Prompt: Deliberate on the statement: Poetry is fundamentally life, then art.
I. Detailed Outline
II. Sample Essay
Arguing the statement: Poetry precedes life, then transforms into art.
I. Outline for Deliberation on the Quote: Poetry precedes life, then transforms into art (Standard)
1. Introduction
Lead-in and quote citation for the discussion, present the argument to be deliberated: The value of poetry.
2. Body of the Essay
- Explain the significance of the quote: The role of life in poetry, the value of poetry encompassing both artistic form and content.
- Poetry is foremost life
+ One of the most prominent characteristics of literature is its profound connection with life and for life - the humanistic value...(Continued)
>> See details Outline for Deliberation on the Quote: Poetry precedes life, then transforms into art here
II. Exemplary Discourse on the Saying: Poetry is foremost life, then art (Standard)
Similar to many other works of art, literature also has its own mission. Assessing the true mission of literature, poet To Huu once affirmed, 'Literature means nothing without being for life.' Stories or poems, likewise, their mission is the art of human existence. That's why Russian literary critic Nga Belinxki wrote, 'Poetry is foremost life, then art.'
Belinxki's statement holds profound meaning. Poetry is a literary work structured by rhythm, rhyme, images, and the emotions of the creator. Life encompasses all the most authentic occurrences for us every day, including both material and spiritual aspects. Art is often used to depict beauty, both in form and soul. Saying 'Poetry is foremost life, then art,' Belinxki emphasizes the role of life in poetry, in literature in general. From there, affirming the genuine value of poetry - 'the art of human existence' before 'the artistic value.' Poetry must primarily be for humanity, for life, for reality, and only then is it art.
That is a correct opinion when evaluating poetry. Why say that? Because poetry is a distinctive genre of literature, and one of the most prominent characteristics of literature is its deep connection with life, with existence, and for existence. From the materials that make up the work to the ideological content conveyed in the work, all originate from the reality of life, transmitted from the author to the reader, and return to life, contributing to shaping the values of life.
Poetry is often remembered for emotions, sentiments crystallized by the tremors of the creator's soul. But where do these tremors originate? The answer is life. Poets immerse themselves in life, standing amidst the myriad flows of existence, exploring with their keen eyes, and feeling with sensitive souls before every fluctuation. They are inherently emotional individuals, pondering and reflecting on life, perceiving life through all senses. Ordinary elements of life pass through the poet's soulful lens, becoming sources of creative inspiration. It could be as humble as a leaf, a flower branch, or even a seasonal transition moment in the year. Poets release their spirits amid the footsteps of time, delicately discovering the aesthetic beauty in them:
'Suddenly realizing the scent of guava
Breathing into the cool breeze
Dew hesitates through the alley
Like a stranger crossing the street'
(Excerpt from 'Early Autumn' - Huu Thinh)
These subtle changes in the scenery during the early autumn, through the sensitive soul of the poet, can profoundly stir the beating hearts of those who experience them.
Life in poetry sometimes becomes reminiscences of the past, still influencing the present and contributing to the construction of reality. Similar to the poet Quang Dung's nostalgia in the poem 'Westward March':
'Sông Mã is far, oh Westward March
Remembering the forests, remembering the play
Sài Khao, mist covers the weary troops
Mường Lát, flowers return in the night breeze'
The arduous years of struggle have passed, but through those verses, through the emotions of the poet, future generations of readers can somewhat feel the hardships and losses of history, appreciate the sacrifice of those who fell, and cherish today's life. 'Art for the sake of human existence' is there, poetry for life is there.
'Literature is human studies' (M. Gorky), cherishing the good values in life with the most genuine feelings and emotions. Because life is not just the lives of those around, but also the very life of the author. They go through ups and downs, overcome fluctuations, and then compose poems about the ups and downs of their own lives. For example, To Huu in 'Viet Bac' with nostalgic farewells and faithful affection for the land and people he has been attached to for a long time. Or Nguyen Khoa Diem with love and pride for the 'Land of the People' and the 'Land of folklore and mythology' in the poem 'Land of the People.' The true value of poetry, in the end, is those noble human values.
Poetry is foremost life, and then, poetry becomes art. If poetry is only life, it remains raw, ordinary materials, like an unpolished gem. Poets are artists who gather, select valuable materials through the vibrations of their souls and use their talent to transform it into artistic material. With tools like artistic techniques, symbolic images, rhythms, poets create poems with rhyme, rhythm, and rich emotions. Poetry would not be called poetry without rhythm, without emotions, or without rhyme. A dry twig will never carry the essence of poetry if Huy Can doesn't breathe life into it:
'Waves ripple along the melancholic river,
Boat glides along the parallel waters.
Returning boat, sorrow in a hundred directions;
A dry twig lost in many lines.'
(Excerpt from 'Trang Giang')
To Huu used the traditional hexameter, the emotional tone to compose the love song 'Viet Bac.' Nguyen Khoa Diem, on the other hand, employed free verse, poetic language, and folk materials to creatively craft the Nation of the poetic tradition. Art, therefore, is the beauty of poetry nurtured on the grounds of reality.
The words of the Russian literary critic Belinsky have brought profound values. He affirmed the true value of poetry and the artistic demands of poetic works, stating that 'Poetry is first and foremost life, then art.' He seems to send a message to poets - artists with the mission to create genuine poetic works. To create a truly valuable poem, one cannot separate it from life, nor can one overlook the processes of refinement and creativity. Being connected to life and infusing new artistic values into the work can truly create exceptional poems.
Each poem is a masterpiece of genuine artistry. It not only conveys emotions but also records the unique imprints of the artist. Therefore, when receiving literary works, readers need to have a sincere attitude and appreciate the precious gems that have been polished by the talent and soul of an individual.
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Reality is the richest and most valuable material for every poetic creation. Therefore, it can be said that poetry is first and foremost life, then art. Poetry and life have a close relationship. To explore this relationship, in addition to the sample essay above, you can also delve into topics such as the important role of emotions in poetry or the connection between literature and compassion.
