The 9 Best Essays Analyzing "The Bamboo Tree of Vietnam" (Literature 7 - Cánh diều Textbook)

Through "The Bamboo Tree of Vietnam," author Thép Mới affirms the bamboo as a long-time, cherished companion of the Vietnamese farmers and people.

The text begins with an overarching statement that encapsulates the whole piece: "The bamboo tree is a close friend of the Vietnamese farmer, a close friend of the Vietnamese people," followed by the first argument: "The bamboo of Vietnam is the most unique plant among all the others." This assertion, made through comparison, directly places the bamboo within the tropical nature of "countless other trees and plants." In just three sentences, the author convinces us of the respect and admiration the bamboo commands (all trees are beautiful and valuable), but the relationship with humans is closest and most intimate with bamboo. To avoid misunderstanding, the author presents a series of recurring and interconnected vivid images: "Bamboo of Đồng Nai, rattan of Việt Bắc, bamboo stretching through Điện Biên Phủ, the friendly bamboo hedge of my village..." If we imagine this writing as a camera lens, we see a view that shifts between distant and close perspectives, from afar to up close. The close-up image (the intimate bamboo hedge of my village) evokes a sense of nostalgia. Furthermore, the prose takes flight through music, with a rhythm and harmony that is soothing and balanced.

If we break the rhythm down, it forms a structure of 3-3, 6-6. The language, the melody—these emotions resonate like verses of poetry. The rich emotional flow continues to pour out as the author transitions to describing the bamboo's qualities. Using the same method of comparison and repetition, with balanced rhythms, we witness the image of bamboo as a symbol of vitality and strength: "Wherever bamboo is, it thrives; wherever it stands, it grows green and lush," and from its roots, it develops its distinctive characteristics: simplicity, humility, toughness, flexibility, elegance, and determination. Familiar to humans, yet "determined" like a person, bamboo also stands out in its transformation. It embodies the essence of humanity, and only the Vietnamese people can truly relate to it. When reading this sentence, we realize that the boundary between bamboo and humans has blurred.

The idea that "the bamboo tree is a close friend of the Vietnamese farmer and people" becomes clearer from the second paragraph onward. Beneath "the shadow of the bamboo, tenderly covering the village, commune, hamlet, and village," the entire human life unfolds, from eating, resting, working, customs, traditions, joys and sorrows, to building homes, marrying (two of life's three most important events: buying an ox, marrying a wife, building a house), birth, and death—"bamboo and us, living together, dying together in loyalty." In this crucial paragraph, the structure combines horizontal and vertical dimensions. Horizontally, we catch glimpses of ancient pagodas, rural culture, daily chores, and even the strenuous work of pounding, grinding, and pounding rice. Bamboo is used to weave the leaves for making sticky rice cakes during Tet, sharing the joy of children and the satisfaction of the elderly, a constant companion with humans in an inseparable bond. Vertically, the author emphasizes time: "the ancient pagoda roof," "long-standing culture," "for a long time," "forever, eternally," "for thousands of years." This is the length of the four-thousand-year history. Regarding culture, it is not only represented by tangible materials but also by intangible cultural elements such as songs, personal thoughts, and metaphors. The second paragraph of the essay has three verses, beginning with a line from the modern era.

Then, in order to connect with the national soul, one verse reflects the rhythm of the harvest season, while another is a song of love. The first verse, sharing emotions with bamboo, reminds us of the feelings a farmer has for his familiar ox: "Ox, I call you now." The musical quality, which is a prominent feature of the essay, is clearly evident in this section. It is a way of speaking with rhythm and melody, especially in the rhythmic flow of the sentences, such as: "The bamboo splits into strips, tied gently, tightly like the love of a rural couple, often whispering under the shade of bamboo." Especially the line: "The bamboo mill turns heavily, grinding rice for countless generations." It can be said that few sections convey so much emotion and personal reflection in every sentence as this one.

In the next paragraph, Thép Mới continues to affirm the bamboo's role in Vietnam's resistance efforts. Its resilience and courage are inherent to its nature. The author references an ancient saying: "The bamboo, even when burned, remains straight." Indeed, uprightness is the bamboo's virtue, as it remains steadfast in its actions: "Bamboo charges against tanks and cannons. Bamboo defends the village, the country, the thatched roof, and the ripened rice fields. Bamboo sacrifices itself to protect people." The stance of bamboo is to confront evil, no matter how powerful, in order to preserve the nation, uphold righteousness, and stay true to the bamboo's character. The lyrical element is once again highlighted, but this time, it is coupled with a more political tone. To connect with the previous section and reveal a cohesive portrait of the bamboo, the author constantly reminds us: "We resist, and bamboo is our fighting comrade. Bamboo has worked with us and, for us, it fights against the invaders." Interestingly, while the bamboo mill symbolized hard work, endurance, and resilience in the earlier sections, here it transforms again, embodying the sharp determination of the legendary Saint Giong in expelling invaders and saving the nation.

The final paragraph of the essay paints a picture of the bamboo on its journey forward, bridging the past, present, and future. These are mere predictions, but because they speak of the future, they are filled with hope: "The music of bamboo is the tune of the countryside. Remember a mid-day breeze when the south wind blows..."

As for the artistry, readers can easily recognize that "The Bamboo Tree of Vietnam" has a more literary quality than journalistic, despite the fact that its author is more of a journalist than a novelist. The literary quality is manifested in the foundation of rich emotions, passionate love for the Vietnamese people and their culture, with the bamboo as the perfect symbol. This love, combined with cultural and literary knowledge, leads the author to use images and melodies like a poet, expressing and sharing emotions. However, as a political essay, it inevitably has a clear structure with distinct sections. The skill of the writer lies in creating a connection between the external and internal elements of the essay. The essay flows smoothly, with each sentence following the next, each thought connecting to the previous one like the flowing stream of a river. This is a unified artistic entity. Along with the content, the primary artistic value of the essay lies in its prose poetry. The poetic quality manifests in two aspects: bold, rich imagery, and the unique rhythm of the language, achieved through the use of personification in many cases.

The Bamboo Tree of Vietnam is a concise work but carries profound meaning. It affirms the deep relationship between humans and the bamboo tree.

The bamboo tree has long been closely tied to the lives of the Vietnamese people. Through the work "The Bamboo Tree of Vietnam," Thép Mới illustrates the deep connection of the bamboo with the everyday lives of the Vietnamese.

First and foremost, the bamboo is found everywhere across our country, possessing many admirable qualities. It is the close companion of the farmer and the Vietnamese people. The author highlights the bamboo's characteristics: "Wherever it grows, bamboo thrives and remains green," and "The bamboo's form is simple, and its color soft and gentle." As it matures, it becomes strong, flexible, and sturdy. Through these descriptions, we see that the bamboo symbolizes elegance, simplicity, and determination—qualities that reflect the Vietnamese people themselves.

Not only is the bamboo intertwined with human life in everyday moments, but it is also central to labor and work. The author vividly portrays this connection. The bamboo lovingly envelops villages, communes, and hamlets. Under its shade, people preserve an ancient culture while building homes, cultivating fields, and reclaiming land. Bamboo is the farmer's loyal partner. It tirelessly spins the heavy bamboo mill. The bamboo is a family member, tightly bound to daily life. It holds together the pure emotions of the people. It represents the joy of childhood and the comfort of old age. The personification of bamboo heightens the sense of intimacy and familiarity, reinforcing its upright character and selfless devotion to the people and the nation.

Bamboo has also stood alongside the Vietnamese people in the fight for national defense. It has been used as a weapon in times of war. In the past, we recall the image of Saint Giong pulling up bamboo to drive out the An invaders. In the present, bamboo charges into tanks and cannons. It has helped protect villages, preserve homes, and safeguard the land. Bamboo even "sacrifices itself to protect humanity." Ultimately, bamboo remains a steadfast companion of our nation. As Vietnam advances toward industrialization, bamboo will still retain its place: it will provide shade, symbolize music, and continue to represent the virtues of the wise, standing as a noble symbol of the Vietnamese people.

In the final paragraph, the author asserts the role of the bamboo tree as Vietnam enters the industrial age: while steel and cement will become more familiar and partially replace bamboo and rattan, "the bamboo will remain. It will still provide shade, form gates, and transform into music, into cultural elements like the spring swings that rise and soar."

To create the image of the bamboo tree, Thép Mới utilizes carefully chosen details and symbolic imagery, employing personification, emotionally charged language, and rhythm to convey its essence.

In conclusion, the work "The Bamboo Tree of Vietnam" beautifully captures the deep connection between the bamboo tree and the lives of the Vietnamese people. Bamboo has become a symbol of strength and the spirit of Vietnam.

The image of the bamboo tree is deeply familiar in the rural villages of Vietnam. In his work "The Bamboo Tree of Vietnam," Thép Mới highlights the significance of the bamboo in the daily lives of the Vietnamese people.

First, Thép Mới describes the distinctive features of the bamboo: "Wherever it grows, it thrives and remains lush"; "The bamboo's form is simple, and its color is soft and gentle"; "As it matures, it becomes sturdy, resilient, and unwavering." From these descriptions, the bamboo appears as a symbol of elegance, strength, and the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people.

The author further emphasizes the importance of bamboo in the lives of the Vietnamese people. Bamboo can be found in every village, encompassing all aspects of daily life: "Bamboo covers and protects villages, communes, and hamlets." It has become a true companion to people: "Under the shade of bamboo, an ancient culture is preserved, with people building homes, cultivating fields, and reclaiming land." In agricultural labor, bamboo plays a crucial role, with Thép Mới stating, "Bamboo is the farmer's right hand." Bamboo is not only important in material life but also holds great value in the spiritual life, binding the pure emotions of the people. It is the joy of childhood and the comfort of old age.

Most notably, bamboo has been a steadfast ally in the defense of the nation. The Vietnamese people have used bamboo as a weapon in times of war. We cannot forget the image of Saint Giong pulling up bamboo to fight off the An invaders. Today, bamboo charges into tanks and artillery. It has helped protect villages, safeguard homes, and preserve the nation. Bamboo even "sacrifices itself to protect humanity."

In the final paragraph, the author reaffirms the role of the bamboo as Vietnam moves into the industrial era: as steel, iron, and reinforced concrete become more commonplace and gradually replace bamboo and rattan, "yet bamboo will endure. It will still provide shade, create gateways, and transform into music and cultural symbols, like the spring swings soaring in the air."

Thép Mới uses carefully selected details and symbolic imagery, combined with personification, emotionally rich language, and rhythmic writing, to convey the true value of bamboo in Vietnamese culture.

Ultimately, the work "The Bamboo Tree of Vietnam" successfully portrays the deep connection between bamboo and the lives of the Vietnamese people, solidifying bamboo as a symbol of strength and the spirit of Vietnam.

The bamboo tree has been an inseparable part of the Vietnamese people for generations. It is present in the lives of the Vietnamese at all times. The bamboo stands as a symbol of the people and the nation of Vietnam. To write about the simple, rustic beauty of the bamboo, one must mention the poem "Vietnamese Bamboo" by poet Nguyễn Duy and certainly the work "The Bamboo of Vietnam" by author Thép Mới. This work was written as a commentary for a Polish film. Through the image of the bamboo, the work highlights the beauty of the Vietnamese people and their land, while also praising the nation’s resistance against French colonialism.

Without relying on flowery language, the tone in "The Bamboo of Vietnam" is natural, simple, and direct, just like the bamboo itself. From the very first lines, the author affirms that bamboo is the "close friend of the Vietnamese farmers, of the Vietnamese people." This sentence asserts the long-lasting, unbreakable bond between bamboo and people. Placing bamboo among the vast variety of plants, Thép Mới highlights its significance: "Vietnam is home to countless trees, each beautiful and precious, but the one most familiar and cherished is bamboo." This is why bamboo is found everywhere: "Bamboo in Đồng Nai, rattan in the Việt Bắc, bamboo stretching endlessly in Điện Biên Phủ, and the familiar bamboo groves of my village… Bamboo is everywhere, our faithful companion." The rhythmic sentence combined with enumeration emphasizes the closeness and familiarity of bamboo with human life.

Immediately following, Thép Mới praises the many virtues of bamboo: it grows straight, thrives everywhere, its shape is simple, its color soft and gentle, it is strong, flexible, and unyielding. The author compares the beauty and spirit of the bamboo: "The bamboo appears noble, simple, and steadfast like a person." This sentence is more than just a comparison; it subtly confirms that bamboo is a symbol of the Vietnamese people, embodying their qualities of strength and nobility. All these ideas are expressed with balanced, lyrical prose, almost like a song.

Not only does bamboo carry the beautiful qualities of the Vietnamese people, but it is also deeply woven into the daily lives of the Vietnamese. The author begins this connection by quoting a line from poet Tố Hữu: "The bamboo’s shade is soothing and cool." This serves as a bridge, evoking the intimate relationship between the people and the bamboo. Bamboo protects and shelters the people; under its shade, they plow fields, reclaim land, and make a living. The repetition of the phrases "the bamboo’s shade" and "under the bamboo's shade" further strengthens the sense of loyalty and closeness between bamboo and the people. Bamboo is deeply integrated into work, culture, and the spiritual life of the Vietnamese. To the Vietnamese people, bamboo is like a lifelong, steadfast companion. Bamboo is found everywhere, growing strong and resilient, accompanying people from birth to death, from the cradle that rocks them to sleep as children, to the sound of the kite’s flute soaring high in the evening while herding cattle, and even the smoke of the tobacco pipe shared over a cup of green tea.

Bamboo not only comforts the Vietnamese people during peaceful times, but it also stood beside them through the darkest years of war. Bamboo protected villages, embraced people, serving as both shield and weapon. The core inspiration of the passage arises from the image: "Like bamboo growing straight, the people will not bow down." This compact, symbolic image emphasizes the characteristic of bamboo while also celebrating the unyielding will of the Vietnamese people. In the face of bombs and bullets from the enemy, both bamboo and the people stood firm: bamboo poles and spikes defended against the enemy’s steel and iron. The author employs several personification techniques: bamboo is a comrade, bamboo guards the village, bamboo sacrifices itself… These devices elevate the value of bamboo while rekindling the fierce yet heroic memories of the nation's wartime struggle.

The conclusion of the piece reflects on the present day, where life has modernized, and steel and cement have gradually replaced bamboo. Yet, bamboo has not lost its place. It still appears in the insignia on children's uniforms, depicted by the author in the delicate image of "bamboo shoots growing," the sound of the kite flute whistling in the wind… The final lines rise like a song, once again celebrating the undying, faithful bond between bamboo and the people. No matter how much the country develops or how modern life becomes, Vietnamese bamboo, like the Vietnamese people, will always stand strong and unchanged through the ups and downs of history.

This piece uses a poetic language rich in rhythm and variety, perfectly suited to the content. The repetition of words and phrases, with many short sentences, creates a lively, heroic atmosphere reminiscent of the resistance against French colonialism. The gentle tone, combined with lyrical sentences, blends together like a lullaby. These artistic techniques contribute to making the piece as melodic and beautiful as a poem, capturing the full image of Vietnamese bamboo.

"The Bamboo of Vietnam" is one of the finest essays by author Thép Mới, with carefully selected details and imagery, and a heartfelt tone affirming the enduring, loyal connection between bamboo and the lives of the Vietnamese people. Whether today or in the future, bamboo will always be the companion of the Vietnamese people, standing tall and unchanging for generations.

Although the reader may not have seen the Polish film about the bamboo tree, this explanatory essay allows them to imagine the deep connection between bamboo and the people of Vietnam. Thép Mới begins by asserting: "Bamboo is the friend of the Vietnamese farmer, the close companion of the Vietnamese people." This broad statement connects people, bamboo, and the land, from the northern borders to the southernmost point of Vietnam.

The next two paragraphs elaborate on the varieties of bamboo found across the country: "Bamboo of Đồng Nai, bamboo of the Việt Bắc, bamboo of the vast Điện Biên Phủ, and the intimate bamboo fences of my village..." The author emphasizes bamboo's characteristics by personifying it and making comparisons: "Bamboo stands tall, simple, and noble, like a person." The balanced and rhythmic sentences flow smoothly, creating a melody that helps readers from Poland, or any audience, see that bamboo is a symbol of the Vietnamese people and their culture.

Let's consider these lines:

Wherever bamboo grows,

Wherever bamboo thrives.

Bamboo stands upright,

Its color fresh and gentle.

The qualities of bamboo are described through symmetrical sentences with five or six syllables, creating a rhythmic flow similar to a poetic refrain.

As the essay progresses toward its conclusion, Thép Mới continues to affirm that "bamboo is the friend of the Vietnamese people," starting with its role as a friend to farmers. From ancient times, the Vietnamese have lived off agriculture and fishing, with few urban centers. Everywhere in the countryside, bamboo fences can be seen around homes and gardens. "Under the shade of ancient bamboo, one can glimpse old pagodas and temples. Under the green shade of bamboo, we preserve an ancient culture." The pagodas honor the founders of villages, the ancestors, and the spirits. The temples honor Buddha, and Buddhism, which arrived in Vietnam from the second century, taught wisdom and compassion to ease suffering. Bamboo, therefore, contributes to protecting the spiritual culture. For the people in villages, "under the green bamboo, for centuries, the Vietnamese have built homes, tilled fields, and cleared land. Bamboo lives with the people, generation after generation." Thanks to bamboo, the Vietnamese were able to build homes, craft tools, and even create pestles for grinding rice. Bamboo assists people in settling down and building lives, sharing the hardships of the people. To enhance the imagery, Thép Mới includes two poetic lines:

Our rice fields yield two or three crops

Bamboo and people toil year-round.

The author also condemns the French colonizers, who, under the guise of "civilization" and "enlightenment," failed to produce even a single metal tool or piece of machinery, leaving farmers to continue using "the heavy bamboo pestle, grinding rice for generations." The rhythm and tone of these lines are heavy and somber, echoing the labor of the people. Bamboo does not just work alongside laborers; it is also the silent witness to "the rural love stories," a source of joy for everyone. For children, bamboo sticks are the toys they use to play games; for the elderly, a bamboo pipe provides a moment of relief, a time to reflect on life. For the youth, bamboo becomes kites, flutes, and a source of joy as they listen to the wind playing its tune. "The kites fly, bamboo kites soar in the sky... the wind carries the melody, lifting the kites higher."

In the village, the sound of bamboo swaying in the breeze creates a peaceful, nostalgic tune. Bamboo lives alongside the people in times of tranquility. However, when invaders bring their steel weapons, bamboo stands tall: "Like bamboo standing straight, the people will not bend." At the beginning of the war, with no metal in hand, bamboo was everything—it was the weapon. In this passage, the repetition of the word "bamboo" emphasizes its importance, paired with strong action verbs like "charge" and "guard" to personify bamboo as a steadfast defender against the enemy. In times of peace, bamboo is the tool of labor; in times of war, it transforms into a weapon—sharp, pointed, and used by the people to fight off invaders.

Bamboo plays an important role in both times of peace and war. Thus, the author does not hesitate to praise bamboo as "the hero of labor! The hero of the struggle!" Thép Mới emphasizes that bamboo is closely tied to the lives of the Vietnamese people, from birth to death. He distills this lifelong connection into the poignant phrase: "From the cradle made of bamboo to the bamboo bed at the end of life, bamboo is with us, living with us, dying with us, faithfully." Thép Mới asserts that bamboo has been the friend of the Vietnamese people for centuries and continues to be so in the present. The author even looks toward the future with the saying, "Old bamboo, new bamboo shoots." As bamboo grows, so do the people of Vietnam. Even in an era where steel and metal might be more abundant, bamboo still remains a symbol of peace and culture, providing shade and offering its soothing melody. Bamboo continues to exist, at least in the cultural life of Vietnam, through the image of "the bamboo swing and the sound of kites."

Through his careful word choice, use of repetition, personification, and comparison, Thép Mới breathes life into this simple, resilient plant, making it a symbol of the Vietnamese people's work, entertainment, and resistance against invaders. Even as the world modernizes, bamboo continues to be present in everyday life, growing in gardens and planters, symbolizing the enduring spirit of the Vietnamese nation. It is simple yet embodies the noble qualities of the Vietnamese people. Bamboo will always endure, standing side by side with the people!

The essay "Vietnamese Bamboo" was written by Thép Mới as a narration for a film of the same name by Polish filmmakers. Through the imagery of bamboo, the film depicts the country and people of Vietnam, praising the nation's resistance against French colonialism. The narration has become a valuable part of the film, considered a distinctive essay and a beautiful piece of prose poetry by the journalist and writer Thép Mới.

The opening line by Thép Mới states: "Bamboo is the close friend of Vietnamese farmers, the close friend of the Vietnamese people." This phrase emphasizes the long-standing, deep connection between bamboo and the Vietnamese people, especially the farmers. Bamboo can be found everywhere across the country: from Dong Nai bamboo to the northern bamboos of Viet Bac, the vast bamboo groves of Dien Bien Phu, to the intimate bamboo hedges of my village... bamboo is present as a companion in every region. In just a single sentence, the imagery of bamboo across the country is evoked. The symmetry and rhythm of the sentence make it sound pleasing to the ear. Following that, the writer praises the admirable qualities of bamboo: "Bamboo thrives everywhere, always green and fresh. Its shape is simple, its color soft and delicate. Its strength is resilient, and its elegance and simplicity are conveyed through the rhythmic, harmonious sentences. When reading the line: "Bamboo appears elegant, simple, and determined like a person," one realizes the deep meaning: bamboo symbolizes the Vietnamese people, embodying their noble qualities.

The statement that bamboo is a close friend of Vietnamese farmers and the Vietnamese people is the central theme of the essay. To support this claim, the author presents a series of arguments, with numerous examples. The first argument is the close relationship between bamboo and the Vietnamese people, which is mentioned in the opening. Bamboo is found everywhere, and it has been with people throughout history. For generations, under the shade of bamboo, the Vietnamese people have lived, worked, and preserved a rich cultural heritage. Bamboo also helps people in countless ways, such as serving as the farmer's helper:

"Our fields have multiple crops, Bamboo is with us, working year-round."

In everyday life, bamboo is intertwined with people of all ages: for children, bamboo brings joy - they play with bamboo toys; for lovers, bamboo is a place for sweet rendezvous; for the elderly, bamboo is a pipe for smoking, a companion in their old age. Throughout one's life, from infancy in a bamboo cradle to death where bamboo is used for the coffin, bamboo is with us through both life and death, loyal and enduring.

In the struggle to protect the homeland, bamboo was also a companion to the people: "In the resistance, bamboo was our comrade in arms... Bamboo sticks and spears fought against the enemy's weapons... Bamboo protected the village, the country, the thatched house, and the ripe rice fields. Bamboo sacrificed itself to protect humanity." In the heat of battle, bamboo revealed its noble, steadfast qualities: "Even when burned, bamboo still stands straight." Bamboo fought alongside us to defeat the enemy. Throughout the history of Vietnam's resistance to foreign invaders, bamboo has become even more tightly intertwined with the Vietnamese people. From the legend of the bamboo tree that fought with the hero Giong to expel the An invaders, to the folk song: "Plant bamboo to make sticks, and strike the enemy wherever they appear!" During the resistance against the French colonialists, bamboo proved itself a symbol of indomitable heroism, just like the Vietnamese people.

To summarize the significant role of bamboo in the lives of the Vietnamese people, the author generalizes: "Bamboo, the hero of labor! Bamboo, the hero of resistance!" Bamboo continues to be a cherished companion of the Vietnamese people now and in the future. At the conclusion of the essay, the author raises a pertinent question: What will the role of bamboo be when the country enters the new era of industrialization and modernization? This acknowledges that bamboo will forever remain a symbol of unity and friendship with the people. To bring the reader to this idea, the author begins by describing the musicality of bamboo and the flute, images of bamboo flute and the melody expressing the feelings of the Vietnamese people. The passages about the sound of bamboo are poetic and flowing, like prose poetry full of rhythm. Then the author uses the folk saying about bamboo's new growth, "Old bamboo, young bamboo sprouts," and the image of bamboo shoots on the Young Pioneers' emblem as a natural metaphor to affirm the place of bamboo in the future of the country: "Bamboo... will remain with the Vietnamese people, sharing the sweetness and hardships of tomorrow... In the future, while steel may dominate, bamboo will remain as a source of shade and will forever carry the music of the people's hearts..." This means that bamboo, with its valuable qualities, preserves countless historical and cultural values and will always symbolize the Vietnamese people, now and for generations to come, with immense pride and honor:

"In the future,

In the future,

In the future...

The earth will forever be green, and bamboo will remain forever green..."

(Nguyễn Duy, Vietnamese Bamboo)

The essay "Vietnamese Bamboo" with its carefully selected details, symbolic imagery, effective personification, and emotionally charged writing, brings to readers the simple beauty and noble qualities of bamboo. Bamboo has become a symbol of Vietnam and its people.

For a long time, bamboo has become an inseparable part of the lives of the Vietnamese people. This is why Thép Mới depicted this bond in the work "Vietnamese Bamboo".

Among the vast and lush world of nature, amidst countless shades of green, bamboo stands out with its familiar presence: "Vietnam is a land of countless trees and plants, each beautiful and valuable, but the most familiar of them all is bamboo." Bamboo is a plant that is not particular about soil or weather, enduring both the harsh sun and wind. Whether in barren rocky soil or fertile, rich land, bamboo continues to grow straight, flourishing in all conditions. This is why bamboo can be found all over the country: "Bamboo in Dong Nai, bamboo in Viet Bac, endless bamboo in Dien Bien Phu, and the beloved bamboo hedges of my village... Everywhere you go, bamboo is your companion." These opening lines serve as a gentle introduction, conveying the writer's deep affection and sincere admiration for bamboo.

Bamboo is even more deeply connected with the Vietnamese people, as its admirable qualities reflect the beautiful traits of the people themselves: "Bamboo, reed, bamboo, plum, and several other species, all grow straight from the same shoot. Wherever bamboo grows, it thrives…" The qualities of resilience, adaptability, uprightness, and toughness have been instilled in the Vietnamese people through generations, and are deeply admired. Moreover, bamboo embodies a certain charm and attraction. In just a few lines, the author skillfully captures the physical and moral beauty of bamboo, portraying it as a symbol of the strength and noble qualities of the Vietnamese people.

Throughout human life, bamboo has always been there, closely intertwined with the people: "The shadow of bamboo gently spreads over villages, communes, and hamlets. Beneath the bamboo shade of ancient times, the roofs of temples and pagodas are faintly visible. Beneath the green bamboo, we have preserved an ancient culture. For generations, under bamboo’s shade, the Vietnamese people have built homes, cultivated fields, and reclaimed lands. Bamboo has lived with us, from generation to generation. Bamboo, reed, plum, and other species have helped us with countless tasks. Bamboo is the farmer’s arm." The repetition of phrases like "shadow of bamboo", "beneath the bamboo shade", and "bamboo" underscores the deep, inseparable bond between bamboo and the people.

Bamboo is so intertwined with the lives of the people that it feels inseparable. From childhood, bamboo has brought joy through traditional games. As we grow, bamboo accompanies us into the fields, and in old age, it becomes a companion in the form of a smoking pipe. Bamboo is as loyal to us as the people are to their homeland.

Moreover, bamboo also plays a role in the nation’s struggles. It carries the qualities of a steadfast and brave hero: "Just as bamboo grows straight, a person must never bow down." Bamboo joined the fight with bravery, protecting the homeland: "Bamboo sticks, bamboo stakes, fought against the enemy’s steel and iron. Bamboo charged at tanks and cannons. Bamboo protected villages, the country, thatched roofs, and ripe rice fields. Bamboo sacrificed itself to protect humanity. Bamboo, the labor hero! Bamboo, the war hero!" Bamboo, the hero of war, is a figure deeply rooted in history, and every word written by the author resonates emotionally with the reader.

The conclusion of the essay features the image of bamboo in modern life. As cement and steel grow more prevalent, bamboo still holds a special place: "In the future, in this land, steel and iron may surpass bamboo and reed. But as we walk through life, bamboo will always provide shade. Bamboo will continue to carry the melody of the people’s hearts. Bamboo will celebrate victories, reaching higher in joyous triumph. The sound of bamboo flutes will soar forever."

This passionate affirmation highlights the timeless vitality of bamboo in the life of the Vietnamese nation. With its simple and sincere language, the author conveys deep feelings and admiration. Perhaps it is only when one truly loves the Vietnamese bamboo that such an emotional tribute can be written.

Bamboo is a symbol of the Vietnamese people and their culture. When we talk about the simplicity and beauty of bamboo, we cannot overlook the work "Vietnamese Bamboo" by the writer Thép Mới. This piece was originally written as a commentary for a Polish film. Through the image of bamboo, the work highlights the beauty of Vietnam’s people and land, while also praising the nation's struggle against French colonialism.

From the very first lines, the author establishes bamboo as the "close companion of the Vietnamese farmer and the Vietnamese people." This statement is a firm affirmation of the deep, enduring connection between bamboo and the people. To emphasize bamboo’s importance, the author places it among countless other plants, yet bamboo always holds a special place: "Vietnam is a land of countless trees and plants, each beautiful and precious, but the most familiar of them all is bamboo." Bamboo can be found everywhere: "Bamboo in Dong Nai, bamboo in Viet Bac, endless bamboo in Dien Bien Phu, and the familiar bamboo hedges in my village... Everywhere you go, bamboo is your friend." The rhythmic structure and use of enumeration highlight how deeply embedded bamboo is in everyday life.

Next, Thép Mới praises the many qualities of bamboo: "It grows straight, thriving wherever it is, with a simple form, a humble color, sturdy, flexible, and resilient..." These attributes are expressed in a balanced, rhythmic manner, almost like a song. The beauty and spirit of bamboo are compared to that of a person: "Bamboo appears noble, simple, and determined like a human being." This statement subtly affirms that bamboo is a symbol of the Vietnamese people.

From the very beginning, Thép Mới affirms the inseparable bond between bamboo and the people. To illustrate this connection, he uses a variety of examples. Bamboo is not only a symbol of the beautiful qualities of the Vietnamese nation, but it is also deeply intertwined with the daily lives of the people. The author begins this connection by quoting a line from the poet Tố Hữu: "The shadow of bamboo offers a soothing cool." This line links bamboo to the lives of the people, highlighting how bamboo protects and nurtures them. Under the shade of bamboo, the Vietnamese people plow fields, reclaim land, and make a living. The repetition of phrases like "the shadow of bamboo" and "beneath the bamboo's shade" further underscores bamboo’s enduring relationship with the people. Bamboo is present in work, culture, and spirituality, from the cradle to the grave. Bamboo is there in the lullabies sung by mothers and grandmothers, in childhood games, in the soft notes of a bamboo flute, and in the comforting presence of a smoking pipe in old age.

Moreover, during the hardships of war, bamboo was a companion and ally to the Vietnamese people. The main inspiration for this passage comes from the image: "Like bamboo standing tall, a person refuses to bow down." This not only highlights bamboo’s traits, but also praises the unwavering spirit of the Vietnamese people. Amidst the bombs and bullets of the enemy, both bamboo and the people stand firm: "Bamboo sticks and bamboo stakes fight against the enemy’s steel." The author uses personification throughout: "Bamboo is a comrade, bamboo defends the village, bamboo sacrifices itself..." This brings to life the heroic spirit of bamboo and the Vietnamese people during the fierce and heroic years of the war against colonialism.

The essay concludes with the image of bamboo in the present. As life has become more modern and steel and cement have gradually replaced bamboo, bamboo has not lost its significance. Bamboo still appears in the badges of young children, as symbolized by the image of "bamboo shoots growing," the high-pitched sound of a kite's bamboo flute... The final lines soar, once again celebrating the loyal, steadfast relationship between bamboo and the people.

This work uses rich, poetic language, with a flexible rhythm and diverse tones that perfectly align with the content of the piece. The repetition of certain words and phrases, along with the use of short sentences, creates a lively, heroic atmosphere reminiscent of the Vietnamese people's struggle against colonial forces. Additionally, the vivid imagery and evocation of the peaceful rural landscapes add depth to the work. The gentle tone, combined with lyrical sentences (folk songs, poetry), blends seamlessly like a heartfelt lullaby. All these elements contribute to the success of the piece.

With carefully selected details and a heartfelt tone, the author affirms the lasting, loyal connection between bamboo and the lives of the Vietnamese people. Bamboo, with its admirable qualities, truly embodies the spirit of Vietnam and its people.