1. Lesson Plan Reference 4
Structure
Part 1 (the first four lines): An overview of the landscape of Hương Sơn.
Part 2 (the next ten lines): Describing the landscape of Hương Sơn.
Part 3 (the final five lines): The poet's thoughts and views on the landscape of Hương Sơn.
Lesson Content
The poem vividly describes the beauty of Hương Sơn's scenery that moves the soul, alongside the poet's reflections. Through this, it expresses pride in the natural beauty and the country's landscapes.
Lesson Preparation Guide
Question 1 (page 51, Literature 11 Textbook, Volume 1):
+ The sky in the Buddha’s scene: The sky symbolizes the vast space enveloping the Hương Sơn landscape; the Buddhist scene represents a beautiful, transcendental religious atmosphere, close to the celestial realm.
+ The verse evokes the inspiration and the Zen-like meaning throughout the poem.
+ The psychological atmosphere is emphasized in lines 1, 5, 6, 9, 10, and 17.
Question 2 (page 51, Literature 11 Textbook, Volume 1):
How people in the past perceived nature: Nature is seen as a beautiful and ethereal realm for humans to seek refuge, cleanse themselves from worldly dust, and escape the injustice of the earthly realm.
Question 3 (page 51, Literature 11 Textbook, Volume 1):
Artistic Techniques in Landscape Description:
+ Space: Dominated by Buddhist and spiritual influences.
+ Colors: The primary colors are the pure white of the sky, clouds, and water, alongside the brilliant light from the rocks.
+ Sound: Describes stillness through dynamic elements.

2. Lesson Plan Reference 5
Answer to Question 1 (page 51, Literature 11 Textbook, Volume 1):
- Overview of the scene: The sky in the Buddha’s scene: A beautiful, harmonious natural landscape in a spiritual atmosphere, far removed from the mundane world.
- The verse serves as an introduction, evoking a picturesque, vast space filled with scenery steeped in a Zen-like ambiance, creating a religious and spiritual atmosphere.
- The spiritual atmosphere in the poem is heavily influenced by Buddhist colors:
+ Whispering forests and the ceremonial birds offering fruits.
+ Gently flowing streams, where fish listen to the sutras.
Answer to Question 2 (page 51, Literature 11 Textbook, Volume 1):
How people in the past perceived nature:
- Enchanted by the transcendent beauty of the divine realm.
- The poem's perception of nature is deeply rooted in healthy religious inspiration and a profound connection with the natural world.
Answer to Question 3 (page 51, Literature 11 Textbook, Volume 1):
Distinctive techniques in the poem:
- Vivid, evocative imagery; skillful use of various artistic techniques (repetition, listing, and reduplication, etc.).
- Romantic and elevated style, skillfully describing landscapes (space, color, and sound).
- The poem’s tone is immersive, filled with passion and pleasure; its expressive power and subtle nuances are captivating.
- The technique of using motion to describe stillness.
Structure: 3 parts
- Part 1 (the first four lines): An introduction to the landscape of Hương Sơn.
- Part 2 (the next ten lines): A description of the Hương Sơn landscape.
- Part 3 (the final five lines): The poet’s reflections.

3. Lesson Plan Reference 6
Question 1 (page 51, Literature 11 Textbook, Volume 1)
Introduction to the poem:
The sky of the Buddha's scene:
- The sky: a real scene.
- Buddha's scene: a space that is both real and imaginary.
=> This brief verse stands out: It serves as an introduction, hinting at a vast, scenic landscape full of spiritual essence, evoking a Zen-like atmosphere. The imagery suggests a spiritual and religious environment.
The scenery in the poem carries religious tones (Buddhism), expressed with deep reverence while reflecting the poet's love for nature: "whispering in the forest of plum blossoms," "gently flowing in the Yến stream," "moonlight in the cave," "clouds twisting like ladders."
=> The blending of solemn religious inspiration and the poet's love for the homeland shows the deep humanistic values in the poet's soul.
Question 2 (page 51, Literature 11 Textbook, Volume 1)
The poet describes the feeling of visiting Hương Sơn upon hearing the temple bell as follows:
A distant sound of a bell tolling.
The tourists, startled from their dreams, seem to awaken and merge with the Buddhist scene.
Travelers, coming from a chaotic world outside, appear to experience an awakening, blending with the serene atmosphere of Buddha's realm. The bell tolls, and all earthly worries fade away as everything—birds, fish, and people—seem to transcend the mundane. The invisible essence of Hương Sơn is sensed in all things, merging into everything around them.
Question 3 (page 51, Literature 11 Textbook, Volume 1)
The poem’s artistic value is remarkable:
- Depicting space:
+ From broad to detailed, moving from the general to the specific.
+ Layered space, with varied heights and perspectives.
- Depicting sound: Soft whispers (birdsong), faint sounds (bell tolling)...
=> The sound accentuates the quiet, sacred atmosphere.
- Depicting color:
+ The five-colored stones shimmer like brocade.
+ The moon's reflection in the cave (A deep cave filled with moonlight).
+ The winding, cloud-covered path to Hương Sơn, like a ladder of clouds...
=> The colors are both magnificent and stylized, highlighting the beauty of the landscape.

4. Lesson Plan Reference 1
Structure
- Part 1 (first 4 lines): An overview of the Hương Sơn landscape.
- Part 2 (next 10 lines): The beauty of the Hương Sơn landscape.
- Part 3 (remaining lines): The poet’s reflections on Hương Sơn.
Question 1 (Page 51, Literature 11 Textbook, Volume 1)
- The author provides a broad view of the landscape when Chu Mạnh Trinh arrives at the Hương Sơn Temple, expressed through the phrase "The sky of Buddha's scene"
+ The landscape of mountains, rivers, and the sky.
+ The allure of visiting Hương Sơn is something many poets, including the author, have longed for.
+ The natural scenery is also a religious landscape.
+ The poet's admiration for the Buddha’s domain reflects a sensitive perception.
+ The poem’s tone is calm and soothing, like a lullaby, inviting and gentle.
+ The poet’s spirit seems to float in the tranquility of the spiritual realm, while remaining exceptionally aware.
=> The fusion of nature’s beauty, religious inspiration, and patriotic love for the homeland reflects the author’s artistic mastery.
Question 2 (Page 51, Literature 11 Textbook, Volume 1)
The poet describes the feeling of visitors at Hương Sơn when they hear the temple bell:
+ Visitors from the chaotic world outside seem to experience an awakening.
+ The sound of the bell startles people, making them merge with the surroundings.
+ Everyone seems to let go of earthly troubles, immersing in the sacred atmosphere of the temple.
+ The unseen essence of Hương Sơn manifests in everything around them.
=> The poet captures the spiritual essence and soul of the scene.
Question 3 (Page 51, Literature 11 Textbook, Volume 1)
The poet’s description brings the landscape to life, giving it an ethereal quality that transcends the mundane world:
+ The scene of Hương Sơn remains stunning, becoming even more poetic: the Hương Sơn landscape "seems to shine like woven brocade."
+ The verses are pure and clear, demonstrating high aesthetic qualities.
=> The poet’s love for the natural world also serves as a reflection of patriotism and national pride.

5. Sample lesson plan number 2
Structure
Part 1 (the first four lines): The author's feelings upon arriving at Huong Son.
Part 2 (the next ten lines): The scene of Huong Son as seen through the poet's eyes.
Part 3 (the remaining five lines): The author's thoughts and views on life, people, and the country.
Question 1 (page 51, Textbook of Literature 11, Volume 1):
+ The sky of the Buddha's scene: The sky – represents the vast landscape of Huong Son; the Buddha's scene – A beautiful, transcendent landscape, close to the realm of Buddha and immortals.
+ The verse inspires praise, lyricism, and a spiritual essence for the folk song.
+ Spiritual atmosphere expressed through:
→ birds offering fruits, fish listening to the scriptures
→ the sound of the chime hammer
→ sacred sites: the Giải Oan stream, the Phật Tích cave
Question 2 (page 51, Textbook of Literature 11, Volume 1):
How the ancients perceived nature:
+ Viewing nature as a beautiful dream world.
+ Nature as a place for the soul to take refuge, far from the mundane, earthly world.
Question 3 (page 51, Textbook of Literature 11, Volume 1):
Artistic technique in describing the scenery:
+ Space: deeply imbued with spiritual hues, resembling an immortal realm, with comparisons and personifications employed by the author.
+ Colors: the space is bathed in the white of the sky, water, and clouds, with the vibrant five-colored stones gleaming brightly amidst the whiteness.
+ Sound: using motion to depict stillness, the sound of the chime hammer further enhances the tranquil and peaceful atmosphere of Huong Son.
Meaning
The folk song about Huong Son expresses the poet's emotions towards the scenery of Huong Son (the Huong Pagoda), while showcasing the poet's exceptional literary skill, particularly in the description of space, color, and sound.

6. Sample lesson plan number 3
I. A brief introduction to the author and the work
1. Author: Chu Mạnh Trinh (1862-1905)
- Hometown: Phú Thị village, Đông Yên district, Khoái Châu, now part of Văn Giang, Hưng Yên.
- Not only a skilled poet but also a renowned architect.
2. About the work
- This is one of the three poems he wrote about Huong Son during his time overseeing the restoration and preservation of the famous landscape there.
II. Guide for lesson preparation
Structure
- Section 1 (first 4 lines): A general overview of the scenery of Huong Son
- Section 2 (next 10 lines): The beauty of Huong Son's landscape
- Section 3 (remaining lines): The poet's emotions about Huong Son
Question 1 (page 51, Textbook of Literature 11, Volume 1):
Introduction to the poem:
The sky of the Buddha's realm
- The sky: a real scene
- The Buddha's realm: a scene that is both real and mystical.
=> This short verse serves as an introduction, evoking a wide, expansive landscape, imbued with spiritual and mystical overtones. The scenery is both spiritual and religious.
The scene in this folk song carries a religious (Buddhist) tone, with deep reverence, yet it is also intertwined with the poet's love for nature: "whispering in the apricot forest", "gently floating in the Yến stream", "moonlight shadows", "cloud steps".
=> The fusion of solemn religious inspiration and the poet's love for his homeland is a profound, humanistic value in the poet's soul.
Question 2 (page 51, Textbook of Literature 11, Volume 1):
The poet describes his feelings as he observes the scenery of Huong Son upon hearing the sound of the temple bell:
The sound of the chime hammer echoes in my ear
Visitors from the turbulent world are startled from their dreams
Visitors from the chaotic world outside seem to awaken, merging with the Buddha's scene. People enter a space where they are struck by the sound of the chime hammer. All leave behind the burdens of worldly life and immerse themselves in the sacred atmosphere of the Buddhist realm. At that moment, birds, fish, and people all seem to transcend the mortal world. The invisible essence of Huong Son is present, yet the poet perceives it in all things, blending seamlessly with everything.
Question 3 (page 51, Textbook of Literature 11, Volume 1):
This poem has outstanding artistic value:
- Describing the space:
+ From distant to near, from general to specific.
+ The space is multi-layered, with varying heights and depths.
- Describing sound: Whispering (bird sounds), faint (sound of the chime hammer)...
=> The sounds emphasize the serene, sacred atmosphere.
- Describing colors:
+ The five-colored stones shimmer like woven silk
+ Inside the cave, the moonlight casts shadows (The deep, moonlit cave).
+ The path to Huong Son is rugged and winding, with clouds covering it like a cloud ladder...
=> The colors are both splendid and stylized, highlighting the breathtaking beauty of the landscape.

