Analyzing the Opening 20 Lines of the Vietnamese North Poem

Dissecting the Initial 20 Lines of the Vietnamese North Poem

Sample Essay: Dissecting the First 20 Lines of the Vietnamese North Poem

Analysis of the First 20 Lines of the Poem 'Viet Bac' by Tố Hữu

Tố Hữu stands as one of the greatest and most emblematic poets of modern poetry. He is hailed as the pioneer of revolutionary poetry, the poet of communist ideals. His poetry collection 'Viet Bac' represents the pinnacle of Tố Hữu's poetic prowess, concurrently marking a significant achievement in the poetry of resistance against the French colonialism. The poem 'Viet Bac' is considered the epitome of Tố Hữu's artistic mastery.

It is a lyrical ode of affection from the resistance fighters to their homeland and nation, expressing revolutionary sentiments through a blend of classical and modern artistry, rooted in the profound tradition of national loyalty and righteousness.

Regarded as the poet destined to poeticize political issues, Tố Hữu's poetry consistently mirrors revolutionary events. Through the years, Tố Hữu's poems serve as a vivid depiction of Vietnam's glorious revolutionary journey. Indeed, his poetry is akin to 'a chronicle of history in verse,' as some scholars have aptly described. 'Viet Bac' is no exception.

In July 1954, the victorious resistance against French colonialism paved the way for a peaceful settlement, with Northern Vietnam completely liberated, marking a new chapter in our nation's history. By October 1954, the central organs of the Party and State had relocated from their wartime bases to the capital. It was during this historic period that the poem 'Viet Bac' emerged. 'Viet Bac' no longer solely encapsulated the sentiments of To Huu but also symbolized the feelings of those in the southern resistance towards the revolutionary base areas, the nation, and its people. A political event transformed into poetry through To Huu's distinct style of blending emotions, a hallmark of his politically infused lyrical poetry. The first 20 lines of 'Viet Bac' vividly illustrate this artistic characteristic.

The poem begins with tender lines:

We return with memories of us
A decade filled with earnestness and passion.

The opening lines depict a farewell scene, a poignant setting to express profound sentimental emotions. Farewell scenes, a familiar motif in folk and classical poetry, were adeptly utilized by To Huu to convey the zeitgeist. The grand departure of Party cadres and Government officials from Viet Bac is intertwined with the separation of a couple: the girl staying in the revolutionary jungle as Viet Bac, and the man returning to the lowlands as a revolutionary cadre. What was once a collective narrative has become a personal tale, transforming the revolution's story into a love story between two individuals, a farewell imbued with deep nostalgia among those who shared a profound and enduring bond:

The gentle ripples of the human heart fluttered on the verse, expressing the divine affection with a touch of hesitation, brimming with tender love, creating a silent space full of expression for the following questions to resonate more fervently.

The remaining twelve lục bát verses belong to the native, structured with six questions delving into memories. Each question evokes the quintessence of Việt Bắc through carefully selected sensual imagery: Rain from the source, flood streams, misty clouds. These selectively chosen images are both realistic and dreamy; 'Rustling gray lichen on the deep heart'. The verses have the ability to transform abstract concepts into vivid and concrete sensory images 'the heavy burden of vendetta.' Personification also enlivens the poetic imagery:

'Returning to the forest, whom do we miss?
Cork trees shedding leaves, bamboo shoots aging'

The sentiment of those left behind for those departed is portrayed even more deeply in this verse, just 14 words containing endless fondness and longing: The departure of one person renders an entire forest desolate, cork trees unattended, bamboo shoots unpicked, the entire mountain yearns and reminisces. As a customary practice in farewells between close individuals, time is often reverted to the past, where reminiscing begins even before parting, and missing arises before separation. Amidst this emotional backdrop, memories of cherished moments flood back intensely.

Walking through the forest, memories flood my mind Tân Trào, Hồng Thái, village halls, ancient banyan trees

Glancing over, each verse echoes Beginning and end entwine in a dance of paradox

Simple yet profound faith breathed into words A promise of return, Viet Bac a second homeland

Recollections of shared life, comradeship Moments etched in lyrical melody, resonating deep within

Rain from springs floods / clouds and mist
Rice / grudge
Tram / bamboo shoot
Sneeze / lipstick
Remember / oneself
New / diverse

The poetic images truly ascend to poetic essence thanks to melodies full of affection, solemnity, echoing through couplets symmetrically balanced, exuding classical elegance. Especially the final question of the verse, separable due to its profundity, allusiveness:

'I go, I remember myself
Tan Trao Hong Thai thatched cottage of banyan tree'

Pronouns 'I', 'we', originally used in folk poetry dialogue, are now ingeniously employed by To Huu: When I is We, when 'we' is 'I', the underlying implication of our unity is clear. But here, a hexameter with the repetition of 'I go, I have' signifies the return of the self, 'remember oneself' denotes staying. A question full of implicit depth: Forgetting 'we' is also forgetting oneself. Just as in the latter part, To Huu emphasizes through a spiritually enriching manner in the answering verse, affirming resolutely.

In a heartfelt conversation with a French literary researcher, Tố Hữu confessed: 'I have embraced my homeland and my people. Speaking of my country and its people is akin to speaking of my beloved.' Hence, love transformed into loyalty, 'Viet Bac' became the anthem of shared affection among the resistance fighters, embodying the spirit of the entire nation in a remarkable historical moment.

It can be affirmed that the verses above represent the finest lines of the poem 'Viet Bac'.