Top 6 Best Lesson Plans on 'Songs About Love for Homeland, Country, and People' for 7th Grade

I. About the Genre

Folk songs and traditional music are equivalent terms referring to folk lyric genres that combine lyrics and music, expressing the inner lives of people. Nowadays, people distinguish between two types: folk songs, which are composed with both lyrics and music, typically seen in folk performances, and ca dao (folk poetry), which refers to the lyrics of these folk songs. Folk poetry also includes traditional poems that share the same artistic style as the lyrics of folk songs. The term 'ca dao' is also used to describe a type of folk poetry.

Folk songs and ca dao belong to the lyrical genre, often reflecting people's emotions, thoughts, and inner world. Common lyrical figures in these genres are family members (husbands, wives, mothers, children), young lovers, farmers, and women in social relationships. Additionally, there are satirical folk songs that criticize societal flaws and humorous events. These satirical pieces highlight the distinctive features of Vietnamese folk satire.

Besides sharing common lyrical features, folk songs and ca dao have their own unique characteristics, such as:

Short, often consisting of two or four lines of verse.
Frequent use of repetition as a primary stylistic device.
Folk songs and ca dao exemplify authenticity, simplicity, and evocative power, with a language that is poetic yet closely tied to everyday speech, often carrying distinct regional flavors.

II. Lesson Plan Guidance

Question 1:

I agree with the following points:

b) The folk song is divided into two parts: the first part is the young man's question, and the second part is the young woman's answer.

c) This kind of question-and-answer format is common in folk songs and ca dao.

Question 2:

In Folk Song 1, the young man and woman use specific locations and their characteristics to ask and answer each other, as this is part of a traditional courtship exchange, where they test each other's knowledge of geography and history of different regions.

The locations mentioned in the song are in northern Vietnam, each associated with historical, geographical, and cultural characteristics. The questions selected are symbolic, making the responses accurate, and through these exchanges, the young couple also expresses their feelings for each other.

Question 3:

* The phrase 'Let's go together' at the start of the folk song implies:

Indicates a close, intimate relationship.
Everyone shares the same interest and desire to do something.
What attracts people to 'go together' is the irresistible appeal of the activity.

* In Folk Song 2, 'Let's go see the scenery of Sword Lake.' Sword Lake refers to Hoan Kiem Lake, a historic and cultural landmark tied to the legend of the Lam Son Uprising. The phrase 'Let's go see the scenery of Sword Lake' serves as a prompt, directing the reader or listener to visit this iconic site. The technique used here is to suggest rather than describe, painting a vivid picture through suggestion. In this way, the folk poet evokes a beautiful natural scene in the heart of Hanoi.

* The locations and sceneries mentioned in the song inspire love and pride for the natural beauty and historical significance of the homeland.

* The final question in the song: 'Who built this country?' serves as a rhetorical question, emphasizing and reminding us of the ancestral efforts in building and protecting the nation. Hoan Kiem Lake is not only a beautiful part of Hanoi but also symbolizes the beauty, culture, and history of Vietnam, reminding future generations to preserve and continue these valuable traditions.

Question 4:

* The scene described in the third folk song evokes the beauty of Hue, particularly through the vivid portrayal of a road. The road is depicted in poetic, vibrant colors, evoking a sense of spaciousness and closeness. The use of comparison is central to the artistic appeal of this folk song.

* The pronoun 'Who' in the invitation 'Whoever comes to Hue' is ambiguous, either referring to a specific person known by the author or generally inviting all listeners. This invitation expresses both pride in Hue’s beauty and a desire to share it with others.

Question 5:

* The first two lines of Folk Song 4 feature twelve-syllable verses, a departure from the typical six- and eight-syllable lines of traditional ca dao. Artistic techniques like repetition, inversion, and symmetry further emphasize the vastness and vitality of the field, reflecting the thriving and lush nature of the fields in the harvest season.

Question 6:

The image of the girl in the final two lines of Folk Song 4 is open to interpretation. The most common interpretation is that these lines describe the beauty of the girl. Against the backdrop of the vast field, the girl appears small, yet it is she who brings life to the field. Her image—'like rice plants swaying in the morning sun'—is a striking representation of beauty, blending the elements of nature, earth, and the expansive fields.

Question 7:

* Folk Song 4 is spoken by a young man observing a girl standing in a vast field. He sees her as innocent, youthful, and full of life, like the golden rice plants in the field.

* Alternatively, it can be interpreted as the girl's perspective. Standing in the endless field, stretching to the horizon, she might express feelings of vulnerability or lament about her small place in the world.

I. General Overview of Folk Songs

Folk songs are creations of the working community, reflecting the optimistic spirit of genuine people. They are a refreshing source in the literary stream, passed down through generations.

II. Comprehension

Question 1, page 39, Literature 7

a. Options b and c are correct.

Question 2, page 39, Literature 7

In the first song, the young man and woman use regional landmarks with specific features as a way to ask and answer each other, showcasing their knowledge of history and geography across different regions.

Question 3, page 40, Literature 7

a. The phrase "Rủ nhau" at the beginning of the folk song implies:

Closeness, harmony, and mutual affection.
It suggests a scene that is likely very appealing to those who wish to join in.
b. The description in the folk song

It doesn't go into specific details, instead, it lists various elements to amplify the richness and diversity of the scene.
The significance: the beauty of the scene is vast and diverse, sparking the reader's interest.
c. The emotions evoked by the scene.

The scene not only includes a lake (Hoan Kiem Lake) but also a temple (Ngoc Son Temple), a bridge (The Huc Bridge), and cultural landmarks like the Ink Tower and Pen Tower. This combination of natural and man-made elements makes the scene not only romantic but also sacred, tied to both cultural and historical significance. It reflects the writer's pride and affection for the country.

d. The concluding question of the poem

It reminds us of the ancestors' efforts in creating these landmarks.
It serves as a message to future generations to protect, preserve, and enhance the country's beauty.

Question 4, page 40, Literature 7

The description of Hue’s landscape in the third song is painted by the folk poet through the beauty of a road. This road is depicted with vivid, poetic colors (lush green hills, clear blue water). The scene is so beautiful it could be compared to a painting ("a painted scene") – in the past, beautiful things were often likened to a painting. The picturesque, enchanting view of Hue is both fresh and vast, youthful and captivating. The main rhetorical device here is comparison, which brings out the beauty in the folk songs.

The pronoun "Ai" in the invitation phrase ("Ai vô xứ Huế thì vô") is an indefinite pronoun (with multiple meanings). This invitation expresses both pride in Hue’s natural beauty and a desire to share it with everyone.

Question 5, page 40, Literature 7

The 12-syllable line, instead of the usual 6- or 8-syllable lines (used in traditional folk songs), is used here.

It incorporates various rhetorical techniques: symmetry, repetition, and inversion:

"Đứng bên ni đồng – Đứng bên tê đồng" (Repetition and opposition)
"Mênh mông bát ngát – Bát ngát mênh mông" (Inversion and repetition)

The effect:

This enhances the sense of vastness and infinity of the field.
It conveys the vitality and fertility of the land during the harvest season.

Question 6, page 40, Literature 7

The girl is portrayed as youthful and radiant, embodying the essence of nature. Amidst the vast field, her beauty shines, enhancing the beauty of the expansive landscape.

Question 7, page 40, Literature 7

According to one interpretation, this is the young man admiring the girl standing in the field. He sees the vastness of the field and finds the girl to be pure, vibrant, and full of life. Alternatively, it could be the girl’s perspective. Facing the vast, boundless field, overwhelmed by its enormity, she expresses her feelings of insignificance and uncertainty.

III. Practice

Question 1, page 40, Literature 7

The form of the poem is "Lục bát" (6-8 syllable rhyming verses).

Question 2, page 40, Literature 7

The common theme in all the folk songs above is:

Love for the homeland, the country, and the people.

A. KEY CONCEPTS

The songs about love for homeland, the country, and the people often evoke more than they describe, often referencing the names of mountains, rivers, and regions with distinctive features related to their geography, history, and culture.

1. Where is the place with five gates, my dear?

Which river flows in six sections, one continuous stream?

Which river is muddy on the outside, but clear on the inside?

Which mountain has a narrow waist and is home to a holy saint?

Which temple is the most sacred in Thanh region?

Where is there a fairy-tale city built? …

Hanoi has five gates, my dear!

The Luc Dau River has six sections, flowing as one stream.

The Thuong River is muddy on the outside, clear on the inside,

Mount Tan has a narrow waist, where the holy saint was born.

The Song Temple is the most sacred in Thanh province,

In Lang province, there is a fairy city built…

2. Let’s go and admire the beauty of Hoan Kiem Lake,

Visit the Thê Húc Bridge, the Ngoc Son Temple,

The Pen Tower, and the Ink Stand, still standing strong,

Who created this beautiful land of ours?

3. The way to Nghe An is winding,

Green hills and clear waters like a painted picture.

Whoever goes to Nghe An will understand...

4. Standing on one side of the field, looking at the other side, vast and endless,

Standing on the other side, looking back, it is equally vast and boundless.

My body is like a rice stalk in the morning light,

Swaying gently in the early dawn's soft sunshine.

B. EXERCISES AND GUIDELINES

Question 1 (Page 39 Textbook) Which statement do you agree with regarding the first song?

a. The song is sung by one person and only has one part.

b. The song has two parts: The first part is the question from the young man, and the second part is the answer from the young woman.

c. This kind of back-and-forth exchange is common in folk songs and ballads.

d. This kind of exchange is uncommon in folk songs and ballads.

Answer:
The correct choice is b. This folk song consists of two parts: the first is the young man's question, and the second is the young woman's response.
The first six lines express the young man's questions directed at the woman, and the following six lines are her responses addressed to him.

Question 2 (Page 39 Textbook) Why do the young man and the young woman use these specific place names with distinct characteristics to question and answer each other in the first song?

Question 3 (Page 39 Textbook) Analyze the phrase “Let’s go together” and reflect on the description of the scenery in the second song. What do the place names and landscape suggest? What is your interpretation of the final question in the song: “Who built this land?”

Question 4 (Page 39 Textbook) What is your impression of the scenery of Hue and the description in the third song? Analyze the pronoun “who” and explain the emotions behind the invitation: “Whoever comes to Hue, come…”

Question 5 (Page 39 Textbook) What makes the first two lines of the fourth song special in terms of language? What effect do these language features have?

Question 6 (Page 39 Textbook) Analyze the image of the girl in the last two lines of the fourth song.

Question 7 (Page 39 Textbook) Who is speaking in the fourth song? What emotions do they want to express? Do you have any alternative interpretations of the song, and do you agree with them? Why or why not?

Exercise 1: Page 40 Textbook, Vietnamese Literature Grade 7
What is your opinion about the poetic form in the four folk songs?

Exercise 2: Page 40 Textbook, Vietnamese Literature Grade 7
What is the common theme of the four folk songs?

I. Overview of the Author
- Folk songs and folk music are equivalent terms referring to types of folk lyricism, combining words and music, used to express the inner life of humans.
- To differentiate between folk songs and folk music, two definitions are commonly used today:
+ Folk music refers to compositions that combine words and music, essentially folk songs in performance.
+ Folk songs refer to the lyrics of folk music, which also includes traditional poetry with a similar artistic style as folk lyrics. The term 'folk song' is also used to describe a type of traditional poetry – folk verse.

II. Overview of the Work 'Songs About Love for Homeland, the Country, and People'
1. Content Value
“Songs About Love for Homeland, the Country, and People” tend to evoke emotions more than describe, often mentioning the names of mountains, rivers, and regions with distinct features such as physical landscapes, history, and culture of each place. Behind these questions, answers, invitations, messages, and scenic depictions lies a simple, delicate love and pride for the people and homeland.
2. Artistic Value
- Uses the traditional 'lục bát' verse form and its variations.
- Employs the familiar call-and-response format in folk songs.
- Uses imagery such as metaphors, similes, and symbolism.
- Includes familiar and well-known place names.

III. Lesson Preparation Guidelines
Question 1 (Page 39, Literature 7, Volume 1)
Correct answers: b and c
- The song is a call-and-response between a young man and woman, indicated by the terms “chàng” and “nàng” (the man and the woman).
- The call-and-response style is often used in folk songs to test each other's knowledge and is common during work activities.
Question 2 (Page 39, Literature 7, Volume 1)
- The call-and-response format in riddles.
+ The man and woman challenge each other's knowledge of geography and history.
- The questions and answers refer to many locations in Northern Vietnam, highlighting not only their geographical features but also their historical and cultural significance.
+ The questioner is well-versed in the details of each location.
+ The responder knows the places well and answers correctly.
- The exchange of questions and answers reflects the sharing of knowledge, as well as pride and love for the homeland, serving as a way for the two individuals to express their feelings.
Question 3 (Page 40, Literature 7, Volume 1)
- The phrase “Rủ nhau” (invite each other) is common in Vietnamese folk songs.
+ It signifies a close and friendly relationship.
+ The inviter and the invitee share common interests and desire to do something together.
- The song evokes more emotions than providing a literal description, especially by recalling places like Hồ Kiếm, Thê Húc, Ngọc Sơn, Đài Nghiên, and Tháp Bút.
- The diverse scenery of lakes, bridges, temples, and towers combines natural and man-made beauty in a poetic and sacred atmosphere.
- The locations referenced carry a rich historical and cultural resonance.
→ This evokes feelings of love and pride for Hồ Gươm, Thăng Long, and the country.
- The final line of the song is the most touching, directly affecting the listener's emotions.
+ The question reminds future generations to preserve and develop the nation.
Question 4 (Page 40, Literature 7, Volume 1)
The scene of Huế described in the song:
+ The song paints a picture of the beautiful, poetic, and refreshing path into Huế.
+ The landscape around Huế is expansive yet intimate, with lush greenery surrounding the region.
+ The scenic beauty of Huế is both naturally formed and shaped by human hands.
- The song has many details that evoke rather than describe, with traditional comparisons highlighting the natural beauty of the land.
- The song creates a vivid image of Huế, where the landscapes reflect the colorful, lively atmosphere of the region.
- The indefinite pronoun “ai” (whoever) in the invitation represents anyone, whether familiar or unfamiliar.
→ These invitations reflect both a deep love and pride for Huế and a desire to share its beauty and charm.
Question 5 (Page 40, Literature 7, Volume 1)
- The unique feature in the first two lines of the fourth song: the 12-syllable line instead of the usual 6 or 8; the use of repetition and inversion.
- The effect and meaning: it evokes a sense of vastness, expansiveness, and vitality.
Question 6 (Page 40, Literature 7, Volume 1)
The image of the girl is compared to:
+ The ripe rice stalks.
+ The morning sunlight.
→ The comparison highlights youthfulness, vitality, and spring-like energy.
- The final two lines stand out, emphasizing the girl's delicate, lively presence.
- The first two lines depict the vastness of the field, but the soul of the scene is brought to life by the figure of the young girl, full of grace and vitality.
Question 7 (Page 40, Literature 7, Volume 1)
The fourth folk song features the words of the young man:
+ The young man sees the vast fields and the girl’s slender, youthful, and energetic beauty.
+ He praises both the fields and the girl.
→ This is a way for the young man to express his feelings toward the girl.
- Another interpretation suggests these are the words of the girl:
+ She reflects on her life before the expansive fields.
+ Like the ripe rice stalks, she possesses pure, fresh beauty.
+ Her worry is reflected in the word “phất phơ” (floating) and the contrast between vastness and the tiny rice stalks.
→ This shows her concerns about her small and uncertain fate.
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1 (Page 48, Literature 7, Volume 1)
The verse forms in the four folk songs above: lục bát and its variations, free verse.
+ Song 1: Changes in the number of words in lines 6 and 8.
+ Song 3: The final line is a 6-syllable line instead of the expected 8.
+ Song 4: Free verse in the first two lines.
Exercise 2 (Page 48, Literature 7, Volume 1)
The emotions expressed in the four folk songs: love for the homeland, the country, and the people:
+ These songs evoke more than they describe, mentioning place names with their scenic beauty, history, and culture.
+ Behind the questions, answers, invitations, and messages is a deep love for the homeland, the country, and the people.

Answer to question 1 (page 39, Vietnamese Literature 7, Volume 1):

Regarding lesson 1, I agree with the opinion:

a. The folk song consists of two parts: the first part is the question from the young man, and the second part is the response from the young woman. This form of question and answer is commonly found in folk songs.

Answer to question 2 (page 39, Vietnamese Literature 7, Volume 1):

* The man and the woman use place names, each with distinctive features, to ask and answer questions:

- This is part of a traditional courtship song, where young people test each other's knowledge of history, geography, and customs of different regions.

- The place names in the first song refer to the northern mountainous region, which is rich in cultural and local traditions. The young man asks about significant places, and the young woman responds accurately. Through this exchange, they express affection for each other.

Answer to question 3 (page 40, Vietnamese Literature 7, Volume 1):

- Analysis of the phrase “inviting each other”: it signifies a close, familiar relationship among people who share the same interests.

- Observing the scene in the second song: Inviting each other to visit Hoan Kiem Lake, a famous landmark and historical site linked to the legend of the Sword Lake and the Golden Turtle. The line “Inviting each other… Hoan Kiem Lake” serves as an invitation, evoking imagery of the lake.

- “Who built this land?” is a rhetorical question with a powerful message that emphasizes the historical significance of the nation’s founders and reminds future generations to preserve and build upon these traditions.

Answer to question 4 (page 40, Vietnamese Literature 7, Volume 1):

* My thoughts on the landscape of Hue and the description in the third song: The beauty of Hue is captured through the colors of the road: the vivid green of the hills and the bright blue of the water. The scene is like a painting, peaceful, expansive, and poetic.

* The language:

- The pronoun “who” is vague, and could refer to someone specific or be a general message to everyone.

- “Anyone visiting Hue, come”: It carries a subtle invitation, expressing both a love for Hue and a desire to share the region’s beauty with others.

Answer to question 5 (page 40, Vietnamese Literature 7, Volume 1):

* The first two lines of the fourth poem display the following features in their language:

- The words “ni, tê” (this, that) show that the poem is written in a central Vietnamese dialect.

- Repetition and inversion: “standing by this field, standing by that field,” “vast and endless, endless and vast” emphasize the expansiveness of the field and the endless horizon. The scene conveys a sense of boundless space and vitality.

⟹ The meaning: The lines highlight the vast, infinite nature of the field, captured through the narrator's joyful and content perspective.

Answer to question 6 (page 40, Vietnamese Literature 7, Volume 1):

Analysis of the image of the girl in the last two lines of the fourth poem: The girl is compared to “lush rice stalks”

- Lush rice stalks: the rice is nearly ready to bloom, and the stalks are beginning to bend with the weight of the nearly-ripe grain.

- The girl, just entering adolescence, embodies the vitality and beauty of youth, much like the growing rice stalks.

⟹ Against the vast backdrop of the endless field, the girl seems small but exudes innocence, youth, and energy, like the rice stalks gently swaying in the early morning sunlight. This creates a harmonious, elegant, and evocative scene that blends nature and humanity.

Answer to question 7 (page 40, Vietnamese Literature 7, Volume 1):

- The fourth poem describes the young man observing the girl standing in the expansive field. He sees the vastness of the field and the youthful energy of the girl.

- An alternate interpretation of the fourth poem: the girl, standing before the boundless field, feels small and insignificant, lamenting her own fate. I disagree with this interpretation, as the lines convey joy and happiness, not a sense of insignificance.

Practice

Answer to question 1 (page 40, Vietnamese Literature 7, Volume 1):

Comment on the poetry forms in the four songs:

- The poems primarily use the traditional six-eight line format but also include variations in poems 1 and 3, and free verse in the first two lines of the fourth poem.

⟹ Each form has its own strengths and limitations in conveying emotions and feelings.

Answer to question 2 (page 40, Vietnamese Literature 7, Volume 1):

The common theme in all four poems:

- It is the love for the homeland, the country, and the people.

- This love is expressed in a pure, delicate way, along with a sense of pride in one’s roots, country, and people.

Question 1: Which opinion below do you agree with about the first poem?

a- The poem is written by one person and has only one part.

b- The poem has two parts: the first part is the question from the young man, and the second part is the girl's answer.

c- This kind of dialogue is common in folk songs and lullabies.

d- This type of dialogue is uncommon in folk songs and lullabies.

Answer

b. The folk song consists of two parts: the first is the young man's question, and the second is the girl's response.

c. This type of dialogue is widespread in folk songs and lullabies.

Example:

- What is sharper than a knife?

What is deeper than the ocean, higher than the sky?

- Your eyes are sharper than a knife,

Your belly deeper than the ocean, your forehead higher than the sky.

- What is small but spicy?

What is small but a sign of authority?

- The pepper is small but spicy,

The coin is small but carries power.

- I challenge you, from North to South,

Which river is the deepest?

Which mountain is the highest?

If you answer correctly,

I will make a bond with you.

- The deepest is the Bach Dang River,

Where the enemy came and left thrice.

The highest is the Lam Son Mountain,

Where Le Loi led his troops out.

Question 2: Why do the young man and the girl use specific place names and their characteristics to ask and answer each other in the first poem?

Answer

In the first poem, the young man and the girl use place names with specific characteristics to ask and answer because this is part of the traditional folk singing game. This game tests their knowledge of history, geography, and culture of various regions.

The place names in the first poem are from the northern regions of Vietnam. These names are tied to historical, geographical, and cultural characteristics of the areas. The person asking the questions selects iconic features to quiz the other, while the respondent answers accurately. This exchange serves as a means for young people to express their feelings toward each other.

Question 3: Analyze the phrase “Invite each other” and describe the depiction of the scene in the second poem. What do the place names and scenery suggest? What are your thoughts on the final question in the poem: “Who created this land and water?”

Answer

In the second poem, the phrase “Invite each other” shows that both the inviter and the invited are eager to explore the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake. This is a natural landmark as well as a historical and cultural site of Vietnam.

The depiction in this folk song is more suggestive than descriptive. It lists several place names: Hoan Kiem Lake, The Huc Bridge, Ngoc Son Temple... but these are enough to evoke excitement, as they represent the iconic features of the lake.

The place names are connected to the national history of resistance (the legend of Hoan Kiem Lake). The scenery, with its lake, bridges, pagodas, and towers, creates a picturesque view of Hanoi, evoking a sense of pride about the country, its history, and culture.

The final question, “Who created this land and water?” is a reminder for us to remember the contributions of our ancestors in building the country. It also encourages us and future generations to continue preserving and developing the country in line with its rich historical and cultural heritage.

Question 4: What are your thoughts on the scenery of Hue and the depiction of the scene in the third poem? Analyze the pronoun “anyone” and the emotions hidden in the invitation, “Anyone who visits Hue should come...”

Answer

The scenery of Hue is very beautiful and poetic. The winding roads are surrounded by mountains and water, creating a vast and open space. The lush greenery and clear waters add to Hue's tranquil and serene atmosphere. This landscape is so enchanting that it can be compared to a “painting” that captivates anyone who sees it.

Though the poem uses descriptive phrases like “winding roads” and metaphors like “like a painting,” the focus is on suggestion rather than direct description. Still, the beauty of Hue is vividly evoked.

The pronoun “anyone” in the phrase “Anyone who visits Hue should come” is indefinite and can refer to one person or many people, either someone the poet directly addresses or someone they have never met.

The invitation carries a deep sense of pride and love for the beauty of Hue, and the poet desires to share that admiration with others. Furthermore, it could also reflect a universal desire to welcome all visitors and show them the wonders of the region.

Question 5: What is special about the language in the first two lines of poem four? What is the significance of these features?

Answer

The first two lines of poem four are unusual because they are extended to twelve syllables, with the use of repetition, inversion, and symmetry (standing on the left side – standing on the right side, vast and boundless – boundless and vast).

This technique creates a sense of vastness, emphasizing the large and endless size of the field. The repeated words and inverted phrases reinforce the idea that, no matter where you stand, the field will appear infinite. The vastness of the field symbolizes a life full of hope and confidence.

Question 6: Analyze the image of the girl in the last two lines of poem four.

Answer

The rice plants are nearing bloom, and the morning sun is shining brightly. The comparison of the girl to “the rice in full bloom, swaying under the morning sun” highlights the image of a young girl in the spring of her life, full of vitality and energy.

In the first two lines of the poem, the field is vast and endless. In the next two lines, a young girl appears, fragile yet more graceful. However, the fertility of the entire field, “vast and boundless,” is also due to the labor of her small hands. Standing between heaven and earth, her bright eyes reflect pride, and her smile expresses joy as she sees the results of her hard work stretching out before her.

Question 7: Who is speaking in poem four? What feelings do they want to express? Do you have another interpretation of this poem, and do you agree with it?

Answer

Poem four is spoken by a young man. He admires the vast field and the delicate girl in the bloom of youth. He praises both the field and the girl's beauty, expressing his feelings for her in a subtle and poetic way.

Another interpretation of this poem could be that it is spoken by the girl herself. She stands before the vastness of the field, contemplating her own fate, comparing herself to “the rice in full bloom, swaying under the morning sun.” While beautiful, she knows her beauty is fleeting, much like the rice that will eventually wither. The word “swaying” reflects her inner anxiety, similar to the feelings of uncertainty expressed by another girl in a different poem:

“My body is like a silk ribbon,

Swaying in the market, I wonder who will take me.”

(There may be other interpretations as well. The key is to explain your interpretation logically, based on the poem's content.)

II. PRACTICE

Question 1: What do you think about the poetic form used in the four poems?

Answer

The poetic form in the four folk songs: In addition to the standard six-eight form, these poems also use:

- Modified six-eight form: In poem 1, the syllables in the six-line and eight-line are not the usual six and eight.

- Free verse: In poem 4, the first two lines are excessively long.

Question 2: What common emotion is expressed in the four folk songs?

Answer

The common emotion expressed in these four folk songs is love for the homeland, the country, and its people.