Appreciation of the poem 'Pity for the Wife' by Tú Xương

'Pity for the Wife' stands out in Trần Tế Xương's poetry career on November 20th. The poem reflects the image of Mrs. Tú, working tirelessly, silently sacrificing for her husband and children, while expressing the love, appreciation, and gratitude of the author for his gentle wife. To better understand the content of the poem and review the knowledge, preparing well for the classroom test, students need to refer to the top selected exemplary essays appreciating Tú Xương's 'Pity for the Wife,' compiled by Blog Codon.vn, presented below.

Topic: Write your appreciation of the poem 'Pity for the Wife.'

Outline + Sample essay on the poem 'Pity for the Wife' by Tú Xương

1. Appreciating the first two lines of the poem 'Pity for the Wife,' sample number

In the history of Vietnamese literature, poems about wives are scarce. Therefore, writing truthfully, profoundly, and emotionally about this topic is even rarer. Thus, Trần Tế Xương can be considered a special case, mentioning his wife many times in his poetry.

Sometimes carving inscriptions on stone tablets glorifying the wife's face. Asking that official if he gets his wife's salary. Bringing the story of a hundred years back to the table. Other times, Stroking his beard, praising his wife and child like a poet. There are also moments Writing on paper and sticking it right on the pillar. Asking, 'Is your mother smart or stupid?' With elevated and arrogant language, the writer composed prose to praise the life of his wife. But the pinnacle of this poetic genre of his must be the poem 'Pity for the Wife:'

Year-round trading at the river's bend

Raising children for years with just one husband

Wading through the marshes when the expanse is desolate

Skinny and resilient over the water's surface during the winter ferry ride

A fate, two debts, alas destiny

Ten suns, ten rains, daring to manage the household

Parents in the habit of a silver lifestyle

Having a neglectful husband is almost like having none!

This is a folk-inspired, deeply touching sentimental poem. To express his love, gratitude, and admiration for his wife, the poet vividly portrays the hardships endured by his wife, a woman who dedicated herself to raising children and supporting her husband. Here, he praises her resilience, selflessness, and noble qualities as a virtuous wife.

In the opening lines, Tú Xương candidly, intimately, humorously, and affectionately describes the hardships and patience of his wife. He introduces the burdens on her shoulders, simultaneously conveying his profound emotional connection to his wife:

All year trading at the riverbank

Raising children for years with a husband

These two lines serve as a work log. In the first line, the act of trading may not explicitly convey the hardship or patience, but the temporal context (all year) and the spatial context (at the riverbank) make it clear.

Throughout the year, those two hours alone encapsulate endless consecutive time, persisting from the beginning to the end of the year, regardless of rain or shine. Always, tirelessly, Mrs. Tú engages in trading. This represents the temporal context. As for the spatial context, where is the place for business? It's the riverbank. The riverbank, according to Professor Lê Trí Viễn, is a land surplus, surrounded by water on three sides, constantly pouring into the river at an unpredictable pace (Lê Trí Viễn - Lectures on Literature at the University, Education Publishing House, Hanoi, 1982). Day after day, month after month, year after year, Mrs. Tú engages in trade in the unstable riverbank.

Why does she have to struggle like this? The second line answers clearly:

Raising children for years with a husband.

The poet elevated his wife to the pillar of the family. The entire burden of livelihood was placed on the shoulders of this woman. Throughout the year, enduring hardship, danger, and difficulties, she worked tirelessly to raise enough for her six children and her husband, meaning a total of seven mouths to feed, not counting herself. Simultaneously, he lowered himself to be on equal footing with his children, or more accurately, he stood at the end of the line behind his five children, making himself the sixth. 'With a husband' clearly indicates that he is a parasite, sharing the children's sustenance. The poet sees himself as a burden to his wife. This way of speaking implies gratitude, pride, and at the same time, a hint of regret, remorse, and self-mockery.

Next are two lines where the poet expressed his love for his wife by depicting the hardships and challenges that Mrs. Tú faced:

Wading through the body of a stork when the wilderness is vast and empty.

In the winter, the surface of the water during the ferry journey is narrow and meandering.

Utilizing the imagery of the lone, arduous journey of the stork in ancient folklore: the stork navigating the riverbanks... he refines it with the skillful touch of his artistic hand. If folklore often uses the image of the stork for indirect comparisons and metaphors about women, specifically wives and mothers toiling diligently, here Tú Xương directly equates the stork's essence with the role of his wife. The poet employs the inversion 'Wading through the body of a stork' to emphasize the struggles and hardships of his wife. Moreover, the spatial setting for the stork's livelihood is not just any riverbank; it is precisely defined by the poet as desolate. Everything analyzed serves to express and has expressed the silent, enduring hardship of his wife's destiny.

The next line adds to the struggle of Mrs. Tú with her livelihood. In encountering the winter ferry (winter ferry terminal or crowded winter ferry), she must endure being jostled, competing in words, through the narrow and winding straits, bargaining and trading like anyone else. Despite being of noble lineage, everything about Mrs. Tú becomes dirty and common. The poet, more than anyone else, silently empathizes with her plight and the sacrifices she makes. Only for the sake of her husband and children's daily sustenance did Mrs. Tú bravely face danger and hardship. This line, while not directly quoting folklore, still vaguely conveys its sentiment: 'Go, my child, heed these words, The river is deep, do not ford, the ferry is full, wait patiently for the next one.' It is advice for young girls to keep themselves safe. However, here, only for her husband and children, Mrs. Tú must reluctantly ignore this advice.

With just two lines, using evocative and poignant language, Tú Xương vividly paints the image of a modest and hardworking wife, navigating alone through the most difficult spatial and temporal circumstances, pitiful and full of obstacles. Many believe that these two lines are the best in the poem. According to Professor Nguyễn Đăng Mạnh, with these two lines, Tú Xương not only encapsulates the hardship and suffering of Mrs. Tú but also vividly depicts the trading scenes at the riverbank market of Nam Định province during that time.

If the first four lines entirely depict Mr. Tú talking about his wife, the next four express Mrs. Tú's voice, her self-pity, and self-blame. More accurately, from this point on, the poet doesn't stand outside as an objective observer to describe; he immerses himself into the character, letting Mrs. Tú speak to voice her complaints more subjectively:

One fate, two debts, oh, the inevitability!

Ten suns, ten rains, daring to manage the toil;

Fate, a term with profound meaning in Buddhist philosophy. In marital relationships, it's the predestined origin, the reason spouses come together or end up together. In our folklore, a contrasting pair of concepts prevails: fate and debts (One fate, two debts, three affections. Husband is yours, wife is mine, just life's debts...). Yet, 'one fate, two debts' here holds a different meaning: one and two are no longer mere counts, but qualities, multipliers. Fate is singular, while debts, those arrive in twos or more. Mrs. Tú taking Mr. Tú, well, that's fate. He's a bit more accomplished than the average. That's all. But him, a husband, being inept, clueless, money entrusted to the daughter-in-law; asking officials to provide his wife's income... that's truly a lifelong debt. Few fates, numerous debts, that's how it is.

The hardship of the stork's journey, until now, is elevated to the toil and hardship of a destiny, a life's fate, burdensome and bitterly endured. If it's destiny, it must be endured. 'Âu' means both 'acceptance' and 'bitter'. A verse bearing the weight of acceptance twice. Because of acceptance, 'Ten suns, ten rains, daring to manage the toil' happens. Despite endless suns and rains, she shows no hesitation, no regret for her efforts. Daring to manage the toil is not only as described earlier but also signifies humility. Emerging from these two lines is the virtue of silent sacrifice, endurance, of a virtuous wife. This has been a traditional trait of Vietnamese women from ancient times to the present. The poet's compassion for his wife's heart is deeply profound and touching.

Finally, the concluding lines of the poem turn into a bitter curse:

Parents, lifelong silver-oriented habits!

Having a husband indifferent is akin to having none!

In her words, the poet curses the very pettiness and insensitivity of the husband, meaning himself. All the compassion for his wife, coupled with the frustration and anger at himself and life, resonates in that poignant curse. But does he truly possess pettiness, indifference towards his wife? This remains a challenging question.

However, upon reflection, this poem has answered that question to some extent. Moreover, considering oneself as nothing, as surplus, as an indifferent being existing yet seemingly dead, although it's a self-curse, it's also praise and elevation of the wife's merits. Despite being a curse, the concluding verses carry a playful and tender tone. The poet's self-judgment is a manifestation of profound compassion for his wife. He speaks of a silver-oriented existence, but his heart lacks any coldness or indifference towards her.

Thus, Love for the Wife is indeed a beautiful poem vividly illustrating the poet's vast, sincere, and profound love for the wife who endures, works hard, sacrifices, toils silently under the burden of family. With a poetic composition rich in imagery, musicality, and natural, folk language, the poet not only expresses his own emotions but also creates an enduring portrait with the traditional virtues of Vietnamese women, including resilience, diligence, patience, and sacrifice.

Sample essay, structured thoughts on the poem Love for the Wife

Alongside Love for the Wife, Tú Xương is also known for the work Vịnh khoa thi Hương (describing the fragrance competition in ancient feudal society). To better understand this competition (rules, participants, sequence of events, ranking, etc.), you can refer to the content of this article.

2. Write a brief paragraph expressing thoughts on the poem Love for the Wife, sample 2

Poet Tú Xương, whose real name is Trần Tế Xương, is one of the prominent poets in Vietnamese literature during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Alongside works that criticize and condemn the old society, he also created unique collections of romantic poetry. One of his significant and valuable pieces is the poem 'Love for the Wife.'

Throughout the year, engaging in trade by the riverbank,

Raising children year after year with a devoted husband.

Wading through the stillness of the heron's body,

In the water's depths during winter's ferry crossing.

A fate with one love, two debts, alas it's destiny,

Ten suns, ten rains, daringly managing the toil.

Parents accustomed to the silver in life,

Having an indifferent husband is like having none!

It can be said that he is one of the writers, poets with a fateful life in terms of career, despite his intelligence, he only passed the examination on the eighth attempt to achieve literary recognition. Being poor and raising children, teaching in a precarious profession in a society that was deteriorating at that time, that's why Mrs. Tu is the backbone of the family, taking care of the livelihood for her husband and children. The virtuous wife has inspired him to compose the poem 'Loving Wife'. This is also his own heartfelt message to his diligent and simple wife, who silently bears the burden day and night. In the opening of the poem, Tu Xuong has outlined the occupation of Mrs. Tu and the family circumstances:

'Trading year-round at the riverbank's edge,

Raising enough children with one husband.

He is the pillar of the family, but the family's life depends on his wife's bustling market trade. The author uses the term 'mom' to vividly encompass the authenticity; this term paints a clear picture for the reader to see Mrs. Tu's hardship in trading year-round on the banks of the Vi River, where business is on precarious ground and full of dangers. The first line of the poem shows us the poet's heart for his wife's arduous trading. However, the laborious trading job:

'Raising enough children with one husband.'

The verse vividly describes the situation 'raising enough children with one husband,' and it's not accidental that the poet uses counting in the poem. The counting serves to increase the burden and the tireless efforts of Mrs. Tu for the family. Even the husband becomes a number, a humorous irony, as at least the husband should be able to support himself, but in reality, Mrs. Tu is the one supporting her husband. The family situation is already challenging, with many children and a husband who accomplishes nothing throughout the year but reading and exams. From this perspective:

'Diligently navigating the murky waters,

Slim and sleek through the winter ferry rides.'

The next two verses in poetic language have elevated to a new level, intensifying the hardship of the wife. Each word in the verse is like strokes, successive colors blending and complementing each other, collectively enhancing Mrs. Tu's toil. Tú Xương's wife has 'diligently navigated,' yet she bears the 'body of a stork,' enduring times of 'desolation.' The hardship of earning a living on the 'riverbank' seems insurmountable! The poet uses the image of the 'stork' in folk poetry: 'The stork navigates the riverbank...', 'The stork welcomes the rain...', to recreate the image of the stork's humble body, evoking profound emotions about Mrs. Tu and the arduous fate of Vietnamese women in the society of that era.

The image of diligently navigating, like a stork, is vividly portrayed in folk poetry:

'The stork diligently roams the riverbank,

Carrying burdens, echoing the cries of hardship.'

Though brief, these verses convey a vivid depiction of Mrs. Tu: With her delicate and frail body, she endures the scorching sun and dense mist, navigating early afternoons, all for a modest meal. The stork's slender figure, illuminated by the evening sun, portrays a solitary and desolate image, lacking a place to lean on, not to mention the unpredictable dangers faced by a girl on the road. The verses provoke contemplation and sympathy, a poignant portrayal! Mrs. Tu's image represents the women in the decaying society of that era.

These women silently sacrifice for their husbands and children, enduring the society's push and pull. Tú Xương becomes the voice expressing the inner thoughts of his wife:

'A fate intertwined, burdened with two debts,

Ten years of sunshine, daringly managing the duties.'

The union of two people is guided by the wheels of destiny, making her 'accept fate.' Acceptance, in this context, implies an involuntary resignation, suppressing the injustices and humiliations she faces daily. The concluding verse, laden with the weighty sound of 'fate,' further aligns the poem with the emotions suppressed within. Mrs. Tu, in her toil, enduring rain and enduring sun, dares not recount her contributions to her husband and child. She silently bears the burden.

'Parents, accustomed to a life in silver,

'A neglectful husband is as good as none.',

The poet's overwhelming love for his virtuous wife is both breath-stopping and self-condemning. He becomes a mere mouth to feed for his nurturing wife, luxuriating while she toils relentlessly, sounding somewhat heartless. All these emotions explode in the concluding lines, a damning curse to life and a self-deprecating accusation. The bitter verses, filled with regret and self-loathing, reflect the poet's remorse for letting his wife suffer and endure, tirelessly securing the family's welfare. Yet, Mrs. Tu does not hold any grudge against her husband. It's her endurance and silent sacrifice that makes him feel guilty and blame himself even more. In such circumstances, he sees himself as a worthless burden, while Mrs. Tu, with a husband yet seemingly without, is the true nurturer of the family.

With sincere emotions and vivid artistry, Tu Xuong depicts the noble qualities of a capable, industrious, and selfless woman supporting her husband and children. Mrs. Tu represents the women of Vietnam in the past. Despite her countless contributions to the family, Mr. Tu responds with a simple 'no.' Throughout the poem, the author expresses his deep respect, showering Mrs. Tu with the best qualities. The language is simple and everyday, rich in folk elements, making the poem profoundly humanistic.

The poem is a continuous expression of the author's feelings towards his virtuous wife. He extends reverence, attributing all the merits and the best to Mrs. Tu. The poetic language, plain and folk-oriented, adds to the profound humanistic value of the poem.

'Exemplary literary analysis of the poem 'Beloved Wife' by my colleagues.',

'3. Facebook Review of the Poem 'Beloved Wife,' Sample 3',

Tran Te Xuong is a satirical poet from the medieval period, and his poems carry distinctive satirical features, leaving profound impressions on readers. They often express sharp ridicule towards absurd events and injustices in life.

The title of the poem 'Beloved Wife' evokes readers' reflections on the poet's feelings towards his beloved wife, the woman at the heart of the family. However, upon reading the poem, we understand that it is a satirical piece, depicting the author's mockery of the useless men in society.

When seemingly strong and robust men contribute nothing, leaving their wives to be the backbone of the family, taking care of both children and their useless husbands.

The poem reflects the agony of a woman who marries an utterly useless husband, portraying the unfortunate man who must watch his wife tirelessly manage household chores and make a living.

'Engaged in trade by the riverbank all year round,

Raising children for years with a husband.'

The image of the author's wife emerges in two lines with her diligent presence early and late. The woman, dedicated and industrious, engages in the trade of selling baskets and bundles, disappearing into the darkness before the rooster crows, hoping to earn a little money to support her innocent children.

The portrayal of the ancient woman is simple yet diligent, performing tasks with grace that deeply moves the reader. She is the woman in a brown blouse, black skirt, carrying all the hardships of life on her shoulders.

The wife of the author, Trần Tế Xương, also appears with this modest image. Particularly, this work is a daily occurrence, happening from day to day, becoming familiar.

Faced with the hardships of his wife, the author reflects deeply and feels compassion for his wife who toils early and late. He questions his own worth, lamenting his inability to provide for his wife and children, leaving his wife to toil and struggle.

'Wading through the water, the slender heron ventures out in the silent emptiness,

Serpentine across the water's surface on a winter ferry ride.'

The image of the woman in this verse evokes the vision of a heron, tirelessly navigating on its own, working and seeking sustenance before the rooster crows. Meanwhile, the husband, considered the backbone of the family, does nothing to ease the struggles of his wife in the quest for livelihood. This forces his wife to venture into the night, facing numerous lurking dangers.

The portrayal of the woman in this verse resembles the image of the heron of old, a humble woman employed by the poet in a profoundly subtle manner, invoking boundless and touching emotions.

'A destined bond, two debts, alas fate,

Ten suns, ten rains, daring to manage life's journey.'

In ancient times, people often believed that couples getting married were bound by destined connections and debts, rooted in their past lives: 'After a hundred years, we share the same boat; after a thousand years, we become a married couple.' Therefore, a genuine connection requires a shared destiny; not everyone can become a spouse. Hence, each person must cherish their life partner.

In these two verses, poet Trần Tế Xương uses the term 'destiny' to portray the resentment of a woman facing a husband unable to bring comfort and joy, making her life tumultuous and painful. These women still endure with resignation under the weight of destiny.

'Parents in the habit of chasing wealth,

A negligent husband is as good as none!'

Trần Tế Xương's poem 'Love for the Wife' echoes its title, revealing the author's deep affection for his wife. Simultaneously, it conveys scornful and sarcastic remarks towards useless husbands, including self-reflection by the author for failing to provide a sturdy support for his own wife, leaving her to toil in the early hours of the night.

The author feels personally responsible for his incapability, unable to assist his vulnerable wife further. Having a husband but practically none, a husband who contributes little to his wife's well-being is truly blameworthy.

The poem serves as a self-narrative, a soul-searching monologue by the author, expressing profound love for his wife. It portrays the bitter and remorseful feelings of the author for not bringing happiness to the woman in his life.

Here are the top 3 sample essays reflecting on the poem 'Love for the Wife,' the most meaningful. Through this article, you've likely gained a deeper understanding of the poem, honed your writing skills, and gathered ideas for your 11th-grade essays. To delve further into the poem, you can also explore our previously shared sample analyses of Tú Xương's poem 'Love for the Wife.' Additionally, you may refer to the analysis of the third stanza of the poem 'Tây Tiến' by Quang Dũng to refine your essay writing techniques.