The top 6 best lesson plans for "Đất nước" by Nguyễn Khoa Điềm for 12th grade

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Ngày cập nhật gần nhất: 15/4/2026

Content

1. Lesson plan for "Đất nước" by Nguyễn Khoa Điềm, version 4

2. Analysis of "Dat Nuoc" by Nguyen Khoa Diem - Version 5

3. "The Country" by Nguyễn Khoa Điềm - Lesson 6

4. Analysis of "The Land" by Nguyen Khoa Diem, Version 1

5. Analysis of "The Land" by Nguyen Khoa Diem, Version 2

6. Essay on "The Nation" by Nguyễn Khoa Điềm, Version 3

1. Lesson plan for "Đất nước" by Nguyễn Khoa Điềm, version 4

An Overview of the Work Author: Nguyen Khoa Diem (born 1943, Phong Hoa village, Phong Dien district, Thua Thien Hue) Background: Born into a family with a strong tradition of patriotism and revolutionary ideals. 1964: Graduated from the Faculty of Literature, Hanoi University of Pedagogy, then returned to the South to engage in combat and cultural activities until 1975. Currently: Retired in Hue, continues writing poetry. Nguyen Khoa Diem is recognized as one of the most prominent poets of the young generation during the American War. Poetry Style: Rich in contemplation, emotional intensity, with a political tone. Major Works: - "Dat Ngoai O" (Poetry collection, 1972) - "Mat Duong Khat Vong" (Epic poem, 1974) - "Ngoi Nha Co Ngon Lua Am" (Poetry, 1986) - "Tho Nguyen Khoa Diem" (Selected works, 1990) Work Title: Source: The beginning of Chapter V from the epic poem "Mat Duong Khat Vong" Value: This excerpt is considered one of the finest on the theme of the homeland and nation in modern Vietnamese poetry. Genre: Epic poem (a blend of narrative and lyrical elements) Structure: Composed of two sections: - Part 1: From the beginning to "Laying the foundation for the eternal nation" – The author's fresh perceptions of the country. - Part 2: The remainder – The idea of "The nation of the people". Question 1: This excerpt represents Nguyen Khoa Diem's reflection and explanation of the country. How should we divide the poetic structure and lyrical content of each part, and understand how the author develops his thoughts and feelings? Answer: The excerpt from "Dat Nuoc" (The Country) can be divided into two parts: - Part 1: From the beginning to "Laying the foundation for the eternal nation" – The poet's new perceptions of the country. - Part 2: The remainder – The idea of "The nation of the people". The progression of the author's thoughts and emotions unfolds as follows: The poet begins by explaining the formation of the nation, starting not with historical dynasties or significant dates, but with the daily life that connects people to their homeland. What is the nation? The poet divides the concept of the nation into two parts to explain it, then combines them into a comprehensive definition. For him, the nation is both the intimate space shared by lovers and the broader, life-sustaining space for the people of the country. The idea of the nation belonging to the people is expressed through: - Geographical space - Historical time - The richness of history. Question 2: In the first part of the excerpt (from the beginning to "Laying the foundation for the eternal nation"), what aspects of the country does the poet perceive? How does his perception differ from other poets who have written on this theme? Answer: The country is tied to a long-standing culture. It feels intimate, familiar, and deeply rooted in the lives of the Vietnamese people. Here, the country is perceived through geographical, historical, and cultural aspects: - Geographical aspect: A familiar space for daily activities such as study and work. "Where you go to school, where you bathe..." - Love between couples: memories of meetings and longing, "...dropping a handkerchief... remembering secretly" - Nature: Majestic mountains, rivers, and seas, "silver mountain peaks, water, the sea" - The survival space of the nation over generations: "...where the people reunite." - Historical aspect: The origin of the nation, traced back to the mythical tale of the "dragon and the fairy". - The tradition of building and defending the country. Thus, the country becomes the cradle nurturing the Vietnamese people's spirit and emotions. It reflects unity, pride, and love for the nation. The poet's perception is more profound and comprehensive (with the idea of the people's role in the new era). While other poets like Nguyen Dinh Thi glorify the country with grandiose imagery (e.g., vast rice fields and the majestic Trường Sơn mountains), and Che Lan Vien praises the heroic history of the nation in works like "Is this the most beautiful homeland?", Nguyen Khoa Diem portrays the country through the simple, everyday experiences that reflect the essence of the people's soul and spirit. Question 3: In the second part of the excerpt (from "The wives waiting for their husbands" to the end), the poet emphasizes the idea of "The nation of the people." How does this idea bring new and deep discoveries about the geography, history, and culture of our country? Answer: The nation emerges as both close and endearing, with the core idea of the nation being that it belongs to the people: - Geographical space: The poet lists famous landmarks across the country, from North to South, and emphasizes that the people are the ones who make these landmarks meaningful. - Historical time: The poet highlights the lives of ordinary, nameless people whose contributions have shaped the nation. These unsung heroes, though unknown, have sacrificed to protect the country. - Cultural depth: The poet reveals three core values of the Vietnamese people: devotion to love, respect for relationships, and perseverance in struggle. The idea of "the nation of the people" is a central theme in this excerpt and many poems from the anti-American war period because, before this, many poets had celebrated the nation through its geography, history, and culture. However, Nguyen Khoa Diem focused on the ordinary people – the unnamed, uncelebrated individuals who have ensured the survival of the nation. Question 4: Can you provide examples of how the poet uses elements of folklore in his poetry? What are the poet's contributions to the art of expression, and why can we say that the folklore elements in this excerpt are both familiar and novel? Answer: In his poetry, the poet richly incorporates folklore elements such as idioms, folk songs, legends, and customs. Examples: - Idioms and folk songs: "I loved you since the cradle..." - Legends: Saint Giong - Myths: The Stone Woman, The Rooster and the Hen... The poet's contribution lies in bringing these cultural elements into Vietnamese poetry, creating a new perspective on the nation. The folklore elements in this excerpt leave a lasting impression because they are familiar to the Vietnamese people, yet the poet's use of them to depict the nation is innovative and refreshing. The images and details drawn from folk culture resonate deeply with the Vietnamese experience, yet the way they are woven into the poem is unique.

Illustrative image (Source: internet)

2. Analysis of "Dat Nuoc" by Nguyen Khoa Diem - Version 5

A. Key Knowledge 1. Author Nguyen Khoa Diem was born in 1943 in Thua Thien Hue. He grew up in a family with a strong tradition of patriotism and resistance against foreign invaders. His notable works include *Đất ngoại ô* (Suburban Land), *Mặt đường khát vọng* (The Road of Desire). His poetry is rich, simple, innocent, thoughtful, filled with intense emotions, and reflects the inner world of an intellectual youth deeply engaged in the struggle for national liberation and reunification. 2. Work *Trường ca Mặt đường khát vọng* (Epic The Road of Desire) was written by Nguyen Khoa Diem in 1971. *Đất Nước* (The Land) is the fifth chapter of this epic. This poem marks the awakening of the youth generation in the southern cities during the war. It portrays the self-awareness of Vietnamese youth in this era, making a decisive choice to stand with the people and the nation, sharing the responsibility and fate in the sacred struggle to protect and free the country. *Đất Nước* encapsulates the author’s, as well as the youth's, understanding of their country, serving as a foundation for them to define their role and position in the national struggle. 3. Structure The text is divided into two parts: Part 1: The first 42 verses describe the beauty of the country, presented through artistic comparisons and evaluations from various perspectives. Part 2: The remaining 47 verses emphasize the idea that the land belongs to the people. B. Exercises and Solutions Question 1 (Page 122, Textbook) The excerpt illustrates Nguyen Khoa Diem’s perception and explanation of the country. Please divide the text into its lyrical content and examine the sequence of the author’s thoughts and emotions. Answer: The structure of the excerpt divides the text into two parts: Part 1: The first 42 verses describe the beauty of the country, depicted through comparisons and artistic evaluations. Part 2: The last 47 verses convey the idea that the land belongs to the people. The sequence of the author’s thoughts and feelings unfolds as follows: The poet explores the origins of the country, questioning its existence from when it began. Rather than defining it through historical dynasties or specific timelines, the poet begins with the everyday life and the intimate, close experiences of the people. The poet separates the idea of the land into two elements before synthesizing them into a single definition: the land is both the private space of lovers and the vast space of the nation. The people’s thoughts about the country manifest in: - Geographical space - Historical time - Historical depth Question 2 (Page 122, Textbook) In the first part of the excerpt (from the beginning to 'make the country eternal'), how does the author perceive the country? How is this perception different from other poets writing about the same topic? Answer: Nguyen Khoa Diem’s perception of the country is diverse, exploring many facets: from the historical timeline (past, present, and future) to the geographical space, as well as the cultural richness, customs, lifestyles, and national spirit. These three aspects are interconnected. The author evaluates and perceives the country from different angles, including cultural geography, the long history of the nation, and the deep loss during the wars. The depth of history, traditions, customs, and the culture of the country is evoked through the myth of Lac Long Quan and Au Co, the legend of the Hung Kings, and familiar folk songs. The country is depicted as the space where people live (The land where you go to school, the water where you bathe, the country where we meet...). The perpetuity of the country is tied to the perpetual existence of its people. The image of the country becomes closer through small, familiar details like an elderly woman’s hair bun or a betel leaf in a story. From birth, the country exists, and it comes alive with the rich cultural and historical heritage of its people. The image of the country in wartime is depicted as majestic and monumental, standing as a historical witness throughout the ages. The poet’s perception is deep and holistic, with a strong emphasis on the people’s role in the new era. Question 3 (Page 122, Textbook) In the second part of the excerpt (from 'The wives miss their husbands' to the end), the poet emphasizes the idea that 'the land belongs to the people.' How does this idea lead to the poet’s fresh insights into the geography, history, and culture of the country? Why is this thought central in this excerpt and many other poems written during the anti-American war? Answer: The country is depicted with familiar, affectionate imagery, grounded in the concept of 'the land belongs to the people': - Geographical space The author lists the country’s natural wonders, from North to South, all created by the people. Each landmark reflects the soul of the people: loyalty, education, heroism... The novel aspect of the poet’s perception is that he focuses not on the physical form of the country but on specific places that highlight the idea of the land belonging to the people. - Historical time The poet emphasizes the humble, serene lives of people who remain nameless yet have shaped the country. These anonymous individuals played a vital role in contributing both spiritual and material values. They are the defenders of the country, whose sacrifices remain unknown, but their contribution is fundamental to the country’s survival. The new perspective is that the poet does not glorify leaders or heroes, but speaks of the ordinary people, the unsung heroes. - Historical depth The poet illustrates the three core values of the people: passionate love, respect for relationships, hard work, and perseverance in the struggle. The concept of ‘the land belongs to the people’ stands out in this excerpt and in many anti-American war poems because, unlike earlier poets who focused on geography, historical timelines, and cultural depth, Nguyen Khoa Diem doesn’t celebrate dynasties or historical figures. Instead, he emphasizes those who are 'faceless and nameless' – those who lived and died simply, but whose contributions made the nation eternal. Question 4 (Page 122, Textbook) Provide specific examples of how the poet uses folk culture materials. What is the poet's unique contribution to artistic expression? Why can the folk culture materials in this excerpt be described as both familiar and novel? Answer: The poem creatively incorporates elements of folk literature and culture: proverbs, folk songs, legends, fairy tales, customs, and ways of life, such as: - The legend of the Vong Phu Stone - The legend of the Trống Mái Stone - The story of Saint Giong The poet creatively uses these folk elements: sometimes reusing parts of folk songs, such as ‘I loved you since infancy.’ The poet uses the essence and imagery of folk songs and legends to create new, fresh, and relatable poetic images. The poet’s contribution to poetry is striking in its blend of the familiar and the innovative, drawing from traditional material while transforming it into something new and refreshing.

Illustrative Image (Source: Internet)

3. "The Country" by Nguyễn Khoa Điềm - Lesson 6

I. Author & Work

1. Author

Nguyễn Khoa Điềm, born in 1943 in the village of Ưu Điềm, Phong Hòa commune, Phong Điền district, Thừa Thiên – Huế province, is a prominent figure of the generation of young poets during the American War.

The characteristics of Nguyễn Khoa Điềm's poetry combine passionate emotions with deep contemplation about the country and the people of Vietnam.

Major works: Đất ngoại ô (Poetry, 1972), Mặt đường khát vọng (Epic poem, 1974), Ngôi nhà có ngọn lửa ấm (Poetry, 1986), Thơ Nguyễn Khoa Điềm (Selected poetry, 1990), Cõi lặng (Poetry, 2007).

2. Work

The excerpt from Đất nước (the first part of chapter V of the epic) is one of the most beautiful passages in modern Vietnamese poetry on the theme of the country.

II. Lesson Guide

Question 1 (Page 122, Literature Textbook 12, Volume 1):

* Structure: 2 parts

– Part 1 (from the beginning to 'Làm nên đất nước muôn đời'): Talks about Nguyễn Khoa Điềm’s fresh discoveries about the country.

– Part 2 (the rest): Delves deeper into the core idea of 'The Country of the People'.

* The sequence in which the author’s thoughts and emotions unfold in this excerpt: the author presents their perception of the country from various perspectives and elaborates on the concept of 'The Country of the People'.

Question 2 (Page 122, Literature Textbook 12, Volume 1):

The perception of the country in the first part of the excerpt:

– Nguyễn Khoa Điềm’s discoveries about the origins of the country: tracing the roots of the country: The country is found in the ancient stories mothers used to tell, starting from the betel nut the grandmother chewed, when our people knew how to grow bamboo to fight the invaders, in the custom of mothers tying their hair, in the bonds of love between parents, in the daily lives of the laboring people: the beams, the pillars, the rice grains...

→ The country is simple, close yet sacred. Nguyễn Khoa Điềm’s new, intimate exploration shows the country as both ordinary and magnificent, present in everyday life but eternal in its significance.

– Nguyễn Khoa Điềm’s discoveries regarding the concept of the country:

+ The country is tied to the space of love between couples.

+ The country is tied to the living space of the people: it is where people reunite, where birds return, where the dragon dwells.

+ The country is tied to historical time: the poet draws on symbols from the myth of Lạc Long Quân and Âu Cơ, creating an image of a simple, lovable country imbued with the colors of legend.

– The responsibility of each person toward the country:

+ In the present: Affirming that the country exists within each individual, that the country becomes a part of our very veins.

+ Looking to the future: “Someday, when my child grows up... dreams of the future...”

→ The poet expresses an optimistic view of the country and underscores the responsibility of every individual toward it.

Question 3 (Page 122, Literature Textbook 12, Volume 1):

The idea of 'The Country of the People' is represented as follows:

* The people contribute to beautifying the country:

– Nguyễn Khoa Điềm’s fresh perspective on the national landmarks.

– These landmarks, chosen from across the country, represent the historical, cultural, and ideological beauty of our people.

– The enchanting images of nature only become national landmarks thanks to the legends and folktales of the people that drape them in a shimmering mythical robe.

* The people are the ones who make history:

– The people are the unsung heroes.

– The people are humble, ordinary individuals.

– The emotional climax of the poem, where the lyrical subject’s love for the country reaches its peak, is crystallized in the lines:

This is the Country of the People.

The Country of the People.

Nguyễn Khoa Điềm asserts that the people are the soul of the country. The phrase 'The Country of the People' is repeated twice to emphasize this idea.

– The role of the country and its people for today’s youth.

– The poet trusts in a bright future for the country that will emerge.

Question 4 (Page 123, Literature Textbook 12, Volume 1):

In the excerpt from Đất Nước, the author incorporates many elements of literature and folk culture, from folk songs, proverbs, to legends and customs...

These elements, when incorporated into the poem, are creatively transformed by the poet, giving them a sense of both familiarity and novelty. For example: The phoenix bird flying to the silver mountain, Loving you since infancy... The poetic images and motifs from folk literature and culture create lines of verse that reflect both the art and the wisdom of our heritage (e.g., once upon a time, bitter and sweet...)

→ Effect: The poet opens up a unique artistic space, creating an atmosphere and tone that brings the reader into a beautiful, romantic world of folk poetry, with the rhythm of traditional storytelling, while maintaining a modern touch.

Illustrative Image (Source: Internet)

4. Analysis of "The Land" by Nguyen Khoa Diem, Version 1

I. A Brief Introduction to the Author Nguyen Khoa Diem
- Nguyen Khoa Diem was born in 1943
- Hometown: U Dien Village, Phong Hoa Commune, Phong Dien District, Thua Thien-Hue, in a family with a strong tradition of patriotism and revolution
- In 1955, he moved to the North to study at a school for Southern students
- After graduating with a degree in Literature from Hanoi University of Education in 1964, he returned to the South to work in the student movement, set up revolutionary bases, write, and create poetry..
- After the reunification of Vietnam, he continued his political and literary activities in Thua Thien – Hue
- In 2000, he received the State Prize for Literature and Arts
- Nguyen Khoa Diem belongs to the generation of poets who contributed to the resistance against American imperialism
- Major works: "Land of the Suburbs," "The Road of Desire," "The House with a Warm Flame," "Poetry by Nguyen Khoa Diem," "Silent Realm"
- Poetic style: combining passionate emotion with the deep reflections of an intellectual about the land and people of Vietnam

II. A Brief Introduction to the Work "The Land"
1. Background
- The epic poem "The Road of Desire" was written by the author in 1971 in the Truong Sa - Thua Thien war zone, addressing the awakening of the youth from southern urban areas regarding the nation, the land, and their generation's mission to join the struggle against American imperialist invaders.
- The excerpt "The Land" is taken from the first part of Chapter V of the epic poem

2. Structure (2 parts)
- Part 1 (from the beginning to “Making the land eternal”): A simple, relatable view of the land is felt through many aspects of daily life
- Part 2 (the remainder): The thought of "The Land belongs to the people"

3. Content Value
The excerpt shows the author’s fresh perception of the land through new beauties discovered in depth across multiple aspects: history, geography, and culture... The central theme of the poem is the notion "The Land belongs to the people"

4. Artistic Value
- Poetic voice: lyrical, political, emotional, deep, and heartfelt
- The use of folk culture and literature is skillfully and creatively incorporated

Question 1 (page 122 of Literature textbook, grade 12, volume 1)

The structure is divided into two parts:

+ Part 1 (from the beginning to "Making the Land eternal"): The land is perceived through various cultural, customary, geographical, and historical dimensions…

+ Part 2 (the remainder): The people are responsible for creating and preserving the values of the land

Question 2 (page 122 of Literature textbook, grade 12, volume 1)

The author perceives the land through various aspects:

The author's perceptions are diverse, rich, and come from multiple viewpoints

- The length of history (past-present-future):

+ From the myth of Long Quan and Au Co

+ The poet emphasizes the simple, calm lives of ordinary people who make up the nation

+ They are the protectors of the land

+ They contribute significantly to the spiritual and material aspects of the nation

- The width of space and geography

+ The land is not confined to a single family but stretches across the length of the country

+ The land is the origin, a close and intimate space tied to each individual's life

+ The words "land" and "water" harmonize with the emotional expressions in every line of poetry

+ It is the place of survival for many generations

- The depth of tradition, customs, culture, and spirit

+ The custom of chewing betel nuts (a beautiful tradition representing the deep emotional life of the Vietnamese people)

+ The tradition of fighting foreign invaders

+ The land is connected with the tradition of moral principles

- These dimensions complement and enrich each other

Question 3 (page 122 of Literature textbook, grade 12, volume 1)

The author offers new perspectives on the land and its scenic landscapes

+ The author leads the emotions towards the land, often repeating the word "contribute" to express a unique perception of nature

+ From the shape of the soul to the lifestyle of the people, they blend into the image of the land

+ The manifestation of the land is explored from the depth of the nation's culture, from the simplest aspects of the people

+ These are the author's subtle observations, reflections, and deep contemplations

+ The poet elevates these musings into the profound concept of "The Land"

- What is new and striking in anti-American poetry:

+ The poet explores the depth of history, culture, tradition, and geography.

+ The fresh insights about the concept of The Land engage the audience's emotions

Question 4 (page 123 of Literature textbook, grade 12, volume 1)

The author's use of folk literature elements: folk songs, proverbs, legends, customs, lifestyle...

- The author creatively uses various folk elements:

+ Sometimes he incorporates lines from folk songs, like “the phoenix bird flies to the silver mountain”

+ Teaching “I loved you since the cradle”

- This usage of ideas, images, folk songs, and legends creates a fresh, new, yet familiar artistic expression

Illustration (Source: Internet)

5. Analysis of "The Land" by Nguyen Khoa Diem, Version 2

Question 1 (Page 122, Literature Textbook, Grade 12, Volume 1)

Structure: 2 parts

- Part 1 (from the beginning to 'Making the country eternal'): The beauty of the country is perceived through the simple, everyday aspects of life.

- Part 2 (remaining section): The idea of the nation belonging to the people.

* The sequence of thoughts and emotions presented by the author in this excerpt: The author expresses his perceptions of the country from various perspectives, explaining the concept of the nation and highlighting the central theme of 'The Nation of the People.'

Question 2 (Page 122, Literature Textbook, Grade 12, Volume 1)

- In Part 1, the author perceives the country in terms of time, space, and origin to explain and interpret the nation.

- Perception of the country in terms of historical time:

+ The country has existed for a very long time: it has been there, beginning, growing (time markers used to suggest the country has a long-standing history).

+ The nation is formed by a community of people who share a common language (names based on structures like pillars and beams), customs (betel chewing, bunting hair), cultural traditions and history (planting bamboo to fight invaders), emotional expressions (parents' love through the bitter gingers and salty tears), economic practices (the rice grain must endure one sun and two dews...).

- Perception of the country in terms of space:

+ The country is a place of origin, a cultural space (The land where birds return.../Where the people are born from eggs).

+ The country extends magnificently in both length and width: The land is where the phoenix bird flies back to the silver mountain/Water is where the fish of the sea dwells.

+ The country is a harmonious balance of the individual and the collective, the specific and the abstract, the material and the spiritual: In you and me today.../The nation remains whole and grand.

- Perception of the country in terms of culture:

+ Customs: betel chewing, hair tied behind the head...

+ Tradition: fighting to establish and protect the country

+ Stories passed down through generations

- The author offers a unique definition of the country by separating the terms Land and Water and then unifying them to form a deeper and more profound understanding.

=> The country appears both sacred, noble, and miraculous, yet familiar and closely intertwined with everyday life.

Question 3 (Page 122, Literature Textbook, Grade 12, Volume 1)

The idea of 'The Nation of the People' is expressed as follows:

● Geographical space

- The country consists of unique landmarks, picturesque sites, and is the soul of the people: Bút Mountain, Trống Mái Mountain, Vọng Phu Mountain, Ha Long Bay, the Mekong River, Ông Đốc, Ông Trang, Bà Đen, Bà Điểm,...

- These places are also a mark of the survival of the nation, and through them, Nguyễn Khoa Điềm has vividly recreated the face of the homeland.

=> It is these people who have shaped a nation that is kind, loyal, heroic, resilient, and rich in the tradition of reverence for learning.

● Historical time

The poet emphasizes the ordinary, calm lives of people who have no fame but are integral to the creation of the country:

- These people are the ones who contribute to the defense of the nation.

- They play a significant role in bringing both material and spiritual values.

- They are the guardians of the country, and these anonymous, humble people have shed blood for their nation.

● The people preserve, pass on, and develop the country from both material and spiritual aspects:

- The people create all cultural values such as: folk songs, myths, fairy tales, and legends.

- In the rich treasury of folk songs, the author selects three folk verses to describe the most important aspects of the people's traditions and national identity.

=> The people have formed culture with their character and soul: passionate in love, valuing relationships and work, persistent in their struggles.

=> The idea of 'The Nation of the People' is the central theme of this excerpt, as well as many anti-American poems. Nguyễn Khoa Điềm affirms that the nation is, in essence, the people. The people are the heart of the nation, and it is because of them that the nation endures.

Question 4 (Page 122, Literature Textbook, Grade 12, Volume 1)

Nguyễn Khoa Điềm's poetry - Rooted in folk culture

...those 'once upon a time' tales told by mothers - The opening lines of many folk fairy tales.

...with the betel now being eaten by grandmother - The Vietnamese custom of betel chewing, evoking stories like 'The Legend of Betel and Areca Nut', and folk songs with betel images.

The mother's hair tied behind her head - The old Vietnamese custom of tying hair behind the head.

Parents love each other through bitter ginger and salty tears - Reminiscent of the folk verse: 'Holding a bowl of salt and a plate of ginger/Ginger is bitter, salt is salty, don't forget each other.'

Names like pillars and beams - The tradition of naming children based on practical items for ease of care.

...the phoenix bird flying back to the silver mountain - The folk songs of Bình Trị Thiên.

...the fish of the sea dwelling in the deep waters - More folk songs from Bình Trị Thiên.

Lạc Long Quân and Âu Cơ

Giving birth to our people... - The myth of the Dragon King and the Fairy Mother.

=> The author skillfully and creatively incorporates elements of folk culture (legends, fairy tales, folk songs, customs...), not through long-winded explanations or direct quotations, but smoothly and gracefully within modern prose poetry, making the verses both fresh and familiar, deeply expressive and communicative.

Main Content

The excerpt presents the author's fresh perspectives on the country, highlighting its beauty discovered in the depths of history, geography, culture...

Illustration (Source: Internet)

6. Essay on "The Nation" by Nguyễn Khoa Điềm, Version 3

I. Author Nguyễn Khoa Điềm

- Nguyễn Khoa Điềm was born in 1943 into an intellectual family with a rich tradition of patriotism and revolutionary spirit in the village of Ưu Điềm, Phong Hòa Commune, Phong Điền District, Thừa Thiên-Huế Province.

- He studied and grew up in the North, participating in combat and artistic activities in the South.

- He is a political and artistic activist, having served as the Head of the Central Committee for Ideology and Culture, General Secretary of the Vietnam Writers' Association (5th term), and Minister of Culture and Information.

- A poet of the anti-American war generation, his poetry captivates with its combination of intense emotion and deep reflection on Vietnam’s people and land.

- In 2000, he received the State Prize for Literature and Art.

- His writing style:

+ Rich in reflection and intense emotion.

+ A blend of lyrical and political poetry.

II. The Work 'Đất Nước' (The Land)

- Context of creation: The epic 'Mặt đường khát vọng' was completed by the author in the Truong Son battlefield in 1971, first published in 1974, and addresses the awakening of the urban youth in the southern occupied areas about the homeland, their mission, and joining the fight against American imperialism.

- Position of the excerpt: The excerpt from 'Đất Nước' is taken from the beginning of Chapter V of the epic 'Mặt đường khát vọng', which has long been regarded as one of the most outstanding poetic passages about the theme of the homeland in modern Vietnamese literature.

- Main content: The land of Vietnam is seen through Nguyễn Khoa Điềm’s fresh perspective, representing the collective efforts and aspirations of the people. 'Đất Nước' belongs to the people, and the people are the creators of the land.

- Structure of the excerpt: 'Đất Nước' consists of two parts:

+ Part 1 (First 42 lines): The land is perceived from various aspects: history, culture, the depth of space, and the expanse of time.

+ Part 2 (Last 47 lines): The central idea and understanding of the land: 'The Land of the People'.

Question 1, page 122, Textbook of Vietnamese Literature, 12th grade, Volume 1

The poem presents the author's perception and explanation of the land. Please divide it into sections, identify the lyrical themes of each part, and examine the sequence of the author’s thoughts and emotions in the passage above.

Answer:

- Structure and lyrical content of each section:

+ The first part: From the beginning to 'make the land eternal'—the author’s perception of the land.

+ The second part: The remainder: The land of the people, the land of folk songs and legends.

- Sequence of emotions: From perception to philosophical reflection.

Question 2, page 122, Textbook of Vietnamese Literature, 12th grade, Volume 1

What aspects does the poet consider in the first part of the excerpt on the land? How does this perception differ from other poems on the same subject?

Answer:

- The author’s perception of the land comes from various aspects:

+ Geographical perspective: silver mountains, the faraway sea.

+ Historical perspective: The mythical figures of Lạc Long Quân and Âu Cơ giving birth to our ancestors from an egg.

+ Everyday life: betel leaves, wooden beams, rice grains, from dawn to dusk, grinding, sifting...

+ Particularly, the cultural and customary perspective.

- Compared to other authors on the same subject, this perception is more profound and comprehensive.

Question 3, page 122, Textbook of Vietnamese Literature, 12th grade, Volume 1

In the latter part of the excerpt (from 'The wives miss their husbands...' to the end), the poet emphasizes the idea of 'The Land of the People'. How has this thought led to new and profound discoveries about the geography, history, and culture of Vietnam? Why does this thought stand out in the poem and many other poems during the anti-American war?

Answer:

- The author makes unique discoveries about the land, especially in natural landmarks:

+ The author uses repetition of the word 'contribute' to express their fresh feeling about the landscape.

+ From the people’s way of life to their souls, they become intertwined with the image of the land.

+ The land is expressed through the deep cultural history and the simple, daily lives of the people.

+ These are reflections and observations that are subtle and introspective.

+ The poet elevates these reflections into the profound thought: 'The Land of the People.'

- What is new and outstanding in anti-American poetry:

+ Poets explored deeper aspects of history, culture, traditions, and geography.

+ New discoveries about the concept of the land attract deep emotions from readers.

Question 4, page 123, Textbook of Vietnamese Literature, 12th grade, Volume 1

Give specific examples and analyze the author’s use of folk cultural materials (proverbs, folk songs, myths, customs...). From that, explore the author’s unique contributions to artistic expression. Why is the use of folk cultural materials in this passage both familiar and fresh?

Answer:

In the excerpt 'Đất Nước,' the poet creatively uses various elements from folk literature and culture, including folk songs, proverbs, myths, and customs:

These materials, when integrated into the poem, are transformed by the poet, making them both familiar and new. For example:

+ 'The phoenix bird flies to the silver mountain,' 'I loved you since you were in the cradle,' using traditional motifs from folk literature.

+ The phrase 'one sun, two dew' is a reference to the proverb 'one sun, two dews'.

+ 'The land where you lost your scarf in a silent longing' refers to the folk song 'Khăn thương nhớ ai'.

+ 'The wives missing their husbands contribute to the Land the Vọng Phu mountain' is a reference to the Vọng Phu mountain legend.

+ 'A couple’s love creates the Trống Mái mountain' refers to the Trống Mái legend.

+ The stories of Saint Gióng, the Hung Kings, Bút Mountain, Nghiên Mountain, Ha Long Bay, etc.

- The poet has brought these folk materials into Vietnamese poetry, creating a fresh perspective on the land.

- The use of folk cultural materials in this passage gives a sense of both familiarity and novelty:

+ Familiar because the images and details from folk customs are very close to the hearts of Vietnamese people.

+ New because no one has previously used these materials to describe the land in this way in literature.

Illustrative image (Source: internet)

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