Top 10 Analytical Essays on the Poem 'Khuê Oán' by Vương Xương Linh

There are Chinese poems that have deeply moved Vietnamese readers, provoking much reflection on the lives of those from the past. The Tang Dynasty poetry includes many masterpieces on the theme of war. While not directly addressing the brutality of war, the poem expresses the sorrow and heartbreak of a woman left behind.
If Vietnam has the poem 'Chinh Phụ Ngâm,' capturing the grief of a wife with a husband at war, then Chinese literature offers 'Khuê Oán,' which raises a voice of bitterness and resentment against war. A poem like 'Khuê Oán' is more powerful than any anti-war weapon.
Though just four lines, Vương Xương Linh masterfully captures the changing emotions of the woman, displaying her turmoil as time passes. The poem criticizes war even during the prosperous Tang Dynasty.
The development of Tang Dynasty poetry is often divided into four major periods:
1) The Early Tang period, where poetry began evolving, blending previous traditions and new styles, with notable poets like Vương Bột, Lạc Tân Vương, and others.
2) The High Tang period, marked by poets like Li Bai, Du Fu, and Vương Xương Linh, representing a golden age of poetry.
3) The Mid Tang period, where the Tang Dynasty entered decline, despite the defeat of the An-Shi Rebellion.
4) The Late Tang period, which saw further decay, with poets like Li Shangyin and Du Mu.
'Khuê Oán' is an example of a type of biographical poetry that developed during this time, offering diverse perspectives on war. Vương Xương Linh's works do not glorify war but mourn its consequences. The poem opens with two lines portraying the joyful mood of a woman whose husband is away at war.
'Khuê trung thiếu phụ bất tri sầu, Xuân nhật ngưng trang thương thúy lâu'
(The young wife in her boudoir is unaware of sorrow, On a spring day, she joyfully adorns herself and ascends the tower.)
At first, she is unaware of sorrow, living carefreely despite her husband's absence. However, the next two lines reveal her change in mood:
'Hốt kiến mạch đầu dương liễu sắc, Hối giao phu tế mịch phong hầu.'
(Suddenly, she notices the green willow at the road's edge, Regretful, she wishes her husband had not gone to gain a title.)
The willow symbolizes youth, and her happiness shifts to sorrow as she reflects on her own life and regrets her husband's involvement in war. The poet subtly conveys an anti-war sentiment, as war causes separation between loved ones.
The poem follows a four-line structure known as the quatrain, with an unexpected approach to its theme. The wife initially accepts her husband's departure, thinking it is noble and fitting, but her evolving feelings reflect a growing opposition to war.

The poet Wang Chengling, one of the most prominent poets of the Tang Dynasty, gained recognition for his poems about soldiers on the battlefield, the grief of concubines, and the sadness of women waiting for their husbands. Each of his themes holds masterpieces. Specifically, his poem "Khuê Oán" addresses the sorrow of a wife separated from her husband due to war, expressing not only the longing and grief of the woman but also her desire for marital happiness and a subtle condemnation of unjust warfare.

During the years of this unjust war, many men had to leave their homes and families to fulfill their duties. The husband of the woman in the poem is one of them. However, in the early days of his departure, the woman did not feel the pain of separation. On the contrary, she remained carefree and peaceful:

"The young wife in the chamber does not know sorrow,

In spring she brushes her hair and ascends the tower."

Her carefreeness is reflected in her actions—grooming herself and going up the tower to enjoy the spring scenery. Meanwhile, her husband is away at war, facing danger and possibly death, and yet she remains oblivious to the severity of his situation. Although he has just left, she does not yet feel the full weight of sorrow, continuing with her daily routine in peace.

The poet's description, though brief, clearly evokes the woman's demeanor. She appears graceful and elegant, accustomed to a life of comfort. When her husband departs, she is not yet aware of the sacrifices she might face, focusing only on her hopes for his success and potential accolades. She has not yet realized the risks of war, where survival and a safe return are the only true rewards. She only dreams of honors and titles. However, as she gazes at a willow branch, her awareness begins to shift:

"On the road, I suddenly see the color of willow branches,

Regretting that I urged him to seek titles and honors."

The "color of the willow branches" symbolizes spring and youth, evoking aspirations for happiness. However, the willow also symbolizes separation and farewell. This realization strikes her as she recalls the moment she sent her husband off to battle, and her emotions shift drastically.

At this point, she fully understands the sadness of separation. She worries about his uncertain return, fearing he may never come back. Looking at the willow branches, she sees her own happiness fading away with time, her youth passing by, just as her hopes for a joyful reunion with her husband slip further out of reach. She regrets encouraging him to go to war, feeling the helplessness of being unable to stop him.

The longing for happiness and family is now distant and unattainable, leaving her waiting anxiously, unable to soothe her deep sorrow. The title and honor she once envisioned now seem irrelevant in the face of danger, and she feels anger towards the war that forced her husband to leave. Despite her sorrow, she can do nothing but wait and grieve in silence.

Wang Chengling's poem "Khuê Oán" has remained relevant over thousands of years, preserving its value and continuing to touch readers' hearts. His poetry is admired not only for its reflection of reality but also for its clarity, delicacy, and timeless beauty in every line.

"Khuê Oán" is a renowned work by Wang Chengling, and it remains a popular subject in the feudal society of its time. The poem describes the painful separation of a couple, where the husband must leave for distant battlefields. Some have argued that: "Khuê Oán is a common theme in poetry, with unique word constructions that reflect the psychological process, revealing the subconscious emotions of the woman in the poem, making the 28-character piece not only subtle but deeply evocative and convincing." The poem opens with two unexpected lines:

"The young woman in the inner chambers does not know sorrow

On a spring day, she dresses up and ascends the tower to admire the scenery."

The woman presented at the start of the poem is a military wife whose husband is away at the border. The phrase "does not know sorrow" is striking; this woman, contrary to expectations, is carefree as she sends her husband to war. The opening lines contrast with the title, showcasing the author’s brilliant artistry. Despite the absence of her husband, she continues her daily routine, enjoying the beautiful spring days, caring for her appearance, and gazing out from the tower. At this moment, the sorrow of the woman has not yet appeared. But soon, her emotions shift:

"Suddenly, I see the willow trees by the road

And hastily think, 'Why did I let him go to war?'"

The woman's mind is in turmoil. Happiness for her once meant having her husband by her side, sharing joys and sorrows. Now, she realizes her solitude, her loneliness. The "green willow" becomes a metaphor for her own feelings, bringing forth reflections on her youthful days. She had wanted her husband to gain glory, but now she regrets sending him away to battle, in a distant land where danger lurks.

"Khuê Oán" is a short but poignant poem, conveying the regrets of a wife whose husband is at war. Through artistic devices like the metaphor of the "willow" and the balanced structure reflecting her emotions, the poem has gained a lasting place in literature. The idea that "Khuê Oán is a recurring theme in poetry, with its unique word construction that reveals subconscious emotional depth" is undeniably true.

The poem by Wang Chengling not only depicts the pain of separation but also critiques the unjust wars that cause such heartbreak. It represents a desire for peace and happiness in family life, from past to future.

The poet Wang Xiu Ling is an outstanding figure from the Tang Dynasty. His legacy includes many famous and beautiful poems, contributing significantly to Vietnamese poetry. Most of his works are written in seven-character lines, a classic structure. The poem "Khuê Oán" is one of Wang Xiu Ling's masterpieces, showcasing his unique style—delicate, refined, and elegant.

“Khuê tru nụ thiếu phụ bất tri sầu,

Xuân nhật ngưng trang thướng thủy lâu.

Hốt kiến mạch đầu dương liễu sắc,

Hối giao phu tế mịch phong hầu”.

The poem "Khuê Oán" expresses the sadness of a young woman who, after marrying, is confined to her chamber waiting for her husband, stationed far away at the borders. She has no news of him, unsure whether he is alive or dead. The poem beautifully conveys her longing and desperation, to the point of forgetting to eat and sleep.

The young woman in the poem comes from a prestigious and wealthy family, living in luxurious surroundings. Materially she is well-off, but spiritually she suffers from loneliness. This contrast between wealth and spiritual emptiness adds emotional depth to the poem, evoking sympathy from the reader.

Before her marriage, she lived happily by her husband’s side, but after his departure, she is confined to a life of leisure in her new home, never imagining the torment of waiting. She had no knowledge of the sorrow that would eventually overwhelm her.

“Khuê trung thiếu phụ bất tri sầu,

Xuân nhật ngưng trang thướng thúy lâu

(Youthful innocence, unaware of sorrow,

Spends springtime gazing at herself in the mirror).

These lines highlight her carefree, youthful joy. As a young, beautiful woman in a wealthy family, she has no reason for sorrow. Each day she beautifies herself, enjoying the luxury of her life without a care in the world. Life seems perfect, without any apparent hardships.

She lives a life of privilege, untouched by worry. For her, springtime is a period of beauty and joy. She is adored, youthful, and surrounded by material wealth, so sadness is a distant concept.

“Hốt kiến mạch đầu dương liễu sắc,

Hối giao phu tế mịch phong hầu

(A fleeting glance at the willow's fading color,

Regrets as she longs for her husband’s return).

In these lines, the poem shifts to describe the melancholy of the woman's later years. After years of waiting, her beauty and youth have begun to fade. No longer carefree, she is now filled with sorrow, reflecting on the loss of time and love.

The woman sees the withering willow tree, reminding her of her lost youth. The autumn season, with its melancholic golden hue, symbolizes the passage of time. Her youthful vitality has faded, and she finds herself trapped in a cycle of regret and sorrow.

Wang Xiu Ling uses the willow tree as a powerful metaphor for the woman's fading youth. This imagery is both poignant and evocative, capturing the essence of regret. The woman regrets allowing her husband to go to war, seeking glory, while she remained behind, left to await his uncertain return.

She cannot know if he will ever come back. Perhaps he has already perished in battle. All she can do is sit and wait, watching her youth slip away, filled with regret over her decisions. Ultimately, material wealth and status are less important than love and companionship.

The poem criticizes senseless wars that tear families apart, leaving wives waiting for husbands who may never return. It also emphasizes the tragedy of women losing their youth to war and separation, never receiving any news or closure.

Through "Khuê Oán," readers experience Wang Xiu Ling's unique artistic style and his deep empathy for women who suffer because of war. It reminds us of the fleeting nature of youth and the human cost of conflict.

I have not read much Tang Dynasty poetry, nor do I have a deep understanding of it. However, out of the few poems I've read, I particularly admire "Khuê Oán" by Vương Xương Linh, a work that has left a lasting impression on me. The poem consists of four lines as follows:

Hán-Việt transliteration:
Khuê trung thiếu phụ bất tri sầu
Xuân nhật ngưng trang thướng thuý lâu
Hốt kiến mạch đầu dương liễu sắc
Hối giao phu tế mịch phong hầu

Literal translation:
The young wife in the Khuê chamber knows no sorrow
On a spring day, she beautifies herself and climbs the tower
Suddenly, she sees the spring color of the willow at the roadside
Regretting sending her husband to war for a title and promotion

Poetic translation:
(Translation by Ngô Tất Tố)

The maiden in her chamber knows no sorrow

On a spring day, she beautifies and climbs the tower

She sees the willow’s green at the end of the road

Regretting sending her husband to earn a title and promotion.

The main theme of the poem addresses the sorrow of the young woman in the Khuê chamber, as indicated by the title – “Khuê Oán”. The reason for this sorrow is unveiled through the four lines of poetry. The first two lines:

Khuê trung thiếu phụ bất tri sầu
Xuân nhật ngưng trang thướng thuý lâu

translate as:
The young wife in the Khuê chamber knows no sorrow
On a spring day, she beautifies herself and climbs the tower

The term "thiếu phụ" refers to a young wife, one who has a husband but is still young. Here, the young wife does not know sorrow – she is joyful and carefree. This is vividly expressed through the action of beautifying herself "ngưng trang" during "xuân nhật" (spring day). Various interpretations exist regarding the term "ngưng", but translating it as beautifying or making herself splendid seems to capture the meaning most accurately. This helps emphasize the carefree nature of the young wife in the springtime. The action of "thướng thúy lâu" (climbing the beautiful tower) further illustrates her innocent, carefree nature as she enjoys the spring scenery from above.

In conclusion, the first two lines depict a harmonious scene of a fresh spring, where the young wife's beauty and carefree spirit are in perfect balance. The next two lines reveal a complete emotional shift:

Hốt kiến mạch đầu dương liễu sắc
Hối giao phu tế mịch phong hầu

translate as:

She suddenly sees the spring color of the willow at the roadside
And regrets having sent her husband to war for a title and promotion

The word "hốt" signals a sudden change in the poem's structure. It marks a dramatic emotional shift, skillfully presented through the image of the willow tree – a traditional symbol in classical poetry representing separation. In times of parting, lovers would often exchange willow branches. The sudden sight of the willow tree here reveals the young wife's unspoken sorrow, as she realizes the potential consequences of her decision to send her husband away to war.

Thus, the sorrow and regret become palpable to the reader. The young wife, once carefree and joyful, now contemplates the fleeting nature of her youth, beauty, and the inevitability of time. The poem’s final lines convey her deep regret and understanding of the futility of her husband's quest for power and wealth in war, which brings only sorrow and separation.

In summary, this poem, with its seven-character quatrain form, expresses deep emotional contrasts and critiques the senselessness of war, which brings suffering to the people. The poet skillfully conveys the sorrow and bitterness of the young wife while also condemning the wars that bring destruction to families and futures. This is indeed a masterpiece of poetry.

Vương Xương Linh, also known as Thiếu Bá, was a famous poet of the Tang Dynasty in China. His poetry earned him the title of 'Emperor of Poetry' and 'Master of Poetry'. He has many outstanding works, with the most famous being the poem "Khuê Oán".

Chinese original text:

Khuê trung thiếu phụ bất tri sầu,

Xuân nhật ngưng trang thướng thúy lâu.

Hốt kiến mạch đầu dương liễu sắc,

Hối giao phu tố mịch phong hầu.

Vietnamese translation:

The young lady in her chamber is unaware of sorrow,

On a spring day, she beautifies herself and climbs the tower.

Suddenly, she sees the color of the willow at the street corner,

Regretting sending her husband to seek honor and fame.

(Translation by Nguyễn Khắc Phi)

The poem begins by depicting a beautiful young woman from a noble family, with a husband fighting far away. She, unaware of the suffering caused by war, remains innocent and carefree, still caring for her appearance.

"The young lady in her chamber is unaware of sorrow,

On a spring day, she beautifies herself and climbs the tower."

The 'chamber' symbolizes a peaceful, happy home. During her youth, she would always dress up and ascend the tower to enjoy the scenic view, hoping for her husband's return. The author captures both the beauty of the season and the woman's graceful youth.

Yet, fate seems cruel as spring, the season of love, sees her alone, awaiting her husband's return. Despite her innocence, there is an underlying sadness as she yearns for her spouse.

"Suddenly, she sees the color of the willow at the street corner,

Regretting sending her husband to seek honor and fame."

The willow, a symbol of youth and vitality, also represents love. According to tradition, a woman would give a willow branch to her lover as he left for war, hoping for their reunion. The woman waits, lost in thoughts of her husband's fate, unsure of where he is or if he is alive. The image evokes deep emotions, blending love, longing, and regret. She wishes she had kept him from leaving.

Eventually, she realizes how quickly time has passed, and her youthful beauty has faded while she waited alone for her husband’s return. The reality is harsh, and she blames herself, feeling that her fate is a sad tale of longing and unfulfilled love.

Through this poem, the author also expresses the fragility of love and the painful separation caused by war. Love, no matter how strong, cannot overcome the distance and uncertainty of war. The woman is left to endure her loneliness, constantly hoping for her husband's return.

This poem, with just four short lines, encapsulates the depth of emotion and the transience of youth. It conveys a profound message through vivid imagery, capturing the poignant blend of love and loss.

From this poem, we can clearly see the sorrow and loneliness of a woman whose husband is away at war. She longs for his return, and the poem serves as a critique of war, which separates families and disrupts love and happiness.

Vương Xương Linh is one of the most distinguished poets of the Tang Dynasty. His works include 186 poems, most of which are in the seven-character quatrain form. His poem "Khuê Oán" is considered a masterpiece, showcasing his signature style: profound, elegant, and refined.

The Poem "Khuê Oán"

"Khuê tru nụ thiếu phụ bất tri sầu,

Xuân nhật ngưng trang thướng thuỷ lâu.

Hốt kiến mạch đầu dương liễu sắc,

Hối giao phu tế mịch phong hầu.”

This poem reflects the sorrowful state of a young wife waiting for her husband, who is away at war. The lady described in "Khuê Oán" is not from a common background, but rather a noblewoman living in an opulent mansion. This context helps us understand the poem better.

In the opening two lines, the poet describes the young wife's life of luxury and peace when she was reunited with her beloved husband. At that time, she had no knowledge of sorrow (bất tri sầu). Her home was a place of joy, and during her youth, after dressing up, she would visit the balcony to enjoy the scenery.

"Khuê tru nụ thiếu phụ bất tri sầu,

Xuân nhật ngưng trang thướng thúy lâu

(In her youth, she knew no sorrow,

On spring days, she would ascend the beautiful tower to gaze at the view).

In this interpretation, the phrase “gazing at the mirror” was added by Tản Đà, as it doesn't appear in the original. The term “Xuân nhật” literally means spring days, but in this context, it symbolizes the period of youth and beauty—days of happiness. Unfortunately, those days have long passed, now only memories remain.

The first two lines depict not only a carefree spirit, but also the graceful actions of the lady (adjusting her appearance, leisurely ascending the tower). The phrase “xuân nhật” evokes a sense of timeless youth, while “bất tri sầu” expresses an innocent ignorance of sorrow, highlighting her beauty and refined life.

She lived in wealth and happiness with her husband, but she yearns for him to be honored with a title of nobility. The husband, like all men of that time, would embark on a journey of valor, seeking honor and fame in battle. The aspiration for such a title is both beautiful and noble. The two lines in the poem, “hốt kiến” and “hối giao,” carry deep meaning:

"Hốt kiến mạch đầu dương liễu sắc,

Hối giao phu tế mịch phong hầu

(Suddenly, she sees the willow’s color,

And regrets urging her husband to seek honors).

The “willow’s color” represents the present, a symbol of change. After years of solitude, she looks out the window and sees the changing color of the willow, realizing the passage of time. "Xuân nhật” refers to the past, while “dương liễu sắc” represents the current autumn season. This evokes the image of fading youth and beauty after waiting in loneliness for so long.

The young wife regrets urging her husband to seek honors, realizing the cost of that desire. Perhaps her husband will never return from the battlefield. The harsh reality sets in: solitude, sorrow, and the slow fading of youth. She mourns the passage of time and regrets her decisions. That is the essence of "Khuê Oán".

In this poem, time and emotions intertwine. The phrases “hốt kiến” and “hối giao” express the wife’s regret and sorrow over her decision to send her husband to war. The poem poignantly captures the essence of a woman left behind, her sorrow over her youth and her husband’s absence. "Khuê Oán" is a lament, not a protest against war, but a personal expression of heartache and the price of honor.

The writing style of Vương Xương Linh is delicate and moving. His work highlights the emotional depth and the complexities of love, sacrifice, and regret. The poem remains timeless, resonating with readers even today.

Vương Xương Linh (698 – 757), also known as Thiếu Bá, was from Chang'an, Shaanxi, China. He became famous early for his literary talents. After passing the imperial examination, he worked as an official, but his career was filled with obstacles. After leaving the capital and spending some time in the countryside, he was wronged by a local governor. His poetry was both realistic and deeply lyrical, reflecting the significant issues of his time, such as war, sorrow, and loss.

He often delved into the psychology and emotions of various people, including intellectuals, generals, soldiers, and women waiting for their husbands at the front. Among his masterpieces, 'Khuê Oán' (The Grief of the Khuê Woman) has become widely admired and popular, seen as a symbol of the public's opposition to unjust wars during the Tang Dynasty.

Phonetic transcription of the Chinese text:

Khuê trung thiếu phụ bất tri sầu,

Xuân nhật ngưng trang thướng thúy lâu.

Hốt kiến mạch đầu dương liễu sắc,

Hối giao phu tố mịch phong hầu.

Vietnamese translation:

The young wife in the Khuê chamber knows not sorrow,

On a spring day, she adorns herself and walks to the tower.

She suddenly sees the color of willow at the street corner,

Regrets letting her husband go to seek the title of duke.

(Translated by Nguyễn Khắc Phi)

The first two lines introduce the lyrical subject, the young wife from the aristocratic class whose husband is away at war. Perhaps due to her privileged upbringing, she has not known the hardships and tragedies of war, and her innocent and carefree nature reflects this. Every day, she beautifies herself and gazes longingly at the distance, hoping her husband will return to fulfill his ambitions:

The young wife in the Khuê chamber knows not sorrow,

On a spring day, she adorns herself and walks to the tower.

There is harmony between the character and the scenery. The spring season, symbolizing youth, love, and happiness, highlights the beauty of the young woman. However, the irony lies within this harmony: spring symbolizes youth and love, yet the Khuê woman lives in solitude, waiting for her husband’s return.

Thus, her mood is likely the same as many young wives with husbands at war. Her cheerful and carefree demeanor, if real, is fragile. It could vanish with the slightest change in external circumstances. The next two lines describe the event that suddenly alters the young wife’s mood:

She suddenly sees the color of willow at the street corner,

Regrets letting her husband go to seek the title of duke.

The color of the willow tree, so vibrant and green, that the young wife notices as she ascends the tower, changes her mood drastically. The willow tree symbolizes spring, youth, and a yearning for happiness, while also evoking the sorrow of separation. The farewell, according to tradition, was marked by a willow branch, symbolizing her wish for her husband’s safe return. Where is he now? What is his fate? Has he fulfilled his ambitions?

The scene stirs her emotions, and these feelings of longing rise, mixed with regret and guilt. She regrets allowing her husband to leave for war, thinking that if he succeeded, he would return with glory and rank, bringing pride and honor to the family. However, upon reflection, she realizes that this is mere illusion; the reality is a painful separation, which sometimes feels more excruciating than death.

Time passes quickly, as does youth, and the happiness of their union is left incomplete. A future bound to war is uncertain, fraught with peril. The price for the ambition of men in times of chaos is high, sometimes even costing them their lives.

The four-line quatrain in 'Khuê Oán' is short in structure but rich in meaning. The language is suggestive rather than descriptive, and in each line, the emotional tone and rhythm harmonize, creating a melody that resonates with the reader.

Through delicate descriptions and psychological analysis, poet Vương Xương Linh uses the emotions of a young woman in the Khuê chamber to condemn the unjust wars that cause suffering and loss for every family, stealing youth, love, and happiness. After thousands of years, the poem still lives in the hearts of generations who admire the poet's refined and deep lyrical style – a legacy of one of the most celebrated poets of the Tang Dynasty.

Vương Xương Linh is one of the poets from the Tang Dynasty. He has 186 surviving poems, with his most renowned works being the seven-character quatrains. Vương Xương Linh's poetry is known for its delicate and clear style, often focusing on the lives of soldiers at the borders, the grievances of palace maids, the sorrow of separation, and the sincere friendship of men.

"Khuê Oán" by Vương Xương Linh is a famous poem that touches on themes of war, career, love, and youth – topics that have always troubled human souls across all ages. The poem’s unique structure captures the inner emotional process and the latent consciousness of the female protagonist, making it incredibly poignant, evocative, and persuasive. This is why it stands as a prime example of anti-war poetry.

The poem’s uniqueness lies in its structure, which reflects the emotional transformation of the protagonist from carefree (unaware of sorrow) to regret. The title, "Khuê Oán" (Grief of the Chamber), contrasts with the opening line, which reads: "The young wife in the chamber does not know sorrow." This contradiction illustrates the paradox. With the Tang Dynasty being a prosperous and vast empire, military campaigns were seen as a means to expand territory and bring glory. Soldiers left for the frontier with hopes of achieving titles and honors. As such, the young wife, whose husband is away at war, does not seem troubled, continuing with her daily routines like applying makeup and gazing from the tower.

However, when she sees the color of the willow branches at the road’s end, she is struck with a sudden realization. The "willow color" in classical Chinese poetry symbolizes separation. The spring season and youth are fleeting, and the thought of parting with her husband brings a sharp sense of regret. The pursuit of military glory becomes insignificant when compared to the simple joys of being together. This regret leads her to "resent" the pursuit of honor, which was driven by the war that caused so many separations.

To understand why the sight of the "willow color" triggers such regret, one must know its symbolic meaning in Chinese culture. Willows are common in China, and during spring, their green color spreads across the landscape. Thus, "willow color" often represents spring and youth. In Chinese, the words for "willow" and "to stay" are similar in sound, making the act of breaking a willow branch to part with someone a gesture of bittersweet separation, a custom that has appeared in many poems throughout history.

When the young wife sees the "willow color," she is reminded of her own passing youth and the separation from her husband, who is off seeking military glory. She now deeply regrets allowing him to pursue this honor.

Throughout the 28 characters of the poem, the most important action is the verb "to regret" (hối tiếc and hối hận), which conveys the character's aversion to war. However, the adverb "suddenly" (hốt) also plays a crucial role. The moment she notices the "willow color," the woman’s carefree state shifts abruptly to regret and resentment. The word "hốt" serves as the catalyst for this transformation.

With its 28 characters, "Khuê Oán" exemplifies the anti-war sentiment of the Tang Dynasty, and by extension, of all humanity. The poem highlights a universal truth: war only brings separation and loss. It conveys a deep yearning for peace and happiness, a timeless wish shared by people across all eras.