1. Reference Essay 4
'Cây tre Việt Nam' by the author Thép Mới is an insightful commentary on the film of the same name by Polish filmmakers. Upon reading the opening line, readers are struck by its powerful message: 'Bamboo is the close friend of Vietnamese farmers, the trusted companion of the Vietnamese people.' Thép Mới effectively conveys the deep bond between bamboo and the people of Vietnam.
The author goes on to describe bamboo’s presence in both the material and spiritual aspects of Vietnamese life—its role in agriculture, in the hearts of the people, and in the struggles of the Vietnamese over history. Vietnam, a tropical country bathed in sunlight, is home to a vast array of lush, green plants. The author compares bamboo to other plants, praising its importance: 'All trees are beautiful, all trees are valuable, but none are as familiar as bamboo.' Bamboo can be found across the country, from Đồng Nai to Việt Bắc, and even in Điện Biên Phủ, with the 'intimate bamboo hedges of my village.' Through personification, bamboo becomes a beloved companion: 'Wherever we go, bamboo is our friend.' It is as if bamboo has become an inseparable part of the people’s lives.
Moreover, bamboo has many relatives—such as rattan, bamboo, and several other species—but they all share the same characteristic: they all grow straight from the same shoot. This observation is both subtle and meaningful. Bamboo possesses remarkable vitality, thriving wherever it is planted. The poet Nguyễn Duy beautifully describes this vitality in his poem:
'Bamboo always stays green
Even on barren, stony soil.'
(Bamboo Vietnam)
This personification of bamboo helps readers understand its noble qualities: 'Bamboo stands tall, simple, and strong, just like the people of Vietnam.' Bamboo embodies the spirit of the Vietnamese people.
The connection between bamboo and the Vietnamese people is further emphasized by the author, who quotes a line from Tố Hữu: 'The shade of bamboo shelters us.' This line evokes the serene beauty of bamboo hedges in the rural landscape, symbolizing the peaceful, hardworking life of the Vietnamese people through the centuries. Repeated references to bamboo’s shade—'beneath the bamboo shade of ancient times,' 'under the green bamboo shade'—create a tranquil, reflective tone: 'Beneath the bamboo shade of ancient times, the old pagoda and temple stand quietly. Under the green bamboo shade, we preserve our long-standing culture. Under the bamboo’s shelter, generations of Vietnamese have built their homes, tilled the land, and cultivated rice.' The color green of bamboo symbolizes the spirit of the people, the passage of time, and the continuity of culture.
Bamboo is further personified: 'Bamboo lives alongside us, helping us... Bamboo remains steadfast, always present in our struggles.' From an inanimate object, bamboo takes on a soul, bound to the lives of the people, a constant companion through hardships, prosperity, and happiness. Bamboo is integral to daily life—from being used in making traditional rice cakes to being featured in wedding rituals, symbolizing lasting love and loyalty.
'Bamboo is the arm of the farmer.' The repetition of 'bamboo shade,' 'beneath the bamboo shade,' and 'bamboo' emphasizes the inseparable bond between bamboo and the people. Bamboo is present throughout a person's life, from childhood games to adulthood labor, and in old age, it is a companion in the moments of rest. Bamboo remains a faithful friend, much like the villagers who have lived alongside it.
Bamboo’s role extends beyond daily life to the battlefield. Bamboo embodies the indomitable spirit of a hero: 'Just like bamboo grows straight, we will not be bowed.' Bamboo stands as a symbol of bravery and resilience in the face of danger: 'Bamboo spears and bamboo sticks stand firm against the enemy’s iron and steel. Bamboo charges against tanks and cannons. Bamboo defends villages, protects homes, and preserves fields of ripe rice.' Bamboo sacrifices itself to protect the people. It is both a hero of labor and a hero of war, as depicted in the author’s vivid, historically grounded words.
Finally, the author encourages reflection on bamboo's role in modern life. Despite the increasing prevalence of concrete and steel, bamboo remains a vital part of human existence: 'Tomorrow, steel and iron may surpass bamboo and rattan, but on our journey, bamboo will still be the shade that shelters us. Bamboo will continue to carry the tune of our hearts. Bamboo will adorn the gates of victory, and bamboo swings will rise high in the sky. The sound of bamboo flutes will echo endlessly.' These symbolic images invite us to reflect deeply on the enduring presence of bamboo in our lives.
In conclusion, 'Cây tre Việt Nam' by Thép Mới is a meaningful work that profoundly captures the importance of bamboo in the lives of the Vietnamese people, leaving readers with a deep appreciation for its symbolic and cultural significance.

2. Reference Essay 5
In the work 'Cây tre Việt Nam', Thép Mới presents to the reader the deep connection between bamboo and the lives of the Vietnamese people. Bamboo is a long-time companion to farmers and the general population of Vietnam. It has become a symbol of the country and its people.
The author illustrates that bamboo is found throughout the country and possesses valuable qualities. Bamboo is described as a close friend to the Vietnamese: 'Bamboo thrives everywhere, it grows green and strong,' and 'Its form is simple, its color fresh and humble.' As it matures, it becomes sturdy, flexible, and enduring. Through this, we see that bamboo embodies qualities of grace, simplicity, and strength, much like the people of Vietnam.
Bamboo also plays a role in daily life and labor. The use of metaphors and personification helps us visualize its bond with people. Bamboo gently envelops villages and towns. Beneath its shade, people preserve their ancient culture, building homes, cultivating the land, and clearing new fields. Bamboo is the farmer’s arm, tirelessly working alongside the people, as it grinds grain in the bamboo mill. Bamboo is a family member, inseparable from daily life. It ties together the simple, heartfelt emotions of the people. Bamboo is the joy of childhood and the elderly. Not only in work but also in warfare, bamboo plays an essential role. The Vietnamese people have used bamboo as a weapon to defend their homeland. We remember the image of Saint Gióng pulling up bamboo shoots to drive away the An invaders. In modern times, bamboo charges against tanks and artillery. Bamboo has helped protect villages, homes, and fields. It even 'sacrifices itself to protect the people.' This bond between bamboo and the people becomes even more sacred after facing sacrifices and loss. Ultimately, the author affirms that bamboo is indeed the friend of the Vietnamese people—a deep and profound truth.
Finally, Thép Mới highlights the continued significance of bamboo as Vietnam enters the industrial age: 'As steel and concrete gradually replace bamboo, they will still never surpass its value.' 'But bamboo will endure. Bamboo will still provide shade, stand as an archway, and transform into music, into the culture of springtime swings.' The author expresses his belief in the everlasting role of bamboo in the lives of the people.
By reading this work, we not only understand the close relationship between bamboo and the Vietnamese people but also grow to love this symbol of the nation. Thép Mới has successfully employed various literary techniques to demonstrate the deep bond, noble qualities, and significant role of bamboo.
'Cây tre Việt Nam' portrays the image of bamboo as an inseparable part of the Vietnamese way of life. Thanks to this work, we gain a deeper understanding of the connection between bamboo and the people.

3. Reference Essay 6
The Vietnamese bamboo tree was written by Thép Mới as a narration for the film of the same name by Polish filmmakers. Through the image of the bamboo, the film depicted the country and people of Vietnam, celebrating the nation's resistance against French colonialism. The narration became a significant contribution to the film's value, regarded as a remarkable essay, a prose-poem by journalist and writer Thép Mới.
Thép Mới's opening line reads: 'The bamboo is the close friend of the Vietnamese farmers, the close friend of the Vietnamese people.' This establishes a long-standing, special bond between the bamboo and the Vietnamese people, particularly the farmers. Bamboo can be found everywhere across the country: Bamboo in Đồng Nai, bamboo in Việt Bắc, bamboo stretching through Điện Biên Phủ, and the friendly bamboo groves of my village... Bamboo is everywhere as a companion. With just one line, the author evokes the presence of bamboo throughout the nation. The symmetrical imagery and rhythmic quality of the sentence makes it delightful to read. Immediately following, the author praises the admirable qualities of the bamboo: 'Wherever bamboo grows, it thrives; its form is simple, its color fresh and gentle. Its enduring vitality, flexibility, and elegance reflect the noble and modest nature of bamboo.' In these lines, bamboo is likened to the Vietnamese people, symbolizing the nation's values and the noble qualities inherent in its people.
The assertion that bamboo is the close companion of the Vietnamese farmers and people is a recurring theme throughout the essay. To prove this claim, the author presents a series of points, supported by numerous examples. First, the enduring connection between bamboo and the Vietnamese people, with bamboo present in every corner of the country. Moreover, bamboo has been a lifelong companion, with the Vietnamese people having lived and worked under its shade, preserving an ancient culture. Bamboo aids in countless tasks, functioning as the farmer's arm:
'Our fields have two or three crops a year,
Bamboo works tirelessly alongside us.'
In everyday life, bamboo is intertwined with people of all ages: for children, bamboo brings joy—playing games with bamboo sticks; for young couples, bamboo provides the setting for intimate meetings; for the elderly, it offers comfort, like a smoking pipe... Throughout a lifetime, from the cradle made of bamboo to the bamboo bed in old age, bamboo accompanies one through life and death, ever loyal.
In the struggle to protect the homeland, bamboo is also a steadfast companion: 'As we resist, bamboo fights alongside us... Bamboo sticks and bamboo spears oppose the enemy's steel and iron... Bamboo defends villages, our homes, our fields, even sacrificing itself for the protection of our people.' In the heat of battle, bamboo shows its noble, unyielding qualities: 'Even if bamboo burns, it remains upright.' Bamboo fights beside us, defending the nation. From the legendary story of the bamboo spear wielded by the heroic Gióng to the battle against the French colonial forces, the bamboo tree is a symbol of the unbreakable spirit of the Vietnamese people, as unyielding and heroic as the nation itself.
To summarize the immense role of bamboo in the lives of the Vietnamese people, the author states: 'Bamboo, the hero of labor! Bamboo, the hero of battle.' Bamboo continues to remain a close companion to the Vietnamese people, both now and in the future. In the concluding section, the author introduces a significant issue: the role of bamboo as the nation enters a new era of industrialization and modernization. The author asserts that bamboo will forever be the companion of the Vietnamese people, sharing both joy and hardship. To lead the reader to this conclusion, the author begins with the musical sounds of bamboo flutes, which express the deep emotions of the Vietnamese people. The prose, rich in musicality, mirrors the spirit of the bamboo. The author then uses the proverb 'Old bamboo shoots new shoots' and the image of young bamboo shoots on a child's scout badge to naturally transition to the affirmation of bamboo's future in the nation: 'Bamboo will always remain with the Vietnamese people, sharing the joys and sorrows of the future... In the future, steel and cement may replace bamboo in some ways, but as we walk through life, the bamboo will always provide shade. Bamboo will continue to carry the song of the people's heart...' The bamboo, with its noble qualities, carries the historical and cultural values of the Vietnamese people and will endure through generations, embodying national pride and dignity:
'In the future,
In the future,
In the future...
The land will remain green, and bamboo will always be green...'
(Nguyễn Duy, Vietnamese Bamboo)
In this piece, 'The Vietnamese Bamboo,' Thép Mới uses carefully selected details and symbolic imagery, employing personification with great success. His writing, rich in emotion and rhythm, brings out the simple beauty and noble qualities of the bamboo. Bamboo has become a symbol of Vietnam, representing the Vietnamese people and their enduring spirit.

4. Reference Example No. 7
In his piece *The Vietnamese Bamboo Tree*, the writer Thép Mới emphasizes the deep and enduring bond between the Vietnamese people and the bamboo tree, portraying it as a long-time companion of farmers and all Vietnamese people.
The essay opens with a sweeping statement, offering a generalization that sets the tone for the entire piece: "The bamboo tree is the close companion of the Vietnamese farmer, the close companion of the Vietnamese people." Immediately after, the writer begins his argument by asserting, "The Vietnamese bamboo is the most unique tree among all others." Through a simple comparison, the author places bamboo in the context of the tropical nature of Vietnam, surrounded by countless other species of trees. In just three sentences, the writer beautifully illustrates that, while all trees are cherished, bamboo’s bond with humans is unmatched. To avoid being overly sentimental or biased, the author uses a vivid and repetitive imagery system, creating strong visual impressions: "Bamboo of Đồng Nai, bamboo of Việt Bắc, endless bamboo in Điện Biên Phủ, the familiar bamboo hedges in my village..." This structure resembles a cinematic camera zooming in and out, from a broad panorama to a close-up shot of the bamboo surrounding a village—an image that evokes deep nostalgia.
The rhythm and structure of the prose echo the poetic quality of the work, with a pattern of 3-3, 6-6 that imbues the writing with a musical quality. The rich emotional current flowing through the text allows the writer to transition seamlessly into discussing the characteristics of bamboo. Again using comparison and repetition, with smooth, harmonious rhythms, the writer presents the bamboo as a symbol of vitality and resilience: "Bamboo grows everywhere, it thrives in every place." From this root, it develops attributes of simplicity, humility, strength, flexibility, and nobility—traits that reflect the Vietnamese character. The bamboo, so familiar and yet noble, embodies the spirit of the Vietnamese people, to the point where the line between bamboo and human becomes blurred.
The idea that "The bamboo is the friend of the Vietnamese farmer, the friend of the Vietnamese people" becomes clearer as the essay unfolds. Under the shade of bamboo, "the whole life of the people is woven—work, traditions, joy and sorrow, building houses and raising families (two of the three major life events: buying cattle, marrying, and building a home), living and dying, 'bamboo stays with us, living and dying together.'" This section of the essay combines horizontal and vertical elements: horizontally, the imagery suggests the ancient temples, rural culture, daily work, and hardships like grinding, pounding, and weaving; vertically, the author emphasizes the passage of time, with phrases like "ancient temples," "long-standing culture," "for generations," and "for thousands of years." This speaks to Vietnam's 4,000-year history. More than just physical imagery, the bamboo also symbolizes intangible cultural aspects such as songs, proverbs, and metaphors.
The author transitions seamlessly from thoughts on bamboo's connection with the Vietnamese people's life to its cultural and emotional significance. The image of bamboo also invokes nostalgia for past generations, as seen in the analogy to a farmer’s fondness for his ox: "Just as a farmer speaks to his ox, 'Ox, I tell you this...'." The musicality of the prose becomes clearer here, with rhythm and rhyme, especially in lines such as: "The bamboo splits and ties the lathes tightly, like the first love whispered under the shade of bamboo." The bamboo mill turns, grinding grain from time immemorial. This section of the essay is perhaps the most poignant, where the author conveys an entire range of emotions and history through carefully chosen words and images.
The writer continues to emphasize the role of bamboo in Vietnam’s struggle for independence. The bamboo’s resilience and courage are also rooted in its symbolic nature, as the writer recalls the old saying: "Even when bamboo is burned, it remains upright." The bamboo’s loyalty to the people is demonstrated by its willingness to fight for the homeland, just as it has always been: "Bamboo charges at tanks and artillery. Bamboo defends the village, the homeland, the thatched roofs, and the ripe rice fields. Bamboo sacrifices itself to protect humanity." The bamboo symbolizes the fierce will to protect the country and its people, sacrificing itself for the greater good.
The final section looks ahead, linking past, present, and future. The writer reflects on the future of bamboo and the Vietnamese people. Although the piece is forward-looking, it is imbued with a sense of hope and anticipation: "The music of bamboo is the melody of the countryside. Remembering a hot afternoon when the southern breeze blew..." The final thoughts are an expression of the hopeful future for the Vietnamese people, anchored by the symbol of bamboo.
Artistically, the essay showcases literary qualities that transcend the work’s journalistic nature. The author combines passion with cultural knowledge to express the beauty and symbolic value of the bamboo. Though structured as an essay with clear divisions and arguments, it flows like a poem, weaving together rich imagery and rhythm, effectively using personification and other literary techniques.
Ultimately, *The Vietnamese Bamboo Tree* is a concise yet deeply meaningful work, affirming the intimate relationship between the Vietnamese people and their bamboo tree.

5. Reference Essay 1
Bamboo is a symbol of the Vietnamese people and their culture. When we talk about the humble, simple beauty of bamboo, we must mention Thép Mới's work *The Vietnamese Bamboo Tree*. This essay was originally written as a commentary for a Polish film, using the image of bamboo to highlight the beauty of the people and land of Vietnam, while also honoring the nation's resistance against French colonial rule.
From the opening sentences, the author firmly states that bamboo is the "close friend of the Vietnamese farmer, the close friend of the Vietnamese people." This sentence strongly affirms the deep and enduring connection between bamboo and the Vietnamese people. To emphasize bamboo's importance, the author places it among the many trees of Vietnam, but bamboo holds a special and irreplaceable place: "Vietnam is home to a myriad of trees and plants. Every tree is beautiful, every tree is precious, but none are as familiar as bamboo." Bamboo is found everywhere in Vietnam: "Bamboo from Đồng Nai, bamboo from Việt Bắc, the endless bamboo of Điện Biên Phủ, the familiar bamboo hedges of my village..." The rhythmic structure and use of enumeration underline the intimate, ever-present role bamboo plays in the lives of the people.
Following this, Thép Mới highlights the admirable qualities of bamboo: "Straight-growing, thriving wherever it stands, its simple yet sturdy form, its resilient, flexible nature..." The language flows harmoniously, almost like a song. The bamboo’s beauty and spirit are compared to that of a person: "Bamboo is graceful, modest, and strong-willed, just like a person." This comparison suggests that bamboo is a true representation of the Vietnamese people.
From the very beginning, Thép Mới affirms the deep connection between bamboo and the people. To prove this point, he provides numerous examples that illuminate this bond. Not only does bamboo embody the noble qualities of the Vietnamese people, but it is also woven into the fabric of daily life. The author quotes a line from the poet Tố Hữu: "The shade of bamboo envelops the village." This imagery connects bamboo to the Vietnamese way of life, as bamboo shelters the people, providing comfort as they work the fields and cultivate the land. The repetition of phrases like "the shade of bamboo" and "under the bamboo's shade" further reinforces the enduring relationship between bamboo and the people. Bamboo has been a companion from birth, with bamboo cradles rocked by the soft lullabies of mothers and grandmothers, through childhood games with bamboo flutes, to old age, where a bamboo pipe might bring joy. Even in death, bamboo remains by the people's side.
During the hardships of war, bamboo stood as a loyal companion, a symbol of resilience. The image of bamboo, standing tall despite adversity—"Just like bamboo that grows straight, the Vietnamese people will never bend"—also praises the indomitable will of the nation. Despite the bombs and bullets of the enemy, both bamboo and people refused to surrender. Bamboo helped in the fight: "Bamboo poles and spears stood against enemy tanks and iron." The writer uses personification throughout the passage: "Bamboo is a comrade, bamboo defends the village, bamboo sacrifices itself..." These phrases elevate the significance of bamboo and evoke the heroism and sacrifices of the Vietnamese people during the war.
The essay concludes by reflecting on the present-day role of bamboo. As modern life has progressed and materials like steel and concrete have replaced bamboo in construction, bamboo has not lost its place in Vietnamese culture. It continues to appear in modern emblems, such as on the badges of children, and the author skillfully evokes this in the image of "bamboo shoots growing," with the sound of a bamboo flute playing in the distance. The conclusion soars with a final tribute to the unbreakable bond between bamboo and the people.
The essay employs a language rich in poetic rhythm, with varied and flexible pacing that matches the spirit of the piece. The repetition of words and phrases creates a lively, stirring atmosphere, especially when describing the years of resistance against the French. The lyrical, heartfelt tone blends seamlessly with folk songs and poetry, creating a heartfelt harmony that brings the essay's message to life. This beautiful and evocative writing is key to the success of the piece.
Through carefully selected images and a sincere tone, the author affirms bamboo’s deep connection to the lives of the Vietnamese people. Bamboo, with its admirable qualities, stands as a true symbol of the Vietnamese nation.

6. Reference Essay 2
When reading *The Vietnamese Bamboo Tree*, Thép Mới shows the deep connection between bamboo and the daily lives of the Vietnamese people.
The author establishes that bamboo is a close friend to the farmers and the people of Vietnam. The image of bamboo is then vividly described: "Wherever bamboo grows, it thrives and stays green," and "The shape of bamboo is simple and upright, with a gentle and refreshing green color." Bamboo, with its humble, graceful beauty, embodies the spirit of the Vietnamese people.
Next, Thép Mới deepens our understanding of the bond between bamboo and the Vietnamese way of life. For ages, the green shade of bamboo has enveloped the villages and towns. Beneath its shade, a long-standing culture has flourished, with people building homes, tilling fields, and clearing new lands. Bamboo is a hardworking companion to the farmers, a tool used in the daily grind of life. Bamboo tirelessly aids in the labor of grinding grain, while also connecting the people to the rhythm of their culture. Bamboo is not only part of daily life, but also part of the emotions that bind people together. It is the joy of childhood and the comfort of old age. Bamboo is a true friend to the people of Vietnam, always present in both work and play.
Beyond the material and spiritual aspects of life, bamboo also became a symbol of resistance during wartime. The Vietnamese people used bamboo as a weapon to fight the invaders. The image of Saint Gióng pulling bamboo shoots to drive out the Ân invaders is an unforgettable part of the nation's history. In modern times, bamboo has stood tall against tanks and cannons, helping the people defend their villages, their homes, and their country. Bamboo has even "sacrificed itself to protect the people" in times of conflict.
In the final part of the essay, the author brings a sense of calm when reflecting on the current place of bamboo in the world. Despite the march of modernization, bamboo remains an important part of the future, even as the country embraces industrialization. Bamboo continues to provide shade and serves as the source of melodies that speak to the soul.
Thép Mới uses carefully chosen symbols and employs personification and a rhythmic, emotional tone. Through these literary devices, the reader gains a deeper appreciation for the role of bamboo in both the material and spiritual life of Vietnam.
Bamboo has come to symbolize the strength and spirit of the Vietnamese people. *The Vietnamese Bamboo Tree* leaves a lasting impression on its readers.

7. Reference Essay 3
In *The Vietnamese Bamboo Tree*, the author Thép Mới helps readers gain a deeper understanding of the bamboo tree, a familiar symbol in the lives of the Vietnamese people.
The story begins with the author emphasizing the importance of bamboo: "Vietnam is filled with a variety of plants, each beautiful and precious in its own way, but none are as close to us as bamboo." This highlights how bamboo is a well-loved and essential part of daily life in Vietnam. The author then describes the beauty of bamboo: "Wherever it grows, bamboo stands tall, vibrant and green, whether in barren lands or fertile soil." Thus, throughout the country, one can easily encounter the image of bamboo: "Bamboo from Đồng Nai, bamboo from Việt Bắc, bamboo stretching endlessly in Điện Biên Phủ, the beloved bamboo hedges in my village... Wherever we go, bamboo is our companion." The gentle tone at the start of the story reflects the deep affection and sincerity the author feels for bamboo.
Bamboo is portrayed as a symbol of the admirable qualities of the Vietnamese people: "Bamboo, rattan, bamboo shoots, and many other types of bamboo all share a common trait: they grow straight from the same root." With just a few concise sentences, the author captures both the physical beauty and the noble character of bamboo, demonstrating the author's sensitivity and keen observation. Bamboo thus becomes a representation of the beauty and virtues of the Vietnamese people.
As a faithful companion, bamboo feels like a confidant: "The shade of bamboo covers the villages, towns, and hamlets with warmth. Beneath its shade, ancient pagodas and temples stand. For generations, the people have built homes, cultivated fields, and cleared new lands with the help of bamboo. Bamboo lives with people, generation after generation. Bamboo, rattan, bamboo shoots, and other types serve in countless ways. Bamboo is the farmer’s right hand." Bamboo is intricately intertwined with human life, like something that cannot be separated. From childhood, bamboo brings joy in traditional games; in adulthood, bamboo accompanies the people in the fields. In old age, bamboo becomes a trusted companion in the form of a pipe. Bamboo remains steadfast, like the village people who remain faithful to their homeland. This deep connection with bamboo is what endears the plant to us.
As the reader continues, they come to appreciate bamboo even more: "Bamboo sticks and bamboo spears fought against the enemy's steel and iron. Bamboo marched into battle, helping to defend villages, protect homes, and safeguard the rice fields. Bamboo sacrificed itself to protect the people. Bamboo, a labor hero! Bamboo, a hero in battle!" Bamboo, the hero of the battlefield, stands side by side with the people against their foes.
Finally, the author speaks of bamboo in the present day. As steel and concrete become more prevalent, bamboo still holds a special place: "In the future, steel and iron may outnumber bamboo, but as we walk the path forward, the green bamboo will always be our shade. Bamboo will continue to carry the melodies of our hearts. Bamboo will adorn the victorious gates. The bamboo swings will continue to rise high. The sound of bamboo flutes will soar." This belief in bamboo’s enduring value reinforces its timeless nature.
*The Vietnamese Bamboo Tree* is a beautifully written work that celebrates the significance of bamboo in Vietnamese culture. After reading it, we grow even more fond of, proud of, and respectful towards this noble plant.

