Buzz
1. Composition 1
2. Composition 2
SHORT COMPOSITION ON LEISURE 1
Question 1.
- The first verse is rhythmically divided into 2/2/3 🡪 optimistic, relaxed, and leisurely
- The second verse is divided into 4/3 🡪 expressing a carefree mood in work 🡺 These two verses reflect Nguyen Binh Khiem's mood when retreating to his rural home, living a materially poor but spiritually free and relaxed life.
Question 2.
- Art of contrast:
- Solitude - Bustle
🡪 Here the author affirms his philosophy of 'leisurely' living. This 'solitude' is not the lifestyle of ascetics, but rather a harmonious integration with nature, freedom, and comfort. 'The bustling place' refers to the political arena full of turmoil, competition, and struggle.
- Foolish - Wise
🡪 The author admits to being 'foolish' but in reality, is 'wise' 🡪 It's the modesty, lack of boasting of an intellectual
Question 3.
- The landscape and daily scenes in verses 5 and 6 are depicted as simple, serene, noble, and close to nature.
Feasting on bamboo shoots in autumn, bathing in lotus ponds in spring,
Swimming in ponds in summer, contemplating chrysanthemums in winter.
- Each season has its distinct characteristics adding vibrancy to the natural landscape ⇒ The optimistic, carefree, and relaxed soul of the author
Question 4.
Verses 7 and 8 allude to the fable of Thuan Vu, suggesting that wealth and fortune are but fleeting dreams, illusions in life.
⇒ Nguyen Binh Khiem's character: a noble intellectual with a lofty soul, who disregards fame, wealth, and glory, considering them mere fleeting dreams.
Question 5.
Nguyen Binh Khiem does not forget the past, nor does he abandon worldly affairs. Although in seclusion, his heart always turns towards the people, worrying about their concerns. He distances himself from the powerful, choosing to live in harmony with nature to maintain his noble character, viewing wealth as nothing but a 'dream.'
SHORT COMPOSITION ON LEISURE 2
A. BASIC KNOWLEDGE
1. Life and Career
- Nguyen Binh Khiem (1491-1585) was born in Vinh Bao, Hai Phong, passed the imperial examination in 1535, served as a mandarin under the Mac dynasty.
- He submitted a petition to expose corrupt officials and requested the execution of 18 corrupt officials. When the king refused, he resigned from his official duties and returned to his hometown to teach, adopting the pen name Bach Van Cu Si. Many of his students achieved great success.
- He was a highly learned individual. During the Mac dynasty, the Trinh lords, and the Nguyen lords often sought his advice on important matters. He was bestowed the title of Trinh Quoc Cong by the Mac dynasty, hence being known as Trang Trinh.
- He was a renowned poet, leaving behind two volumes of poetry: Bach Van am thi tap (in classical Chinese) consisting of around 700 poems, and a collection of vernacular Vietnamese poetry, Bach Van quoc ngu thi (around 170 poems).
2. The Concept of 'Leisure' by Nguyen Binh Khiem
- In Nguyen Binh Khiem's poetry, various expressions of the word 'leisure' appear: leisure of the body, of fate, of the mind...
- The essence of 'leisure' here is living in harmony with nature, contrasting with 'fame and fortune,' reflecting the anxiety of the times and the noble style of a great artist amidst the turmoil of the country.
3. Rhythm and Word Usage in the First Two Verses of the Poem
- Only a few words are used, repeated three times: one... one... one. This artistic technique reveals a sense of self-sufficiency, readiness of tools, and readiness of people to live such a manual labor-intensive life.
- The repetition of the word one (indicating singularity) embodies simplicity. The sentimental subject desires nothing more than singularity. The imprint of detachment from fame and fortune is evident.
- The second verse further emphasizes the idea in the first verse: Regardless of any other joys, I will still be engrossed in this way of life.
- The word 'others' implies contrast. The author presents a contrast: we prefer labor, the pastoral life in rural areas - others prefer fame, the bustling city life.
- The rhythm of the first verse is interrupted: 2 / 2 / 3; the rhythm of the second verse is interrupted: 4 / 3. This demonstrates creativity compared to the regulated rhythm of Tang poetry (commonly interrupted 4 / 3). The interrupted rhythm reflects the flexibility, independence of the sentimental subject.
4. “Secluded Haven” and “Hustling Hub,” Author's Views on “Simple” and “Wise” in Verses 3, 4
- The “secluded haven” represents peacefulness in nature, a place for soulful relaxation.
- The “hustling hub” refers to urban areas, seats of power, where people hustle for fame and fortune.
5. Time, Products, and Their Meanings in Verses 5, 6
- Time is depicted through the seasons: autumn, spring, winter, and summer are encompassed in a broad period. Presenting the four seasons shows human initiative towards time and confirms human comfort in the natural environment.
- Products include “bamboo shoots” and “vegetables,” easily found plant-based foods in nature and daily life.
- The two verses use two repeated verbs: “eating” and “bathing.” The subjects of these actions (what to eat and where to bathe) are always readily available, ready to be obtained and performed whenever the poet desires. Life thus becomes complete without the need for searching or striving.
- The two verses demonstrate the abundance, prosperity of life in rural areas. This abundance is based on human perception (which may be perceived as lack by others). It requires great courage, a deep love for nature for the poet to create such serenity, simplicity.
6. Image and Thought of the Poet in the Last Two Verses
- Appears with the action of “drinking wine.” Notably, drinking alone. This shows confidence in oneself. Joy, happiness are not only created from nature but also from oneself.
- The demeanor of a sage: sitting under a tree drinking wine alone and contemplating wealth like a dream.
7. Theme of “Leisure” in the Poem
- Manifested through the poet's views: preferring rural life, being close to nature and disregarding fame and fortune (considering wealth like a dream).
- Demonstrates the “completeness” of objects and food, beverages:
+ Objects: bamboo, hoe, fishing rod.
+ Food: bamboo shoots, vegetables.
+ Beverages: wine.
+ Means of livelihood: lotus pond, pond (for bathing), tree trunk (for resting).
