Top 10 Best Analytical Essays on Nguyễn Đình Chiểu's 'Running from the War'

'Running from the War' is a patriotic poem against foreign invasion. In 1859, when the French colonizers attacked Gia Định, the country fell into disaster. Nguyễn Đình Chiểu composed this poem in the eight-line regulated verse, depicting this tragic event. The first two lines highlight the situation and the state of the nation. The French forces attacked Gia Định when the market was bustling, and the sudden gunfire disrupted the peaceful life of the people. The phrase 'a chessboard set in chaos' symbolizes the upheaval and intense battle that follows. The phrase 'a moment's loss of control' reflects the rapid defeat of the imperial army in Gia Định. The first two lines serve as a historical announcement of the disaster in 1859, accompanied by the poet's deep sorrow for his homeland's suffering at the hands of the French invaders.

The next two lines employ inverted syntax to emphasize the pain and grief of the people as they flee from the invaders:

'The children scatter, fleeing with no shelter,

The birds lose their nests and fly in panic.'

The phrasing and the use of 'scatter' and 'fly in panic' vividly depict the chaos and fear of the people. The image of children lost and birds without nests reflects the terror of war, as portrayed through popular folklore. The poet's condemnation of the French invaders is further highlighted in the following verses, where the poet criticizes the destruction, the killing, and the looting brought upon the land:

'The wealth of Bến Nghé is swept away like foam,

Dong Nai's tiles are stained with smoke.'

The poet paints a picture of a once-thriving region reduced to ashes. The places once known for rice fields and bustling trade are now destroyed. The wealth of the people is gone, and their homes are engulfed in flames. The comparison to 'foam' and 'stained smoke' is a folk expression that poignantly captures the devastation. These verses represent the poet's deep anger toward the French colonizers. The poem has become a symbol of patriotism and a source of inspiration for later poets, such as Vũ Cao and Tố Hữu, who also wrote about the suffering and resistance of the Vietnamese people.

The final two lines ask a pointed question, expressing the poet's frustration with the weakness of the imperial court and the absence of heroes to protect the land:

'Where are the heroes who once fought for justice,

Why are the people still suffering in silence?'

The question holds a deep yearning for a leader to rise and defend the people, offering a call to action against the foreign invaders. The closing lines of the poem convey Nguyễn Đình Chiểu's deep love for his people, reflecting his desire for a liberated nation. 'Running from the War' is an expression of patriotism, a call to resistance, and a precursor to the nationalistic poetry of the 20th century. The poet uses simple, folk-style language rich in Southern Vietnamese colors ('scattered children,' 'lost nests,' 'stained smoke') and creative literary techniques, such as inversion, metaphor, and comparison, to craft a powerful emotional appeal. The poem remains an important historical work, representing the pain of the nation during the late 19th century and the longing for independence and freedom.

Nguyễn Đình Chiểu was a prominent Vietnamese poet, representing the Southern people in the patriotic movement against foreign invaders. His works often carry a strong sense of resistance, sharply criticizing and condemning the cruelty of colonial forces. His poem 'Running from the War' stands out as a quintessential example of his poetic style.

The poem vividly depicts the dire circumstances of Vietnam under French colonial rule, capturing the devastation and despair of the time. Today, we will analyze and discuss Nguyễn Đình Chiểu's 'Running from the War'.

In 1859, French colonizers attacked our nation, bringing immense suffering to the people. In response to this tragedy, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu was deeply moved and filled with sorrow.

His patriotic spirit surged, and his hatred for the invaders grew even stronger. In this moment of despair, he composed 'Running from the War', a poem reflecting the chaotic, sorrowful period of our people under invasion. The poem also embodies intense rage towards the ruthless invaders. The poem begins with a depiction of the deafening gunfire from the enemy.

“As the market disbands, we hear the sound of Western guns,

A game of chess ends with a sudden move.”

The poet opens the poem by painting a scene of violent chaos as the sound of French gunfire disrupts the calm. The setting is a local market, just as people are leaving after a day of trade, unaware that disaster is about to strike. The sudden eruption of gunfire marks the onset of violence and bloodshed, showing how the invaders target vulnerable moments to strike. The poet uses this to express his outrage at the barbarism of the French colonizers.

The words 'Western guns' are spoken with contempt, a dismissive term showing disdain for the invaders, who relied on brute force to oppress the people. The sudden gunfire causes panic, likened to a game of chess where pieces are knocked off the board, symbolizing the abrupt downfall of our defenses. This highlights the cruel actions of the invaders and their shocking violence.

By using the term 'Western guns', the poet subtly condemns the French colonizers. The phrase reflects their foreignness and treachery, revealing their oppressive nature. In another of his works, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu expresses a similar sense of deep hatred towards the invaders.

“We carry countless boats but can’t escape the storm,

We strike the wicked with unyielding pens.”

The gunfire creates chaos and panic, as people are frightened and confused, like chess players losing their pieces in an abrupt turn of events. Alternatively, the 'chess game' can be seen as a metaphor for the state of Vietnam at the time, where the nation was losing ground to the invaders. They exploited the instability of the country to invade, causing immense suffering. The scene surrounding the gunfire is chaotic and desolate, with even the animals fleeing in fear:

“The children run, leaving their homes behind,

The birds lose their nests and fly in confusion.”

The image of children fleeing in fear, abandoning their homes, captures the tragic reality of war. These children, innocent and full of life, are forced to run in panic, caught in the violence of the war. This depiction evokes deep sympathy, as these children should be living carefree, yet they are thrust into a time of turmoil and destruction.

Not only are the children terrified, but even the animals are caught up in the devastation. They flee in panic, searching for shelter from the violence that has disrupted their world. The poet’s portrayal of this chaotic, sorrowful atmosphere highlights the extent of the destruction.

“Bến Nghé, once thriving, now dissolves into foam,

Dong Nai’s riverbanks are covered in sorrow.”

The poet also paints a picture of a once-thriving place, Bến Nghé in Gia Định, now ravaged by invasion. The once peaceful river is now disturbed, symbolizing the destructive power of war. The foam dissolving in the river reflects the loss of peace and prosperity, and the sorrowful hue of the Dong Nai River mirrors the grief and destruction of the time. This connection between nature and human suffering emphasizes the widespread impact of the invasion, as even the inanimate landscape seems to mourn.

“Where are the heroes who could end this turmoil,

How could they allow the people to suffer so?”

This question expresses a deep sorrow for the ongoing destruction. The nation is being torn apart, and the people are suffering. It is a direct criticism of the incompetent Nguyễn Dynasty, which failed to protect its people, leaving them vulnerable to foreign invaders. The poet’s question is a call for leadership, for someone brave and wise to rise up and defend the country against these invaders. But at this time, no such leader appears due to the weak and corrupt government.

Through 'Running from the War', Nguyễn Đình Chiểu captures the agony of his country under colonial rule. The poem is a powerful expression of love for the nation and hatred for the invaders. It reflects the real emotions of the poet, a heartfelt plea for justice and a call for action against the foreign oppressors.

Nguyễn Đình Chiểu came from a Confucian family. When the French colonizers began invading his homeland, he was already blind. However, the pain of witnessing the destruction of his country filled him with deep sorrow. Despite his blindness, he vividly imagined the tragic scenes of the time and painted a picture full of blood and tears from this dark chapter in the nation’s history.

The poem "Chạy giặc" (Running from the Enemy) serves as a reflection of the harsh reality during the time of French colonization, while also expressing Nguyễn Đình Chiểu's deep love for his country. The speaker in the poem captures the emotional turmoil of the people as they experienced the fall of their homeland. The first two lines set the stage for this somber picture of the fleeing Vietnamese.

"Tan chợ vừa nghe tiếng súng Tây"
"Một bàn cờ thế phút sa tay"

The first two lines describe the rapid and tragic nature of the Vietnamese people's plight. The scene takes place in a marketplace, where people were going about their business until the sudden sounds of gunfire struck. The market was emptying out, and the peaceful atmosphere quickly turned into a chaotic escape from the enemy. This sudden shift represents the deep pain and fear of the people of Gia Định and the poet himself as this painful scene unfolded.

The battle began with a metaphorical image of a "board game"—representing the conflict between the ruling dynasty's forces and the invading French. The phrase "phút sa tay" (a moment’s loss of control) illustrates the sudden defeat of the Vietnamese forces in Gia Định, a moment that occurred far too quickly. Behind these lines lies the poet’s anxiety and fear for his homeland as it fell under French occupation.

The next two lines portray the terrifying flight of the people:

"Bỏ nhà lũ trẻ lơ xơ chạy"
"Mất ổ bầy chim dáo dát bay"

If the lines had been written differently, such as "Children ran away from home in a confused manner" and "The birds lost their nests, flying aimlessly," the emotional impact would have been far less. The use of the expressions "lơ xơ" (dispersed) and "dáo dát" (confused) effectively conveys the intense panic and fear the children and birds experienced. These two images are commonly used in folk language to describe the sorrowful chaos of fleeing from invaders.

The two real lines in the poem paint a vivid picture of the scattered, tragic scenes of the people. The sudden arrival of the enemy and the quick defeat of the Vietnamese forces left families unprepared. As a result, they could only flee in terror.

The poet illustrates this chaos with the images of children running "lơ xơ" and birds flying "dáo dát." The inversion of these words in the sentence brings attention to the disarray and helplessness of both the children and the birds, highlighting the confusion and fear they felt. The next two lines depict the desolation of a region overtaken by the enemy:

"Bến Nghé của tiền tan bọt nước"
"Đồng Nai tranh ngói nhuộm màu mây"

A region once prosperous and bustling, like Bến Nghé and Đồng Nai, suddenly fell into ruin. The poet uses the metaphor "tan bọt nước" (the foam of water dissipates) to describe the destruction of wealth and resources by the French. Homes and villages were burned, leaving a smoke-filled sky that "tinges the color of clouds."

The comparisons in these two lines—"tan bọt nước" (dissipating foam) and "nhuốm màu mây" (dyed in the color of clouds)—are folk expressions vividly describing the devastation caused by the French colonizers. The final two lines express the poet's grief and concern for the future of the country:

"Hỏi trang dẹp loạn này đâu vắng"
"Lỡ để dân đen mắc loạn này"

The phrase "Trang dẹp loạn" refers to the heroic warriors who fought against the invaders. The poet asks, "Where are the heroes?" implying that no one has emerged to save the people from this tragedy. He laments the weakness of the ruling officials and expresses hope that a hero will rise to lead the fight against the enemy and free the nation from suffering.

The poem ends with a call for national unity and resistance, conveying Nguyễn Đình Chiểu's deep love for the people and his desire to see them free from the terror of foreign invaders.

"Chạy giặc" is a poem written in simple, folk-like language that carries the essence of southern Vietnam. The use of rhetorical devices such as parallelism, inversion, and metaphor allows the poet to create a deeply emotional and expressive piece of work.

The poem holds immense historical value. It records the tragic events of Vietnam in the late 19th century, while also being a powerful patriotic anthem filled with hatred for the enemy and a yearning for independence and freedom.

In 1858, the French colonialists launched their first attack on Da Nang, and a year later, they moved from Da Nang to seize Gia Định. As their homeland was destroyed and families torn apart, the people were left in a state of panic. Though blind and unable to see, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, deeply moved by the devastation, penned the poem "Chạy Giặc" (Running from the Enemy) to express his sorrow and reflect the emotions of the nation.

The poem begins with the sudden attack by the French:

"Tan chợ vừa nghe tiếng súng Tây"
"Một bàn cờ thế phút sa tay"

These lines vividly illustrate the swiftness and surprise of the French assault. The unexpected sound of gunfire shatters the peaceful and bustling life of the people, quickly turning their world upside down and revealing the horrifying and tragic scenes of fleeing from the enemy.

"Bỏ nhà lũ trẻ lơ xơ chạy"
"Mất ổ bầy chim dáo dác bay"

These lines describe a devastating, scattered image of the people’s plight. The invasion was so sudden, and the defense so quickly defeated, that the resulting chaos and flight were heartbreaking. Families, who had been living peacefully, suddenly found themselves fleeing for their lives, unprepared and panicked. The poet uses the images of "children running in confusion" and "birds flying aimlessly" to convey the disarray and anxiety of the people, capturing the feeling of helplessness and confusion.

The poem then shifts to a broader depiction of the devastation inflicted upon the homeland, as the poet expresses his deep sorrow at the destruction of the country:

"Bến Nghé của tiền tan bọt nước"
"Đồng Nai tranh ngói nhuốm màu mây"

Though Bến Nghé and Đồng Nai are merely rivers and waters of Gia Định, they represent the entire nation, once prosperous and peaceful, now ravaged by the enemy’s invasion. The wealth and resources of the people were plundered, and their homes were burned to the ground, leaving behind only smoke and destruction. The poet vividly paints a picture of a devastated homeland, with the smoke of burning villages darkening the skies, evoking deep sorrow.

These two lines serve as a powerful and detailed description of the tragic scene: the destruction of the homeland, the disintegration of lives, and the smoke-filled skies. They also serve as a strong condemnation of the brutal actions of the French colonizers.

Altogether, the four lines present a poignant image of the country and homeland in ruin, under the crushing boot of French colonialism. The panic, destruction, and sorrow are evident everywhere: on the land, in the sky, in the people, and even in the animals. The French have looted the people's wealth, burned homes, and devastated the region of Đồng Nai and Bến Nghé. The poet’s grief and anger are palpable not only in these verses but also in the two concluding lines:

"Hỏi trang dẹp loạn rày đâu vắng"
"Nỡ để dân đen mắc nạn này."

These lines convey the poet’s anguish and frustration. They call out in despair from a heart full of love for the country, an intense anger at the crimes of the invaders. The poet is not only mourning the destruction of his homeland and the suffering of the people but also expressing his disappointment at the lack of leadership from the ruling forces, who have abandoned the people to their fate.

Furthermore, these lines carry a deep sense of longing for a hero to emerge—someone who will rise to the occasion and lead the people to fight for their freedom. The cry of pain from Nguyễn Đình Chiểu’s bleeding heart was later echoed by many patriotic intellectuals across the country. However, despite their efforts to regain independence, the French crushed all uprisings, drowning them in blood.

It wasn’t until Nguyễn Ái Quốc, later known as Hồ Chí Minh, left to seek a path to save the nation and returned to lead the Communist Party of Vietnam, guiding the country through two long struggles, that the dream of independence was finally realized. The hopes and longings of Nguyễn Đình Chiểu were finally fulfilled after many years of suffering and resistance.

“The market was just closing when the sound of French guns rang out,

A chess game was ruined in a split second.

Children ran in panic, leaving their homes behind,

The bird flock scattered, lost its nest, and flew away.

The Bến Nghé waters, once rich, were reduced to froth,

Dong Nai’s roof tiles turned gray, clouded by smoke.

Where is the brave hero who should quell this chaos,

How could they allow the common people to suffer like this?”

The French guns of that era were deafening, shaking the earth beneath. The moment the gunfire rang out, the enemy was already at the gates. In the blink of an eye, everything changed – the life we knew, like a chess game, was suddenly in ruins.

The French attack on Gia Định struck at the market’s closing hour:

The market was just closing when the sound of French guns rang out,

A chess game was ruined in a split second.

The scene of the market closing represents the peaceful rhythm of daily life of our people. The sudden, thunderous sound of the French guns shattered that peaceful rhythm. War had begun. The chess game metaphorically depicts the fierce, unrelenting struggle of the time.

The phrase “a chess game ruined in a split second” emphasizes the swift and sudden defeat of the Vietnamese forces in Gia Định. These first two lines announce the tragic historical event of 1859, reflecting the poet’s anxiety and horror over the invasion of his beloved country by the French.

The next two lines are carefully constructed using inversion, placing “leaving home” and “losing their nests” at the start of the lines to emphasize the sorrow and destruction caused by the French invasion:

Children ran in panic, leaving their homes behind,

The bird flock scattered, lost its nest, and flew away.

Had the lines been written as “The children left home in panic and the birds lost their nests,” the poetic impact would be diminished. The repetition of the words “panicked” and “lost” vividly conveys the extreme chaos and terror that overtook the people. The image of children separated from their families and birds losing their nests is a poignant metaphor for the pain and destruction caused by the invasion.

The next part of the poem expands on these images, denouncing the cruelty of the French invaders who burned homes, killed people, looted, and ravaged the land. The poet skillfully uses inversion again. Instead of writing “The Bến Nghé waters are rich, turned to froth” or “Dong Nai’s roof tiles turned gray, clouded by smoke,” the poet writes:

The Bến Nghé waters, once rich, were reduced to froth,

Dong Nai’s roof tiles turned gray, clouded by smoke.

In these lines, the poet paints a picture of vast, once-thriving lands (Bến Nghé and Dong Nai) now reduced to ashes. These areas were once prosperous centers of commerce, but in an instant, they were devastated by the French forces.

The money, the property of the people, was plundered by the invaders, swept away as if by waves. The poet vividly describes the destruction of homes and villages through the imagery of smoke and flames. The metaphors of “froth” and “clouded by smoke” powerfully depict the devastation caused by the French occupation.

The real power of these two parts of the poem lies in the poet’s vehement denunciation of the invaders’ atrocities. The reader feels the depth of the poet’s rage as he channels the national spirit of resistance. The poem “Chạy Giặc” remains a song of patriotism, inspiring future generations of poets who followed in Nguyễn Đình Chiểu’s footsteps in expressing their hatred of foreign invaders:

Suddenly, at the end of the harvest, the invaders came,

The temple gates turned red, scorched by flames.

(Núi Đôi – Vũ Cao)

Invaders came, their conquest causing bloodshed,

Both the rivers and fields felt the pain.

(Quê Mẹ – Tố Hữu)

Over the past century, countless lives have been lost to the bombs and bullets of foreign invaders. The voice of hatred has become the driving force behind the patriotic poetry of our people. Returning to the final lines of “Chạy Giặc,” we are moved by the poet’s anguished question:

Where is the brave hero who should quell this chaos,

How could they allow the common people to suffer like this?

The hero referred to is a brave, heroic figure. “Where is he today?” is a question that asks why no one has come to save the people from the invaders. The poet is not only criticizing the weak and ineffective imperial forces that allowed the French to occupy the country, but also longing for a great leader to emerge and save the people from their suffering. The final lines reflect Nguyễn Đình Chiểu’s deep love and concern for his people who are caught in the turmoil of war. “Chạy Giặc” remains an iconic piece in the patriotic literature of Vietnam, inspiring a passion for independence and freedom.

The poem “Chạy Giặc” is written in simple, vernacular language, rich with the cultural essence of southern Vietnam. The poet uses inversion, metaphors, and comparisons to create compact, expressive verses that deeply resonate with readers.

“Chạy Giặc” is a poem of great historical significance. It commemorates the painful events of the late 19th century in Vietnam. It is a patriotic song of hatred against invaders, resonating deeply with our nation’s yearning for independence and freedom.

Nguyen Dinh Chieu is a shining star in Vietnamese literature. Despite being blind, his soul remains as clear as a mirror. He deeply understood the suffering of the impoverished people and the agony of those who lost their homeland. His poem 'Chay Giac' is a representative work of his artistic style, written in the seven-character eight-line form of Tang poetry. This work has become a historical witness, deeply connected with the joys and sorrows of the nation, carrying a profound meaning that resonates with readers.

'Tan cho vua nghe tieng sung Tay'

'Mot ban co the phut sa tay'

'Bo nha lu tre lo xo chay'

'Mat o bay chim dao dac bay'

'Ben Nghe cua tien tan bot nuoc'

'Dong Nai tranh ngoi nhuom mau may'

'Hoi trang dep loan nay dau vang?'

'No de dan den mac nan nay!'

In 1859, the French colonists attacked Gia Dinh. In response to the threat of invasion, Nguyen Dinh Chieu wrote the poem 'Chay Giac', which vividly depicts the suffering of the people under colonial oppression. Despite being blind, the poet saw clearly the dire situation of the nation, feeling deep sorrow and pain as the people lived in fear and hardship.

The opening lines of the poem capture the tragic state of the country at the time: war had broken out, and the battle unfolded like a game of chess, where a single mistake could lead to the fall of Gia Dinh, and the French seized control of Dong Nai and Ben Nghe. In just two lines, the entire situation is presented like a page of history.

'Tan cho vua nghe tieng sung Tay'

'Mot ban co the phut sa tay'

The phrase 'Tieng sung Tay' evokes the image of brutal warfare, and the French colonizers, equipped with much more advanced weapons, invaded our country and forced our people into a corner. The suddenness of the situation, as reflected in 'vua nghe tieng sung' and 'phut sa tay', highlights the shocking and swift nature of the event, emphasizing the horror experienced by the poet and the people when Gia Dinh fell.

In these two lines, the poet uses the metaphor of 'Mot ban co the' to symbolically describe the battlefield, which is shifting in favor of the French colonists.

'Bo nha lu tre lo xo chay'

'Mat o bay chim dao dac bay'

The poet skillfully uses the images of 'lu tre' and 'bay chim' to describe the chaos of fleeing. He uses the image of innocent, beloved 'children' as a symbol for humanity and the free-spirited 'flock of birds' to represent nature. These two images are emblematic of the homeland. Yet now, 'bo nha', 'lo xo chay', 'mat o', and 'dao dac bay' describe the devastation, fear, and horror brought by the invasion.

The vivid adjectives leave a profound impression, as the loss of the country means the loss of the home, and children who should have lived in peace are now subjected to the cruel fate of their nation, ravaged by colonization. The beauty of the poet's art lies in the inversion of syntax, where the subject is placed after the verb to emphasize the words 'bo nha' and 'mat o', intensifying the sorrow of the people fleeing the invaders.

The following couplets reflect the tragic scenes of Ben Nghe and Dong Nai. These were once bustling areas, with active trade on the river and Dong Nai being a rice granary of the south. Yet, in a 'phut sa tay', they were devastated by the French invaders, plundered and left in ruins. The people's wealth was stolen and their homes destroyed by fire, with smoke rising to cover a vast area, 'nho mau may'.

'Ben Nghe cua tien tan bot nuoc, '

'Dong Nai tranh ngoi nhuom mau may.'

The poet uses powerful metaphors like 'cua tien tan bot nuoc' and 'tranh ngoi nhuom mau may' to vividly depict the heinous crimes of the invaders. These images reflect the poet's anguish and hatred for the colonial forces. The closing lines of the poem ask a rhetorical question:

'Hoi trang dep loan day dau vang'

'No de dan den mac nan nay!'

This question expresses the poet's choking emotions, a feeling of deep sorrow. It is a question longing for an answer. What will become of the nation's fate, and the lives and property of the people? The question conveys the poet's empathy for the suffering of the people under foreign invasion, deeply lamenting the plight of the common folk.

The poet criticizes the weakness of the ruling officials, who lost the battle and allowed the invaders to occupy the homeland. He also expresses hope that a great hero will rise to fight the invaders and save the nation and its people from the misery. The closing lines reveal Nguyen Dinh Chieu's deep love and concern for the people suffering in the face of war.

This poem paints a picture of a nation's history filled with sorrow, as the French colonizers invaded and our borders became difficult to defend. The vivid, tragic scenes are interwoven with the poet's love for his people and his country. His pen carries both compassion and hatred, for the invaders who wreaked havoc on the land and subjected the people to great suffering.

The artistic brilliance of the poem lies in its simple, rustic language, rich in Southern Vietnamese cultural imagery (lũ trẻ, lơ xơ, ổ, dáo dác, tan bọt nước, nhuốm màu mây, rày, nỡ, dân đen). The poet uses techniques like parallelism, inversion, and metaphor to create deeply expressive and condensed verses. 'Chay Giac' is a historically significant poem, recording a painful chapter in our nation's history. It serves as a patriotic anthem of hatred for the invaders.

'Chay Giac' leaves us reflecting on a period of national suffering, skillfully portrayed by the humanitarian pen of Nguyen Dinh Chieu. His profound love for humanity, his homeland, and his deep hatred for the invaders who took away the peaceful lives of countless individuals is evident in his work. The artistic style in this poem is unmistakably characteristic of Nguyen Dinh Chieu.

Nguyễn Đình Chiểu is a great writer and poet in Vietnamese literature, widely recognized as a prominent figure in the patriotic literary movement against French colonialism in the Southern region of Vietnam. He left behind numerous remarkable works that express a strong resistance against French colonial forces, and his poem 'Chay Giac' is one of his iconic pieces.

This poem vividly depicts the chaotic and tragic social atmosphere in Vietnam during the French invasion, illustrating the devastation caused by the colonizers. It also strongly reflects Nguyễn Đình Chiểu's deep hatred and contempt for the French military.

In 1858, French colonizers fired the first shots, beginning their brutal campaign to conquer our nation. Starting from Da Nang, they expanded into the Gia Định area, and the Vietnamese people were pushed into a state of extreme suffering and despair due to this invasion.

As a writer with a deep love for his country, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu was deeply saddened and heartbroken by the situation. The more he loved his country, the more intense his hatred for the invaders became. In this context, he wrote the poem 'Chay Giac,' not only to depict the chaotic and tragic situation of the people but also to express his deep hatred for the colonial forces.

“Tan chợ vừa nghe tiếng súng Tây

Một bàn cờ thế phút sa tay”

The poem begins with Nguyễn Đình Chiểu capturing the intense atmosphere of chaos when the sound of French gunfire caused panic among the people. Everything was tainted with sadness and fear. The poet uses the image of a market, a place of bustling activity, as the setting. The moment referred to as 'tan chợ' (market dispersal) represents the time when people were leaving the market after a busy day.

At that moment, the sound of French gunfire suddenly erupted, symbolizing the brutal destruction brought by the invaders. They chose the time when the people were most vulnerable and distracted, making it easier to strike and kill them. Here, the poet not only depicts the ruthless actions of the French but also conveys his own hatred towards them.

The term 'súng Tây' (French guns) reveals the poet’s disdain for the colonizers. Rather than directly condemning the French, he refers to them in a derogatory manner, 'the West,' emphasizing their foreignness and their evil, scheming, and contemptible nature. They used violence to suppress the Vietnamese people, and their actions were despicable.

In another of his works, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu also expresses his intense hatred for the invaders: 'Chở bao nhiêu đạo thuyền không khẳm/ Đâm mấy thằng gian bút chẳng tà.' The sudden barrage of French gunfire sends people into panic, fearfully scattering like players in a game of chess when their pieces are knocked over.

Alternatively, we can interpret the image of the chessboard as a metaphor for Vietnam's situation at the time. It was a moment when the nation was at a disadvantage against the invaders, who took advantage of the country's instability to launch their attack, causing immense suffering. The atmosphere surrounding the French gunfire was chaotic and devastating, affecting not only humans but also animals fleeing for safety:

“Bỏ nhà lũ trẻ lơ xơ chạy

Mất ổ bầy chim dáo dác bay”

This describes the scene of children running away in fear after hearing the gunshots, abandoning their homes in panic. These children, still innocent and carefree, were forced to live in the midst of war and destruction, a heartbreaking reality. They were at an age when they should have been living carefree lives, but instead, they were caught in the turmoil of a nation at war.

Not only the children, but also animals in nature were affected by the destructive forces of the invaders. The natural world was thrown into chaos as creatures fled in search of shelter. The poet paints a picture of a world in disarray and sorrow.

“Bến Nghé của tiền tan bọt nước

Đồng Nai tranh ngói nhuốm màu mây”

Bến Nghé and Đồng Nai are places in Gia Định, and when the homeland was invaded, even the lifeless water banks seemed to be disturbed. These places reflected the grief and anger of the natural world in response to the devastation wrought by the invaders. The once peaceful water at Bến Nghé was shattered, symbolizing the outrage of the natural world against the crimes of the enemy.

The Đồng Nai River, too, was tinged with sorrow, its waters reflecting the pain and anguish of the people. The poet captures the fusion of nature’s reaction and human emotion, bringing to mind a line from Nguyễn Du's 'Truyện Kiều': 'Người buồn cảnh có vui đâu bao giờ.' Just as nature can be destroyed or reflect the mood of the people, the devastation was felt by all.

“Hỏi trang dẹp loạn này đâu vắng

Nỡ để dân đen mắc nạn này”

Deeply pained by the state of the nation, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu expresses his inner turmoil and frustration with the powerless Nguyễn court. Throughout history, during times of war, great leaders and commanders would rise to defend the country, yet in this moment, there were no such heroes to be found. The poet's question remained unanswered, a reflection of the despair felt by the people. At the same time, the poet also directs his criticism toward the Nguyễn dynasty, which, instead of protecting the people, allowed the invaders to bring so much suffering to the common folk.

Nguyễn Đình Chiểu's poem 'Chay Giac' vividly depicts a time of national turmoil and suffering. It captures the deep patriotism and hatred for the invaders that the poet felt. The poem is an authentic expression of the poet's emotions during a time of national crisis, filled with genuine feelings of love for his country and a strong desire for vengeance against those who caused such pain.

Some literary works are immortal as they become historical witnesses, intertwined with the joys and sorrows of a nation. The poem 'Running from the Invaders' is one such piece.

In 1859, the French colonizers attacked Gia Định. In response to this invasion, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu wrote the poem 'Running from the Invaders'. The poem, written in the form of an eight-line quatrain, reflects the nation’s grief, condemns the atrocities of the French invaders, and expresses deep sympathy for the suffering people:

“The market disperses, the sound of Western guns,”

...“How could they allow the common people to suffer like this?”

The first two lines highlight the tragic situation of our country at that time. The French opened fire and took control of Gia Định. The battle unfolded like 'a game of chess,' where the situation dramatically shifted in an instant. Gia Định fell, and Đồng Nai and Bến Nghé were overtaken by the invaders. These verses reflect the poet’s anguish and the people’s panic as the French attacked:

“The market disperses, the sound of Western guns,”

“A game of chess changes in an instant.”

The terms 'Western guns' and 'an instant' emphasize the sudden and horrifying nature of the event, illustrating the shock and fear the people felt when Gia Định was under siege. 'A game of chess' is a metaphor, a subtle and condensed way of describing the chaotic military situation during that time (1859).

The following two lines describe the desperate flight of the people in terror. The expressions 'leaving their homes,' 'running in confusion,' 'losing their nests,' and 'the birds frantically flying' vividly capture the panic and devastation. The poet uses the image of 'children' to represent humans, and 'birds' to represent nature, symbolizing the suffering of the people as their homeland was invaded:

'Leaving their homes, the children scatter in fear,'

'The birds lose their nests, flying frantically.'

The inversion of subject and verb emphasizes the chaotic and sorrowful imagery of the people fleeing the invaders. The following two lines describe the tragic state of Bến Nghé and Đồng Nai. Almost 200 years ago, Bến Nghé was a bustling urban area, and Đồng Nai was a rich rice-producing region. In the blink of an eye, the French had destroyed and plundered these places in a barbaric manner.

The possessions of our people were looted, and the townships and villages were burnt down. The smoke rose to the sky, covering a vast area, 'tinged with the color of clouds.' The poet uses minimal description but evokes much through two carefully chosen, alternating images: 'The treasures lost like water bubbles' and 'The tile roofs tinged with the color of clouds.' These lines passionately denounce the French invaders' cruelty. The poem is filled with grief and anger:

'Bến Nghé, its wealth lost like water bubbles,'

'Đồng Nai, its tiles tinged with the color of clouds.'

The French crimes are indescribable! The poet seems to voice a bitter lament against the barbaric acts of the French:

'The French generals block the Bến Nghé River,

'Shrouding all directions in black clouds;'

'Our ancestors once lived in Đồng Nai,

'Who will save our people now?'

After conquering Gia Định, the French invaded the three provinces of Eastern Southern Vietnam. A vast area of our land was engulfed in flames. Phan Văn Trị, a close friend of Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, expressed his deep resentment when he heard the French trumpet:

'The trumpet plays its mournful tune,

'I hear it, and my heart aches with sorrow.'

'The Rồng River is thick with smoke,

'Phụng Town is silent, mourning the flowers.'

(Impromptu)

The final two lines express a choked feeling, revealing a deep sense of pain and worry. Worry about the lives and property of the people being slaughtered and looted by the French invaders. Worry about the bleak future of our nation. The rhetorical question reflects a sense of compassion for the suffering citizens facing invasion:

'Where are the heroes who once quelled revolts?'

'How could they let the common people suffer like this?'

'Running from the Invaders' is an anthem of patriotism, deeply reflecting the poet's hatred for the French invaders and his compassion for the suffering people. The scenes described—hearing the Western guns, witnessing the children scattering, the birds flying in panic, the wealth being lost like water, and the tiles tinged with the color of clouds—are vivid artistic details with profound historical value. The poem 'Running from the Invaders' serves as a historical testament to the crimes of the French during their early invasions of our country.

The concise, dignified language of the poem, brimming with emotion, reflects the patriotic spirit of Nguyễn Đình Chiểu. It showcases the poet's political sensitivity as a lover of his homeland. For him, 'poetry is a weapon.' (From 'Reading Nguyễn Đình Chiểu's Poetry' – Lê Anh Xuân)

Nguyễn Đình Chiểu is one of Vietnam's greatest poets of the 19th century. Though he became blind in his youth, with his career and ambitions left unfinished, he did not surrender to life's misfortunes. Instead, he became a teacher, a doctor caring for the health of the people, and a poet, rising to fame as a shining star in late 19th-century Vietnamese literature.

His name is associated with classic literary works such as 'Lục Vân Tiên' and 'Ngư Tiều y thuật vấn đáp'. Nguyễn Đình Chiểu's most significant contributions to Vietnamese literature include his patriotic poems and elegies, such as 'Running from the Invaders', 'Xúc Cảnh', 'Văn tế Trương Công Định', and 'Văn tế nghĩa sĩ Cần Giuộc'.

During the French colonization of Southern Vietnam, many critics affirmed that Nguyễn Đình Chiểu's works 'resurrect and lead us like national anthems of patriotism.' His epic tales, such as 'Lục Vân Tiên', glorify the noble ideals of humanity, while his elegies and poems like 'Running from the Invaders' awakened the spirit of patriotism in the hearts of the people.

Nguyễn Đình Chiểu's poetry and elegies 'praise the heroes who dedicated their lives to the country, and mourn the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the people.' His pen, representing his loyal and righteous soul, vividly and sorrowfully depicts the nation's feelings toward the peasants-turned-heroes who fought for national independence.' (Phạm Văn Đồng). When the homeland was invaded and 'the enemy's guns rattled,' the common people 'barefoot and in tattered clothes' rose up with an unyielding desire to defend their land, driven by a fierce hatred for the invaders:

'At the sight of the white fog covering the sky, they longed to devour the invader’s heart,

While watching the smoke rising from the chimneys, they yearned to tear their enemies apart.'

They fought to protect their 'land and crops,' to secure 'their daily meals and clothes.' For this reason, even a sickle or a wooden staff was enough to lead them into battle, fighting with unmatched courage:

'They struck with fire arrows made of straw and ash, burning down the enemy’s fortress,

And wielding swords like sickles, they beheaded the corrupt officials.'

(Văn tế nghĩa sĩ Cần Giuộc)

Despite being blind, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu still fought alongside his people using his pen and heart. He referred to his loyalty as 'a steadfast and radiant moral compass,' declaring it was his purpose to remain true to the cause:

'In life, I’d rather close my eyes to this world,

But let my unwavering loyalty remain a shining example.'

It can be said that Nguyễn Đình Chiểu’s works, filled with a deep love for his country, continue to resonate like a timeless anthem of patriotism. His dream is still the dream of millions of Vietnamese in the past century:

'When the Emperor's mercy shines through,

A gentle rain will cleanse the land.'

(Xúc cảnh)

Poets and writers are often seen as warriors on the battlefield of culture and art. Indeed, the poet Nguyễn Đình Chiểu is one such figure. He wielded his sharp pen as a weapon, directing his hatred towards the invading forces. His poem 'Running from the Invaders' is a vivid portrayal of the devastation caused by the French colonial invasion, and it stands as a powerful denunciation of their atrocities.

This poem was written after the French attacked Gia Định, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu's homeland (February 17, 1859). Witnessing this event, he could not hide his sorrow. As a lover of his homeland, how could anyone not be heartbroken when their sacred land is invaded, and its people subjected to brutal oppression? The opening lines of the poem set the stage for a nation in mourning:

'The market has just dispersed when the gunshots of the West are heard,

A chess game interrupted by a missed move.'

The moment the French colonial forces began their attack on Gia Định coincided with the closing of the market. People were just beginning to leave when the sound of gunfire shattered the calm. Surely, this was the scene of a brutal assault by the enemy forces. The gunshots disrupted the peaceful life that had once been, replacing it with fear as the nation's sovereignty was violated.

'The gunshots of the West' refers to the weapons of the French colonialists. The metaphor of the chessboard and the 'missed move' symbolizes the fall of Gia Định into the hands of the enemy. In other words, the colonial forces had successfully occupied Gia Định. The poet vividly describes the panic of the people fleeing from the invaders:

'Leaving their homes, the children run aimlessly,

Lost, like a flock of birds without a nest.'

The inversion of 'leaving home' and 'aimless' gives the lines an emotional weight, evoking sorrow and despair. The gunfire seems to herald a coming calamity. Nguyễn Đình Chiểu uses vivid imagery and inversion to allow readers to picture the death and devastation he describes. The children, running without direction because there is no guide, are fleeing from the imminent danger. Not only humans are in panic, but even the birds, too, are flying in confusion, having lost their nests, their homes. The onomatopoeic 'aimlessly' and 'restlessly' create a chaotic scene, with everything upended by the sound of gunfire.

'The children' are innocent, naive, and blameless. They should have been enjoying peaceful and prosperous lives, but the colonial invasion forced them to live in fear. What comes next are images of death and destruction:

'Bến Nghé, its wealth dissolved like foam,

Đồng Nai, its tiles stained by the clouds.'

The South was engulfed in smoke and fire. Gia Định and the southeastern region were consumed by flames. Wherever the enemy went, they plundered, killed, and destroyed the lives of innocent civilians. Their actions were incredibly cruel, causing immense suffering for the people. Bến Nghé and Đồng Nai were left in ruins, their wealth gone as quickly as foam on water.

The crimes of the French colonialists are powerfully conveyed in these two lines. Yet, the pain and suffering the people endured were far greater than what is described. Even the lifeless rivers and streams were filled with hatred. The houses were destroyed, submerged in flames. How could anyone not feel anguish seeing their homes burned and their possessions lost? In the face of such devastation, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu raises a scathing question:

'Where are the peacekeepers who should have quelled the chaos,

How could they allow the common people to suffer this fate?'

This rhetorical question reveals the scene of despair and panic as the people flee the invaders. It is not only the poet’s question but the question of the entire suffering populace towards the feudal court at the time. The people were in distress, desperately needing a way to fight against the oppression, but the 'peacekeepers' were nowhere to be found. Where were the emperor, the officials, and the Nguyễn court when the people needed them the most?

The last two lines not only express the poet's sorrow at the loss of the nation but also show his deep hatred for the invaders, as well as his disillusionment with the court that failed to protect the people and even collaborated with the French. The cowardice of the court and the officials responsible for safeguarding the country and caring for the people's welfare is contemptible. The Nguyễn dynasty's impotence led the people to a state of devastation, with no way out. The rhetorical question also serves as a call to action for the patriotic sons of the nation to rise up against the colonizers and restore peace and prosperity to the people.

The poem is written in the traditional seven-character regulated verse with a tight structure of introduction - development - argument - conclusion. As a native of Gia Định, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu’s language carries the distinct flavor of the Southern region. His use of both realistic and lyrical styles in this poem is highly effective and impactful. Beneath the surface of 'Running from the Invaders' lies a profound love for the nation and its people.

Nguyễn Đình Chiểu not only paints a vivid picture of the nation being trampled and oppressed by colonial forces but also expresses a deep humanitarian spirit. Although blind and unable to fight on the frontlines, his fighting pen was sharp and fierce. 'Running from the Invaders' is a representative poem of anti-colonial literature from the late 19th century, serving as a powerful denunciation of the French colonialists’ crimes.