1. Reference Essay No. 4
The poem 'Việt Bắc' is not only a grand anthem celebrating the heroes of the nation but also a deeply emotional love song between the people of the revolutionary base and the revolutionary officers. Additionally, it serves as a historical summary of the 15 years of the revolution, epitomized by the 'Việt Bắc Marching to War' scene:
The roads of Việt Bắc are ours
Nightly, the earth trembles under our march
Troops marching in endless waves
The stars shining atop our rifles and bamboo hats
Red torch-bearing civilian workers marching in formation
Footsteps shattering stones, embers soaring through the air
Thousands of nights, the misty air thickens
Searchlights brighten the path, as if the day were dawning
Overarching this excerpt is a profound sense of pride, evoking memories of the campaign trails, the soldiers, and the civilian volunteers. Through these lines, the author celebrates the unbreakable spirit of the Vietnamese people amidst the heat of war. From early victories in Phủ Thông, Đèo Giang, Sông Lô, and Cao Lạng, the military forces gained confidence, maintaining the upper hand:
The roads of Việt Bắc are ours
Nightly, the earth trembles under our march
Troops marching in endless waves
The stars shining atop our rifles and bamboo hats
The imagery of 'Nightly, the earth trembles under our march' symbolizes the rapid growth and strength of the army, highlighting the heroic spirit of the Vietnamese soldiers. Once, the Vietnam Propaganda and Liberation Army started with only 34 soldiers. Yet, after years of resistance, the army grew in both numbers and strength, now equipped with elite and battle-hardened divisions. Every day and night, they marched to battle like a storm. The line 'The stars shining atop our rifles' beautifully blends realism with romanticism, symbolizing the unwavering hope and the star-like brilliance of the revolution's ideals.
Alongside the troops were the civilian volunteers serving on the frontlines:
Red torch-bearing civilian workers marching in formation
Footsteps shattering stones, embers soaring through the air
The phrase 'Red torch-bearing civilian workers marching in formation' vividly captures the essence of reality. Row after row, the civilian workers, torches in hand, hastily moved towards the battlefield. 'Footsteps shattering stones, embers soaring through the air' is an exaggerated, romanticized image, yet it powerfully conveys the exceptional strength of the civilian forces at the front. These words not only represent the might of the volunteers but also the collective might of the entire nation. The vibrant image and rhythmic tone of these verses echo a celebration of joy.
The final two lines portray the powerful headlights cutting through the deep night of the Việt Bắc forests:
Thousands of nights, the misty air thickens
Searchlights brighten the path, as if the day were dawning
'Thousands of nights, the misty air thickens / Searchlights brighten the path as if the day were dawning' evokes feelings of optimism, a belief in the future victory of the nation. The headlights of military vehicles lighting the way not only guide the soldiers but also serve as a potent symbol. These lights will pierce through the thick darkness, leading the nation toward a brighter, peaceful future.
In just eight lines, Tố Hữu captures the true essence of the spirited, swift, and overwhelming military march of the Vietnamese troops and people. With a swift pace, immense force, and unyielding determination, they fought to reclaim peace for the nation. This segment is undeniably one of the most beautiful and powerful passages in 'Việt Bắc.'


2. Reference Essay No. 5
Tố Hữu is regarded as the leading figure of the Vietnamese revolutionary literary movement. He left behind an incredibly rich and valuable literary legacy, characterized by a unique and deeply emotional artistic style that is distinctly national. A prime example of his continuous creativity is the poem 'Việt Bắc.' 'Việt Bắc' is not just a heartfelt anthem, but also a summary of the 15 years of revolution. Alongside its tender and sweet lyrical passages, the poem also features powerful anthems celebrating the victorious spirit of our soldiers and people, particularly exemplified in the vivid portrayal of the 'Việt Bắc March to War.'
'The roads of Việt Bắc are ours'
Nightly, the earth trembles beneath our march
Troops march in waves, endless and unbroken
The stars shine atop our rifles and bamboo hats
Red torch-bearing civilian workers marching in formation
Footsteps shattering stones, embers flying through the air
Thousands of nights, the mist thickens
Headlights light the way, as if the day were dawning
Good news of victory from every corner
From Hoa Binh, Tây Bắc, Điện Biên, joy spreads
Joy from Đồng Tháp, An Khê
Joy reaches Việt Bắc, from De Pass to Hong Mountain
'Việt Bắc' was written in October 1954, right after the victory in the resistance against French colonial forces. The central Party and government institutions returned to Hanoi from the Việt Bắc region. Tố Hữu, who had spent many years in close association with the Việt Bắc resistance zone, now bade farewell to this revolutionary stronghold. The poem was penned during this emotional farewell.
The context of its creation gives the poem a distinct, heartfelt tone, filled with nostalgia and melancholy. Tố Hữu skillfully uses the traditional Vietnamese folk poetry form of lục bát, employing the familiar pronouns 'I' and 'we' and the conversational style typical in folk songs. This soft, intimate tone evokes deep feelings of longing and reminisces about the heroic days of the revolution. Through this, Tố Hữu expresses the enduring bonds of the revolutionaries with the people, with the Việt Bắc region, and with the nation in a poignant and moving way.
In essence, the beauty of the poem lies in the twelve lines that capture the deep longing for the Việt Bắc region, recalling the majestic scenes of wartime. Arguably, the most striking aspect of this nostalgia is not the memory of the wartime paths, but rather the vivid image of the revolutionary roads:
'The roads of Việt Bắc are ours'
Nightly, the earth trembles beneath our march
The opening lines vividly capture the spirit of the revolution, with 'ours' symbolizing the unity of the people and soldiers in the nation's struggle. The repetition of 'nightly' and 'trembling' combined with the comparison 'like the earth shaking' evokes both realism and exaggeration, vividly illustrating the earth quaking beneath the steps of the revolutionary forces. This is a heroic image, the resonant sound of the nation's struggle, unstoppable by any force.
The next section of the poem highlights the formidable strength of the army:
'Troops march in waves, endless and unbroken'
The stars shine atop our rifles and bamboo hats
The image of 'troops marching' is powerful and beautiful. The repetition of 'endless and unbroken' evokes the image of an unstoppable army marching tirelessly, stretching far and wide through the forests of Việt Bắc. The phrase 'the stars shine atop our rifles' blends realism with romanticism, describing the revolutionary soldiers' rifles and bamboo hats, while symbolizing the bright ideals of the revolution—an image that is both real and poetic, full of associations with the heroism of Hồ Chí Minh's soldiers.
The poet also highlights the civilian volunteers who served in the struggle for independence:
'Red torch-bearing civilian workers marching in formation'
Footsteps shattering stones, embers flying through the air
During wartime, the Vietnamese people turned day into night and night into day. Thus, amidst the night in Việt Bắc, the image of 'red torch-bearing civilian workers' appears as if they are just as eager as soldiers to march into battle. The fiery torches they carry illuminate the path, lending a mystical and glowing aura to the journey. The exaggerated phrase 'footsteps shattering stones' conveys the strength and determination of thousands of people, ready to trample over every obstacle to achieve victory. This is Tố Hữu's creative twist, drawing on the folk saying 'Look for strong feet and soft stones – peace will come when hearts are calm.' It beautifully expresses the power of the Vietnamese people and their unwavering resolve.
The following lines describe the mechanized units, tanks, trucks carrying soldiers, weapons, and supplies, adding to the spirit of these revolutionary roads:
'Thousands of nights, the mist thickens'
Headlights light the way, as if the day were dawning
This image is both realistic and romantic, depicting the difficult march through dense forests and fog, yet also suggesting the hopeful, bright future ahead: 'Headlights light the way, as if the day were dawning.' The use of simile and exaggeration here compares the headlights to the rising sun, lighting the way through the night, symbolizing the human spirit and noble ideals, bursting forth in a joyous anticipation of victory.
'Good news of victory from every corner'
From Hoa Binh, Tây Bắc, Điện Biên, joy spreads
Joy from Đồng Tháp, An Khê
Joy reaches Việt Bắc, from De Pass to Hong Mountain
This powerful belief is affirmed through the poet's words, reflecting the joy and hope of the people in Việt Bắc as news of victories in all corners of the country arrives. The repetition of 'joy' in various locations—Hoa Binh, Tây Bắc, Điện Biên—captures the overwhelming pride of the nation, echoing the triumphant voices of millions from North to South.
In conclusion, the image of the Việt Bắc march to war is a resonant anthem of heroism that still echoes today. As a student, I feel incredibly fortunate to live in a time of peace and deeply grateful to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives to secure the independence of our homeland.


3. Reference Work No. 6
Nguyen Dinh Thi once said, in essence, that Tô Hữu was a poet throughout his life, dedicated to writing poems about the revolution. His poems always conveyed a sense of deep affection for the homeland, the country, and its people. When Tô Hữu passed away, Nguyen Dinh Thi made this statement, and it left us feeling both moved and proud. Even in poems depicting the fierce energy of battle and the heroic imagery of the nation, there is still a tenderness, a sense of Huế, embedded within the spirit of the Vietnamese people. It is truly remarkable to recognize this, especially when reflected in the poem 'Việt Bắc'.
Those paths of Việt Bắc
Every night, rumbling like the earth trembling
The word “those” evokes the image of countless military units marching on the paths of Việt Bắc, a battlefield scene so intense it seems to shake the earth. The repeated phrase “every night” creates an image of a continuous journey, the “rumbling” footsteps of many people, evoking the sound of millions marching. The simile “like the earth trembling” reinforces the powerful and dynamic spirit of the resistance forces at that time.
Troops marching in endless waves
Stars gleam above rifles and bamboo hats
The energy of this march is further emphasized by the repetition of “endless waves,” reflecting the enormous number of people in motion. War always involves sacrifice, and as we read this, we feel a deep sense of sorrow—they know they may never return, yet their unity and determination give us a sense of pride. The metaphor of “stars above rifles” resembles the image of “rifles with the moon hanging,” as described by Chính Hữu. It's a romantic, magnificent, and beautiful scene. These soldiers, tirelessly marching, embody both heroism and an almost poetic beauty. The “stars” and “bamboo hats” beside each other create a beautiful contrast, enhancing the monumental strength of the entire nation.
Red torch-bearing workers marching in waves
Their steps crack rocks and scatter embers
Once again, it's the workers in formation, their torches glowing fiercely in their hands. The choice of words emphasizes the color and intensity of the red torches, a symbol of their fiery spirit and determination. Their steps seem so powerful they could shatter the very rocks beneath them, symbolizing the strength and resolve of these individuals in the face of adversity.
Through a thousand nights of thick mist
Searchlights flicker like dawn breaking
Endless hardships follow their path, with cold, misty nights engulfing the soldiers. But thanks to their shared resolve, the metaphor of the “searchlights flickering” stands as a beacon of hope—representing their unwavering belief that victory will come, and that dawn will eventually break, bringing with it a new and victorious day for the nation.
The joyous news of victory from every corner
Peace, the West and Điện Biên rejoice
Joy spread from Đồng Tháp to An Khê
Joy rises over Việt Bắc, De Pass and Hồng Mountain
Victory will bring joy to every corner of the country. The repetition of the word “joy,” along with phrases like “rejoice in,” “spread from,” and “rise over,” creates a sense of this joy being shared and growing, symbolizing the pride and satisfaction of a people united in their struggle. The mention of specific places across the country serves to reinforce that the victory belongs to all people, in every region, and that this joy will ripple outward from one area to the next, touching every part of the nation.
Oh resistance! Ten years like a flame
A thousand years later, it will still light the way
It seems Tô Hữu and Nguyễn Đình Thi shared this thought, that all the sacrifices and struggles were like a great flame. This unwavering spirit will continue to be the guiding light for future generations, inspiring them to keep fighting and achieving victory across the nation.
The poem “Việt Bắc” depicts both the determination and the landscape of the battlefield in such a way that it strengthens the resolve of the people. Tô Hữu’s words continue to inspire hope and determination, reminding us that we must keep striving for independence and victory, for the future of the nation. We thank Tô Hữu for keeping the spirit of the nation alive, passing on the torch to future generations, ensuring that the flames of pride and resolve never fade.


4. Reference Example No. 7
From the early days of the resistance against French colonialism, which was soon to enter its decisive phase culminating in the historic August Revolution, To Huu emerged as a symbol of a youthful spirit unafraid of hardship and sacrifice. He enthusiastically threw himself into the cause of national liberation, dedicating both his heart and his life to the struggle for independence.
To Huu is regarded as a leading figure in Vietnamese literature, leaving behind a remarkably rich and valuable literary legacy. His distinctive artistic style blends political lyricism with a deep sense of nationalism. 'Viet Bac' stands as a comprehensive reflection of the 15-year-long struggle against French colonial forces, blending tender, lyrical verses with powerful songs of victory that depict the nation's heroic march, exemplified by the magnificent scene 'Viet Bac Goes to War.'
The roads of Viet Bac we tread
At night, the ground trembles beneath our steps
The army marches, step by step, in a continuous flow
Stars gleam on rifle tips, alongside bamboo hats
Red torches of laborers form endless columns
Footsteps crush stones, sparks of fire fly in the air.
Thousands of nights, thick mist surrounds
Searchlights blaze, as though dawn is breaking.
The first four lines describe the roads of Viet Bac, emphasizing the heroic spirit of those marching into battle:
The roads of Viet Bac we tread
At night, the ground trembles beneath our steps
The army marches, step by step, in a continuous flow
Stars gleam on rifle tips, alongside bamboo hats
These roads of Viet Bac are not only literal paths but also metaphors for the revolutionary journey of the nation, expanding as the revolution unfolds. The repeated sounds in the poem, such as 'night after night', 'trembling', 'step by step', 'in endless rows', amplify the vastness of the space and the enduring duration of the long and arduous resistance. The expression 'trembles' vividly conveys the tremendous force of the marching army, transforming the act of marching into a mighty procession full of power and determination. The sound of 'trembling' is not just a description of the noise, but it conveys the rapid, urgent pace of an army marching together towards a unified goal, shaking the very ground beneath them. The imagery imbued with mythical qualities evokes the image of the entire nation going to war.
Despite the material shortages, the army’s ranks, depicted as 'step by step, in endless rows,' symbolize their remarkable growth and unity in the face of adversity. The simplicity of their bamboo hats stands in contrast to the grandeur of their cause, elevating the image of the soldiers to one of everyday heroism, embodying the monumental, yet humble, nature of their struggle. Amidst the dark nights, the gleam of stars on rifle tips symbolizes not only physical light in the darkness but also serves as a metaphor for the guiding ideals that lead the soldiers in their fight for freedom and independence, echoing the symbolism of 'the moon on the rifle' in 'Comrades' by Chinh Huu. While the moon in 'Comrades' represents the yearning for peace, the star in this poem symbolizes the idealistic spirit, the unyielding hope, and the victory that soldiers carry into battle.
The strength of the people's army is emphasized through exaggerated language:
Red torches of laborers form endless columns
Footsteps crush stones, sparks of fire fly in the air
The glowing torches illuminate the path, creating a bright image of laborers bringing supplies to the front lines, overcoming mountains and valleys to sustain the army's battle efforts. The use of phrases like 'endless columns' and 'thousands of sparks' conveys their enthusiasm, the sense of unity, and their strength, making even the toughest elements of nature yield before them. Their relentless determination and tireless work ethic make even the highest mountains bow and the darkest nights brighten. The phrase 'firm feet, soft stone' is transformed into 'footsteps crush stones', emphasizing the indomitable spirit and strength of the people in their struggle for independence. This collective resistance was, and continues to be, the ultimate force in ensuring victory.
From these nights in Viet Bac, a romantic vision of a bright future for the nation emerges through the poetry:
Thousands of nights, thick mist surrounds
Searchlights blaze, as though dawn is breaking
The imagery of headlights cutting through the thick night fog of Viet Bac's mountainous terrain symbolizes the real and metaphorical journey to a brighter future. This vivid picture blends reality with romanticism as the headlights cut through the dark to illuminate the path toward peace and prosperity. The comparison to the sunrise evokes the idea of a hopeful new beginning for the nation, created through the collective strength of the people. The poet successfully uses exaggeration and comparison, likening the headlights to the rising sun, signifying a new day of victory, built on the strength of human will and noble ideals. It conveys the optimism and certainty of the victory that awaits.
This poem marks the transition: without the heroic, determined struggle of the people, the dream of a bright future would have remained just that—a dream. Furthermore, To Huu expresses the wish that those who sacrificed so much for the revolution and the war, remaining loyal and dedicated, will rightfully enjoy the rewards of a happy, prosperous life. The dream of a better tomorrow is not just a hopeful ideal but the driving force behind the monumental efforts of the people. The vibrant, powerful tone of the poem, filled with imagery of hope and victory, is a prime example of To Huu's political lyricism.


5. Reference Example 8


6. Reference Essay Number 9


7. Reference Sample No. 10


8. Reference Article No. 1
"Việt Bắc" is a poem written by Tố Hữu after the successful resistance against French colonial forces, marked by the historic Battle of Điện Biên Phủ, which resonated globally. The poem can be seen as a lyrical summary of a significant historical period, vividly depicting the painful yet heroic realities of the nine-year struggle to defend Vietnam's sovereignty and independence. The following excerpt portrays the vibrant and heroic atmosphere of the relentless advance of our forces:
The roads of Việt Bắc
.........
Rejoice, Việt Bắc, with De Pass and Hồng Mountain...
The poet emphasizes the heroic mood during the third phase of the war when our forces were stronger and more numerous. Through a reflective narrative, the poet immerses the reader in the vast, lush landscapes of Việt Bắc, alive with activity and filled with sounds and images that inspire hope. Revolutionary light has dispelled the darkness of the forest, reigniting the vitality of both nature and the people of Việt Bắc. This passage bears the hallmarks of a modern epic, filled with heroic undertones. The earlier gentle, melodic tone has now transformed into one of urgency, vigor, and excitement.
Tố Hữu authentically and vividly describes the scene of Việt Bắc's war zone, where the roads are constantly alive with the footsteps of soldiers and civilians, the flickering light of torches, and the headlights of military vehicles heading to the front.
During this time, enemy planes relentlessly bombed by day, but at night, they were powerless. The vastness of night brought an advantage to our forces. This is why many resistance poems focus on the imagery of night:
Long nights of marching, burning with determination,
Suddenly, anxious to see the eyes of a loved one
("The Country" – Nguyễn Đình Thi)
Tonight, the wild forest is covered in mist and frost,
We stand together, waiting for the enemy,
The moon hangs above our rifles.
("Comrade" – Chính Hữu).
Normally, night is when all creatures sleep, a quiet time for rest. But in war, night often marks the beginning of battles and major operations: The roads of Việt Bắc, night after night, thunderously echo as if the earth itself were shaking. The phrase "our roads" expresses the people's ownership of the land, conveying pride in the inviolability of their revolutionary base.
On the way to the frontlines, soldiers and civilians march with weapons and supplies, their spirits high and their energy overwhelming. The onomatopoeic and vivid expressions like "rumbling," "thundering," and "overlapping" perfectly capture the lively, confident, and powerful atmosphere of the people. The comparison of the night sounds to the earth shaking illustrates the magnitude of the upcoming battles. The poet successfully portrays the harmony between humans and nature in this historic moment.
Along with the sweeping horizontal strokes, the poem also features vertical elements. The image of the star above a soldier's rifle is one such symbol. The star is not only a literal object but also symbolizes hope, faith, and the guiding light of revolution that leads soldiers into battle. Together, the star, rifle, and hat form a strong and enduring symbol, reflecting the righteousness of the struggle and the soldiers' unwavering optimism in victory.
Despite depicting the dark nights of Việt Bắc, the poem is filled with light. In addition to the green glow of the stars, there is the red light of torches, scattered sparks, and the headlights of vehicles. The lines "The militia, carrying torches in groups,/ Their steps crush stones, sparks fly" vividly portray a scene full of strength and determination. The exaggerated phrase "steps crush stones" captures the relentless energy of those marching to the front. Their steps awaken the slumbering forest, and the darkness of the night is dispelled by the headlights, signaling that victory is close at hand. The comparison in the line "The headlights shine as bright as the rising sun" might seem exaggerated, but it perfectly conveys the immense optimism felt by our people as the war entered its final phase: the total counteroffensive leading to victory.
The joyous news of victory comes from every region,
Hòa Bình, Tây Bắc, Điện Biên, and beyond rejoice,
Joy from Đồng Tháp, An Khê,
Rejoice, Việt Bắc, with De Pass and Hồng Mountain...
The news of victories from all battlefields across the country rushed to the Việt Bắc base. The phrases "rejoice," "joy from," and "rejoice again" not only convey a celebratory mood but also express that Việt Bắc was the heart of the resistance, where the joy of victory from all corners of the nation converged before radiating outward.
It is worth noting the frequent appearance of place names. Resistance poetry often references locations tied to historical events. For instance, Quang Dũng's "Tây Tiến" and Hoàng Cầm's "Bên kia sông Đuống" use place names symbolically. Tố Hữu’s references differ; he highlights famous sites associated with military victories, names that stir pride and admiration. These place names are not merely geographical, but they resonate with history, poetry, and evoke deep emotional responses.
This excerpt is rich in epic qualities, showcasing Tố Hữu's remarkable ability to craft monumental historical images through poetry. Reading the passage, we feel as if we are reliving the intense atmosphere of a time filled with fiery battles, monumental events, and an overwhelming sense of pride, hope, and belief in victory.


9. Reference Paper No. 2
Tố Hữu is one of the most outstanding literary figures, and his poetry represents a significant part of the nation's history. His work, deeply intertwined with the Vietnamese revolution, reflects monumental events in the country's history. Among his many works, the poem 'Việt Bắc,' particularly the verses describing the war, has left an indelible mark on its readers with lasting value.
As a major figure in literature, it is no surprise that Tố Hữu's poetry deeply resonates with readers. His poems, which focus on the resistance, beautifully blend emotions of profound lyricism, tenderness, and the distinct Hue spirit within him.
Being a revolutionary soldier, Tố Hữu regarded the Party as his guiding truth, the light that would accompany him on his journey. The creation of 'Việt Bắc' was a realization of his lofty ideals. He pledged to fight alongside the people, sharing their struggles. His war verses powerfully reflect this commitment:
Our roads in Việt Bắc
Night after night, the ground trembles
Troops march in waves upon waves
The star above the rifle and conical hat
The people’s militia with red torches marching in groups
Every step shatters stones, sparks fly
Thousands of nights, thick fog and heavy dew
The headlights shine brightly as dawn breaks
The image of troops marching in an unbroken stream across every road portrays a sense of mastery, unity, and relentless determination, as soldiers and civilians alike move forward in relentless pursuit of victory. Words like 'night after night' and 'our' emphasize the sense of ownership and commitment. The comparison 'like the trembling earth' and the onomatopoeic term 'rầm rập' convey the intensity, large-scale mobilization, and unstoppable spirit of the revolution.
The troops march in waves upon waves
The star above the rifle and conical hat
The repetition of 'waves upon waves' conveys the endless march of the soldiers, with 'the star above the rifle' symbolizing the unification of soldiers and civilians. This image of strength is further emphasized with the addition of civilian militias, humble and hardworking people, who are also tirelessly moving forward as part of this powerful wave of resistance.
The people’s militia with red torches marching in groups
Every step shatters stones, sparks fly
Thousands of nights, thick fog and heavy dew
The headlights shine brightly as dawn breaks
The journey to the front lines is characterized by images of tanks, continuing their relentless march day and night through mountains and bombarded fields. The expression 'thousands of nights' paired with 'dense fog' and 'heavy dew' symbolizes the hardships and challenges soldiers faced during the resistance.
The comparison 'like the dawn breaking' contrasts these hardships with the promise of victory, symbolizing optimism, faith in success, and the collective spirit that will eventually lead to triumph.
Through the use of the familiar six-eight verse form, Tố Hữu masterfully conveys the beauty and urgency of the moment, with a flexible tone that moves between passion, serenity, and joy. His poetry not only served as a rallying cry during the war but also continues to inspire and strengthen the nation's unity, reminding us of the enduring value of solidarity in overcoming adversity. Thanks to Tố Hữu and his war verses, we find strength and hope to face any challenges that lie ahead.


10. Reference Example No. 3
The painting "Viet Bac Going to War" was vividly described by To Huu as grandiose, with an overwhelming spirit of those departing for battle, as though victory was already assured.
The first two lines provide a general depiction. The poet portrays the path to battle, yet the focus is on conveying the fierce spirit of those heading to war.
The paths of Viet Bac
At night, the rumbling like the earth shaking
It feels as though the earth itself is trembling beneath the feet of the soldiers in every grand military march from all directions of the revolutionary base.
The 3rd and 4th lines depict the beautiful image of the "soldiers marching". Beautiful in the vast formation, "layer upon layer" like an endless strength. Beautiful in the "stars on the rifles, with conical hats" evoking the image of "the moon hanging on the rifle" in the poem of Chinh Huu. The star here is both close and familiar with the soldier’s conical hat, yet also shines brightly like an ideal above the rifle’s muzzle. This image blends realism and romance, evoking beautiful associations about the soldiers of President Ho Chi Minh.
The 5th and 6th lines describe the scenes of the volunteer workers supporting the frontlines:
Red torches carried by workers in procession
Stepping on crushed rocks, with sparks flying.
In the resistance war against the French, daytime belonged to the enemy, but night belonged to us. The image of the workers carrying red torches at night was grounded in reality. But the brilliant red flames, along with "thousands of sparks", were so romantic. It resembled a lantern festival! "Steps crushing the stones" represents the people overcoming all obstacles. Inspired by the folk saying "looking for firm feet and soft stones", To Huu has created a poetic image that is both familiar and novel to praise the strength of these victorious people.
The last two lines depict the vehicles heading to battle with headlights cutting through the thick fog of the Viet Bac mountains. It's both realistic and romantic. Beneath the literal meaning, the lines also convey a symbolic, optimistic image.
The headlights flicker on, like the dawn breaking.
The dawn has already broken out of the deep night, thanks to the headlights turning on, thanks to the human strength shining brightly. Because they have already secured victory from the moment they left the battlefield. The verse leaves a lingering resonance, evoking a magnificent military departure full of spirit.
In just 8 lines, To Huu paints a beautiful picture of "Viet Bac Going to War". The scene not only revives the heroic days of our soldiers and people in the sacred revolutionary base, but also fills us with faith and love for our heroic homeland. It truly stands as one of the most beautiful passages in the poem Viet Bac.


