The 9 Best Analytical Essays on Nguyễn Khoa Điềm’s New Perspectives on the Nation

During a public meeting with Russian citizens, Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin once read the deeply moving and passionate verses of the rural poet Sergei Aleksandrovich Yesenin to express his profound patriotism: "Oh, if the angel calls Leave Russia to live in heaven! I would reply: Heaven, keep your place Let me stay with my beloved homeland." Love for the homeland and its people is also a never-ending source of inspiration in Vietnamese poetry, especially in the works of Nguyễn Khoa Điềm. His poetry, like that of many poets before him, speaks to the deep affection for the country and its people, yet there are unique and fresh perspectives in his work. In the epic poem 'Mặt đường khát vọng' (The Road of Desire), particularly in the section 'Đất Nước' (The Country), Nguyễn Khoa Điềm reveals strikingly new insights into a nation belonging to the people, a nation steeped in folklore, mythology, and a deep connection to the land. The theme of 'homeland' has been a central inspiration for many poets and writers. We have seen it portrayed as a slender homeland in the works of Tạ Hữu Yên, a nation as a lightning bolt in Trần Mạnh Hảo's poetry, or even a distant land viewed from the sea in Nguyễn Việt Chiến's work. However, Nguyễn Khoa Điềm offers a fresh approach by focusing on the creation, growth, and existence of the nation. He is perhaps the first poet to reflect on the very birth of the nation, with these reflective verses: "When we grew up, the Nation had already existed, The Nation existed in the 'once upon a time...' my mother often told, The Nation began with the betel leaf my grandmother eats, The Nation grew when our people knew how to plant bamboo to fight invaders." Here, 'we' is both a personal reflection of the poet and a representation of generations, implying that the nation existed long before any individual or generation came into being. The poet cleverly alludes to the tradition of chewing betel nut, a significant cultural practice, to show that the nation was formed even before the customs we know today. It speaks of a nation deeply rooted in history, symbolized by practices like eating betel leaves, which are centuries old and parallel in age to the land itself. As Nguyễn Khoa Điềm reflects further on the birth of the nation, he asserts: "Mother's hair is tied at the back, Parents love each other with spicy ginger and salty fish sauce, The beams and pillars are given names, Rice grains require one sun, two rains to thresh, grind, sieve." Through these verses, the poet revives traditional customs such as the low bun hairstyle of Vietnamese women and the deep, enduring love between husband and wife symbolized by 'ginger and salt.' He also references the spiritual practice of naming children with simple yet meaningful names to protect them from evil spirits. The line about rice further emphasizes the hard labor and dedication required to produce the staple that nourishes the people, illustrating the connection between the land, the people, and their shared history. Rice, like the betel leaf, has existed alongside the land for millennia. Nguyễn Khoa Điềm continues to delve into the idea of the nation’s birth, asserting: "The Nation existed from that time..." The poet’s exploration of the nation’s existence goes beyond the tangible to include the intangible cultural heritage passed down through generations. His reflections show that the nation is not merely a geographic or political entity, but a living, breathing organism intertwined with the cultural practices and histories of the people. The poet emphasizes that the nation is ever-present within the lives of the people, in their daily acts, in their rituals, in their history. Not only does Nguyễn Khoa Điềm reflect on the formation of the nation, but he also expands on its continuity through personal experiences, showing how the nation exists in the personal and collective histories of individuals: "In you and me today, There is a part of the Nation, When we hold hands, The Nation within us becomes harmonious and passionate, When we hold hands with others, The Nation becomes whole, vast." Here, the poet emphasizes that the nation is not just a concept or a land, but an integral part of every individual. As we love one another and join together, the nation grows stronger and more unified. In his exploration of the growth of the nation, Nguyễn Khoa Điềm writes: "The Nation grew when our people knew how to plant bamboo to fight invaders." This reference alludes to the strength and resilience of the Vietnamese people in the face of foreign invaders, symbolized by the use of bamboo as a weapon. The poem evokes the legend of Saint Giong, who used bamboo to fight off the enemy, reminding us that the nation's growth is built on its ability to resist oppression and defend its sovereignty. Nguyễn Khoa Điềm also offers unique definitions of the nation, incorporating elements of geography, history, and culture: "The land is where you go to school, The water is where you bathe, The Nation is where we make promises, The Nation is where you dropped your scarf in your secret longing..." The poet links the physical spaces of the nation—school, home, rivers—with the deeper meanings they hold in the collective consciousness of the people. He invokes historical and mythological references, such as the phoenix and the dragon, to underline the depth and the significance of the nation in shaping the identity of the people. The poet concludes with the assertion that the nation is not just a concept, but a living, breathing entity formed through the collective efforts of the people: "The Nation is the blood and bones of our people, We must unite, share, and embody the spirit of the land, To build a Nation that lasts forever..." The land, the people, and their culture form an unbreakable bond, and the nation exists within the very essence of its people. In the second part of the poem, Nguyễn Khoa Điềm emphasizes the idea that 'the Nation belongs to the people,' bringing to life the image of ordinary individuals—husbands, wives, students—who contribute to the creation and defense of the nation. The nation's heroes are not always famous; they are the countless, nameless people who make up the backbone of the country. "The wives who miss their husbands contribute to the Nation with the Vọng Phu mountain, The loving couples create the Trống Mái stone formation, The footprints of Saint Giong left behind countless ponds and marshes... The ninety-nine elephants contribute to the founding of the Hung Kings' kingdom..." In these verses, the poet highlights the ordinary people who, through their lives, contribute to the formation and development of the nation. The land, the people, and their customs are all part of a larger, unified vision of the nation that transcends individual actions, creating a collective history. Ultimately, Nguyễn Khoa Điềm’s work is a testament to the power of the people in creating, defending, and shaping the nation. His poetry brings to light the deep cultural roots that bind the people to their homeland, and in doing so, reinforces the idea that the nation belongs to the people, and that its true strength lies in their unity and resilience.

The period of poetry from 1945 to 1975 saw many remarkable works addressing the theme of the nation, such as Nguyễn Đình Thi's ("The Land"), Xuân Diệu's ("Cà Mau Cape"), Chế Lan Viên's ("Is the Homeland Ever as Beautiful as This?") and Trần Vàng Sao's ("The Poem of a Patriot..."). These works have withstood the test of time, continuing to resonate with generations of poetry lovers due to their unique contributions. One such special work is the excerpt from Nguyễn Khoa Điềm's "The Land," which offers a fresh perspective on the nation, revealing its beauty in a deep, multifaceted manner: historical, geographical, and cultural.

Unlike many earlier authors or peers who often created a distance to admire the image of the homeland with a sense of reverence, using grand and symbolic imagery, the opening lines of the excerpt from this poem are presented in a natural and simple manner:

“When we grew up, the country already existed”

The country was in the "once upon a time" that my mother often told me about.”

The country began with the betel leaf that my grandmother now chews

The country grew stronger when our people knew how to plant bamboo to fight invaders”

Here, the country feels incredibly familiar and close, as it can be understood through the simplest things: the folk stories told by mothers, a grandmother’s betel leaf, the home we live in, the rice we eat...

The reflective voice of the poem often poses questions and provides answers. The opening lines may be considered as responses to the question: How long has the country existed? The nation's long history is explained not by the succession of dynasties or historical events, but through lines of poetry that invoke ancient legends: the story of betel and areca, the legend of Saint Giong, the civilization of the Red River, and the unique customs and traditions that have existed for ages… this is the country understood through the depths of culture and history.

Next, in the blend of poetic reasoning and lyricism, the question is answered: What is the country? It is the feeling of the homeland in its unity, harmonizing the realms of geography and history, space and time. Emerging from a generation of young intellectuals, with fresh cultural knowledge, the poet dissects the concept of the country into two components: "earth" and "water" to feel and contemplate deeper, no longer at a conceptual level but at a more profound dimension, revealing a new perspective on the sacred image of the nation through the lens of youth, simultaneously personal and bold:

“The earth is where you go to school

The water is where you bathe

The Land is where we meet

The Land is where you drop the handkerchief in silent longing…”

For the young generation, the country becomes a poetic space filled with sweet memories of love. The nation is not only the present generation's but also the space shared by all the past generations. It leads us to reflect on the origins: “Those who have passed away/Those who are now/ Loving each other and giving birth/ Carrying the burdens of those who came before and leaving/ Instructing the next generation…” The space of love, according to the author’s emotional flow, expands into new dimensions and ultimately leads to a complete and multi-faceted view of the country, with its history, geography, culture, and customs… From here, the poem evolves towards pondering the responsibility of the current generation, one that is aware of its duty to the nation:

“My dear, the Land is our blood and flesh

We must cherish and share

We must transform ourselves into the shape of the homeland

To create the Land forever…”

These are more intimate reflections than calls to action or moral lessons. Thus, the emotional power of the verses remains strong.

Later in the excerpt, the author emphasizes the concept of "The Land of the People." This is the central idea of the entire passage, but it is further developed in two directions—deepening and discovering new meanings. The poet uncovers intriguing and unique aspects of the nation, from geography to culture to customs… these countless beauties, according to the author, are the result of the tireless efforts and dreams of the people, of the ordinary, nameless individuals. This is why, when reflecting on the nation's four thousand years of history, the poet doesn't mention specific dynasties or heroic figures from history books, but instead focuses on the anonymous masses:

“Countless sons and daughters

In the four thousand generations like ours

They have lived and died

Simply and peacefully

No one remembers their faces or names

But they have made the Land…”

In conclusion, the poem presents a fresh perception of the nation, its beauty discovered across various dimensions: history, geography, culture...

With a contemplative perspective, the idea of a people’s nation—created by and for the people—is emphasized as the central inspiration. All of this is expressed through a deep, heartfelt lyrical-argumentative voice. The poet's creative and subtle use of cultural and folkloric materials enriches the modern poetic lines, enhancing the appeal of the poem.

Nguyễn Khoa Điềm is one of the most prominent poets in Vietnamese literature. One of his standout works is the epic poem 'Mặt đường khát vọng' ('The Road of Aspiration'), particularly the excerpt 'Đất nước' ('The Land'), from Chapter V, which introduces fresh perspectives on the concept of the homeland.

The theme of the land and nation is a central subject in Vietnamese literature, especially in the poetry from the two resistance wars against France and the U.S. Among the many poems about the homeland, Nguyễn Khoa Điềm's 'Đất nước' stands out, with its vibrant and profound melody, blending both emotional warmth and intellectual depth. This poem not only expresses love for the country but also reflects on the understanding and definition of what constitutes the nation.

One distinctive feature in Nguyễn Khoa Điềm's perception of the homeland is his multidimensional view—spanning historical time, geographical space, and cultural heritage. These elements are unified under the guiding thought of 'The Land of the People.'

First, the nation is seen in its entirety, connecting both individuals and communities through everyday life. The homeland is far yet close, distant but familiar, embedded in the routine of daily life.

For Nguyễn Khoa Điềm, the homeland is not an abstract concept, but something deeply personal, tangible, and intimate. The nation lives in 'the stories my mother used to tell'—in the customs of betel chewing, in the rice that’s grown under the sun and rain, in the beams and columns of our homes. The nation is present in the love of parents:

'Parents love each other through the bitter ginger and salty rice,'

'The beams and columns are named,'

'The rice is cultivated through a lifetime of toil.'

This perception brings the homeland from an abstract, sacred idea to something concrete and familiar. The homeland may seem distant as we grow, yet it is not out of reach—it is present in every moment of daily life, accessible to all.

The poet perceives the land not only in terms of space—mountains, rivers, forests, seas—but also through the vastness of time and the depth of culture. All of this is intimately tied to every individual.

Geographically, the nation is its borders, mountains, rivers, and seas:

'The land is where the phoenix bird flies to the silver mountain.'

'The water is where the fish swim in the vast ocean.'

The nation’s space also extends to the personal experiences of individuals, simple yet sacred:

'The land is where you go to school,'

'The water is where you bathe,'

'The homeland is where we meet,'

'The homeland is where you lost your handkerchief in a secret longing.'

These verses show how the land captures personal memories and intimate moments. The poet’s use of wordplay here—separating 'Đất' (land) and 'Nước' (water)—transforms the abstract concept of the nation into something tangible and familiar, as close and inseparable as the blood we share with our ancestors.

Regarding historical time, the poet evokes familiar national myths and legends, like the story of Lạc Long Quân and Âu Cơ, the legend of the Hùng Kings, and the tale of Saint Gióng, which are deeply ingrained in the Vietnamese consciousness. These stories reflect the enduring passage of time and evoke a deep sense of national pride. Who among the Vietnamese does not remember their ancestral roots?

When discussing culture, Nguyễn Khoa Điềm offers a simple but profound definition: culture is the customs and practices familiar to every person. The poet ties culture to daily rituals like the grandmother’s betel nut habit or the mother’s tradition of tying her hair. These everyday practices, so natural and embedded in life, embody the nation's culture.

From these reflections, the poet reaches the most important conclusion: the nation resides within each individual, and therefore, each person must take responsibility for it.

What is most striking is how the poet perceives the nation not just as an external object but as an intrinsic part of every individual—it is our flesh and blood, our very existence:

'My dear, my dear,

The Land is the blood and bones of our own,'

'We must care for it, share it, and embody it.'

This vision aligns with the view of another poet, Chế Lan Viên, who wrote about the nation:

'Oh, our beloved homeland, like our flesh and blood,

Like our mother, father, spouse.'

In 'Đất Nước,' Nguyễn Khoa Điềm not only sees the homeland as a collective entity but emphasizes the role of the people—their sacrifices and contributions—as vital to its creation and preservation.

The idea of 'The Land of the People' is a central theme in this poem, reflecting a profound connection between the people and the nation. This thought, carried through both historical and contemporary lenses, embodies the collective strength and enduring spirit of the people. The poem reminds us that the people are the creators and defenders of the nation, shaping its future and legacy.

In this poem, Nguyễn Khoa Điềm also uses folk materials—myths, proverbs, and legends—to reinforce the idea of the nation as shaped by the people. These elements, so integral to the collective memory and wisdom of the Vietnamese, are a testament to the nation's vibrant cultural heritage.

Ultimately, the poet’s reflection concludes that the people are not only the creators of the nation’s physical and cultural landscape but also its defenders. 'The Land of the People' has been shaped by the sacrifices and contributions of ordinary people, their blood, sweat, and wisdom.

'If there is an external enemy, we fight,'

'If there is an internal threat, we rise up to defeat it,'

'So that this Land remains the Land of the People.'

In conclusion, Nguyễn Khoa Điềm, through his reflections on the land and the people, reminds us of the inseparable bond between the nation and its people, a bond that is rooted in history, culture, and love.

Vietnamese poetry from the thirty years of war is a grand symphony celebrating the nation. When discussing this theme, one cannot forget "The Country," an excerpt from Chapter V of the epic poem "The Road of Desire" by poet Nguyễn Khoa Điềm. This work introduces a fresh perspective on the poet's perception of the nation.

First and foremost, what is novel in Nguyễn Khoa Điềm's view of the country is the timelessness he invokes. The poet blurs specific historical moments to evoke a sense of an ancient land, suggesting that "When we grow up, the country has already existed." Moreover, the nation is not just a physical space but also an integral part of every individual: "The Country is the blood and bones of oneself"—inseparably tied to each citizen. The country exists in folk tales, especially the familiar and intimate stories told by mothers to their children:

"The Country is in the 'Once upon a time...,' that my mother used to tell."

Here, the nation is not an abstract concept but something deeply familiar, something close to every person.

One of the most striking features is the new definitions of the country. Different eras have offered distinct views on what the country means. In the medieval period, the belief was that the country belonged to the king, governed by the ruler: "The mountains and rivers of the South belong to the South King." In the modern era, thinkers like Phan Bội Châu considered the country to be "the people’s land, and the land is the people's." Although more progressive than the medieval view, this still carries the feudal and bourgeois ideologies. It is only during Hồ Chí Minh's era that poets developed a deep, profound understanding of the nation as the land of the people, the common folk:

"The people in simple clothes

Rose up as heroes"

(Nguyễn Đình Thi)

For Nguyễn Khoa Điềm, the people are the sole owners of the nation.

The country is also represented by the unity of three dimensions: the vastness of space, the length of history, and the depth of culture. Reflecting on the breadth of the nation’s territory is not new, but the distinctive feature of Nguyễn Khoa Điềm's view is that he connects the territory not with imperial rule or divine mandates but with the people themselves:

"The land is where you go to school

The water is where you bathe

The Country is where we meet

The Country is where you drop your handkerchief in a silent longing"

The Country is a space intimately familiar and filled with the poetic, tender memories of love and life.

And:

"Wives missing their husbands contribute to the Country with the Vọng Phu mountains

Lovers contribute to the Country with the Trống Mái rock

The horse's hoof of Saint Gióng leaves behind a hundred ponds and marshes

Ninety-nine elephants contributed to the founding of the Hung Kings' ancestral land"

The Country is a sacred part of human life, and every individual plays a small but essential role in creating the nation. Thus, building, defending, and sacrificing for the nation is our noble responsibility because "This country is the country of the people."

When contemplating the nation through the lens of its historical depth, Nguyễn Khoa Điềm's approach is unique. He doesn’t rely on historical records like other poets:

"From Triệu, Đinh, Lý, Trần, generations laid the foundation of independence

Along with the Han, Tang, Song, Yuan, each ruling a separate land"

(Nguyễn Trãi)

Nor does he mention famous heroes from history:

"When Nguyễn Trãi wrote poems and fought battles,

When Nguyễn Du wrote the Tale of Kiều, the country turned into literature,

When Nguyễn Huệ rode an elephant into the Northern Gate,

Hưng Đạo defeated the Yuan on Bạch Đằng River..."

(Nguyễn Đình Thi)

Instead, Nguyễn Khoa Điềm highlights the countless anonymous people whose actions, though ordinary, are monumental:

"Boys and girls our age

Work tirelessly

When the enemy arrives, the boys go to battle

The girls stay home to care for the sick and children

When the enemy comes, the women fight too

Many have become heroes

Many heroes, both you and I remember

Do you know them?

There are so many boys and girls

Of our age, in the four thousand generations

They lived and died

Simply and calmly

No one remembers their names

But they created the Nation"

It was these people who created the nation. They also passed on their legacy to future generations:

"They preserved and passed on the seeds we sow

They passed on the fire from a burning coal to every home

They passed on their accents to us to learn to speak

They carried the names of villages and towns with every migration

They built dikes and dams for future generations to plant and harvest"

Who are they? Are they the famous heroes in history books? No, they are much more than that. They are the people, the ancestors of old. The word "they" at the start of each line emphasizes the profound and significant role of the people in shaping the nation.

The verbs "preserve - pass on - carry" convey a sense of historical evolution, portraying Vietnam’s history as a great labor, with continuous contributions from generations of people. They have created a civilization rooted in rice cultivation, ignited the fire of progress, and passed down intangible cultural treasures like customs, accents, and names. The people are the creators of both the spiritual and material value of the nation.

When Nguyễn Khoa Điềm speaks of the depth of the nation's culture, he doesn't mention historical figures like Nguyễn Trãi, Nguyễn Du, or Hồ Xuân Hương. Instead, he highlights the simple but profound cultural traditions of the people:

"The Country is in the 'Once upon a time...' that my mother used to tell

The Country begins with the betel nut my grandmother chews

The Country grew as our people learned to plant bamboo and fight invaders

Mother’s hair was tied behind her head

Parents love each other with the bitterness of ginger and salt

The beams and pillars become names

Rice must endure one sun and two rains, grinding, pounding, sifting"

The Country has been here since then.

These age-old yet simple cultural traditions are recounted by the poet with profound pride.

Thus, Nguyễn Khoa Điềm's fresh perspective on the nation is shaped by progressive ideas in the modern era, offering profound and accurate insights about the nation.

Đất Nước is the fifth chapter of the epic poem *Mặt đường khát vọng*, written during the early 1970s, amid the peak of the American War. This epic voice represents the youth of the southern cities, calling for rebellion against the American and puppet forces. It expresses the youth's awareness of the nation's identity, the true nature of the enemy, and the responsibility of the new generation toward the country and its people. The theme of 'Đất Nước' has been a persistent subject in Vietnamese literature, encompassing both the French and American wars of resistance. Within the grand symphony of poems about the nation, *Đất Nước* by Nguyễn Khoa Điềm stands out with its distinctive melody: lively, profound, full of emotion and intellectual depth. The poem not only expresses love for the country but also defines what it truly means to belong to the land. What makes Nguyễn Khoa Điềm's perception of the nation unique is that he conveys it on multiple levels, from historical time to geographical space, to cultural heritage. He sees the nation as something intimately tied to the everyday lives of individuals and communities. It is not distant or abstract but something embedded in the daily existence of each person. For Nguyễn Khoa Điềm, 'Đất Nước' is not an abstract or vague concept but is found in the simplest aspects of life: in stories shared by mothers, in the custom of betel chewing, in the rice that is nurtured under the harsh sun and rain, in the beams and columns of the house, and in the deep bond between parents and children. The poem emphasizes that the nation is alive in these humble, everyday moments. He further illustrates the notion of the country not just as a physical space but as a space created by the people. The land is where the mythical bird, the phoenix, flies, and the waters are where the legendary fish swim. The land is not only a grandiose concept but a familiar and sacred part of each person's life, whether it’s a schoolyard or a loved one's home. Nguyễn Khoa Điềm's technique of deconstructing 'Đất Nước' into two separate elements—'land' and 'water'—takes the abstract idea of the nation and breaks it down into something tangible, something personal, something each person can feel and understand. In his view, the nation exists within every individual; it is as much a part of them as blood and bones. In discussing the historical timeline, Nguyễn Khoa Điềm evokes familiar myths and legends, such as the tale of Lạc Long Quân and Âu Cơ, and the story of the Hung Kings, reminding readers of the deep historical roots and pride every Vietnamese carries. These stories help evoke a sense of pride and belonging, reaffirming the idea that the nation’s past is embedded in every person’s identity. When addressing culture, the poet offers a simple but profound definition: culture is found in the customs and practices that are part of everyday life—practices passed down through generations. From eating betel to the hairstyles of mothers, culture exists in these traditions, and they are an integral part of the national fabric. Ultimately, Nguyễn Khoa Điềm emphasizes that the country lives within each individual. Each person has a duty to contribute to its preservation and growth. The poet’s words reflect the idea that the nation’s identity is rooted in the people, and every person must sacrifice for the nation’s well-being. This understanding of the nation echoes that of other poets like Chế Lan Viên, who also speaks of the intimate bond between the individual and the homeland. What distinguishes Nguyễn Khoa Điềm’s work is the integration of the collective consciousness of the people, or 'Đất Nước của Nhân dân'—the Nation of the People. The poet uses folklore, myths, proverbs, and everyday sayings to illustrate this. The nation is not just a product of rulers or heroes but of the people, their everyday lives, their struggles, and their creativity. The poet’s use of popular culture and traditional myths, such as the story of the Phoenix and the Thánh Gióng, shows that the land and the people are inseparable. The poems are not only about the beauty of the land but also about the sacrifices and hopes of the people who live there. Nguyễn Khoa Điềm reflects the nation’s geography, history, and cultural depth through the eyes of the people, showing that the nation is a reflection of the collective spirit of its people, their hardships, and their dreams. It is through their actions, traditions, and language that the nation survives and thrives. In conclusion, Nguyễn Khoa Điềm’s *Đất Nước* is not just an homage to the beauty of the land or the pride in national history. It is a celebration of the people—their strength, their creativity, and their sacrifices. By focusing on 'Đất Nước của Nhân dân,' the poet redefines the nation as a collective creation, shaped by the lives and contributions of its people. This perspective offers a profound and enduring tribute to the nation’s true architects: its people.

The theme of the homeland is timeless, and during the vibrant period of the resistance against the Americans, it became the most prominent subject. On the cultural front, young poets truly created a harmonious chorus with a variety of poetic voices. While Pham Tien Duat was youthful and energetic, Nguyen Duy deep and witty, and Xuan Quynh tender and loving, Nguyen Khoa Diem added a deeply heartfelt voice with his poem 'The Homeland.' So, what made 'The Homeland' stand out among the many works on the classic theme of homeland? Perhaps it was Nguyen Khoa Diem's fresh perspective on the homeland that made all the difference.

In 1943, Hue gifted the national poetry scene with a distinguished poet. Who else could it be but Nguyen Khoa Diem, who brought many unique and exceptional works to life? A quick glance at his biography shows his deep connection to his homeland, born in Hue, educated in Hanoi, working in the South, and returning to his roots. This background gave him a profound understanding of his country. 'The Homeland,' extracted from the epic 'Longing Road,' speaks of the awakening of youth in the temporarily occupied South.

As the nation's resistance against the Americans reached its decisive moment, Nguyen Khoa Diem did not focus on the harsh realities of war like other contemporary writers. Instead, he quietly engaged with the youth to awaken them. At that time, American imperialist education, imbued with capitalist ideals, shaped many youths in the urban South to live carelessly, indifferent to the dignity and land of the homeland being trampled by an imperialist culture.

The first new element in the author's work is his simple and familiar view of the homeland. Earlier poets, including those of Nguyen Khoa Diem's generation, were often preoccupied with creating a distance to admire the grandeur and beauty of the homeland with epic or majestic images, like how Nguyen Dinh Thi perceived the homeland in his poem 'The Homeland.'

'The guns roared, shaking the sky in anger

The people surged like a flood breaking its banks

Vietnam, from blood and fire

Shook off the mud and rose to shine brightly!'

More simply, Nguyen Khoa Diem chose a homeland that felt close and familiar. He began his poem with the most basic things.

'When we grew up, the Homeland was already there

The Homeland was in those 'once upon a time...' stories my mother often told.'

Nguyen Khoa Diem's 'Homeland' is not defined by the flames of war, but by the warmth of familiar things: the fairy tales his mother told, the betel leaf, the house, the grains of rice… One unique and distinctive aspect of his work is the contemplative tone throughout the excerpt. The opening lines could also be seen as answers to the questions that subtly run through the poem: When did the Homeland come into being? How did it grow up?… We can see that Nguyen Khoa Diem’s perspective on the Homeland mirrors the journey of a person’s life. The ancient history of the Homeland is not explained by the succession of dynasties or historical events, but is depicted through childhood stories, evoking ancient legends like the myth of the betel nut or the story of Saint Giong. The nation's civilization and its long-standing traditions are preserved in every line of 'The Homeland.'

Continuing the political and lyrical thread of the poem is the answer to the question: What is the Homeland? The most striking feature throughout the first part of the excerpt is how Nguyen Khoa Diem divides and defines the concepts of 'land' and 'water' in order to deepen our understanding and reflection on the Homeland, beyond its simple definition. The sacred image of the Homeland, through the poet's pen, is both personalized and bold, filled with the new thoughts of the youth.

'The land is where you go to school

The water is where you bathe

The Homeland is where we meet

The Homeland is where you dropped your scarf in the quiet longing...'

The Homeland is no longer a place of fiery war but a realm filled with the sweet memories of young love. The space of the Homeland, this wondrous place, not only holds present love but also the love of generations gone by, leading us to reflect on our origins. This love-filled space, according to Nguyen Khoa Diem’s pen, gradually expands in many directions, offering a more complete view, from history to geography, and from culture to customs. As such, the poem invites readers to think about their responsibilities as a generation, subtly reminding them of this duty.

'My dear, the Homeland is the blood and bones of our own

We must connect and share

We must embody the shape of our homeland

To make the Homeland last forever…'

With the phrase 'My dear,' the poetic tone transforms from a lesson into a gentle advice, a heartfelt conversation. Here, we see Nguyen Khoa Diem's poetic brilliance in using a psychological tone that resonates with readers. Humans often have a habit of protecting and claiming what is 'theirs,' especially the youth educated under imperialist ideals. Through this, the poet delivers a powerful psychological blow with a tender voice.

The most striking and unique aspect of Nguyen Khoa Diem's perception of the Homeland, which sets 'The Homeland' apart from other works on the same theme, is the idea of 'The Homeland of the People.' In most traditional views, authors would refer to the heroic history that formed a thousand-year-old Vietnam, with its tradition of building and defending the country. Like Che Lan Vien’s 'Has my country ever been this beautiful?' which reflects the country through its glorious historical legacy.

'When Nguyen Trai wrote poems and fought the enemy

When Nguyen Du wrote the Tale of Kieu, the country turned into literature

When Nguyen Hue rode an elephant through the northern gate

Hung Dao defeated the Yuan army on the Bach Dang River'

However, throughout 'The Homeland,' Nguyen Khoa Diem does not mention these renowned historical figures or victories. Instead, he focuses on the ordinary people, the nameless masses, 'who nobody remembers or names,' yet these are the ones who 'create the Homeland.' The idea of 'The Homeland of the People' forms the core of the excerpt, most powerfully expressed at the end of the poem. All the beauty of the Homeland, in its cultural, historical, and geographical aspects, according to Nguyen Khoa Diem, is the result of the people's efforts and aspirations. He emphasizes the unnamed individuals 'who lived and died / Simply and calmly.' Finally, the essence of the excerpt is reiterated and confirmed by the poet:

'So this Homeland is the Homeland of the People

The Homeland of the People, the Homeland of folk songs and legends.'

With a contemplative view and the central idea of 'The Homeland of the People,' woven into a lyrical-political style, Nguyen Khoa Diem’s 'The Homeland' stands out with fresh perspectives. The creative use of cultural and folk literary elements further enhances the appeal of this excerpt. Together, these elements bring out the distinctive nature of the epic 'Longing Road,' especially the excerpt 'The Homeland,' making it stand out among the many contemporary works of its time.

The theme of the nation and its people has been a longstanding presence in Vietnamese poetry, long before Nguyễn Khoa Điềm. Even earlier, the idea of the country was passed down through lullabies sung by grandmothers and mothers, woven into the childhoods of the Vietnamese people. In Nguyễn Đình Thi’s poems, a nation emerges, scarred by sorrow but still alive with a fierce fighting spirit. Hoàng Cầm’s works offer a tender, gentle vision of the nation. But it seems that it wasn’t until Nguyễn Khoa Điềm’s work that we saw a holistic, multifaceted portrayal of a nation that belongs to the people. Unlike many previous poets or even some of his contemporaries who created a lofty distance between themselves and the nation, building a ‘grand castle’ to revere the image of the homeland with awe, often using grand, symbolic imagery to express their feelings toward the country, Nguyễn Khoa Điềm shocked readers with a directness and intimacy that brought the country close, so close that it felt within reach. The opening lines of the poem ‘Đất Nước’ (The Country) are gentle and intimate, as if whispering a secret, drawing us back to the roots of the nation. ‘When we grew up, the country was already there’ ‘The country is in the old tales my mother used to tell’ ‘The country began with the betel nut my grandmother eats’ ‘The country grew when our people learned to plant bamboo and fight invaders.’ The country is not a magnificent, towering castle, untouchable and unreachable, nor is it an abstract concept. It is something very close, something familiar, found in the simple, everyday lives of ordinary people. The country exists in the stories mothers tell their children, in the ritual of sharing betel nuts, or in the bamboo growing by the house. It’s a Vietnam that is warm, kind, loyal, and deeply connected through brotherly bonds. The long history of the country isn’t defined by a series of dynasties like ‘From the Triệu, Đinh, Lý, and Trần, many generations built the nation’ (as written in Bình Ngô Đại Cáo) or by historical events. Instead, it starts with childhood stories, evoking ancient legends like the betel nut myth or the legend of Saint Gióng. But to maintain peace, this country has also risen to fight fiercely against foreign invaders. Each betel nut, each bamboo tree, represents a spiritual beauty of the country, steeped in the historical roots of the people. The civilization of the nation and its ancient customs are preserved in every verse of the poem ‘Đất Nước.’ What is particularly striking about the poet’s style is the reflective tone. The opening verses can be seen as answers to questions that run through the entire poem: When did the country come into being? How did it grow? Nguyễn Khoa Điềm views the country in much the same way one might see the journey of a human life. The poem continues with the question: What is the country? It conveys a sense of the country as an intertwined, harmonious blend of geography, history, space, and time. Nguyễn Đình Thi, coming from a young intellectual generation, did not find it easy to depict the image of the country. Perhaps that is why the poet divides the concept of the country into two elements: land and water, allowing for a deeper reflection, not limited to a simple definition, but extending to a profound understanding of the sacred imagery of the nation. ‘The land is where you go to school’ ‘The water is where you bathe’ ‘The country is where we meet’ ‘The country is where you drop your scarf in a quiet longing...’ The country is a miraculous space for love, where countless generations have passed, leading us back to the roots, to those who are no longer with us, to those who are still here, to those who love, who have children, who carry the legacy of their ancestors, and who advise future generations. This space of love allows the poet to expand his reflections on the nation. Through the lenses of history, geography, and culture, the poet brings to light a complete, multi-dimensional view of the nation, giving the poem an important role in urging reflection on the responsibilities of the current generation: a generation that must understand and recognize its duties to the country. ‘My dear, the country is our flesh and blood’ ‘We must know how to connect and share’ ‘We must embody the form of the homeland’ ‘To create a nation that lasts forever…’ These lines feel more like a personal confession than a call to action. Yet, the power of the poem lies in this deeply emotional tone. By using the term ‘my dear,’ the poet softens the message, transforming what could be a harsh command into a tender, intimate reminder. One must appreciate the depth of Nguyễn Khoa Điềm’s poetic talent, which moves readers at the core, stirring their hearts, and calling them to action in a way that feels natural, as though it is the voice of the heart itself. The most distinctive new element of ‘Đất Nước’ is the conception of the country as belonging to the people. Unlike poets such as Chế Lan Viên, who wrote about the nation through the lens of its heroic history, Nguyễn Khoa Điềm’s vision focuses on the people: the heroes, but also the countless unnamed individuals who shaped the nation. ‘When Nguyễn Trãi wrote poetry and fought battles’ ‘When Nguyễn Du wrote the Tale of Kiều, the country became literature’ ‘When Nguyễn Huệ rode an elephant into the northern gates’ ‘Hưng Đạo defeated the Mongols on the Bạch Đằng River’ For Nguyễn Khoa Điềm, the essence of the nation lies in the people, even when the poet explores this idea in more depth and uncovers new, surprising meanings. The beauty of the nation, according to the poet, comes from the efforts and dreams of the ordinary people—those whose names are not remembered. This is why, when the poet speaks of the nation’s 4,000 years of history, he does not focus on the dynasties or famous historical figures but on the countless anonymous people who have built the nation. ‘There are many sons and daughters’ ‘In four thousand generations like ours’ ‘They lived and died’ ‘Simply and peacefully’ ‘No one remembers their faces or names’ ‘But they built the country…’ Nguyễn Khoa Điềm doesn’t mention the famous figures or historic victories. Instead, his poetry centers on those nameless, humble individuals who ‘made the country.’ The beauty of the country is revealed in the final verses, where the poet explores all aspects: culture, history, geography, and how these were shaped by the labor and aspirations of the people. The poet underscores that these nameless figures ‘lived and died / Simply and peacefully.’ Finally, the poet reaffirms the core message of the poem: ‘This country belongs to the people’ ‘The country of the people, the country of folklore and myth’ The poet’s perspective on the nation—one that emphasizes the people, their contributions, and their dreams—becomes the dominant theme of the poem. All of this is expressed through a blend of lyrical and political poetry, using the language of modern verse to enrich the poem’s appeal, and blending cultural and folk materials to give the poem depth and resonance.

The nation has always served as an endless source of inspiration for poetry and the soul of artists. From ancient times, we have encountered the image of the nation in the white storks flying over the tranquil countryside fields. We find the nation in ‘the back carrying a sword, the hands gracefully holding the pen and flowers,’ as portrayed by Chế Lan Viên, a nation ‘rising from the mud and shining brightly,’ in the poems of Nguyễn Đình Thi. And when reading Nguyễn Khoa Điềm’s *Mặt đường khát vọng* (The Road of Longing), we encounter the image of ‘the nation of the people, the nation of folk songs and myths’ throughout the entire chapter on the nation in this epic poem.

The phrase ‘the nation of the people, the nation of folk songs and myths’ is expressed by the author through a blend of lyrical and political poetry. Rich in emotion yet deeply philosophical, it not only offers readers a fresh perception of the country but also inspires a deeper love and admiration for it.

According to Nguyễn Khoa Điềm, the country belongs to no one person, but to all the people. Countless nameless individuals, generation after generation, have poured their sweat and blood into defending and building the nation.

There are countless sons and daughters,

From four thousand generations like ours,

They lived and died. Simple and peaceful,

No one remembers their faces or names,

But they created the nation.

Over four thousand years of nation-building, our people have fought and labored to shape the territory, the national culture, family bonds, village life, ancestral relationships, and our connection to nature and history.

And everywhere, across the fields and hills,

We carry the shape, the dreams, and the way of life of our ancestors,

The nation, after four thousand years, is present everywhere,

The lives that have turned into mountains and rivers.

The nation is not something distant or abstract; it is very specific, intimately tied to our emotions and everyday life:

The land is where you go to school,

The water is where you bathe,

The nation is where we meet,

The nation is where you drop your scarf in silent longing.

And it exists within each of us:

In you and me today,

We each carry a part of the nation,

When we hold hands,

The nation within us harmonizes with warmth.

Nguyễn Khoa Điềm’s concept of the nation differs from the feudal view of the past—where the country belonged to the king.

The mountains and rivers of the South belong to the Southern Emperor.

It is definitively established in the Book of Heaven.

(Lí Thường Kiệt)

His concept also differs from the early 20th-century patriot’s view—the country as the legacy of heroes who made history:

The debt of the past is to defeat the Chinese many times,

The Southern land’s prosperity and expansion

The waves of the Đằng River belong to the Trần dynasty,

The mountains of Lam cut the smoke and paved the path for the Lê family.

Quang Trung since independence,

The heroism fills the landscape.

(Phan Bội Châu)

In terms of the representation of the nation, Nguyễn Khoa Điềm’s poem is also innovative and creative. Classical poetry often used symbolic calls of birds to represent longing for the homeland:

‘Remembering the country, the crying of the cuckoo bird’

(Bà Huyện Thanh Quan)

Is it regret for spring that makes one call,

Or is it longing for the country that one dreams of?

(Nguyễn Khuyến)

Influenced by Western literature in the 1920s, Tản Đà used the image of a fragmented map to symbolize the nation:

‘Here is the map standing alone,’

After the success of the August Revolution, Xuân Diệu wrote *The National Flag Song* to praise the nation:

Vietnam! Vietnam!

The red flag with yellow star!

Breathing deeply, “Independence Day!”

Nguyễn Khoa Điềm, however, uses vibrant images from folk songs, proverbs, and myths, rich in color and variety, stretching across both space and time, deeply rooted in the collective imagination. The nation, according to him, has existed for ages, symbolized through myths like the betel nut legend and the story of Saint Gióng.

The nation began with the betel nut that grandmother eats,

The nation grew when the people learned to plant bamboo and fight invaders.

Through customs that reflect deep affection and strong bonds:

Mother’s hair is tied at the back,

Parents love each other through spicy ginger and salty fish sauce.

Through the laborious life to provide for shelter and food:

The beam and column have their names,

Rice must go through one sun, two rains, grinding, pounding, sifting.

The nation is considered the most beautiful part of the epic *Mặt đường khát vọng*. It creates deep, heartfelt emotions and resonates with readers. The poem also constructs a timeless monument to the Vietnamese homeland, a monument that transcends time and lives in the hearts of every Vietnamese who loves their country.

The concept of the nation is a timeless, sacred call that resonates across generations and places, touching the hearts of millions. Our nation enters our lives through lullabies, through the soothing melodies of folk songs, and through the profound, passionate poems of countless poets. We encounter an image of a nation filled with sorrow, yet radiating the spirit of resistance in the poetry of Nguyễn Đình Thi, and we also see a gentle, thoughtful expression of the nation in the verses of Hoàng Cầm.

However, in Nguyễn Khoa Điềm's work, we discover a comprehensive, multi-dimensional view of a nation belonging to its people. This ideology brings together every perception and feeling of the poet about the nation. Through verses blending emotion and reflection, lyricism and political discourse, the poet aims to awaken the national consciousness and patriotism in the hearts of the younger generation during the years of resistance against the American invaders.

The excerpt begins with a gentle, intimate tone, like a conversation with familiar, simple images that bring us back to the roots of our nation:

“When we grew up, the nation was already there

The nation is in the stories our mothers used to tell us

The nation starts with the betel nut our grandmother eats

The nation grows when our people know how to plant bamboo to fight invaders”

The nation, first and foremost, is not an abstract concept but is something very close, something intimately present in the everyday life of each person. The nation manifests itself in the fairy tales our mothers tell, in the betel nut our grandmother chews, in the bamboo growing in front of our homes—suggesting a Vietnam that is kind, loyal, and deeply bonded, yet fiercely determined when defending against foreign invaders. Each betel nut, each piece of betel leaf, and each bamboo plant evokes the spiritual beauty of the nation and is soaked in the origins of our national history.

The nation also embodies ancient customs, representing a people rich in cultural traditions and deep love for family. Parents show their love for each other with bitter ginger and salty, spicy pepper. A natural truth: ginger is naturally spicy, and salt is naturally salty. A parent's love is as enduring and natural as this truth. The poetic image reminds us of a heartfelt call to cherish the bond of someone dear:

“With a plate of salt and a bowl of ginger

Ginger is spicy, salt is salty, don't forget each other”

The nation is also the outcome of hard labor and toil to survive and build homes:

“The beams and columns have names

The rice grain must be sun-dried and threshed, ground, pounded, sifted

The nation has existed since that time”

Here, the nation is no longer an abstract concept but something specific, familiar, and simple. The author uses elements of folk culture to express their thoughts about the nation, which is “the nation of the people.”

Still in a conversational tone with imagined characters, Nguyễn Khoa Điềm elaborates on the concept of the nation in his own way:

“The land is where you go to school

The water is where you bathe

The nation is where we meet

The nation is where you dropped your scarf in quiet longing”

The nation is not only perceived through its vast geographical spaces—from the mountains to the seas—but also through the daily spaces of each individual’s life: the space of love, of longing, and of simple exchanges. The concept of the nation emerges from the separation of the two elements, “land” and “water,” which are further enriched by their associations. Using a poetic style that is subtle and refined, the poet gently highlights the unique national perspective of the people of Vietnam. “Land” opens up horizons of knowledge, while “water” cleanses the soul, offering gentleness and purity. As time passes, the nation becomes the place where love is shared. Even more, the nation becomes the companion that holds the feelings of longing for those who are in love. “Land” and “water” separate when “you” and “I” are two individuals, yet they unify when “you” and “I” become “we.” The scarf—a symbol of longing—reminds us of the unspoken feelings of young hearts: “Who does the scarf belong to? It falls to the earth…” The poet evokes the tender emotions of young love.

The nation is also a place of return for those who hold their homeland dear. The imagery of “the phoenix bird returning to the silver mountain” and “the fish from the sea returning to the shore”—in the folk style of Central Vietnam—evokes the author's profound love for his homeland. Our nation is simple, familiar, yet it can also be vast, majestic, and grand, especially for those who are far from home. Despite the bird's love for distant fruits, it always returns to the tree where it belongs. This is the spirit of the Vietnamese family—forever rooted in the homeland, forever remembering its origins.

The nation endures through both time and space: “Endless time / Vast space,” forever being the place where our people are united, the space where the Vietnamese community survives across generations. Nguyễn Khoa Điềm recalls the legend of Lạc Long Quân and Âu Cơ, as well as the Hùng Kings and their ancestor worship day. By invoking these stories, Nguyễn Khoa Điềm urges us to remember the roots of our people. No matter where they travel, the Vietnamese people always return to the sacred origin of their ancestors.

By recalling these ancient stories, the poet emphasizes:

“Those who have passed

Those who are here now

Love each other and give birth to children

Carry the burdens left by those before us

Remind the children of what’s to come”

The poet's inspiration may seem free and unrestrained, but in reality, it is a well-organized system of reasoning. The author expresses the nation in three main aspects: the vastness of its territorial space, the depth of its historical time, and the richness of its culture, customs, and the soul and character of its people.

These three aspects are presented cohesively, and in every aspect, the central idea of the nation belonging to its people remains a core principle. It acts as a reference for all the poet’s emotions and thoughts.

And more specifically, more intimately, the nation is within the very blood and bones of each of us:

“In you and me today

There is a part of the nation”

The nation has naturally seeped into our very being, becoming a part of our blood and bones. Therefore, each individual’s life is not solely their own but is shared with the nation. Each person inherits the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the nation and must protect and preserve it to ensure the nation endures for generations to come.

From such concepts of the nation, the author focuses on the idea that the nation belongs to the people. It is the people who have created the nation.

This thought leads to a fresh, deep perspective on geography and the landmarks across the country. The mountains of Vọng Phu, the Trống Mái rocks, and the pen and ink mountains of Nghiên—these are no longer just natural landscapes but are perceived through the circumstances and fate of the people. They are seen as the contributions of the people, the incarnations of anonymous figures: “The wives who longed for their husbands gave us the Vọng Phu mountain,” “Lovers contributed the Trống Mái rocks,” “The scholar gave us the landscapes…” In this vision, nature itself becomes a part of the people's soul, their flesh and blood. It is the people who have shaped the nation, who have named it, and who have left their mark on every mountain and river. From these images, the poet generalizes a profound truth:

“And anywhere across the fields, hills, and plains

There is a shape, a wish, a way of life of our ancestors

Oh! The nation, after four thousand years, wherever we go, we see

The lives that have turned into our mountains and rivers”

The idea of the nation belonging to the people shapes the poet’s perspective on the four-thousand-year history of the country. The poet does not praise the dynasties or the heroes immortalized in history; instead, he focuses on the anonymous, ordinary people. The nation, first and foremost, belongs to the people, to the unnamed individuals:

“They lived and died

Simply and peacefully

No one remembers their faces or names

But they made the nation”

They labored and fought against foreign invaders. They preserved and passed down the cultural, spiritual, and material values of the nation—from the rice grains, the fire, the language, and the names of villages to the myths, proverbs, and folk songs. The emotional current culminates in the climax, emphasizing the core idea of the poem, which is both simple and profound:

“This nation is the nation of the people

The nation of the people, the nation of folk songs and legends”

A simple, surprising definition of the nation. The nation of folk songs and legends still embodies the most important aspects of the people's traditions: deep love, strong loyalty, and fierce resistance against foreign invaders.

The closing verses celebrate the beauty of the homeland’s landscape with a spirit of optimism and joy. Everything flows freely in the reader’s mind, evoking a sense of happiness…

Nguyễn Khoa Điềm’s “Đất nước” has contributed to the success of poetry about the nation. Through intimate and familiar perceptions, the nation is no longer distant and abstract but has become something personal and sacred. Reading “Đất nước,” we not only return to the roots of the nation but also awaken the national spirit in every Vietnamese, in every era.