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Prompt: Analyze the portrayal of soldiers in the poems From Then and Evening
Sample essay: Analyzing the portrayal of soldiers in the poems From Then and Evening
Technique: Analyzing poems and verses to achieve high scores
Sample essay: Analyzing the portrayal of soldiers in the poems From Then and Evening
The portrayal of soldiers is a common theme in Vietnamese literature during the resistance period. Each author brings their own beauty to the soldiers. During those years, the beautiful image of soldiers, both in soul and noble ideals, was vividly and fully depicted in the works Evening (by Ho Chi Minh) and From Then (by To Huu).
The poem Evening is the 131st poem extracted from the Prison Diary, and its creation context is extremely special. When Ho Chi Minh went to China seeking assistance and arrived in Guangxi, he was arrested by the authorities led by Zhuang Guotai. Ho Chi Minh was transferred from one prison to another, aiming to crush the revolutionary spirit. Evening was born in that context when Ho Chi Minh was transferred from Tinh Tay prison to Thien Bao prison. The poem not only portrays the natural scenery but also reveals the beautiful portrait of the soldier on the revolutionary path to the readers.
In the poem, the soldier emerges as someone with a deep love for nature, an open and free-spirited soul. The journey from one labor camp to another is fraught with difficulties, hardships, long and weary roads, yet it fails to extinguish the soldier's love for nature. Amidst the beautiful sunset in the mountains, the soldier takes moments to fully appreciate the beauty of the land and sky.
Entwining with the birds, lost in the vastness of the sky, the clouds drifting swiftly towards the horizon. It's a classic scene, with simple strokes yet enough to sense the spirit, the essence of things.
The soldier has a keen sensitivity, capturing the moment when the little bird flies back to the forest to rest after a day's hard work of foraging. The silent clouds drifting swiftly towards the distant sky. It's a classic painting, with simple strokes but enough to feel the divine essence.
Moreover, the soldier carries within a profound sense of humanity: 'The mountain village lacks maidens, filled with sorrows/ Sorrows filled, joy completed with the rosy cheeks'. Despite enduring physical and mental hardships, the soldier still cares, shares with the laborers. The image of the corn-stricken girl toiling in the dark night not only portrays vitality but also reflects the soldier's compassion towards everyone. Additionally, the soldier always looks towards the light, towards a bright future. In the silence of space, when darkness envelops from all sides, the prisoner's eyes still seek light, and that light is none other than the glowing coal. That light illuminates the dark and somber painting. The poet always tends to move from darkness to light, showcasing an optimistic soul, always looking towards the soldier's future.
To depict the revolutionary soldier, Uncle Ho primarily employs descriptive techniques, blending classical and modern elements harmoniously. The soldier emerges as a nature lover, with a vast sense of humanity, always looking towards a bright future. A person in harmony with nature yet the master of the portrait.
The revolutionary soldier in the poem 'From That Moment' appears with distinct beauties, not intertwined. 'From That Moment' was composed in 1938 when To Huu was admitted to the Party. The poem is an ode of passion, brimming with the fervor of the revolutionary soldier.
The revolutionary soldier is primarily someone with a fervent love and passion for revolutionary ideals. The moment of joining the Party is a shining milestone in their life: 'From that moment, the sun shines in me/ The sun shines brightly through my heart/ My soul is a garden of leaves/ Deeply fragrant and full of chirping birds.' From the moment of admission, the Party illuminates the soul, helping the soldier find the righteous path they've been seeking for so long. It also brings forth new emotions, brimming with vitality, rejuvenating the artistic nature within the soldier.
The beauty of the revolutionary soldier also manifests in noble living, dedicating oneself to the common cause of the revolution. The self is no longer isolated but integrated, bound with everyone: 'I bind my soul with everyone/ To spread love everywhere.' The self merges with the masses, willingly attaching their youth, their lives to 'everyone.' It's about getting closer to 'countless souls' understanding their hardships, struggles, and hardships. Party members not only integrate but are formally accepted into the collective body of the people. The result of this integration creates immense strength, the 'life mass.' Life mass is the collective life, vast and immeasurable. Yet, To Huu combines it with the word 'mass,' making it tangible, graspable. The soldier integrates into the big family of the working people and realizes their responsibility to save the suffering lives. It's a conscious self, responsible for humanity, life, for the collective struggle of the whole nation.
The portrait of the revolutionary soldier in the poem 'From That Moment' mainly depicts the direct emotions, the sincere perception shifts of the character. It's the fervent, passionate self, living a life full of spirit and responsibility towards the revolution, towards life.
Both 'Evening' and 'From That Moment' successfully portray the portrait of the revolutionary soldier with a shining personality. They are outstanding children of the era, bearing noble qualities, ideals, righteous goals, believing in the future of the nation's just struggle.
Besides the similarities, the two poems still have differences, reflecting the unique styles of the two authors. In 'Evening,' the revolutionary soldier emerges with an open soul, a love for nature, deeply connected to life. The soldier's soul always seeks and looks towards the light despite many difficulties, challenges. The beauty of the soul is both classical and modern. On the other hand, in 'From That Moment,' the soldier's soul is intoxicated, passionate about revolutionary ideals. A noble way of living, with a sense of responsibility towards collective life. The character's emotions are directly revealed.
Through sincere, subtle poetry, both poems have constructed a beautiful portrait of the spirit, the character of the revolutionary soldiers. Each carries their own beauty, enriching the portrait of the soldier's soul. But at the same time, they also reflect the common beauty, the deep patriotism within them.
