of nature, though not vast, is full and rich. Uncle Ho cherishes these beautiful moments in that brief encounter. The term 'gaze' reveals His tender care, His love for nature, and also His enraptured state when enjoying nature's moonlight.
Reading in the original Chinese characters, one can better appreciate this special moonlight scene:
'Facing the moon, one directs their gaze forward
The moon, in turn, directs its gaze toward the poet'.
And that moonlight understands the poet's heart or admires the prisoner in that room and descends:
'The moon peeks through the door crack to gaze at the poet'
The anthropomorphic technique is used skillfully, the moon 'peeks,' the moon 'gazes.' At that door crack are the iron bars of the prison cell, the moonlight passes through it, illuminating the feet of the prisoner standing there, gazing at the prisoner with all admiration, awe. Coming to that poet's rich emotional side, the moon is no longer an indifferent object but knows how to appreciate, how to gaze and cherish that heart. The moon and the individual, face to face like close friends, confidants. That moment is so beautiful, it melts away all pain, darkness, and loneliness in the land of the people's revolution.
Two lines with only 14 words but make us admire Him. Uncle Ho not only has a beautiful soul, a great ideal but He is also courageous, strong, an optimistic spirit, overcoming the difficulties of adversity to live beautifully, live usefully.