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1. Essay Analyzing the Third Stanza of the Poem 'Tây Tiến' Number 4
Looking back into the past through the lens of memory, we encounter countless poetic souls who captivate us, as if we were transported into their world. Quang Dũng is one such poet. A man of remarkable talents, not only in poetry but also in drawing and singing, he left behind numerous poems filled with unique and profound melodies. One of his most notable works is the poem "Tây Tiến", which is full of heroic grandeur and tragic beauty, mixed with a touch of romanticism—a piece that we study in high school literature. This poem, in its entirety, expresses a deep longing for Tây Tiến and for the comrades who fought alongside him. However, the most poignant and heartfelt expression of this longing is found in the portrayal of the Tây Tiến soldiers and their noble sacrifice, captured most clearly in the third stanza of the poem:
"Tây Tiến đoàn binh không mọc tóc"
"Quân xanh mà lá dữ oai hùm"
"Mắt trừng gửi mộng qua biên giới"
"Đêm mơ Hà Nội dáng kiều thơm"
"Rải rác biên cương mồ viễn xứ"
"Chiến trường đi chẳng tiếc đời xanh"
"Áo dài thay chiếu anh về đất"
"Sông Mã gầm lên khúc độc hành"
Indeed, the poem "Tây Tiến" was written during one of the most unforgettable periods of Quang Dũng's life. Tây Tiến was the name of a military unit formed in early 1947, tasked with working alongside the Lao armed forces to defend the border. By late 1948, Quang Dũng had transferred to another unit. While in the village of Phù Lưu Chanh, filled with the deep memories of his time in Tây Tiến during the brutal years of war, he composed this remarkable poem. First published in the 1986 collection *Mây đầu ô*, the poem paints a panoramic view of the majestic nature, the difficult years of fighting side by side with a resilient spirit, and the sense of brotherhood. Most notably, the image of the Tây Tiến soldier emerges as both heroic and romantic.
The depiction of the Tây Tiến soldiers in this poem is both realistic and awe-inspiring. In the first two stanzas, nature plays a key role as the central figure, but in the third stanza, humanity rises to the forefront, acting as the emotional catalyst that elevates the poem to its most intense point.
"Tây Tiến đoàn binh không mọc tóc"
"Quân xanh mà lá dữ oai hùm"
"Mắt trừng gửi mộng qua biên giới"
"Đêm mơ Hà Nội dáng kiều thơm"
The above verses vividly depict the fierce and courageous Tây Tiến soldiers. They embody a heroic spirit that commands respect. These young men, initially students from Hanoi, left behind their school and families to join the battle, uncertain and naive about the challenges ahead. Yet they overcame their fears and faced them with youthful pride and fiery passion. The phrase "không mọc tóc" (balding) is used to describe the soldiers, a powerful image that reflects their unusual and harsh conditions. In addition to confronting a relentless enemy, they had to endure the cruel elements of nature. They fought in the wilderness, where food and medicine were scarce, and where they suffered from malaria, which caused their hair to fall out. As poet Chính Hữu once noted:
"Anh với tôi biết từng cơn ớn lạnh"
"Rét run người vầng trán ướt mồ hôi"
The poet starkly portrays the harshness of nature that caused these soldiers to look so strange. Yet despite their frailty and fatigue, they remained formidable—"oai hùm"—instilling fear in their enemies. This is the true beauty and valor of the Tây Tiến soldiers.
Though resolute in battle, the soldiers still retained a sense of romance and longing, an inherent trait of youth. They were not rigid or emotionless; they occasionally thought of their loved ones, their families back home who anxiously awaited their return. The image of "mắt trừng" conveys both fierce determination and a dreamy hope that they would defeat the enemy and bring about a brighter future for their families. Through just four lines, Quang Dũng masterfully portrays the tragic beauty of these soldiers, capturing both their heroism and their deep emotional bonds.
Their sacrifice is depicted in a deeply poignant way:
"Rải rác biên cương mồ viễn xứ"
"Chiến trường đi chẳng tiếc đời xanh"
"Áo dài thay chiếu anh về đất"
"Sông Mã gầm lên khúc độc hành"
The image of these soldiers giving their lives in such harsh conditions brings a profound sense of sorrow. They offered their lives for the country, falling on distant battlefields far from home, without any flowers or incense to honor them. The cold, tragic reality is that before setting off to fight, they had already accepted the fragile boundary between life and death. They embraced this with courage.
Their sacrifice was noble, their youth and passion devoted entirely to the homeland. Youth, filled with dreams and high hopes, is the most beautiful phase of life. Yet they gave up this promising future for the nation, a silent and monumental act of sacrifice worthy of admiration and respect.
Their death, though tragic, is also majestic. The image of the "áo bào" replacing the "chiếu" invokes deep reflection on the noble death of these heroes. Quang Dũng cleverly used Sino-Vietnamese terms to soften the sorrow of their heroic demise. The Motherland embraces them, as if the earth itself is a loving mother welcoming her lost children. The sound of nature, symbolized by the roaring Sông Mã river, intensifies the pain of loss. Yet, this sound also carries a sense of grandeur, making their sacrifice seem anything but mournful. The spring of Tây Tiến remains a melody that echoes in our hearts forever.
In conclusion, the third stanza is the most striking part of the poem, with its solemn tone and the poet's deep emotional expression. Through masterful use of imagery and artful language, Quang Dũng paints a vivid portrait of the Tây Tiến soldiers. They were majestic, fierce, and fiercely patriotic, yet also deeply romantic. This stanza encapsulates the soul and spirit of the entire poem, serving as a memorable and unforgettable highlight.
2. Essay on the third stanza of the poem "Tây Tiến" by Quang Dũng - Part 5
Quang Dũng (1921 - 1988) was a versatile artist with a free-spirited, romantic, and talented poetic soul, especially when writing about the soldiers of Tây Tiến and his hometown in Đoài. Among his works, 'Tây Tiến' stands out as his most outstanding, epitomizing his poetic life and creative style. The poem was written in a romantic manner, with creative imagery, language, and tone, expressing the poet's deep and sorrowful longing for the brave and noble Tây Tiến soldiers and the majestic, beautiful mountains and forests of the West. It can be said that Quang Dũng's profound nostalgia for his Tây Tiến comrades is captured in the eight lines that portray the portrait of a Tây Tiến soldier:
'Tây Tiến đoàn binh không mọc tóc'
'Quân xanh màu lá dữ oai hùm'
'Mắt trừng gửi mộng qua biên giới'
'Đêm mơ Hà Nội dáng kiều thơm'
'Rải rác biên cương mồ viễn xứ'
'Chiến trường đi chẳng tiếc đời xanh'
'Áo bào thay chiếu anh về đất'
'Sông Mã gầm lên khúc độc hành'
'Tây Tiến' was published in the poetry collection 'Mây đầu ô' (1986), but it had already been passed down through generations of poetry lovers long before that. The poet wrote this poem in 1948 in Phù Lưu Chanh village after leaving the Tây Tiến army to join another unit. The Tây Tiến military unit was formed in 1947 with the mission of cooperating with Lao troops to defend the Việt-Lao border, weaken the French forces in Upper Laos and the Northwestern region of Vietnam. The Tây Tiến soldiers were mostly young men from Hanoi, many of whom were students, including Quang Dũng. They lived and fought in difficult conditions, often plagued by malaria, but remained optimistic and courageous. After more than a year of operations, the Tây Tiến unit returned to Hòa Bình to form the 52nd regiment.
Initially, the poet titled the work 'Nhớ Tây Tiến' (Remembering Tây Tiến), but later changed it to 'Tây Tiến'. The poem was written from Quang Dũng's memories and nostalgic reflections about his former unit. Therefore, the entire poem is infused with a deep, yearning nostalgia. The poem is divided into four parts: the first part expresses the longing for the arduous marches of the Tây Tiến army and the majestic, harsh, and wild landscapes of the West. The second part highlights the beautiful memories of the soldier-civilian relationship during festive nights and the picturesque waterways of the West. The third part portrays the image of the Tây Tiến soldier. The fourth part conveys a vow to remain connected with Tây Tiến and the West. The entire poem carries the distinctive romantic, free-spirited style of Quang Dũng's poetry. With his talent and soul, Quang Dũng successfully painted the image of the Tây Tiến soldier as a heroic, romantic figure against the backdrop of the imposing and wild mountains and forests of the West.
Quang Dũng's nostalgia for Tây Tiến not only recalls the landscapes but also his comrades who trudged through mountains and streams, overcoming countless challenges, risking their lives. The poet reminisces and recreates their portraits with a tragic yet heroic beauty. Quang Dũng selected the most characteristic traits of the Tây Tiến soldiers to sculpt a collective monument, capturing the general face of the entire unit. These soldiers lived and fought under harsh conditions, so:
'Tây Tiến đoàn binh không mọc tóc'
'Quân xanh màu lá dữ oai hùm'
These two lines mention the deadly malaria disease that soldiers often suffered from. Poet Chính Hữu also references this illness in 'Đồng chí': 'Anh với tôi biết từng cơn ớn lạnh - Sốt run người vầng trán ướt mồ hôi'. Quang Dũng does not conceal the hardships and deadly diseases that the Tây Tiến soldiers faced, yet he presents this harsh reality through a romantic lens. The shaved heads for ease in close combat, the hairless heads, and the pale, sickly faces of the soldiers due to hunger and malaria are depicted by Quang Dũng as imposing, fierce, and majestic, like tigers in the jungle. These soldiers, though filled with valor, also harbor deep affection:
'Mắt trừng gửi mộng qua biên giới'
'Đêm mơ Hà Nội dáng kiều thơm'
The Tây Tiến soldiers, with their vigilant, determined eyes, are committed to their mission, yet their hearts still carry the sweet memories of the graceful women back home in Hanoi. Quang Dũng, with his multi-dimensional view, does not only depict the physical appearance of the soldiers but also reveals their rich inner world, their dreamy, romantic soul. In war, loss and sacrifice are inevitable, and Quang Dũng conveys this truth without hiding it:
'Rải rác biên cương mồ viễn xứ'
'Chiến trường đi chẳng tiếc đời xanh'
The use of classical Hán-Việt terms such as 'biên cương', 'mồ', 'viễn xứ', and 'chiến trường', combined with the phrase 'rải rác', softens the grief and loss, and the selfless heroism of the Tây Tiến soldiers stands out. The phrase 'chẳng tiếc đời xanh' powerfully affirms the heroism of the Tây Tiến soldiers. The two lines:
'Áo bào thay chiếu anh về đất'
'Sông Mã gầm lên khúc độc hành'
Allude to a tragic reality: the Tây Tiến soldiers fell along the way without even a mat to cover their bodies. Yet, through Quang Dũng's perspective, they are wrapped in elegant burial robes, embodying the dignity of ancient heroes, showing that death is but a light burden. The phrase 'anh về đất' diminishes the sorrow, and the sorrow is overshadowed by the fierce roar of the Mã River. Quang Dũng uses the sound of the river and nature itself, the spirit of the Tây Bắc region, to bid farewell and pay tribute to his comrades. This line carries a tone of both intensity and heroism, making the sacrifice of the soldiers not mournful but steeped in a tragic yet noble spirit. The poem concludes with four lines of slow rhythm, a melancholic tone, but the essence of the lines still radiates heroism. Quang Dũng and the Tây Tiến army pledge to remain attached to the places they passed, symbolizing their deep connection with the difficult yet glorious moments of history. The Tây Tiến spring of that time became a moment in history that can never be repeated, a time of heroic dreams in the face of unimaginable hardships.
The third stanza has a solemn tone, expressing boundless grief and respect for the sacrifices of comrades. With a romantic inspiration and bold writing on the harsh reality, it immortalizes the collective portrait of the Tây Tiến soldiers in a tragic yet heroic light. Through this stanza, Quang Dũng deeply reveals his attachment and reverence for the comrades he fought with in the mountains and forests of the West.
3. Essay on the third stanza of the poem 'Tây Tiến' number 6
The poem 'Tây Tiến' by Quang Dũng portrays the soldier’s image, embodying a blend of heroic valor and poetic beauty. This is most evident in the third stanza of the poem:
Looking back at 'Tây Tiến,' some memories are truly unforgettable. However, perhaps the most vivid for Quang Dũng is the image of the 'Tây Tiến soldiers,' immortalized as heroes in his mind. It all begins with the image of soldiers who 'had no hair':
'Tây Tiến đoàn binh không mọc tóc'
'Quân xanh màu lá dữ oai hùm'
The poem brings to life the image of a national defense army. Their footsteps echo across the entire country. They volunteered to fight in a resistance that was at times more demanding than any of the young soldiers could have imagined, having just left the streets and classrooms of Hanoi. A stark, harsh reality about the wartime soldier unfolds: They lived and fought in the deep forests and high mountains, enduring starvation, sickness, and malaria that caused hair loss, pale complexions, and weakened bodies. Quang Dũng simply reflects this reality without exaggeration. He isn’t the only one to touch upon this painful truth. Tố Hữu too expressed this sorrow: 'Droplets of sweat fall/ On his yellowed cheek.' But with the spirit of a heroic warrior, Quang Dũng speaks of hardship, not just to highlight the sorrow, but also to evoke the grandeur of it. The soldiers 'chose' to be bald, rather than it happening to them. There’s a bit of light-heartedness, an optimistic attitude that refuses to be defeated by hardship.
Determined to defeat the enemy, the soldiers still retained their romantic spirit. Amid the hardships of war, they would steal a few moments to remember home and loved ones: 'Eyes glaring, sending dreams beyond the border/ At night, dreaming of Hanoi's fragrant beauty.' Their romantic souls carried them back to dreams. These aren’t just memories, but deep-rooted emotions, the driving force that kept them fighting, as Nguyễn Đình Thi eloquently expressed:
'The long nights of marching stir/ Suddenly, the thought of a loved one's eyes.'
When remembering their comrades, Quang Dũng doesn’t shy away from the sacrifices and losses. Yet, 'Tây Tiến' stands out as one of the few poems that so poignantly addresses this theme with a tragic heroism:
'Rải rác biên cương mồ viễn xứ'
'Chiến trường đi chẳng tiếc đời xanh'
'Áo bào thay chiếu anh về đất'
'Sông Mã gầm lên khúc độc hành.'
The borderlands, where bombs fell and bullets flew, claimed many lives, leaving behind graves that have turned into immortality. Facing the harsh truth, one cannot help but see the enormous losses. But beyond that, what stands out is the heroic spirit—'not regretting one's youth,' willing to sacrifice everything for the nation’s survival. The 'green life' symbolizes youth, full of dreams and beauty. It’s such a glorious period, yet the soldiers gave it all up selflessly for the nation. What sacrifice is greater or more praiseworthy than this? Once again, Quang Dũng captures the spirit of ancient warriors:
'The resolve of a man is like a thousand miles of horse skin'
'Throwing a mountain like it’s just a wisp of hair'
In the past, a warrior would choose an honorable death on the battlefield, wrapped in horse skin, considering it the highest glory. But the soldiers of Tây Tiến 'used their ceremonial robes to return to the earth.' The slow, solemn rhythm of the verse, with the symbolic 'ceremonial robes' replacing the burial mat, speaks not of deprivation but of the hero’s grandeur, in harmony with the land. The roar of the Sông Mã River sounds like both the earth’s cry and a magnificent anthem sending the soldier’s death into eternity.
Thus, as demonstrated in this analysis, the third stanza of 'Tây Tiến' is truly remarkable. The image of the Tây Tiến soldier emerges, vivid and authentic.
4. Essay on the third stanza of the poem 'Tây Tiến' number 7
5. Essay reflecting on the third stanza of the poem 'Tây Tiến' number 8
All wars eventually pass, and the dust of time may cover the images of countless unsung heroes. However, literature, with its sacred mission, eternally engraves the images of those heroic children of the nation who fell for the country's independence throughout its long history into the hearts of readers. In Quang Dung's poetry, a similar eternal monument is created, honoring the revolutionary soldiers in the long resistance against the French colonial invaders. This monument immortalizes those brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives during those difficult years:
Tây Tiến đoàn quân không mọc tóc...........
Sông Mã gầm lên khúc độc hành
"Tây Tiến" by Quang Dung is a poignant memory of the poet's comrades—those who lived, fought, and for some, sacrificed. Some returned to the embrace of the motherland, while others forever lay in the frontier or distant lands. Quang Dung not only reconstructs the image of the Tây Tiến brigade on its arduous journey but also reflects on the idea that "life still remains vibrant," as expressed in the first fourteen lines. His poem highlights not just the soldiers’ experiences but their profound emotional lives, filled with the unbreakable bond of soldier-civilian love. In particular, Quang Dung focused on creating a statue of the Tây Tiến soldier in his work. Using a rich language system, he employed numerous techniques like contrast, personification, and escalation to leave a deep impression, depicting the heroic children of the nation in vivid detail. This statue stands majestically amidst towering mountains and deep rivers, captured in lines like:
Tây Tiến đoàn quân ..... khúc độc hành
The Tây Tiến monument first takes shape through its depiction of the soldiers' harsh lives. In previous verses, the soldiers appeared weary in the line: "Sài Khao sương lấp đoàn quân mỏi"; however, in a romanticized night of celebration, we now see the image of a brigade of soldiers with no hair and skin as green as forest leaves. Quang Dung bravely portrays the hardships the soldiers endured. The jungle fever prevented their hair from growing (it was not because they shaved their heads for battle, as some have suggested). The fever also turned their skin as green as leaves, rendering them physically gaunt. Yet, their spiritual world reveals them as heroic warriors, exuding a force that overwhelms the enemy—powerful like tigers and leopards.
Quang Dung's brilliance lies in depicting soldiers with weathered, exhausted faces while still evoking a heroic spirit. The phrase “Tây Tiến đoàn binh không mọc tóc” resonates with emphasis on the first syllables like 'tiến' and 'mọc tóc,' causing the verse to soar. Moreover, the term "đoàn binh" in Sino-Vietnamese adds a sense of solemnity and grandeur. The phrase "Tây Tiến" doesn't merely name the brigade; it conjures an image of soldiers, despite having no hair, courageously marching westward. The contrasting technique used in the line "Quân xanh màu lá dữ oai hùm" not only emphasizes their inner strength but also embodies the cultural essence of the nation. Quang Dung was not trying to "animalize" the soldiers, but rather to symbolize their indomitable spirit, using imagery familiar in ancient poetry. Phạm Ngũ Lão celebrated the national hero in the line:
Hoành sóc giang san cáp kỷ thu
Tam quan kỳ hổ khí thôn ngưu
Even Hồ Chí Minh, in his "Đăng Sơn," wrote:
Nghĩa binh tráng khí thôn ngưu đẩu
Thể diện sài long xâm lược quân
It can be said that Quang Dung utilized an Eastern motif to create a verse that echoes the history and strength of the revolutionary soldiers. In the line: "Quân xanh màu lá dữ oai hùm," we hear the heroic tone of the East A period. The image of the Tây Tiến soldier becomes more beautiful as Quang Dung adds romanticism to their character:
Mắt trừng gửi mộng qua biên giới
Đêm mơ Hà Nội dáng kiều thơm
First and foremost, this reflects the beauty of the soldier's heart, always oriented towards the homeland, especially the capital. Despite being on the frontier or distant lands, their thoughts always returned to Hà Nội. We recall the lines by Huỳnh Văn Nghệ:
Từ thuở mang gươm đi mở nước
Nghìn năm thương nhớ đất Thăng Long
The Tây Tiến soldier, even with "eyes glaring, sending dreams across the border," retains a deep longing for the "fragrant, beautiful figure." Once, in youthful ignorance, people criticized this sentiment as petty bourgeois, but in fact, it is this beauty of the soul that grants the soldier the strength to endure all hardships, symbolizing the beauty of the Vietnamese people. Quang Dung masterfully creates a striking contrast: soldiers with unwavering determination also possess rich emotional lives. The Tây Tiến soldier not only held his weapon for the nation's call but also remained noble, with a heart that beat for Hà Nội—Thăng Long of old.
The monument of the Tây Tiến soldier is etched with contrasting light, both realistic and romantic. Every line shines, creating a powerful impression. This is a hallmark of Quang Dung's poetry.
If in the four preceding lines, the Tây Tiến soldiers appear as a brigade with a majestic and heroic spirit, here, their monument is shaped by the lines that highlight their sacrifice. If we read each line in isolation, we might feel the tragedy of their death, a theme rarely touched upon in wartime poetry, which often emphasizes heroism over loss. However, when placed in context, Quang Dung depicts their sacrifice with romanticism, preventing the image from descending into sorrow while elevating it with a sense of grandeur.
The line "Rải rác biên cương mồ viễn xứ" alone might evoke a somber feeling, referencing the soldiers' graves scattered in distant lands. Each word seems to add a mournful note to the song of the fallen. After all, talking about graves in distant lands inevitably brings feelings of isolation. Quang Dung wishes to honor the resting places of his comrades:
Anh bạn dãi dầu không bước nữa
Gục lên súng mũ bỏ quên đời
In "Chinh phụ ngâm," we read:
Hồn tử sĩ gió về ù ù thổi
Mặt chinh phu trăng rõi rõi soi
Chinh phu tử sĩ mấy người
Nào ai mạc mặt nào ai gọi hồn
However, with the second line, the scattered graves return to a feeling of warmth and gratitude from the people and the nation. These are the graves of those heroic children, "marching forward without regret for their youth." This second line lifts the scattered graves to the heights of a memorial, symbolizing the nation's deep respect for the soldiers who sacrificed their youth on the battlefield. In Quang Dung's poetry, there is always a mutual uplifting of images.
The soldier's sacrifice is glorified in the line: "áo bào thay chiếu anh về đất." Quang Dung's love for his fallen comrades is embodied in such a line. While some argue there was no coffin, only a mat, Quang Dung elevated this farewell to a grand, ancient tone. The "mat" may refer to the soldier's uniform, and regardless of interpretation, Quang Dung transformed the soldier's death into a return to the homeland. The phrase "anh về đất" speaks of death, yet immortalizes the soldier and elevates sorrow into grandeur. This emotional trajectory leads to the epic line:
Sông Mã gầm lên khúc độc hành
Through a harmonious blend of realism and romanticism, Quang Dung created a portrait of the revolutionary soldier, representing the nation's strength and beauty during the new era of the anti-colonial resistance. The monument was shaped by the heroic essence of the battle, crystallized in Quang Dung's deep love for his comrades and his homeland, resulting in an anthem that honors these heroic children of the nation.
6. Essay on the third stanza of the poem "Tây Tiến" number 9
Quang Dũng is a highly talented artist. He is known for his ability to paint, write poetry, and compose music. His poetry is celebrated for its romantic soul, elegant charm, deep emotional resonance, and patriotic spirit. His poem "Tây Tiến" is a representation of this heartfelt sentiment.
Initially, the poem was titled "Nhớ Tây Tiến" (Remembering Tây Tiến), but the word “Nhớ” (Remembering) was later omitted. Quang Dũng felt that the poem already conveyed enough nostalgia, and readers could sense it through the verses. The poem was conceived in 1948 in Phù Lưu Chanh (Hà Tây), when the poet had been transferred to a different unit and longed for his previous unit, Tây Tiến. This work captures his deep yearning for the natural beauty of the Northwest and the comradeship of his former military unit. The imagery of the Tây Tiến soldiers is especially vivid in the third stanza of the poem:
The Tây Tiến army does not grow hair...
The Sông Mã river roars with a solo melody!
The Tây Tiến army, in Quang Dũng's heart, represents the finest ideals of his youth. This unit, established in 1947 with Quang Dũng as its captain, was tasked with cooperating with the Lao military to safeguard the Vietnam-Laos border. The soldiers were primarily made up of students, intellectuals, and workers from various sectors, all united in a bond of solidarity. Despite the extreme hardships of war, the soldiers exhibited the indomitable spirit of the Hồ Chí Minh army, demonstrating both courage and optimism. The image of the Tây Tiến soldiers is glorified in a heroic yet tragic manner:
The Tây Tiến army does not grow hair
Green soldiers with tiger-like fierceness
Eyes blazing, sending dreams across the border
At night, dreaming of Hanoi and the sweet scent of a beautiful woman
The phrase "does not grow hair" symbolizes the harsh reality of the soldiers' living and fighting conditions, yet it conveys their rebellious and fearless spirit. The description of "green soldiers" contrasts with their fierce nature, evoking their pale, fever-ridden appearance due to malaria. Despite their fragile physical state, they still project the strength and courage of tigers in the jungle. This is also reflected in their gaze: "Eyes blazing" represents their fiery, vengeful look, filled with determination to defeat the enemy. Even amidst the chaos of battle, the soldiers maintain their romantic idealism, with thoughts of Hanoi's beautiful women lingering in their minds.
“Scattered along the frontier, graves of distant lands”
“They march to battle without regret for their youth”
“The burial shroud replaces the mat as they return to the earth”
“Sông Mã roars with a solo melody”
These lines depict the profound sacrifice of the Tây Tiến soldiers. The traditional, respectful Chinese-derived terms like “frontier” and “distant graves” create a solemn atmosphere, adding to the heroic mood of the soldiers' final resting places in the wild frontier. The beauty of their sacrifice is emphasized in their selfless devotion, treating death with honor for the sake of their country:
“They march to battle without regret for their youth”
“The burial shroud replaces the mat as they return to the earth”
“Sông Mã roars with a solo melody”
The term “burial shroud” symbolizes the noble, heroic sacrifice of the soldiers, turning the death of their comrades in the battlefield into a dignified act. The exaggerated metaphor of "Sông Mã roars with a solo melody" conveys that nature itself plays a majestic tune to honor the fallen soldiers of Tây Tiến. The soldiers depart to the eternal music of the land.
Through these verses, the poet masterfully portrays the Tây Tiến soldiers, showcasing their physical and spiritual qualities, highlighting their romantic, heroic, and tragic nature. These men epitomize the splendor and nobility of a bygone era, carrying with them the shared values of the Hồ Chí Minh soldiers.
The poem is both an elegy and a romantic anthem, celebrating the courage and heroic spirit of the Tây Tiến soldiers in the early years of the resistance against the French. Despite the immense hardships, their enduring patriotism and noble qualities shine through in the work.
7. Essay on the third stanza of the poem "Tây Tiến" number 10
Great poems often evoke a range of aesthetic emotions in readers, sometimes even sparking debates around the words, imagery, and feelings they convey. "Tây Tiến" by Quang Dũng is one such poem. Over half a century has passed, yet "Tây Tiến" remains not only resilient but also holds a remarkable vitality. In the poet's soul, "Tây Tiến" represents a time to cherish and remember—memories of the soldier's experiences during the days of battle and comradery, recalling the rugged yet majestic and romantic landscapes of the Northwestern mountains, the hardships of marching, and the beautiful moments of rest and deep bonds between soldiers and the local people.
In the first two stanzas, the reader is introduced to the image of the soldier indirectly, but in the third stanza, the portrait of the Tây Tiến soldier is painted directly:
Tây Tiến đoàn binh không mọc tóc............
Sông Mã gầm lên khúc độc hành.
At that time, alongside Quang Dũng, familiar faces such as Doctor Phạm Ngọc Khuê, Captain - Musician Như Trang, and poet Trần Lê Văn were all present. They were young men from Hanoi, many of them intellectuals who had studied at schools like Sư phạm, Bưởi, Thăng Long, and Văn Lang. These soldiers brought to the battlefield not only the spirit of "Determined to die for the nation’s survival" but also the elegance and grace of the people of Hanoi. The harsh and deprived conditions of warfare could not stop the Tây Tiến soldiers from staying cheerful, lively, and full of dreams. Quang Dũng, who was not only a multi-talented man (poet, painter, musician) but also a former company commander in the Tây Tiến division, successfully portrayed the Tây Tiến soldier, evoking deep aesthetic emotions about these heroic yet cultured soldiers. The image of the soldier in Quang Dũng's poetry subtly echoes the ancient literary warriors, or the hero who leaves for war without promises of return. During the resistance against the French, soldiers in poetry were often depicted as farmers wearing soldier’s uniforms with simple, rustic beauty. Works like "Đồng chí" by Chính Hữu and "Cá nước" by Tố Hữu describe the soldier as "simple":
Áo anh rách vai
Quần tôi có vài mảnh vá
Miệng cười buốt giá
Chân không giày.
(Đồng chí, Chính Hữu)
The soldier in Quang Dũng’s "Tây Tiến" has unique traits, and is depicted through a distinct literary style. With romanticism and tragic heroism built upon memories (nostalgia), Quang Dũng constructs a poetic monument to the Tây Tiến soldier. This is a powerful and heroic portrait:
Tây Tiến đoàn binh không mọc tóc
Quân xanh màu lá dữ oai hùm
Some critics argue that this is an image of ultimate uniqueness, while others claim that the "bald army" and "ferocious as tigers" images are unrealistic, even distorting the image of the French resistance soldier. Such an interpretation misses both the essence of romanticism and a full understanding of the reality of wartime. In fact, the resistance against the French involved not only soldiers in camouflage but also those "with shaved heads"—famous at the time. Therefore, the "bald army", "green as leaves", and "ferocious as tigers" are not only realistic but also products of inspiration and the romantic style of writing.
The "bald army" refers to the soldiers who lost their hair due to the effects of jungle fever or living in "toxic, sacred forests"; the "green as leaves" means the soldiers' skin became as pale as leaves, again due to jungle fever, hardship, and scarcity. Yet, despite these conditions, the army still exudes a "ferocious tiger-like" quality, representing their fierce spirit, much like the classical portrayal of heroes.
The tone of the stanza emphasizes the majestic and heroic nature of the "army". The portrayal of the Tây Tiến soldier evokes the words of Phạm Ngũ Lão from the Trần Dynasty, who similarly described the warrior with "Eastern A spirit":
Hoành sóc giang sơn cáp kỷ thu
Tam quân tì hổ khí thôn ngưu
(Múa giáo non sông đã mấy thu
Ba quân khí mạnh nuốt trôi trâu).
The beauty of this verse lies in the heroic and tragic spirit of the Tây Tiến army, a beauty that resonates with both the traditional echoes of past heroes and the spirit of the current era, bridging the warriors of the past and the soldiers of Hồ Chí Minh. The next two lines vividly capture the soul and life of the Tây Tiến soldiers:
Mắt trừng gửi mộng qua biên giới
Đêm mơ Hà Nội dáng kiều thơm
These two lines "trap both worlds" (Vũ Quần Phương), showing "the lone voice of the Hanoi boy" (Đặng Anh Đào)—both heroic and charming. The "piercing gaze" represents the fierce determination to defend the borders, a reflection of their ambition, desire for success, and burning hatred. Yet, even in the midst of the fierce struggle, the soldiers still dream of "Hanoi’s graceful figure"—a soft, tender image. Though war is brutal, it cannot strip away the cultured essence of the young men of Hanoi. Nothing can stop these fleeting moments of dreams in the hearts of soldiers. Some mistakenly associate "Tây Tiến" with "fallen dreams" and "sadness" due to these lines. In reality, these lines express the beauty of the Tây Tiến soldiers' souls. Nguyễn Đình Thi also beautifully captured this sentiment in his poem "Đất nước":
Những đêm dài hành quân nung nấu
Bỗng bồn chồn nhớ mắt người yêu.
Unlike the longing expressed by soldiers in Nguyễn Đình Thi's work and others, Quang Dũng conveys this emotion through dreams, making the longing as romantic as the souls of the soldiers. Dreams elevate the human spirit—so noble and elegant! Speaking of war, of soldiers, one cannot ignore death. Quang Dũng does not shy away from it, and in his own way, the poet speaks of it:
Rải rác biên cương mồ viễn xứ
Chiến trường đi chẳng tiếc đời xanh
Áo bào thay chiếu anh về đất
Sông Mã gầm lên khúc độc hành.
The "warrior’s song" is expressed with both heroism and tragedy. Quang Dũng draws inspiration from ancient poems (Chinh phụ ngâm), yet his emotions are fresh and new. The phrase "mồ viễn xứ" conveys a quiet sadness—the silent sacrifice of nameless soldiers. The true meaning of the line is profound: scattered across the "borderlands", these graves lie unadorned, cold, and desolate. The battlefield would appear bleak if viewed from a pessimistic angle. However, Quang Dũng’s poetic soul lifts this sorrow with a sense of idealism. The next line elevates the sadness to heroism: "The battlefield does not regret the youth." The tragic becomes heroic. With a spirit of sacrifice, the soldiers offer their beautiful youth to the highest ideals. They fall peacefully, without regret, and death is light as a feather.
Many poets avoid writing about death in war, but Quang Dũng acknowledges it as an inevitable reality. Through Quang Dũng’s eyes, the death of the soldiers is both grand and genuine. The tragic heroism of the lines affirms the motto of an entire generation during the French resistance: "Die for the nation’s survival." To fully understand the unyielding will of the Vietnamese people is to appreciate the beauty in Quang Dũng’s verse. The following two lines continue this theme of death with an epic resonance:
Áo bào thay chiếu anh về đất
Sông Mã gầm lên khúc độc hành.
The poet expresses the bitter truth: the soldier dies on the battlefield, without even a mat to cover him. But through Quang Dũng’s poetic vision, his comrades wrap him in a noble burial cloth. The word "áo bào" combines "garment" and "military uniform", symbolizing both simplicity and grandeur. Quang Dũng uses this imagery to "comfort the spirits of the soldiers". The starting point is a love for his comrades. This love allows Quang Dũng’s elegant poetry to transform the soldier’s death into something dignified. The fallen soldier, draped in a bright red uniform, is enveloped in the glorious aura of ancient warriors. "Áo bào thay chiếu anh về đất"—this line reverberates with praise, expressing not only the soldier’s sacrifice but also the love and respect of his comrades. "Back to the land" signifies becoming one with the soul of the nation, immortalized with the land’s sacred spirit, forever remembered. The Sông Mã River roars with a mighty "lone march" to bid farewell to the soldier's spirit, full of mourning and admiration. The painful losses are captured in the thunderous roar of the river, shaking the mountains and forests. The soldiers have sacrificed for a land full of poetry and music, and together with nature, their souls continue to sing the military march.
The brilliance of this stanza lies not only in its use of contrast but also in its choice of words, particularly the verbs. Poet Vũ Quần Phương notes: "The internal strength in Quang Dũng’s poetry often resonates through the verbs." The verb "gầm" (roar) makes the echo reverberate, as though it strikes the mountains and forests of the West and resonates in the reader’s soul. Coupled with the verbs are Sino-Vietnamese words (biên cương, viễn xứ, chiến trường, áo bào, sông Mã, khúc độc hành), which transport the reader into an ancient, solemn space. All these artistic techniques create a harmonious blend of the tragic and the heroic, forming the epic, magnificent monument to the Tây Tiến soldiers.
This stanza represents the high point of the entire poem "Tây Tiến". The tragic heroism creates a unique monument to the Tây Tiến soldiers. The poem concludes, but like the river’s "lone march", the echoes of "Tây Tiến" continue to resonate through the mountains and reverberate across time.
8. Essay on the third stanza of the poem "Tây Tiến" - Part 1
When it comes to literature and poetry in the resistance war, we cannot forget the writers and poets like Tố Hữu, Nguyễn Quang Sáng, Nguyễn Thi, ... and undoubtedly, we must mention the poet Quang Dũng. He was a multi-talented poet, who wrote poetry, painted, and even composed plays. In his literary career, he left behind many works, but perhaps the most famous one is his poem 'Tây Tiến.' This poem expresses Quang Dũng's deep longing for the beloved Western North and his comrades. The poem highlights a romantic and profound poetic soul, filled with national spirit, particularly in the portrayal of soldiers, a remarkable image created by Quang Dũng:
'Tây Tiến đoàn binh không mọc tóc
Quân xanh màu lá giữ oai hùm
Mắt trừng gửi mộng qua biên giới
Đêm mơ Hà Nội dáng kiều thơm
Rải rác biên cương mồ viễn xứ
Chiến trường đi chẳng tiếc đời xanh
Áo bào thay chiếu anh về đất
Sông Mã gầm lên khúc độc hành'.
'Tây Tiến' was written by Quang Dũng in 1948 in Phù Lưu Chanh, filled with memories of his unit and comrades. In these memories, he painted a beautiful yet heroic and romantic image of the soldiers of Tây Tiến. The first lines of the poem bring the image of the heroic, solemn soldier into view:
'Tây Tiến đoàn binh không mọc tóc
Quân xanh màu lá giữ oai hùm'.
The Tây Tiến military unit was formed in 1947 with the mission of cooperating with the Lao army to block the enemy's advance along the Vietnam-Laos border, and Quang Dũng was the leader of this unit. In the first two lines, amidst the beauty of the forests and mountains, the soldiers of Quang Dũng's army emerge as heroic figures, though somewhat tragic. These soldiers, though young, are 'without hair.' What caused this peculiar feature in such a large army? Was it the result of hunger, thirst, or the terrible malaria that transformed these youthful soldiers into a 'hairless army'? Their frail appearance, with their shaved heads and greenish skin, evokes deep sorrow. This is the stark reality—soldiers enduring in the forested mountains of the Northwestern region, where malaria outbreaks are frequent and soldiers suffer from hunger and exhaustion. We encounter similar images of soldiers enduring malaria and yet fulfilling their duties in the poetry of Chính Hữu:
'Tôi với anh biết từng cơn ớn lạnh
Sốt run người vầng trán đẫm mồ hôi'.
The soldiers of Tây Tiến had something even more special. Perhaps it was their once-green hair, now gone. The army was going through hardships, overcoming obstacles on their march. But, while these soldiers appear in a tragic light in the first lines, in the next lines, Quang Dũng depicts them as proud warriors:
'Quân xanh màu lá giữ oai hùm'.
The term 'green troops' could refer to their camouflage in the forest, their green uniforms, or even their pale skin due to illness and hunger. The raw reality of the soldiers is present in Quang Dũng's poetry without any exaggeration or stylization. Despite their weariness, they maintain their 'majestic tiger-like' posture. Even in the wild and deadly forests, the soldiers of the liberation army stand tall and unyielding, displaying the courage and dignity of lions.
The first two lines vividly portray the soldiers of Tây Tiến. They march through the lush forests, facing immense challenges, illness, hunger, and exhaustion. Yet, they remain resolute, their majestic 'tiger-like' stance unwavering amidst the wilderness. Quang Dũng merges raw reality with the romantic beauty of poetry, crafting a poignant and powerful image of these soldiers. Moving to the next lines, the soldiers' inner beauty emerges—a youthful, dream-filled soul:
'Mắt trừng gửi mộng qua biên giới
Đêm mơ Hà Nội dáng kiều thơm'.
The Tây Tiến soldiers were mostly from Hanoi, young students filled with dreams and hope. Beneath their frail appearance was a sky full of romantic aspirations. They came to the frontier driven by their youth, ambitions, and desire for peace. They followed the call of the nation to fight for independence, as foreign invaders ravaged their homeland. So, the 'troubled eyes' could symbolize soldiers' intense focus, their resolve to fight the invaders. These eyes also 'send dreams across the border' to Hanoi—their beloved home, where families and loved ones wait. The 'dream of the border' is perhaps the dream of peace, the hope of returning home after victory. In these eyes, there is not only fighting spirit but also love and longing.
'Đêm mơ Hà Nội dáng kiều thơm'.
These eyes are awake in the quiet of the night, yearning for a Hanoi of old, with its streets, families, and the 'fragrant beauty' of a beloved figure in their memories. These soldiers were intellectuals who left behind their studies to take up arms to protect their homeland. So, despite their struggles, they carried with them the grace and charm of the intellectual class. They were not like the soldiers in Chính Hữu's poem:
'Quê hương anh nước mặn đồng chua
Làng tôi nghèo đất cày lên sỏi đá'.
The 'fragrant beauty' in their dreams motivated them to fulfill their noble mission. It was also the source of their longing. After every challenging march, perhaps the thought of home and their loved ones rekindled their strength, helping them pursue peace for those 'fragrant beauties.' Quang Dũng's poetic genius is evident in how these two brief lines express the soldiers' refined, romantic souls. In the first four lines of the third stanza, Quang Dũng paints a clear picture of the soldiers—proud, beautiful, and filled with dreams, even in the midst of war. In wartime, many soldiers give up their youth and aspirations, yet they don't return. War, with its unpredictability, brings inevitable sacrifice and loss:
'Rải rác biên cương mồ viễn xứ
Chiến trường đi chẳng tiếc đời xanh'.
Loss and sacrifice are inevitable in war. Yet, when reading Quang Dũng's lines, we can't help but feel sorrow for these losses. The first four lines were heroic, but here, the atmosphere shifts to one of deep sadness. Along their journey, these soldiers fall one by one. Their graves, nameless, are scattered across the frontier, in the deadly forests. Quang Dũng uses the term 'mồ viễn xứ,' a Hán-Việt phrase meaning 'graves of faraway lands,' to describe the deaths of these soldiers. This choice creates an atmosphere of solemnity and grandeur, like a requiem for these fallen heroes. They lie there, nameless, contributing to the independence of their country:
'Họ đã sống và chết
Giản dị và bình tâm
Không ai nhớ mặt đặt tên
Nhưng họ đã làm ra đất nước'.
Despite facing death, the Tây Tiến soldiers continued to march forward for their deep desire for peace. They dedicated their youth and lives to the nation:
'Chiến trường đi chẳng tiếc đời xanh'.
A beauty that is tragic yet romantic! 'Đời xanh' refers to their youth and hopes. But answering the call of the nation, they went to battle without hesitation, 'without regret.' This phrase stands as a firm, resolute answer to the call of their homeland. They accepted death without fear, their only concern being the burning desire for peace. Despite the pain, they did not lament their fate. In this atmosphere of heroism and reflection, Quang Dũng continues to depict their devotion to the nation:
'Áo bào thay chiếu anh về đất
Sông Mã gầm lên khúc độc hành'.
These young soldiers understood the value of their youth and dreams, yet their sacrifice for the nation's cause was a noble, sacred act. The fallen soldiers are left with nothing, but Quang Dũng romanticizes their sacrifice by describing it as 'an imperial robe.' This robe, once reserved for royalty, now adorns the soldiers as a mark of honor. 'Áo bào thay chiếu' is a beautiful expression of the soldiers' sacrifices. And 'returning to the earth' is a gentle, indirect way of expressing the sorrow Quang Dũng feels for these fallen heroes. They are not dead; they simply return to the embrace of their motherland. For we are born from the earth and return to it in the end.
These soldiers have fallen, becoming nameless graves in faraway lands, but their sacrifice was not in vain. They contributed to the peace of the nation, adding to its glorious history. For the Tây Tiến soldiers, the Sông Mã river is a historic river. It witnesses the passage of time and stands as the companion to the soldiers. Now, as they fall, the river 'roars' a tribute song, sending the soldiers on their journey to immortality.
In the final two lines of the third stanza, Quang Dũng uses Hán-Việt terms to create a solemn, heroic, and respectful atmosphere. These words give a sense of grandeur and romanticize the death of these young soldiers. Yet, the romanticization is just enough to honor their noble sacrifice. The last two lines elevate their sacrifice and their heroic ideals.
In the above lines, Quang Dũng masterfully expresses his love for the nature of Tây Bắc and his longing for his comrades. Through vivid imagery, he blends music and painting, using delicate comparisons and romantic inspiration to describe his soldiers. This stanza is one of the most remarkable parts of the poem, capturing the essence of 'Tây Tiến.'
In conclusion, the third stanza of 'Tây Tiến' by Quang Dũng immortalizes the Tây Tiến soldiers. They are not only young, romantic men but also the proud heroes of the country. They carry with them love for their homeland, love for their families, the longing for peace, and the vow to dedicate their lives to the nation. This is a truly noble, resolute, and beautiful ideal, and Quang Dũng has perfectly captured this image of the soldiers in his poem.
9. Essay on the third stanza of the poem "Tây Tiến" no. 2
If one were to select five key authors of the early resistance period against the French, it is possible that Quang Dung may not make the list, but if five significant poems from that time were to be chosen, "Tây Tiến" would certainly be mentioned and placed in a distinguished position. Reading "Tây Tiến" allows us to relive a time filled with fiery struggles, accompanied by the legendary army that has become part of history. We may forget some of the lines in the poem, but we can never forget the image of that army:
Tây Tiến đoàn binh không mọc tóc
Quân xanh màu lá dữ oai hùm
Mắt trừng gửi mộng qua biên giới
Đêm mơ Hà Nội dáng kiều thơm
Rải rác biên cương mồ viễn xứ
Chiến trường đi chẳng tiếc đời xanh
Áo bào thay chiếu anh về đất
Sông Mã gầm lên khúc độc hành!
In the earlier stanzas, the image of the army appears indirectly—describing their hardships, sacrifices, and areas of operation. But here, the army emerges vividly with precise, muscular details. The toughness of the soldiers is often depicted, and here, we encounter the following motif:
Tây Tiến đoàn binh không mọc tóc
Quân xanh màu lá dữ oai hùng
At first, these are starkly realistic lines—describing the soldiers of Tây Tiến who fought in rugged, disease-ridden jungles. Death in battle was rare, but death from illness was common. Some streams could make their hair fall out as they bathed. "Quân xanh" here refers to their uniforms and their skin color, drained from blood loss. These real images, when placed in the poem, gain symbolic meaning through Quang Dung’s romantic tone, showing the indomitable spirit of the soldiers. These 14 words etch into history the image of an extraordinary, one-of-a-kind army, composed of the youthful and dashing men of Hanoi who embarked on a heroic journey of war. Despite all the hardships, these soldiers still retained romantic feelings:
Mắt trừng gửi mộng qua biên giới
Đêm mơ Hà Nội dáng kiều thơm.
The soldiers’ dreams are sent to two destinations: the borderlands, where the enemy still lurks—dreaming of defeating them—and Hanoi, their beloved home—dreaming of familiar, cherished faces. The "dáng kiều thơm" is a glowing memory of beauty in their hearts, symbolizing the soldier’s sensitivity. Yet, for the soldiers of Tây Tiến, this yearning brings them balance and serenity amidst their exhausting marches, rather than causing despair. But once, these poetic lines, "beautifully romantic," led the author and the poem itself to "weather many storms." As history teaches us, war hardly spares anyone—the Tây Tiến soldiers too faced inevitable losses and sacrifices.
Rải rác biên cương mồ viễn xứ
Chiến trường đi chẳng tiếc đời xanh
After the earlier powerful, noble lines, the rhythm slows, and we are invited to feel the solemnity of the soldiers' sacrifice. It is as though we are watching a scene in slow motion. What could be more sacred and noble than the soldiers' sacrifices? As they marched, the soldiers of Tây Tiến passed countless "foreign graves"—the graves of comrades who died far from home. But they faced these with calm acceptance, as they had made peace with their fate. One of the driving forces behind their journey was the image of the heroic warrior, a figure they had encountered in literature. Their pure, romantic passion for this image spurred them on. The final two lines continue with tragic tones, accentuating the losses but transforming death into a noble sacrifice—the immortality of the Tây Tiến soldiers.
Áo bào thay chiếu anh về đất.
Sông Mã gầm lên khúc độc hành
At first glance, these lines may appear to simply describe the situation, but their emotional impact is immense. There seems to be a lingering sense of tears behind these words. The two lines are powerful, heartfelt, and evoke profound sympathy. How could one remain indifferent to the scene of "the soldier returning to the earth"? "Returning to the earth" symbolizes becoming one with the homeland after fulfilling their noble duty. The roar of the Sông Mã river echoes like the sound of cannons, bidding farewell to the beloved children of the nation.
In the past, when reflecting on these lines, people could only feel sadness, "falling dreams," or "the tears of loss." But time has helped us perceive more clearly the essence of those days, as such literature could only exist in that era.
"Tây Tiến" is both a poem and the heart of the Tây Tiến soldiers. It contains music and visual art; alongside the sorrow, there is the heroism, and amidst the loss, there is the pride of being a hero. Half a century later, this poem continues to shine and the portrayal of the Tây Tiến army has become an unforgettable reminiscence of a heroic time in the early years of the resistance against the French.
10. Essay on the third stanza of the poem "Tây Tiến" no. 3
