Top 6 Best Compositions on the Theme of Suffering, Love, and Affection in Vietnamese Folk Songs (Grade 10 Literature)

Guide to Lesson Preparation Question 1 (page 84, Literature 10 Textbook, Volume 1): a. The individuals lamenting their fate are young girls approaching their prime. - Regarding their condition: + They possess beautiful qualities, but these qualities are not cherished or appreciated. + They cannot determine their own future or happiness; their destiny is in the hands of fate. b. Question 1: + It expresses the sorrow of individuals whose lives are belittled, treated as mere commodities to be traded and bartered. + The beauty of the girl in this verse is portrayed with an air of nobility, elegance, and pride. - Question 2: + The girl's pain is depicted in a situation where her inner beauty is overlooked due to her outwardly unattractive appearance. + The girl's beauty in this poem primarily highlights her inner virtues. Question 2 (page 84, Literature 10 Textbook, Volume 1): a. The opening uses the word 'ai' – an indefinite pronoun – to start the folk song. - About the word 'ai': + 'Ai' is an indefinite pronoun that refers to everyone. + In folk songs, the word 'ai' is used to refer to forces that impose arranged marriages or interfere with romantic relationships. + In this song, 'ai' refers to the individuals involved (the young man or woman), their parents who forcefully separate their love, or other outside forces. + The word 'ai' evokes a sense of blame, resentment, and sorrow that resonates deeply. b. System of metaphorical comparisons: + The pair 'Sao Hôm - Sao Mai' and 'Moon - Sun' represent two people who are perfectly matched. + The comparison 'We are like the star 'Sao Vượt' waiting for the moon' reflects a love separated by circumstances but still full of longing and hope for reunion. - The use of celestial imagery: + These images are closely tied to human life, making them easier to relate to. + They reinforce the idea of loyalty and enduring love. + Celestial imagery, while simple, carries deep meaning, symbolizing the soul. c. The meaning of the last line: Even if the person no longer remembers me, I will continue to wait for my love, just as the star 'Sao Vượt' waits for the moon. + 'Sao Vượt' is the old name for the evening star, which rises early in the evening; the moon only appears when it reaches the top of the sky. This metaphor affirms the idea of steadfast, eternal love, overcoming all obstacles. Question 3 (page 84, Literature 10 Textbook, Volume 1): Techniques to express longing in folk songs and their effects: - Metaphor and Synecdoche: + The scarf symbolizes the girl's feelings and affection towards the young man, and the scarf also represents her presence. + The eyes are used as a synecdoche to express the restless yearning and longing. - Repetition: + Words like 'love' and 'miss' are repeated to emphasize the intensifying feeling of longing. + Words such as 'scarf', 'lamp', and 'eyes' are also repeated to strengthen the metaphorical and synecdochal images, leaving a lasting impression. + The structure 'Scarf, longing for whom?' is repeated to highlight the emotional depth of longing. - Rhetorical questions: + 'Scarf longing for whom – Scarf falls to the ground?... Lamp longing for whom – Why does the lamp never turn off?... Eyes longing for whom – Why can’t they stay still?' + These questions evoke a cyclical, restless emotional state, aligning with the anxious, unsteady feelings caused by longing. - Short, four-word lines: These lines evoke urgency and restlessness, expressing a sense of unease and anticipation. Question 4 (page 84, Literature 10 Textbook, Volume 1): - The bridge symbolizes the connection of emotional distances between people. - The bridge – a symbol of love – is a unique and bold image in folk songs, representing the strong desire for affection among young lovers. + Throughout history, the wish to be close to one another has been a natural longing for lovers. + Folk songs have portrayed this longing beautifully and gracefully: the girl wishes for 'a bridge of a finger's width' to bring her lover to visit. + The image of the 'bridged yếm' (a type of garment) is intense and represents a daring, imaginative desire from the girl. Question 5 (page 84, Literature 10 Textbook, Volume 1): - The folk poet used the imagery of salt and ginger because: + These are real, familiar elements in life: ginger is pungent and aromatic, while salt has a strong, savory flavor. + The meanings behind these elements symbolize the enduring, deep connection in human relationships, representing loyalty and unwavering commitment. - Analyzing the symbolic meaning of ginger and salt in the folk song: + Salt and ginger represent the strong, passionate affection between two people. + Three years, nine months symbolize longevity and permanence. + Three million six thousand days (100 years) symbolize a lifetime, representing eternity. + The folk song speaks of enduring love and mutual loyalty in marriage. - Similar folk songs include: 'Holding a bowl of salt and a plate of ginger Ginger is hot, salt is salty, don’t forget me The salt is saltier, the ginger is spicier Our love is heavy, our bond is deep, my dear!' Question 6 (page 84, Literature 10 Textbook, Volume 1): Common artistic techniques in folk songs include: + Comparison (used in songs 1, 2, 3) + Metaphor (songs 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) + Synecdoche (song 4) + Hyperbole (songs 5, 6) Distinguishing features from written literature: + Folk songs use concrete, familiar elements from daily life to describe, name, and compare: scarves, rivers, bridges, rose gardens... + Written literature tends to be more formal, complex, and intricate. EXERCISE (page 84, Literature 10 Textbook, Volume 1) 1. Folk songs beginning with 'Thân em như': - 'My body is like a drifting mangrove fruit The wind lashes, the waves crash, I don’t know where to go.' - 'My body is like a piece of delicate silk Blowing in the market, I don’t know whose hands to fall into.' - 'My body is like falling rain Some drops fall into the palace, others into the plow fields.' - 'My body is like a well on the road The wise wash their face, the common folk wash their feet.' - Folk songs about 'my body' carry an emotional tone: + Lamenting that society doesn’t appreciate the beauty of young girls. + Expressing the high awareness of a girl’s own worth. 2. Folk songs about longing: - 'Who do I miss? Who is it?' - 'Who do I long for, my heart aches?' The poem 'The country is where I lost my scarf in a silent longing' (Nguyen Khoa Diem) is inspired by folk songs, blending romantic feelings with patriotism.

Question 1 (page 84, Vietnamese Literature 10, Volume 1) a. Both lamentations belong to unmarried women. Their lives are marked by misfortune, as they cannot determine their own future or happiness. Though they yearn for happiness, they must accept marriages dictated by fate. b. In the first poem: 'My body is like a delicate silk - Floating aimlessly in the market, who will take it?' This metaphor highlights the pain of a beautiful girl (symbolized by the delicate silk), uncertain about who she will marry. This reflects the suffering of women whose lives are controlled by others, viewed as mere objects, unable to choose their own happiness. Her beauty is represented by the fine, noble silk. In the second poem: The girl's sorrow is conveyed by her being misunderstood due to her outer unattractiveness (compared to a rotten fruit). The contrast between appearance and essence ('White inside, black outside') leads to her being misunderstood. The poem emphasizes the inner beauty of the girl, with a noble, virtuous soul, though tragically, few appreciate this internal beauty, which only causes more suffering. Question 2 (page 84, Vietnamese Literature 10, Volume 1) a) The opening is unconventional, more tender, with subtle hints through a description of the scene, setting the stage for the subsequent verses. The word 'Ai' is an indefinite pronoun, which could refer to anyone or the other person. Regardless of its referent, it points to the one who caused the sorrow in the love story. b) Even though their love remains unfulfilled, the bond stays strong and faithful. This is affirmed through metaphors, such as the Evening Star, the Morning Star, the Moon, and the Sun, which represent a perfect match between the two lovers. The comparison 'I am like the Evening Star waiting for the Moon in the sky' expresses that even though their love is unfulfilled, the person waits faithfully, hoping for a reunion. The author uses cosmic imagery (evening star, morning star, moon, sun) to resonate with the rural laborers' daily lives, where they often work early and late, under the harsh sun. These eternal cosmic symbols evoke a sense of unchanging, everlasting love, remaining constant over time. c) The meaning of the final line: Even if the person has forgotten me, I will still wait for my love, just like the Evening Star waits for the Moon to rise. The beauty of this verse lies in the metaphor of the Evening Star, which rises before nightfall and remains visible after the sky darkens. The verse also reflects the noble character of the author, who depicts an enduring, unchanging love. Question 3 (page 84, Vietnamese Literature 10, Volume 1) The literary devices used to express longing in the poem and their effects: - Metaphor and synecdoche: 'The scarf yearns for someone...'(The scarf is a metaphor for unspoken longing); 'The lamp yearns for someone...' (The lamp symbolizes the unrelenting yearning); 'The eyes yearn for someone...' (The eyes serve as a synecdoche for restless longing). - Repetition (of words and sentence structures): The words 'longing,' 'missing,' etc., are repeated to intensify the feeling of yearning. Repetition of the objects of longing (scarf, lamp, eyes) emphasizes these metaphorical images and leaves a strong impression on the reader. - The use of rhetorical questions: 'The scarf yearns for someone – why has it fallen to the ground?...' 'The lamp yearns for someone – why does it not extinguish?' These questions enhance the repetitive nature of the emotions, mirroring a restless, anxious heart. Question 4 (page 84, Vietnamese Literature 10, Volume 1) The image of the 'bridge' and 'belt' is a unique artistic motif in folk poetry, symbolizing the intense longing of the common people in love. The 'bridge' symbolizes the connection of hearts between people. The 'bridge-belt' metaphor represents the intense desire of lovers to be united, symbolizing the aspiration to form a lasting bond. See more: Study 'Folk Poems on Suffering, Love, and Affection' – Brief Summary Study 'Folk Poems on Suffering, Love, and Affection' – Detailed Version Author and work: Folk Poems on Suffering, Love, and Affection Essays: Folk Poems on Suffering, Love, and Affection (Best Version) Question 5 (page 84, Vietnamese Literature 10, Volume 1) When discussing affection, folk poetry often uses the images of salt and ginger, as these two substances are integral to daily life and symbolize certain characteristics of human emotions. Ginger is spicy, leaving a lingering taste, while salt is also strong and necessary. Both are essential to life, making them ideal metaphors for a relationship that is deep, lasting, and profound. Other folk poems include: + 'Three years of salt, still salty' 'Nine months of ginger, still spicy' 'Our love is heavy, our bond is thick' 'Even if we are separated, it will take thirty-six thousand days to be truly apart.' + 'Holding a dish of salt, a plate of ginger' 'Ginger is spicy, salt is salty, don't forget each other.' 'The more salty the salt, the spicier the ginger' 'Our love is heavy, our bond is thick, my dear!' Question 6 (page 84, Vietnamese Literature 10, Volume 1) a. The common literary techniques in folk poetry (from the poems studied): - Simile (in poems 1, 2, and 3) - Metaphor (in poems 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) - Synecdoche (in poem 4) - Hyperbole (in poems 5 and 6) b. Folk poetry features its own unique techniques, often using familiar, concrete objects from daily life (such as spiders, stars, plums, peaches, rose gardens, baskets, scarves, lamps, eyes) for comparison or to symbolize emotions. In contrast, classical poetry tends to be more formal and uses more complex, abstract imagery. Practice Question 1 (page 85, Vietnamese Literature 10, Volume 1) - My body is like dry betel nut The wise prefer thin, the coarse prefer thick - My body is like a well in the middle of the street The wise wash their face, the common wash their feet - My body is like delicate silk Dare not tear it apart for anyone - My body is like cinnamon in the forest Bees hesitate, mosquitoes should not buzz - My body is like silk fabric Once cold, many will cherish it... - My body is like a golden bed We are like a ruined beehive under the rain... Some of these folk poems do not fit the theme of lamentation. The fourth, fifth, and sixth poems express the girl's pride, even though they initially present a humble tone. Question 2 (page 85, Vietnamese Literature 10, Volume 1) - Remembering someone is like remembering the tobacco pipe After burying the pipe, you dig it up again - Remembering someone, wandering in confusion Remembering someone, who is it now? - Last night I stood by the pond Watching fish dive, watching stars dim Sad to watch the spider weave its web Spider, oh spider, who are you waiting for? Sad to watch the early morning star Star, oh star, who are you waiting for? - Send the scarf, send the shirt, send the words Sending my love to a distant friend - Remembering when the scarf was wrapped in betel leaves Only smiling, knowing how much love. The folk poem 'The Scarf Yearns for Someone' fits within the broader theme of yearning folk poetry, but it is more specific and vivid, summarizing various emotional states. This depth makes it more captivating. Nguyễn Khoa Điềm's line 'The country is where you lost your scarf in silent longing' draws inspiration from the longing in folk poetry and elevates it to a higher level.

Question 1 (page 84, Literature 10, Volume 1) Questions 1,2 a. Both laments begin with the phrase "Thân em như..." and carry a sorrowful, regretful tone. Who is lamenting and what is their fate? b. What kind of pain can be sensed through each image? Despite the pain, what beauty is still found in the lament, and how is it expressed in the words of the lament? Detailed answer: a. Both laments start with the phrase "thân em như..." accompanied by a sorrowful, regretful tone. These are the laments of young women, who, despite their beauty, are not valued or respected. They cannot decide their own fate or happiness, and although they yearn for something better, they must leave their lives in the hands of fate. b. - In Question 1: "Thân em như tấm lụa đào - Phất phơ giữa chợ biết vào tay ai?" expresses the pain of a beautiful woman (compared to a piece of peach silk) who doesn't know who she will marry. This lament highlights the suffering of individuals treated as commodities, bought and sold in the marketplace. The beauty of the woman in this verse has an air of elegance and nobility, as reflected in the metaphor of "tấm lụa đào" (peach silk). - In Question 2: "Thân em như củ ấu gai Ruột trong thì trắng, vỏ ngoài thì đen Ai ơi nếm thử mà xem Nếm ra mới biết rằng em ngọt bùi," This lament conveys the pain of a girl whose outward appearance is judged unfairly (like the rough exterior of a thorny fruit, or "củ ấu gai"). The contrast between her external appearance and inner beauty is highlighted through the metaphor of the fruit's contrasting skin and flesh. This verse emphasizes the value of inner beauty. Question 2 (page 84, Literature 10, Volume 1) Question 3 a. How does the opening of this piece of folk poetry differ from the two previous ones? What is the meaning of "ai" in the phrase "Ai làm chua xót lòng này, khế ơi!"? b. Even though love was lost, the sentiment remains faithful. How is this depicted through comparisons and metaphors? Why does the author use nature and the universe to affirm human emotions? c. Analyze the beauty of the final verse. Detailed answer: a. In folk poetry, the term "ai" is often used to refer to forces or people who impose or obstruct love, such as parents or others who break up a relationship. "Ai" here serves as a generalized term that could refer to anyone involved in breaking the relationship, expressing feelings of blame or regret. b. Despite being separated, the bond remains intact, which is emphasized through metaphors of stars and celestial bodies. The comparison between the two people and stars or planets like the evening and morning stars, or the moon and the sun, illustrates the enduring nature of their affection. The metaphor of "Ta như sao Vượt chờ trăng giữa trời" expresses longing despite separation. The author uses these cosmic images (evening star, morning star, moon, sun) because they resonate with the lives of rural youth, who often work long hours in the fields and are familiar with the constancy of celestial patterns. These images represent the unwavering nature of their emotions. c. Analyzing the final verse "Ta như sao Vượt chờ trăng giữa trời": The verse signifies unyielding waiting for a lost love, just as the star awaits the moon. Question 3 (page 84, Literature 10, Volume 1) Question 4 How does the poem describe longing in such a subtle and vivid way? What literary devices are used, and how do they enhance the artistic effect? Detailed answer: The poem uses several techniques to convey longing and affection: a. Metaphor and synecdoche: "Khăn thương nhớ ai..." (The scarf is a metaphor for the speaker's longing); "Đèn thương nhớ ai..." (The lamp represents the unending longing). b. Repetition (repeating words and structures): Words like "thương" (love), "nhớ" (miss), and "khăn" (scarf), "đèn" (lamp) are repeated, emphasizing the intensity of the emotions. The repetition of the phrase structures in the lines: "Khăn thương nhớ ai Khăn rơi xuống đất, Khăn thương nhớ ai Khăn vắt lên vai..." amplifies the feeling of longing. c. Rhetorical questions: "Khăn thương nhớ ai - Khăn rơi xuống đất?... Đèn thương nhớ ai - Mà đèn chẳng tắt?..." These questions evoke a sense of anxious longing. d. The short, concise lines (four characters) heighten the feeling of impatience, further emphasized by the later lines in the poem. Question 4 (page 84, Literature 10, Volume 1) Question 5 "Chiếc cầu - dải yếm" is a unique artistic image in folk poetry, representing the intense desires of the common people in love. Analyze and explain the beauty of this image. Detailed answer: - A "motive" refers to a form, pattern, or structure used frequently in literature, particularly in folk literature. The image of "Chiếc cầu" (bridge) symbolizes the desire to connect hearts across distances. The metaphor of "Chiếc cầu - dải yếm" represents the strong longing of young lovers. It reflects a common desire for closeness in relationships. The wish to be together despite physical separation is vividly expressed through the idea of building a bridge with a piece of clothing, a bold and passionate metaphor. This is seen in another verse: "Ước gì sông rộng một gang, Để em ngắt ngọn mồng tới bắc cầu." This expresses the longing for closeness in a similarly metaphorical way. Question 5 (page 84, Literature 10, Volume 1) Question 6 Why do folk poems often use the metaphor of salt and ginger when talking about human relationships? Analyze the symbolic meaning and emotional impact of this imagery in the poem, and find other examples of folk poems that use salt and ginger. Detailed answer: a. The use of familiar metaphors like "salt and ginger" reflects traditional folk poetry's reliance on everyday, relatable images. - Ginger (spicy) and salt (salty) are common ingredients in meals, symbolizing the strong, enduring nature of human emotions. - The connection between salt and ginger and human relationships emphasizes the deep, enduring ties of affection. b. Analyzing the symbolism of salt and ginger: The poem "Muối ba năm muối đang còn mặn, Gừng chín tháng gừng hãy còn cay, Đôi ta tình nặng nghĩa dày" uses these images to show the lasting nature of love and commitment. - Salt represents the unchanging, deep connection, while ginger’s spiciness mirrors the intensity of emotions. - The reference to "ba vạn sáu ngàn ngày" (100 years) symbolizes eternal love. Other folk poems with similar imagery: "Tay bưng chén muối đĩa gừng Gừng cay muối mặn xin đừng quên nhau." "Muối càng mặn, gừng càng cay Đôi ta tình nặng nghĩa dày em ơi!" Question 6 (page 84, Literature 10, Volume 1) What are the common literary devices in folk poetry, and how do they differ from those in written poetry? Detailed answer: a. The common literary devices in folk poetry are: - Simile (in Questions 1, 2, 3) - Metaphor (in Questions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) - Synecdoche (in Question 4) - Hyperbole (in Questions 5, 6) b. The artistic devices in folk poetry are distinct because they use familiar, concrete images from everyday life, making them accessible and relatable. In contrast, written poetry is often more formal, abstract, and academic, with a focus on refined or profound ideas. Folk poetry is more grounded in the everyday world, using images from nature, work, and personal life, while written poetry may use more complex and intellectual devices, often less direct and more metaphorical.

Question 1 (Page 84, Literature Textbook, Grade 10, Volume 1)

Two folk verses lamenting one's fate begin with the phrase “my body is like…”

+ The tone is one of sorrow and longing.

+ The speaker of the lament is a young woman in the prime of life, expressing sadness that her beauty is not valued.

+ She has no control over her destiny.

- First verse: The woman is likened to a delicate silk fabric.

+ Her fate is uncertain, and she cannot determine her future (drifting in the market, unsure who will take her).

- Second verse: The woman is compared to a bitter fruit (rough on the outside, beautiful on the inside).

+ The verse conveys the girl's sincere desire to affirm her inner worth.

+ She yearns to assert her true beauty.

+ The verse expresses a deep sorrow for the plight of women in the past.

Question 2 (Page 84, Literature Textbook, Grade 10, Volume 1)

a) The use of the word “anyone” – an indefinite pronoun – begins the folk verse, referring to all people. It is employed to address the obstacles to love.

+ This choice evokes a sense of grievance and longing.

b) The metaphorical pair “Evening Star – Morning Star” and “Moon – Sun” symbolize two people who are well-suited for each other.

- The simile “We are like stars waiting for the moon in the sky” expresses the separation in love but underscores the unwavering hope and longing to reunite.

- The use of natural imagery, with its timeless qualities, connects human emotions to the universe, reinforcing the idea of unwavering loyalty and love.

- The natural world, familiar and beautiful, reflects and evokes the soul’s deepest feelings.

c) The final verse employs a simile to show that even if one is forgotten by their love, the love still endures.

+ The Evening Star, an ancient name for the morning star, rises early in the evening, and only when it reaches its peak can the moon rise.

+ This verse affirms the speaker’s loyalty, expressing steadfast devotion and the determination to overcome obstacles in love.

Question 3 (Page 84, Literature Textbook, Grade 10, Volume 1)

The literary devices used to express longing and affection in the folk verse and their effects:

- Metaphor and synecdoche

+ The scarf serves as a metaphor for the girl’s emotions, conveying her feelings of love and attachment to the man. The scarf also represents her physical presence.

+ The eyes symbolize the restless heart, filled with longing and desire.

- Repetition

+ The phrase “Scarf of longing for someone” is repeated to emphasize the intensity of the yearning.

+ Longing has many shades and intensities.

c) The rhetorical question “Whose scarf is it, that falls to the ground? / Whose lamp flickers but will not extinguish? / Whose eyes are restless with longing?”

- The question emphasizes how love and longing pervade every action and every moment.

d) The short verses of four characters urge and express the restless anxiety of the girl.

These verses, paired with the traditional six-eight verse structure, heighten the feeling of longing and impatience.

Question 4 (Page 84, Literature Textbook, Grade 10, Volume 1)

The bridge: A metaphor symbolizing the connection between people’s hearts.

+ The bridge – a metaphorical piece of clothing – is a unique and unusual image in folk poetry, symbolizing the deep emotional connection between lovers.

+ The bridge reflects the legitimate dream of couples in love and showcases the girl’s bold imagination.

Other folk verses with similar imagery of the bridge:

“If only the river were a span wide, / I’d reach across and pluck a flower to make a bridge”

Question 5 (Page 84, Literature Textbook, Grade 10, Volume 1)

- The common metaphor of bitter ginger and salty salt in traditional folk poetry.

+ This metaphor originates from the image of everyday spices used in meals.

+ The paired imagery represents the flavor of human relationships – loyalty and unwavering bonds in life.

+ The verse speaks to the enduring commitment and love in marriage.

- Three years, nine months: the permanence and eternity of love.

Three hundred sixty days equals a century: an everlasting commitment, spanning a lifetime.

→ The folk verse celebrates enduring love, emphasizing the unbreakable bond between spouses.

Some other folk verses with the ginger-salt symbol:

“With a handful of salt and a plate of ginger, / Don’t forget each other through thick and thin”

Question 6 (Page 84, Literature Textbook, Grade 10, Volume 1)

Literary devices used in folk poetry: personification, metaphor, synecdoche, repetition, hyperbole

- A distinct feature of folk poetry: It uses familiar, concrete objects from daily life to name, converse, and compare – such as scarves, rivers, bridges, and rose gardens.

- In contrast, classical poetry uses more formal and complex imagery, which often appears more intricate and ornate.

Practice

Exercise 1 (Page 85, Literature Textbook, Grade 10, Volume 1)

- My body is like raindrops

Some fall into palaces, others into the fields.

- My body is like a light rain

Some fall into wells, others into flower gardens.

- My body is like a floating fruit

Blown by the wind, tossed by the waves, unsure where to land.

- My body is like dry areca nut

Some people prefer it thin, others thick.

- My body is like a well in the middle of the road

The wise wash their faces, the foolish wash their feet.

These folk verses about one’s fate express emotional shades:

+ Lamenting one’s fate and blaming others for not valuing a woman’s beauty.

+ A deep awareness of one’s own worth and dignity.

Exercise 2 (Page 85, Literature Textbook, Grade 10, Volume 1)

- Who do I miss, like missing betel nuts

Planted the betel and dug it up again.

- Who do I miss, wandering in a daze?

Who do I miss now? Who can I still call mine?

- Last night, I stood by the pond

Watching fish swim, watching the stars fade.

Sad to see the spider spinning its web.

Spider, oh spider, who do you wait for?

Sad to see the morning star dimming.

Star, oh star, who do you miss, fading away?

- I send my scarf, send my clothes, send my words

Sending the image of the man far away.

- I miss when the scarf was opened, the betel was exchanged

Only smiles, yet so much love in return.

- The folk verse “Scarf of longing for someone” belongs to the collection of folk verses about the longing for a lover.

- The verse “The land is where I dropped my scarf, in the silent longing” (Nguyễn Khoa Điềm) draws from folk poetry but transcends it by blending love for a partner with love for the country.

Guide for Preparing the Lesson

Question 1 (page 84, Vietnamese Literature 10, Volume 1): Exercises 1 and 2

a. Both of these lamentations begin with the phrase 'My body is like...', expressing a tone of sorrow and regret that leaves a deep impression on the listener. These are the laments of women in feudal society, whose fates were small and powerless, unable to control their own happiness.

b. While the sense of fate is shared, each individual's pain is expressed through different metaphors and comparisons that reflect their unique experiences.

Exercise 1:

The opening 'My body is like...' reveals the woman's awareness of her beauty and youth, but her fate is lowly and she has no control over her happiness. She is like an item—'a piece of silk'—being sold in the marketplace. Aware of this, the woman expresses her feelings through two lines of folk poetry that convey her sorrow and concern about her fate.

Exercise 2:

Similarly starting with 'My body is like...', this poem is twice as long as the previous one, showing a more distinct and stronger awareness of the woman's plight. The folk poem not only affirms the woman's beauty and virtues but also serves as an invitation, a longing, and a desire for recognition and respect for women in ancient society.

Question 2 (page 84, Vietnamese Literature 10, Volume 1): Exercise 3

a. While the first two folk poems start with 'My body is like...', this one begins with the pronoun 'Ai' ('Who'), a common word in folk poetry. In folk songs, 'Ai' often refers to external forces that hinder love or force marriage, and in this case, 'Ai' could be the parents, social customs, or even the lover themselves.

b. Despite unfulfilled love, the connection remains strong and steadfast. This is reflected through imagery of the eternal elements of nature: the moon, the sun, and the stars. The folk poet uses the unchanging nature of the cosmos to emphasize the enduring and faithful nature of love, even when the lovers are far apart, they are forever connected.

c. The beauty of the final verse: Even if they cannot be together, the man remains loyal, waiting for the woman: 'I am like the morning star waiting for the moon in the sky.' Despite the distance, the man remains steadfast in his devotion, knowing that their love, though impossible to unite, will never falter.

Question 3 (page 84, Vietnamese Literature 10, Volume 1): Exercise 4

- This folk poem conveys the yearning of two lovers through simple, familiar symbols: a scarf, a lantern, and eyes. The folk poet uses personification (scarf, lantern) and metonymy (eyes) to subtly express the girl's emotions and affection for her lover.

+ The scarf, frequently mentioned, represents the endless, deep longing of the girl, and its movements—up and down, falling, twisting—clearly mirror her anxious state.

+ The lantern: a symbol of remembrance marked by the passage of time, symbolizing the girl's love that burns brightly and never fades.

+ The eyes: a direct expression of inner feelings: missing the lover, yet still burdened with thoughts, reflected in the verse 'Eyes are restless in sleep'.

Question 4 (page 84, Vietnamese Literature 10, Volume 1): Exercise 5

- The image of a bridge made from a woman’s scarf represents a powerful desire for connection in love. This poetic metaphor reflects a subtle confession of affection from the girl. The motif of the bridge is a recurring symbol in folk poetry:

'She cuts grass by the river

Wants to send a branch of rose for him.'

- These are bridges that do not exist physically, yet they evoke a deep, rustic beauty. The girl’s wish becomes bolder and more inventive:

'If only the river were a span wide enough,

I would build a bridge from my scarf for you to cross.'

- The girl takes the initiative to create a bridge for her lover, a bold idea in a society bound by tradition and social norms. The scarf bridge is both intimate and audacious, poetic yet feminine, and becomes a symbol of love crafted by the folk artistic imagination.

Question 5 (page 84, Vietnamese Literature 10, Volume 1): Exercise 6

- The image of salt and ginger: drawn from real-life ingredients, symbolizing human connections: enduring loyalty that perseveres through life's 'flavors' (spicy ginger, salty salt).

- The emotional significance of salt and ginger in the folk poem:

+ It represents the loyal bond between married couples.

+ This bond is as enduring as 'Three years of salt still salty—Ginger, nine months still pungent.'

+ The taste of salt and ginger becomes the flavor of human connection.

+ It affirms unwavering loyalty, a bond that will never break.

Question 6 (page 84, Vietnamese Literature 10, Volume 1):

- The repetition of the opening phrase 'My body is like...'

- Symbolic images in folk poetry: the bridge, the scarf, the lantern, the salty ginger...

- Comparisons and metaphors (drawn from everyday life: the silk, the thorny fruit...; nature: the sun, the moon, the stars)

- The artistic time and space (in Exercise 4)

- Poetic forms: six-eight meter; four-line, seven-eight meter (variants); mixed forms.

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1 (page 85, Vietnamese Literature 10, Volume 1)

- My body is like falling raindrops,

Some land in the palace, others in the plowed field.

- My body is like a shower of rain,

Some fall into a well, others into a garden.

- My body is like a drifting mangrove fruit,

Waves crashing, not knowing where to land.

- My body is like a dried betel nut,

Some prefer the thin ones, others the thick ones.

- My body is like a well in the middle of the road,

The wise wash their faces, the commoners wash their feet.

These folk songs about 'my body' express emotional nuances:

+ They lament the neglect of the beauty of women.

+ They reflect the high self-awareness of the woman’s value.

Exercise 2 (page 85, Vietnamese Literature 10, Volume 1)

Remembering someone is like remembering the tobacco pipe,

Buried it, then dug it up again.

Remembering someone makes one absent-minded,

Who do I remember now, who remembers me?

Last night I stood by the pond,

Watching the fish swim, watching the stars dim.

Feeling sad watching the spider spin its web,

Spider, oh spider, who is it waiting for?

Feeling sorrow looking at the setting morning star,

Star, oh star, who are you waiting for?

Sending a scarf, sending a shirt, sending words,

Sending a pair of shoes to someone far away.

Remember when the scarf opened to exchange a betel nut,

Only a smile, knowing how much love.

The folk poem 'Scarf, remembering someone' belongs to a collection of poems about longing for a lover.

The verse: 'The country is where I lost my scarf in silent longing' (Nguyen Khoa Diem) draws from folk poetry but creatively merges romantic love with patriotism.