Analyzing the Patriot Figure in the Poem 'Farewell upon Departure'

Topic: Analysis of the Patriot Figure in the Poem 'Farewell upon Departure'

Analysis of the Patriot Figure in the Poem 'Farewell upon Departure,' leaving a lasting impression on readers

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I. Outline Exploring the portrayal of patriotic figures in the poem 'Farewell upon Departure'

1. Opening

- Phan Boi Chau was the first to conceive the idea of saving the nation through capitalism, actively engaging in the early revolutionary movement. He is also renowned as a significant writer and poet in the first half of the 20th century, planting the initial seeds for Vietnam's politically inclined literature at that time.
- The poem 'Farewell upon Departure' is a standout work reflecting the passionate, noble spirit of the patriotic intellectual.

2. Main Body
* The Image of the Patriotic Intellectual Revealed through the Concept of Being a True Man in the Modern Era
- 'Being a man must be extraordinary in life': The perspective that men living in the world need lofty ideals, a broad and noble spirit, daring to step out of constraints, beyond limits, to engage in extraordinary endeavors, displaying extraordinary, prominent qualities.
- 'Boldly shifting wisdom on its own': Men must grasp and control their destiny, standing equal to the heavens and earth, even transcending wisdom => A confident, bold, and powerful demeanor...(Continued)

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II. Sample Essay Analysis of the portrayal of the patriotic intellectual in the poem 'Farewell upon Departure'

Phan Boi Chau (1867-1940), born in Nam Dan district, Nghe An province, hailed from a Confucian family. Displaying exceptional talent and intellect from an early age, he grew up with a deep love for the nation and a profound awareness of the country's plight under French colonial rule. Actively participating in various anti-colonial movements, Phan Boi Chau pioneered the idea of national salvation through the capitalist path—a path successfully taken by Japan. This led to the establishment of the Duy Tan society, the initiation of the Dong Du movement, and the sending of outstanding youth abroad for education. Besides being a statesman actively involved in revolutionary activities, Phan Boi Chau is also recognized as a significant writer and poet in the first half of the 20th century, contributing significantly to the literary landscape of Vietnam. It can be said that Phan Boi Chau is considered the nurturer of the first seeds for the nation's literature with a political and sentimental inclination during that period. The poem 'Farewell upon Departure' is a prime example of the expansive and noble spirit of the patriotic intellectual, expressing hope and fervent belief in the bright future of the nation before embarking on an educational journey abroad.

'Farewell upon Departure,' composed by Phan Boi Chau in 1905 before his departure to Japan, serves not only as an inspirational and encouraging piece for those leaving but also as a driving force to reinforce the belief and spirit of those staying behind in a promising future for the nation. It outlines a new and promising path for national salvation, even though Phan Boi Chau had just begun the initial steps. The image of the patriotic intellectual is first portrayed through the perspective of the statesman regarding the spirit of being a true man in the modern era, amidst the country's turmoil and external threats.

'Being a man must stand out in the world
Boldly shifting wisdom on its own'

Reading both lines of the poem, the essence of the spirit of being a true man converges into the word 'stand out,' while the other words serve to elucidate this uniqueness. Phan Boi Chau believes that as men, with broad shoulders and stature, living in the world requires lofty ideals, noble and extraordinary spirit, rising above mundane concerns like food, clothing, money, having the courage to aspire to great deeds that others dare not attempt, with determination and unwavering faith. Particularly, a man must propel himself out of a tranquil and limited environment, overcome fears, and venture beyond stagnant waters to achieve extraordinary and eminent feats, truly embodying the qualities of a man. To reinforce his view on the spirit of a true man, Phan Boi Chau emphasizes in the following line, 'Boldly shifting wisdom on its own,' stating that men must grasp and control their destiny, standing equal to the heavens and earth, defying fate like a leaf drifting in the current, uncertain of its destination. The essence of the poem is Phan Boi Chau's encouragement to the young generation, urging them to assert themselves against the backdrop of the universe and nature, taking charge of their own destiny, and even altering fate with a powerful, confident, and bold demeanor. This perspective on the spirit of a true man by Phan Boi Chau is not a new concept but has been echoed in folk verses and poetry of many other eminent figures, bearing similarities in spirit and character. For instance, Nguyen Cong Tru's 'The Spirit of a True Man, North and South, East and West' includes the line, 'For courage to wave the flag in the four seas,' while Vietnamese folk sayings also express similar sentiments, such as 'Being a man worthy of being a man, going down to Dong Dong Tinh, going up to Doai Doai is calm,' or 'Being a man worthy of being a man, going through Phu Xuan and experiencing Dong Nai.'

'In a hundred years, there must be me
Later, forever, can there be none?'

'After two introductory lines on the general principles of the spirit of a true man, Phan Boi Chau proceeds to articulate his views on the role and responsibility of young men in the prevailing circumstances. This pertains to their duty to the nation, particularly during times of upheaval, where they must clearly demonstrate their role and spirit to serve the Fatherland. The image of the patriotic intellectual emerges within the timeframe of 'a hundred years,' signifying both an individual's lifespan and a century of the nation's tumultuous changes. The patriotic intellectual recognizes and emphasizes their responsibility, standing up to fight for ideals and becoming a figure with a significant role in the national rejuvenation. Aligning oneself with the cosmic order, recognizing that the era has presented a challenging epoch, the true man must decide that the nation needs him, and he is the pillar of the country. The patriotic intellectual not only embodies self-awareness but also projects a far-reaching vision, contemplating the future and awakening the younger generation. Encouraging them with bravery, ideals, and the revolutionary spirit. The question 'Later, forever, can there be none?' is directed at the entire Vietnamese youth of that time and future generations, urging individuals submerged in the quagmire of stagnation to break free from helplessness. Simultaneously, it uplifts the spirit of patriotism, instilling new beliefs and hopes, fostering confidence and determination in the hearts of the youth, guiding them toward a new awareness and a renewed sense of national pride.

'Mountains and rivers have died, yet live in disgrace
Where are the virtuous, still learning forever?'

'In the two stanzas, the intellectual figure emerges with insights into the destiny of the nation, the people, and the Confucian teachings that were once glorious but now linger only in the past. Phan Boi Chau writes, 'Mountains and rivers have died,' where death signifies the loss of national sovereignty, the country trampled by brutal invaders. Meanwhile, those considered the brains, the backbone, and the arteries of a nation are timid, fearful, caring only about their personal glory and forgetting the fate of the nation. A nation losing its autonomy, a people without leadership, can it be considered 'dead,' like an empty shell, its traditional values suppressed under colonial rule. Losing the country, in essence, is the disgrace of an entire nation, especially in traditional thinking. For every reader of sacred texts, every true man, this disgrace is more painful and haunting than imaginable. 'Where are the virtuous, still learning forever?' A Confucian scholar, educated since childhood, blatantly denying and consciously acknowledging the outdated nature of Confucianism, is a painful reality that is difficult to accept. However, the intellectual does not despair; the poetic tone is robust and determined, ready to abandon the useless, progressing towards a new horizon with a strong, free spirit and an open mind.

Farewell upon the dawn's departure is a poem vividly portraying the portrait of the revolutionary spirit and strong determination of the patriotic hero. After studying the sample essay Analysis of the image of the patriotic hero in the poem Farewell upon the dawn's departure, you can also refer to some other excellent essays for grade 11 such as: Phan Boi Chau's ideals of life in the poem Farewell upon the dawn's departure, Appreciating the poem Farewell upon the dawn's departure by Phan Boi Chau, The romantic and heroic beauty of the sentimental character in the poem Farewell upon the dawn's departure, Lecture on the poem Farewell upon the dawn's departure,...