Exploring the sentimental self of Hàn Mạc Tử in the poetic masterpiece 'Village Under the Night Rain'

Topic: Analyzing the sentimental self of Hàn Mạc Tử in the poem 'Village Under the Night Rain'

Sample essay on Analyzing the sentimental self of Hàn Mạc Tử in the poem 'Village Under the Night Rain'

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Sample essay on Analyzing the sentimental self of Hàn Mạc Tử in the poem 'Village Under the Night Rain'

The New Poetry Movement is an explosion of individual selves. Each person possesses a unique style, contributing to the richness of the modern poetry garden. In this garden, Hàn Mạc Tử's self stands out, filled with loneliness, melancholy, nostalgia, and a profound love for life. This self is vividly portrayed in the poem 'Village Under the Night Rain.'

Firstly, concerning the self in the New Poetry Movement. It marked a significant innovation in Vietnamese poetry, transitioning from reserved and introverted selves to strong, expressive individualities. Young poets boldly showcased their own selves, creating distinct literary identities. As Hoài Thanh remarked, 'I affirm that no era in the history of Vietnamese poetry has been as rich as this era. Never before have we seen the emergence of such a broad-minded soul like Thế Lữ, dreamy like Lưu Trọng Lư, grand like Huy Thông, pure like Nguyễn Nhược Pháp, abstract like Huy Cận, rustic like Nguyễn Bính, eccentric like Chế Lan Viên, and passionate, vibrant, and contemplative like Xuân Diệu.' They dared to speak up, dared to express their personalities, dared to rebel, and were unafraid of the conventional thoughts of the masses. Who else but Xuân Diệu dared to proclaim, 'I am One, I am Unique, I am the First/ No small talk bothers me as I rise' or 'Love is only beautiful when it's incomplete/ Life loses joy when promises are complete' (Hồ Zếnh). The opportunity for self-expression brought diversity and richness to literature. Hàn Mạc Tử, with his distinctive and emotional self, added a unique flavor to the New Poetry Movement, both fervent and melancholic.

In 'Village Under the Night Rain,' Hàn Mạc Tử initially reveals an enraptured self captivated by nature and the beauty of life. The poem begins with the line: 'Why don't you return to visit Thôn Vĩ,' an inviting yet profoundly earnest tone with a subtle undertone of gentle reproach. Retrospecting from the present to the past, Hàn Mạc Tử vividly depicts the picturesque Thôn Vĩ and the nature of Huế, exceptionally beautiful:

Gazing at the newly-risen sun on the hanging jackfruit tree
Whose garden is overly lush, green as jade
Bamboo leaves cross over the face of the letter Điền.

The rural scene emerges vibrant, sparkling, and brimming with vitality. Everything is in its pristine, purest state. The sun is the newborn sun, gentle and not too harsh, like honey, streaming down the straight jackfruit trees, making everything sweet when bathed in the fresh sunlight. In the luminous space, the garden appears like a giant emerald. The glistening, tiny dewdrops, illuminated by the sunlight, resemble small, luminous green gems, enchanting and mystical. To emphasize the freshness and richness of the landscape, the author employs the term 'lush' combined with 'overly,' highlighting the youthful and plump aspect of the scenery. Focusing on the painting is the bold face of the letter Điền, bearing the distinct Hue style. The face harmonizes strangely with the surrounding scenery, making the already beautiful scene even more intimate and familiar. This beautiful scene symbolizes the vibrant, life-filled earthly existence. Though merely a retrospective view from the present to the past, it is incredibly authentic, revealing Hàn Mạc Tử's passion and fascination with life in this place. He is devoted, enraptured, deeply in love with the people and life.

However, it doesn't stop there; the poem also portrays a solitary, agonizing self, bordering on despair:

Wind along its own path, clouds on a different course
The sorrowful water, corn silk sways
Whose boat docks by the riverbank under that moon?
Can it carry the moon back before tonight falls?

Every element in the painting diverges: the wind follows one direction, the clouds another. These elements, naturally intertwined, are seen by Mặc Tử's eyes as separated, fragmented. He used his emotional eyes to contemplate life. Hence, the scenery is immersed in sadness, 'the sorrowful water,' with a monotonous rhythm, dull 'corn silk sways.' Loneliness and despair push to a new level. These images symbolize his life. In his youth, full of aspirations, he faced a cruel fate, forcing him to part from everyone, separating from a life full of excitement and joy. Isn't this one of the most painful tragedies in human life? Because of loneliness, because of misfortune, he turns to the moon as a way to confide, to alleviate sadness, and the moon becomes a confidant. Yet, his heart is filled with anxiety about whether the moon will make it back tonight. Tonight is any night, an indeterminate period that is fleeting in a human's life. Through tonight, the opportunity with life beyond will slip away forever. Thus, he falls into a state of solitude, absolute despair.

Lastly, there is a self full of skepticism. From the beginning to the end of the poem, in every stanza, we encounter a questioning tone:

'Whose garden is overly lush, green as jade'
'Can it carry the moon back before tonight falls'
'Who knows if someone's love is deep'