* Solution Guide:
I. READING - COMPREHENSION OF THE TEXT
Question 1. What unique expressions of homeland sentiment are evident in this poem?
Explore this uniqueness by comparing it with the poem 'Tĩnh Dạ Tứ.'
Question 2. The poetic device of contrast in the first two lines and its impact.
Also known as minor contrast, self-contrast is expressed as follows:
Missing the small family gathering / the elders' meeting
Fragrance faded, clothes worn out
Due to its heptasyllabic form, the number of characters in the two lines doesn't match (413); however, considering the word types and syntax, the contrast is still evident both in meaning and expression in the first line. In the second line, part of the contrast aligns in both meaning and expression (fragrance faded / clothes worn out), while another part, though changed in expression, stays true in meaning, portraying the unchanging rural tone (vô cải: unchanging / tồi: changed). Both 'vô cải' and 'tồi' function as predicates in the sentence. Thanks to the contrast, the first line highlights the physical transformation and age progression of a person far from home throughout life, subtly revealing the poet's sentiments towards the homeland. Subsequently, in the second line, the contrast between fallen hair and the unchanged rural accent deeply conveys the enduring nature of that homeland sentiment, everlasting through generations.
Question 3. Identify the expression methods in the two poetic lines.
- The first line is a narrative with a self-narrative expression, primarily conveying emotion through personal experiences.
- The second line is descriptive with a descriptive expression, still containing an expressive element, thus predominantly expressing emotions through description.
Question 4. The manifestation of homeland sentiment in the two lines differs in terms of tone.
- The tone in the above lines is a normal narrative and descriptive tone, revealing the lifelong emotions of someone returning to their homeland.
- The tone in the below lines is a subtly ironic tone, lurking behind objective narration, serene, and containing a poignant sorrow of the poet when faced with the 'tragedy' upon returning home:
+ Only a couple of dong to welcome (as friends of the same age must no longer exist!).
+ You welcome the poet with laughter, innocent questions, and naive poetry, making the author's heart even more shattered. Returning to a place where everyone was once close but now treated like a 'guest'! The poet not only mourns silently but also deeply sympathizes with our readers witnessing this 'irony.'
II. PRACTICE
To complete this exercise, read the translation of the poem carefully, apply what you have perceived through studying the work, and then proceed to compare the two translations of the poem.
