Remarkable Artistic Elements in the Opening and Closing Stanzas of 'Fishing Boat Crew'

Prompt: Analyze the artistic elements in the opening and closing verses of Huy Can's poem 'Fishing Boat Crew.'

Outstanding Artistic Elements in the Opening and Closing Stanzas of 'Fishing Boat Crew'

Sample Essay: Outstanding Artistic Elements in the Opening and Closing Stanzas of 'Fishing Boat Crew'

After 1945, Vietnamese literature entered the era of Revolutionary Literature, characterized by heroic and epic narratives, aiming to inspire fighting spirit, strength, and nation-building efforts. Escaping the melancholy of the New Poetry era, Huy Can infused his literary works with joy, excitement about nature, and the diligent labor of people in nation-building. 'Fishing Boat Crew' is one of his 'refreshed' works, inspired by coastal residents and the dynamic beauty of the sea. In the poem, the first and last stanzas are connected in content and imagery, depicting the time before and after the fishing boat sets sail, leaving a remarkable impression on the reader.

Born after the author's long journey to the Quang Ninh mining area, the poem is likened to a vivid painting depicting the scene of fishermen's boats setting sail to fish in the vast sky. The magnificent, beautiful imagery along with the cheerful laborers reflect the poet's confidence, hope, and pride in the country's renewal efforts. The first stanza of the poem depicts the fishing boat setting sail, while the last stanza depicts the return of the boat with a successful catch. The recurring images and scenes in the two stanzas evoke thoughts and associations about the cyclical nature of the universe as well as human activities. The cycle of time, from dusk to dawn, is similar to humans always striving to develop their careers and improve their homeland.

The poem opens with the scene of sunset, as the fishing boat prepares to set sail:

'The sun descends into the sea like a fiery orb
The waves are tied, the night closes its door
The fishing boat sets sail once more,
The song of the sails taut with the sea breeze'.

Standing on the shore to observe the majestic sunset, casting a gaze far into the distance, captured through the poet's lens is the image of the sun, a blazing 'fiery orb.' The sun, symbolizing life, always shines brightly and magnificently, especially when observed amidst vast space. 'The sun descends into the sea,' readers can imagine the horizon, where the dazzling light meets the crimson waves in a magnificent spectacle. 'The waves are tied, the night closes its door,' for the fishermen who depend on the sea year-round, the sea is their home, their place to return to, their source of sustenance, and life. The waves are 'tied,' the waves become gentle and calm under the quiet night sky, 'the night closes its door,' the sky turning pitch black after the sun sets. Here, the author uses the words 'tied,' 'closes its door,' reminiscent of a house when night falls, all doors latched, preparing for a deep sleep after a long day of hard work. Nature is intimately close to the working people, like a shelter that nurtures and nourishes them to maturity. In this moment when all things fade into dreams, the fishermen begin their daily work once more:

'The fishing boat sets sail once more,
The song of the sails taut with the sea breeze'

The poetic device of metaphorical imagery portraying the 'fishing boat crew' symbolizes robust, resilient fishermen. Accompanied by their boat - their livelihood, coastal dwellers venture into the sea to fish. Despite working nocturnally, there's a palpable sense of resolute determination akin to an army marching into battle. The phrase 'The sails sing tautly with the sea breeze' metaphorically signifies the workers' resilience with a robust song, resonating with the vastness of the universe 'with the sea breeze.' A hearty song epitomizes the workers' strength, enabling the boat to sail steadfastly, deserving to stand alongside the grandeur of nature. The author skillfully intertwines pride and confidence, positioning humans on par with the cosmos, 'with the sea breeze' propelling the boat far, seeking out lands abundant with precious seafood. Humanity asserts dominion over nature, harnessing it for economic sustenance, the image of humanity mastering nature remains an aspiration and a goal, particularly in the era of renewal and contemporary nation-building.

The artistic uniqueness of this stanza lies in the fusion of spatial imagery and humanity. Condensed into a few lines, the timeframe from sunset until the enveloping night is comprehensively depicted. Against the backdrop of majestic nature, human figures embellish the scene, yet they are not diminutive or lost; they form a fleet setting sail, a majestic sight equal to the five continents. The magnificent scene of setting sail and humanity conquering nature impresses the reader right from the onset of the poem.

The striking and triumphant scene in the first stanza is echoed once more in the third stanza, portraying the fishing boat crew now returning victorious.

'The sails sing tautly with the sea breeze
The fishing boats race alongside the sun
The sun adorns the sea with a new hue
The fish's eye gleams brilliantly, drying for miles'

In the preceding analysis, we have elucidated the artistic nuances within the initial and concluding verses of 'Fishing Boat Brigade,' aiming for a profound understanding of the poem. For further insights, refer to: Exploring the Beauty of Laborers in 'Fishing Boat Brigade', Analyzing the Natural Imagery in 'Fishing Boat Brigade,' Examining the Final Two Stanzas of 'Fishing Boat Brigade', and a comprehensive lecture on Huy Cận's poem 'Fishing Boat Brigade.'