The 8 Best Essays Analyzing the Image of Women in the Poem 'Bánh trôi nước'

In Vietnam, the image of women has not only appeared in the heroic pages of history but also serves as an endless source of inspiration for poetry, music, and painting. When speaking about women, Hồ Xuân Hương, often referred to as the 'Queen of Nom Poetry,' can be considered the poet of women.

Most of her poems focus on women or reflect her perspective on them. What stands out is that in Hồ Xuân Hương’s poetry, she doesn't embody the poetic persona but directly voices her critique of the decaying feudal society, its injustices, and firmly asserts the inherent beauty and rights of women.

'Bánh trôi nước' is a poem that describes an object, written in the form of a quatrain. On the surface, it describes a traditional dish, but beneath this image lies the beauty and fate of Vietnamese women in feudal society. Xuân Hương's brilliance lies in her ability to evoke so much about women through just a few strokes of the brush, all within the constraints of 28 characters.

The first line of the poem reads:

My body is both white and round,

Rising and sinking in the waters of life.

Broken or intact, despite the hands that shape me,

I remain true to my heart.

When encountering a woman, the first impression is usually her outward beauty, followed by her inner qualities. Hồ Xuân Hương’s perspective aligns with this traditional understanding of beauty.

The first line, with its adjectives 'white' and 'round,' describes the color and shape of the rice cake but also evokes the outward beauty of a woman. Traditionally, a woman's beauty is often associated with fair skin:

My wrist is as white as ivory,

My eyes glint like a sharp knife.

For Hồ Xuân Hương, this image of fair, rosy skin symbolizes youthful beauty and vitality. The round shape of the rice cake also reflects the traditional Vietnamese aesthetic of a full, well-rounded figure, symbolizing completeness and perfection.

This fair, rounded beauty is both captivating and full of life, containing a fiery passion and an optimistic outlook on life, characteristic of the poet and the people, especially the working class. Behind this beauty, one might also see the purity and virtuous character of Vietnamese women, symbolizing innocence, sincerity, and the essence of Vietnamese values.

The second line, which refers to the process of boiling the rice cakes, subtly alludes to the hardships faced by Vietnamese women in feudal society. The expression 'rising and sinking' highlights their struggles, but it also points to their perseverance, sacrifice, and resilience—traits that are deeply ingrained in the Vietnamese woman’s character.

These qualities can be traced back to folk poems and tales, such as the image of a woman who raises her children alone while her husband is away at war:

The heron swims along the riverbank,

Carrying rice to her husband, crying softly...

Or the figure of bà Tú in Tú Xương’s poem 'Thương vợ':

She has been selling goods along the riverbanks,

Raising five children with one husband...

The last two lines continue the theme of a woman’s tragic fate in a feudal society, focusing on her dependent status but highlighting her most valuable qualities according to the Confucian moral code, especially loyalty and devotion:

Broken or intact, despite the hands that shape me,

I remain true to my heart.

In this case, the poet uses the metaphor of 'true heart' not to symbolize patriotism but the unwavering devotion of a woman, especially a wife.

From ancient times, the Confucian doctrine of 'three obediences and four virtues' demanded that a woman be loyal to her husband, and this has always been considered a treasured virtue, admired and upheld in society.

What is remarkable in these final two lines is how Hồ Xuân Hương confidently affirms the loyalty of women through the contrast in the phrase 'broken or intact,' implying that no matter the hardship or subjugation, a woman’s devotion remains unbroken.

With each line, the poet uncovers another layer of the traditional beauty of Vietnamese women, using the metaphor of the water cake to subtly reveal their multiple aspects. Hồ Xuân Hương’s poetry not only celebrates women’s physical beauty but also their moral strength and inner qualities, presenting a complete picture of the ideal Vietnamese woman.

Through the image of the rice cake, Hồ Xuân Hương sings the praises of both the outer and inner beauty of women, offering readers a glimpse of the perfect beauty of Vietnamese women, with a tone of self-assured confidence, reflecting the core of humanism and the poet’s distinctive style.

Hồ Xuân Hương is one of the rare female poets in Vietnamese literature whose works have been passed down through generations. With her modern, bold, and free-spirited writing style, she earned the admiration of readers. She wrote extensively and profoundly about the lives of women in feudal Vietnam. The poem 'Bánh trôi nước' serves as a metaphorical representation of Vietnamese women.

'Bánh trôi nước' is written in a quatrain format, with compact verses that carry deep meanings. This is likely why she is often called the 'Queen of Nom Poetry,' with her concise verses delivering sharp insights.

Hồ Xuân Hương chose 'bánh trôi nước' (water cake) as the central symbol representing women in feudal Vietnamese society:

My body is both white and round

In just one line, Hồ Xuân Hương meticulously describes the shape and color of the water cake. This type of cake, simple and tied to the everyday life of the people, is used to symbolize herself through the phrase 'my body.' There are many ways to write beautifully, but Hồ Xuân Hương chose to write truthfully, deeply, and accurately. 'White and round' may not be considered the ideal beauty standard, but it conveys a sense of purity and warmth. The white and round cake mirrors the image of a gentle, composed, and healthy woman.

The second line depicts the process of cooking the cake:

Rising and sinking in the waters of life

This line vividly describes how the water cake floats and sinks in boiling water. However, the words 'rise' and 'sink' also symbolize the instability and uncertainty of a woman's life, reflecting the turmoil and hardships she endures. The numbers 'three' and 'seven' evoke the various struggles and challenges women face.

In a feudal society, women were oppressed, exploited, and treated cruelly. They were silent, unable to speak out or seek help, for no one would understand or care.

The third line speaks to the sense of surrender, either to the person making the cake or to the unjust society:

Broken or intact, despite the hands that shape me

Women in feudal times were often at a disadvantage, forced to endure and accept their fate. They were pushed around and silenced, never daring to speak out or demand fairness. The word 'despite' in this line emphasizes a resignation to fate, while subtly hinting at a sense of indifference. However, in reading this line, we can still sense a faint resistance through the use of 'despite,' showing that Hồ Xuân Hương, as a woman, did not bow to oppression, and neither did her poetry.

Even though they were exploited and crushed, the soul of Vietnamese women remained loyal and unyielding: 'But I remain true to my heart.'

No matter how harsh or unfair life may be, the loyalty and faithfulness of women are precious qualities that deserve respect. Hồ Xuân Hương uncovered a rare beauty in Vietnamese women—the purity of their souls, untouched and unwavering.

With her mastery of language and unique metaphorical expressions, Hồ Xuân Hương revealed the corrupt and unjust nature of feudal society. Women were oppressed, yet they maintained a heart full of loyalty and devotion.

In ancient feudal society, the status of women was incredibly small and unfortunate, as they were subjected to unjust and cruel treatment. This inspired many literary works from poets of the time, directing their pens towards these oppressed figures. One notable figure is the poet Hồ Xuân Hương, a talented female writer who portrayed the lives of women with deep affection and empathy. She also boldly criticized the injustices of society, which led to the suffering of these women. Among her works, 'Bánh Trôi Nước' stands out as a rare poem that expresses a gentle, feminine tone while celebrating the beauty of Vietnamese women.

In 'Bánh Trôi Nước,' Hồ Xuân Hương uses the image of rice cakes to symbolize the inner beauty and virtuous character of Vietnamese women. The poem employs simple, familiar imagery to craft an enduring symbol of Vietnamese womanhood. The poet opens the poem with the rice cakes' lament:

'My body is both white and round'

'Seven times submerged, three times floating on the water'

Here, the poet evokes the actual appearance of the rice cakes—round and white, freshly shaped by the hands of skilled artisans. The line 'My body is both white and round' not only creates a vivid visual image but also offers a tactile impression, allowing the reader to almost taste the fresh, delightful flavor of the rice cakes.

While the first line describes the rice cakes' shape and color, the second line alludes to the process of their cooking. The rice cakes are submerged in boiling water, sinking initially before rising to the surface when cooked. This process serves as a metaphor for the tumultuous life of women. Although the poet uses the rice cake as a symbol, her true intention is to honor the outward beauty and inner soul of these women.

The round, white rice cakes symbolize the beauty of these women, which the poet celebrates. However, this external beauty is only the beginning. The real beauty lies in their inner qualities. 'Seven times submerged, three times floating on the water' reflects the hardships and misfortunes these women face in life—endless struggles that make happiness a distant dream.

The second line of the poem supports the first, suggesting that outward beauty is just a foundation for the true, radiant beauty of a woman's soul. For a woman's happiness, not only must she endure life's tribulations, but it also depends on the men around her. If a man cherishes her, she will find happiness; if not, her life will be filled with sorrow.

'Broken or whole, though the hands of the maker mold me'

'I still keep a pure heart.'

This line also draws from the imagery of the rice cake, where the hands of the baker shape its form. The fate of a woman, like the rice cake, depends on the men in her life. In the feudal society, the concept of 'a wife must obey her husband' prevailed, and women were often married off according to their parents' arrangements. Thus, the quality of a woman's life depended entirely on the man she married. Despite this, the woman in the poem remains resolute in maintaining her loyalty and devotion, regardless of the hardships she endures.

'Bánh Trôi Nước' paints a beautiful picture of women, showcasing their remarkable virtues—both their outward beauty and inner strength. In ancient literature, few poets celebrated women in such a way, but Hồ Xuân Hương felt a deep connection to the struggles of Vietnamese women. Her vivid portrayals are a testament to her compassion and understanding.

Hồ Xuân Hương was one of the most talented poets in classical Vietnamese literature. Her poetry, though often light-hearted and witty, carries deep empathy and sorrow for the fate of women. Many poets before her addressed the subject of women, but Hồ Xuân Hương offered a more profound, contemporary, and innovative perspective. This is especially evident in her poem ‘Bánh trôi nước’:

My body is white and round

Floating and sinking in the water

Though it's crushed or whole by the hands that shape it

It still retains its pure heart

In this poem, she describes a rice cake, made from smooth white sticky rice flour, delicately shaped, then boiled in hot water, rising and sinking. The cake’s shape, whether perfect or deformed, whether firm or soft, depends on the hands that mold it. Yet, it retains its inner red filling. The way Hồ Xuân Hương describes the process mirrors the life of women in feudal society.

The gentle, tender tone of her poem combined with subtle and clever metaphorical comparisons brings to mind the familiar folk songs:

My body is like a silk sheet

Floating in the market, who will take it?

Or

My body is like the distant rain

The rain falls in the palace or outside the fields

These are the lamentations of women in ancient Vietnam, whose beauty was often disregarded in favor of suffering and hardship. Yet, phrases like 'white' and 'round' evoke pride and confidence in their beauty. Though they long for happiness, their fates remain filled with suffering:

Floating and sinking in the water

Despite their beauty, women were destined for pain and struggle. Their destinies were often shaped by the actions of others:

Though it's crushed or whole by the hands that shape it

Women’s fates were not their own but determined by others—by society, by men. In the patriarchal feudal system, women had no voice, no position in society or the family.

Before Hồ Xuân Hương, Nguyễn Dữ also addressed the issue of women. In his story ‘Chuyện người con gái Nam Xương,’ the heroine Vũ Nương, virtuous and devoted, suffers an untimely death at the hands of her jealous, suspicious husband.

Hồ Xuân Hương’s poetry features not the elite women of the upper class but common women:

Born into a life of hardship

Spending their lives amidst weeds and thorns

Thus, we must look beyond their external beauty and appreciate their inner strength:

Yet, I still preserve my pure heart

The pain of women here lies in their inability to protect themselves or fight back. However, despite the oppression they face, they maintain their integrity and purity. Their beauty lies not only in their physical form but in their resilience, their simple yet pure hearts.

Though society may press them down, these women rise, defying their fate, holding firm to their values, and refusing to submit to men.

If I were a man

My heroism would surpass all

(To offer a tribute to Sầm Nghi Đống)

Hồ Xuân Hương’s life was full of bitterness and misfortune, serving as a concubine to powerful men. Through her poetry, she gives voice to women who have been silenced, protesting against their unfair plight:

Some rest under the warm blankets, others face the cold

Curse this fate of sharing a husband

(The Concubine)

In conclusion, ‘Bánh trôi nước’ encapsulates the essence of women’s dignity and fate in ancient society. The women in this poem embody virtuous qualities, but society fails to appreciate them. Their lives, filled with hardship, remain a poignant tragedy, but they continue to live with dignity, holding on to their values despite their circumstances. Hồ Xuân Hương's poetry is a reflection of the struggles for ‘freedom’.

This poem raises the issue of women’s rights, a topic that many poets and writers have addressed. Nguyễn Dữ, Hồ Xuân Hương, Nguyễn Du, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu have all written about it. This issue concerns not just individual poets but society as a whole, advocating for the equality of women.

We live in a society that prides itself on equality and democracy—where people enjoy all the freedoms and happiness they deserve. A world without war, oppression, injustice, or discrimination. This is the ideal life that many of us yearn for. However, such a life was once a distant dream in the old society. People longed for equality, for the right to govern their own lives, but it remained an unreachable wish. This longing is further emphasized in the poem 'Bánh Trôi Nước' by Hồ Xuân Hương.

Thân em vừa trắng lại vừa trònBảy nổi ba chìm với nước nonRắn nát mặc dầu tay kẻ nặnMà em vẫn giữ tấm lòng son

Rather than writing in lengthy prose, the poet conveys all of her thoughts and emotions in just four lines. It’s not too long to be wordy, nor too short to lose its meaning. These four lines allow the reader to reflect deeply on their significance.

'Thân em vừa trắng lại vừa tròn'

The poet uses the familiar folk expression 'thân em' to praise the beauty of women, describing them as 'white and round.' Through metaphor, she portrays a simple, modest image, yet one that radiates charm and elegance. The plain, white rice cake symbolizes purity and innocence, representing women who deserve love, care, and protection. But in the second line, the poet foreshadows an ominous fate:

'Bảy nổi ba chìm với nước non'

Here, the poet cleverly employs the idiom 'bảy nổi ba chìm' to depict the unfortunate fate of women in the feudal society. This saying is commonly used when cooking rice cakes, indicating the moment when seven parts of the cake float, and three parts sink—signaling it's ready. But in the poem, it hints at the turbulent, uncertain life of women, subjected to societal judgment and oppression. Their fragile, delicate existence is tossed about by life's challenges, with no shore to anchor to. Without using forceful words, Hồ Xuân Hương’s metaphors have a profound impact.

In such a society, women cannot control their destiny, nor decide their own happiness. Instead, they are left to fate. Many readers might wonder: 'How can society allow fragile women to bear the storms of life? Is there no one like Từ Hải to rescue the suffering women like Thúy Kiều?' This is a heartbreaking thought.

'Rắn nát mặc dầu tay kẻ nặn'

Their weak, humiliated existence is left in the hands of 'the ones who mold' their lives. No matter how hard they struggle, they cannot escape. Why do they endure this fate? Is it fear? No, they realize deeply that no matter what they do, they cannot fight against the deep-rooted societal prejudices. This system has trapped them, leaving no room for rebellion. The question remains: when will they be able to live independently, to live according to their own will, to be themselves?

'Mà em vẫn giữ tấm lòng son'

Despite the suffering and humiliation, the poet emphasizes that the woman remains steadfast, preserving her loyalty and purity. This 'tấm lòng son' symbolizes unwavering devotion, whether to her husband, her children, or her family. No matter how much she is battered by life, she remains a loving wife, a devoted mother, and a dutiful daughter. This represents the timeless virtues of Vietnamese women. The poem expresses Hồ Xuân Hương’s deep empathy for these women, as well as her anger towards those who cause them pain—the 'molders' of their destinies.

The poem, though brief, beautifully captures the image of the Vietnamese woman through the symbol of the simple, humble rice cake. Written in the form of a four-line verse, it conveys Hồ Xuân Hương’s deep sympathy for women and her hope to awaken those who oppress them: to recognize, cherish, and love the women beside them.

“My body is like a thorny gourd

White inside, yet black outside”

The familiar folk verse above highlights the contrast between the outer beauty and the inner character of a woman. The poet Hồ Xuân Hương, often referred to as the Queen of Nom poetry, also beautifully describes the beauty of women in her poem 'Bánh Trôi Nước.' While the poem differs from the folk verse by emphasizing both physical beauty and inner virtue, the soul's beauty remains the focal point. The woman is depicted as possessing a pure heart and unwavering loyalty:

“My body is white and round

Seven float, three sink with the water’s ebb and flow

Though twisted and ruined by the hands that mold me

I still hold a heart of loyalty”

In the poem, the woman’s beauty is reflected through the image of a rice cake. The poet uses the distinct characteristics of the rice cake to convey the woman’s beauty. After describing her physical form as 'white and round,' the poet shifts focus to the woman’s inner beauty in the subsequent lines.

This beauty has endured a tumultuous journey: 'Seven float, three sink with the water’s ebb and flow.' The idiom 'seven float, three sink' symbolizes the unpredictable and turbulent life of a woman, cleverly restructured by the poet to create a striking metaphor. The phrase 'water and the land' is employed to evoke the circumstances and life of women, signifying a life filled with hardship and uncertainty. The woman must endure a life of dependence, unable to control her own fate: 'Though twisted and ruined by the hands that mold me.' In the feudal society, when patriarchy dominated, women were silenced and had to follow the rigid social rules: 'At home, follow your father, after marriage, follow your husband, if your husband dies, follow your son.' Thus, women were always dependent and had no control over their lives. Like the rice cake, whether it is made perfectly or falls apart depends on the skill of the maker, much like how a woman’s fate depends on others, as reflected in the old folk verse:

“My body is like a silken cloth

Blowing in the marketplace, uncertain who will claim it”

Yet despite all the trials and injustices, the woman’s beauty is preserved: 'I still hold a heart of loyalty.' Even though her life is turbulent and her voice is unheard, she remains loyal and devoted. The final line leaves a lasting impression on the reader, portraying the perfect beauty of a woman who rises above life’s tragedies.

Through the inner beauty of the woman, the poem 'Bánh Trôi Nước' is infused with humanitarian values. Behind the beauty of the woman is the poet’s compassionate gaze, lamenting the plight of women, while celebrating and elevating their unwavering loyalty and purity. In the context of a feudal society where male dominance and the 'patriarchal preference' system prevailed, these values hold even greater significance.

With simple language, the poem 'Bánh Trôi Nước' highlights the pure and steadfast beauty of women in the ancient feudal society. Through the humble depiction of a traditional food, the poem expresses respect and empathy for the plight of women: 'Without a woman’s hand, a simple soul like hers, much like the rice cake, would never make it into literature.'

Hồ Xuân Hương is one of the few female poets whose works have been widely circulated among the people. Her works primarily focus on depicting and reflecting on the beauty and fate of women in the old society. 'Bánh Trôi Nước' is one such work.

The poem has two main layers of meaning. The literal meaning describes the rice cake and the simple process of making this humble dish. However, what Hồ Xuân Hương truly conveys is something deeper, more hidden: the beauty and fate of women.

First, they are women of physical beauty:

My body is white and round

In appearance, they possess beauty characterized by 'whiteness' and 'roundness,' which evokes a sense of fullness and kindness. In the old folk tradition, a beautiful woman was one with a round face like the moon, fair skin, and a well-proportioned figure. These were the traditional standards of beauty for women in the past, and she embodies all of them. The verse rings with pride, asserting her value and beauty. The word 'white' here not only refers to fair skin but also symbolizes the purity and innocence of a girl. The progression of the phrase, 'white and round,' further emphasizes and highlights her beauty.

In the old society, we know that the fate of women was incredibly tragic, uncertain, and out of their control. In this poem, Hồ Xuân Hương also realistically reflects this unhappy fate: 'Seven float, three sink with the water’s ebb and flow / Twisted and ruined by the hands that mold me.' But despite the unfortunate circumstances, the woman still retains her unwavering loyalty and purity:

Yet I still hold a heart of loyalty

With simple, clear, and evocative language, which is closely aligned with folk literature, Hồ Xuân Hương expresses deep sympathy for the tragic fate of women. Through the metaphor of the rice cake, she affirms, praises, and cherishes both their external beauty and their inner qualities.

The image of Vietnamese women has long been an endless source of inspiration for poetry, music, and art. In the literary works depicting women, one cannot overlook the poems of Hồ Xuân Hương, often referred to as 'The Queen of Nom Poetry.' She is regarded as the poet of women, and her work 'Bánh Trôi Nước' perfectly exemplifies this recognition.

This poem is a 'verse of praise,' written in the traditional seven-character quatrain style. The surface of the poem speaks of a common, humble dish, but beneath the surface, it conveys the beauty and fate of women in the feudal society:

'My body is both white and round,

Seven times floating, three times sinking with the water's ebb and flow,

Twisted and ruined, though shaped by others' hands,

Yet I still retain a loyal heart.'

The adjectives 'white' and 'round' evoke the outward beauty of a woman—her fair skin, rounded figure, radiating vitality, and filled with the yearning and dreams of womanhood. This symbolizes a wholesome beauty, an innocent, pure soul, representative of Vietnamese ideals. In the second line, through the process of boiling the rice cake, the poet uses the proverb 'Seven times floating, three times sinking,' but rearranges it to place 'sinking' at the end, symbolizing the hardships and the struggles of women in feudal society.

However, what may not be immediately apparent is that behind this hardship lies the beauty of resilience, hard work, and sacrifice—traditional values of Vietnamese women. The final two lines affirm the priceless virtue of loyalty and the moral foundation that women were expected to uphold in the past: 'Yet I still retain a loyal heart.'

From ancient times until today, the Confucian virtues demanded that a woman remain devoted to her husband, and this was a cherished quality. Through Hồ Xuân Hương's words, the poet confidently and proudly affirms this quality of loyalty in women, highlighting that no matter how harsh their circumstances or fate, they always preserve their unwavering commitment. Each line of the poem reveals a different aspect of a woman's beauty, uniquely representative of the traditional beauty of Vietnamese women. Through the imagery of the rice cake, Hồ Xuân Hương's skillful and delicate pen brings forth each layer of this beauty.

Through 'Bánh Trôi Nước,' Hồ Xuân Hương not only celebrates but also affirms both the physical and inner beauty of Vietnamese women, providing readers with a fresh perspective on the perfection of a woman's beauty. The poem promotes a confident and unwavering recognition of the beauty of women.