Top 10 Best Essays Proving 'Literature Evokes Emotions We Do Not Have' (Grade 7)

M. Gorky once stated, 'Literature is anthropology.' Through literature, we are educated to better understand our own humanity. In this space, we discover noble emotions and feelings that inspire us toward virtuous, humane actions. As Hoai Thanh emphasized: 'Literature evokes emotions we do not have and nurtures the ones we already possess.'

Literature is an art form expressed through words. Hoai Thanh's statement means that literature awakens emotions in us that we may not have experienced before—emotions we absorb through the lives and struggles of fictional characters. These are emotions we may never have encountered in our own lives. As for the emotions we already hold, literature enriches and refines them, making them deeper, more profound, and more beautiful than ever before.

This quote by Hoai Thanh highlights the power of literature to elicit and nurture the best feelings in people. Whether through literature, poetry, or stories, we are introduced to lives and characters that, though fictional, are inspired by the simplest, most real elements of human existence. Writers embed their own artistic intentions in these works, which ultimately address the most profound questions of human life. Through these works, we experience emotions we have never felt before, as literature becomes the source of fresh, humanizing emotions.

Many of us may not have ever felt the pain of family separation or the sorrow of leaving loved ones and home behind. But reading the short story 'The Separation of the Dolls' by Khánh Hoài, we can all clearly recognize the heart-wrenching pain of two siblings, Thành and Thủy, who are torn apart. We not only shed tears for the siblings' sorrow but also deeply understand the lasting emotional scars left by family separation on the childhood of these children.

Literature not only evokes new emotions in us but also amplifies the existing emotions within us. Each of us carries a deep love for our homeland, which in times of war, ignites a passionate urge to fight, but in peaceful times, it quietly flows in our veins, ever-present. Whenever we hear folk songs praising our beautiful country, our hearts swell with national pride:

'Vietnam, our homeland, oh!'

'Vast fields of rice, no land more beautiful than this,'

'The heron flies gracefully in the breeze,'

'Clouds obscure the peaks of Trường Sơn at dawn and dusk.'

Even though we all carry this profound love for our country, such songs deepen our love for our homeland, making it ever more vivid and meaningful. Similarly, whenever we hear sweet verses about the love of parents, the feelings of love and gratitude for them surge within us:

'A father's love is as great as Mount Thái Sơn,'

'A mother's love flows like a river from its source.'

Or:

'Parents bear the burdens and sacrifices,'

'They forget themselves for the sake of their children.'

While we all carry the love for our parents deep in our hearts, literature sharpens this beautiful feeling, making us even more moved and grateful for the selfless sacrifices of our parents. Emotions are the core of our thoughts and actions. The more humane these emotions are, the more humane we become. Literature nurtures these positive emotions in us, and it is a powerful tool for writers to create high moral values that bring people closer together.

Literature is the deepest voice of the human soul, emerging from the passionate heart of the artist and crystallized into words that overflow with emotion. The thoughts and feelings of a writer accompany us until the end of time. Speaking through emotions, literature reaches the human heart, and thus, 'literature evokes emotions we do not have and nurtures those we already possess.'

Literature is a form of social consciousness, a blend of creativity and artistic expression. Each piece of work is like a layer of fertile soil, leaving behind beautiful memories and unique impressions of nature and humanity. Literature is a noble and powerful tool that helps us expose and change a world full of lies and cruelty, enriching and purifying the human soul. Through literature, we feel as though we are strolling in a peaceful meadow, nourishing our minds and hearts.

With its divine words, literature naturally resonates within us, stirring unique rhythms of emotion and spirit, in the most pure and elevated way. Through emotions, literature evokes in us feelings we have never experienced before—new emotions for nature, for a world of imagination. But it also refines the emotions we already have, such as love for family, homeland, and friends, making them deeper, more sacred, and more meaningful.

Hoai Thanh’s insight affirms the power and mission of literature in shaping the emotional impact on people. This is also the most fundamental characteristic of literature. The verses, folk songs, and melodies praising the beauty of our homeland:

'Vietnam, our homeland, oh!'

'Vast fields of rice, no land more beautiful than this,'

'The heron flies gracefully in the breeze,'

'Clouds obscure the peaks of Trường Sơn at dawn and dusk.'

Isn't it through these verses that we feel the beauty and simplicity of our homeland? They make us love our birthplace, appreciate even the most unknown towns and villages across the country. For generations, the beauty of folk songs has deeply touched the hearts of the people, teaching future generations the timeless values and life philosophies of the nation, and making us love those who gave birth to us and raised us:

'A father's love is as great as Mount Thái Sơn,'

'A mother's love flows like a river from its source,'

'To honor our parents is to fulfill the true filial duty.'

Or:

'Looking up at the roof, we remember our ancestors.'

Literature has opened up the flow of traditional emotions, and continues to strengthen them, making them even more intense and heartfelt. But that's not all—through stories like 'Tam and Cam,' 'The Story of Thach Sanh,' or 'The Money Tree,' folk literature also passes down messages about dreams and hopes for a just and beautiful life, where goodness triumphs over evil, and selfishness is discarded.

From these simple yet profound lessons, we grow, mature, and better understand ourselves and life. Isn't this thanks to literature? Literature is the most sincere and powerful call of emotions. It urges us not to descend into beasts or become empty saints, but instead to grow in love and diminish hatred.

As an exceptional literary critic, Hoai Thanh certainly has a deep understanding of the meaning and power of literature. That is why, in his work 'The Meaning of Literature,' he confidently asserts that: 'Literature evokes emotions we do not have and cultivates those we already possess.'

The saying 'Only by raising children can one truly understand a parent's love' is full of profound meaning and philosophy. Only when we become parents ourselves can we fully comprehend the depth of a parent's love. However, literature has the remarkable ability to help us appreciate and understand a mother's boundless love even when we are still children.

In 'The School Gate Opens' by Li Lan, we see how a mother experiences the first day of school for her child. While the child is peacefully asleep, the mother stays awake, restless and anxious. How many nights did she spend sleepless with her child’s milestones? The first steps, the first words of her child filled her with such joy and wonder that she couldn’t sleep. And tonight, she stays awake not because she is worried, but because she believes her child is ready for school. Her heart is filled with mixed emotions.

Isn’t it the feeling of a child growing up, about to enter the vast world of knowledge and embrace the future that brings both joy and nervous anticipation? At this moment, the mother recalls her own childhood and remembers her own mother, just as she is now. Sometimes, the mother stays awake out of deep worry, her heart aching as she watches over her child, afraid of losing them. Such is the sacrifice of a mother, as captured in the work 'My Mother' by Edmond Amicis.

In the peaceful and developing nation, where foreign invasions and brutal wars are no longer a threat, Xuân Quỳnh's poem 'The Noon Rooster' helps us understand the emotions of a soldier marching to war. Everyone has a childhood, and memories of that time flood our hearts. It’s the image of a loving grandmother, who, like a fairy, cares for her grandchildren with all her heart. She raises the chickens and protects the eggs, so her grandchild can have new clothes.

In the poem, the soldier marching into battle carries with him not only the hatred for the enemy, but also the love for his homeland, the determination to fight, and the cherished memories of his grandmother. This simple yet profound poem is filled with the deep love between grandmother and grandchild, and the soldier's patriotic feelings for his homeland.

We have heard about a time when the Vietnamese national language was not taught in schools, but French was used to promote colonial rule. The colonialists wanted to create people who only knew how to obey and serve the French. However, after reading 'The Last Lesson' by Alphonse Daudet, we can somewhat grasp the sorrow and regret of losing the ability to learn and speak our mother tongue, as experienced by the teacher Ha-men and his student, Phrang.

Only in such a tragic and paradoxical situation can we truly appreciate the value of our mother tongue, which should be cherished as a tool for national liberation. The preservation of our native language is a key aspect of patriotism. Loving our country and being proud of our heritage is directly tied to preserving the purity and beauty of the Vietnamese language.

The power of literature is truly remarkable; it can touch the deepest recesses of the human soul—our emotions. Once these emotions are planted in our hearts, the effect of literature is immense and long-lasting. Authentic literary works are, in essence, teachers that shape and cultivate noble emotions within us.

Life is full of variety, surprises, and moments of wonder, like a fairy tale. Literature plays a significant role in adding depth and color to this vibrant world. As the saying goes, "Literature brings out emotions we didn't know we had and cultivates the feelings we already possess." For each person, literature holds different meanings and evokes different emotions. However, everyone understands that literature is an abstract entity—something we cannot see or touch, but something we must listen to and feel. Literature is where the essence of life is distilled. It also has a vital significance in human life, as it opens up "new horizons," nurturing good emotions and enriching our inner worlds. It uncovers feelings deeply hidden within us, allowing them to grow stronger.

In his work "The Meaning of Literature," the writer Hoai Thanh says, "Literature nurtures the emotions we already have." This is because literature teaches us to appreciate the immense value of family love. It helps each generation of students better understand the sacrifices and hard work of parents who tirelessly raise us. The old folk saying, "A father's duty is like Mount Tai, a mother's love like the flowing water of a river," shows us that parents' love for us is boundless—they protect and care for us forever.

Through literature, we also realize the importance of grandparents, who, although not our biological parents, have helped raise and care for us. Without them, we wouldn't have our parents, and without our parents, we wouldn't be here today. As the old saying goes, "Looking up at the roof beams of the house, we remember our grandparents just as much as we remember the beams themselves." This shows how we must respect and honor our grandparents even more.

Our ancestors also said, "Brothers and sisters are like hands and feet—when one is hurt, the others help and support." This saying reminds us of the value of sibling bonds. Brothers and sisters are always there for us in times of difficulty and joy. Understanding the value of sibling relationships teaches us how to strengthen those ties and make them even more unbreakable.

Literature reveals the importance of family relationships and also teaches us the value of friendship. Today, there are many works of literature that highlight true, beautiful friendships. In Nguyen Khuyen's delicate poem "Visitors at Home," the simple yet noble nature of friendship is beautifully depicted. Friendship doesn't rely on material wealth; friends understand us best, stand by us, and know our needs. Through this poem, we learn to cherish the friendship that lasts a lifetime.

Literature not only deepens our appreciation for family and friendship, but also strengthens our love for our homeland. Vivid, heartfelt writing inspires pride in our country's hidden beauty, landscapes, distinctive culture, and our glorious history of building and defending the nation. Through works like "My Beloved Saigon" and "Springtime of My Own," we are filled with admiration for the natural beauty of Vietnam. Similarly, in "A Gift from Young Rice: Green Rice Flakes" and "Hue Songs on the Perfume River," we take pride in our long-standing, rich cultural heritage. Reading works like "The Patriotism of Our People" and "Nam Quoc Son Ha" fills us with respect for the unwavering spirit of our ancestors, who fought courageously for our freedom.

As the saying goes, "Literature brings out emotions we didn't know we had." This is another important function of literature, which offers us a glimpse into the various colors of life that we may not have experienced. You might recall the text "Tung Gia Hoan King Su" by Tran Quang Khai, written after the victory at Chuong Duong and Ham Tu, and the liberation of the capital in 1285. This poem stands as the first victory anthem in the history of the resistance against foreign invaders and in Vietnamese literary history. Its authentic verses awaken the spirit of patriotism, encouraging us to protect our country.

On the other hand, the heartfelt confessions of women who suffered under feudal oppression during that time move us deeply. The poems "Floating Rice Cake" by Ho Xuan Huong and "The Song of the Chinh Phu" by Dang Tran Con (translated by Doan Thi Diem) evoke feelings of sympathy and solidarity for the tragic lives of women under the old regime. Through these poems, we not only empathize with the suffering of these women but also criticize the feudal system that caused such injustice.

Even in situations we may never have encountered, the simple yet honest words of literature allow us to understand the emotions of those in such circumstances. For example, in the beginning of the 7th grade, we read the story "The Farewell of the Dolls," a sad tale that every child would find difficult to endure. The story portrays a childhood marred by the separation of parents due to divorce, leaving the children divided, deprived of both paternal and maternal love. Through this, we feel sorrow for these innocent children and criticize the irresponsibility of parents who fail them.

Re-reading the history of the feudal era, we are once again moved to tears by the fate of the slaves during that time. They endured only suffering, exploitation, and oppression, never receiving the fruits of their labor, nor enjoying a moment of happiness. We must offer our empathy and share in their pain, while also condemning the corrupt and unjust feudal system.

From the examples above, we can see that literature works like a magic spell, creating emotions and connections between people. Literature nurtures our souls, opening the doors of compassion within us, and helps us understand the deeper meanings of life and human nature. It awakens empathy and kindness in every person.

Literature is truly important in life. It serves as a mirror reflecting the true nature of human existence, making the world more compassionate and less cold and indifferent. For this reason, we must treasure every line of poetry, every piece of prose, love them, and read more so that our hearts may soar, enriched with the emotions that literature offers.

In his search for the meaning of literature, Hoai Thanh explained that the essence of literature lies in the compassion for humanity, and more broadly, for all living beings and the natural world. This is why he asserts: "Literature evokes emotions we don't have, and cultivates the emotions we already possess."

Among the various functions of literature, its ability to inspire emotions is especially notable. Literature has the power to generate feelings within us. Let’s recall the story of “The Fisherman and the Golden Fish,” a fairy tale from distant Russia, filled with unfamiliar cultural details. Despite this, we are still moved by the kindness of the golden fish and repulsed by the greed of the wife. It is often said that human greed is bottomless.

Perhaps for many people, it is through reading such works that we begin to truly understand the boundlessness of human greed. Similarly, we are reminded of “The First Lesson of Life,” where the character of Dế Mèn, known for his mischief and arrogance, faces the consequences of his actions. His regret and pain serve as a valuable lesson for all of us, reminding us to be cautious with our words and actions.

The lessons and emotions we have just discussed might, for some, originate in life itself. But for many others, these feelings are transmitted through literary works. This is why the saying “Books are great friends” exists in our culture. Literature teaches us life lessons and helps us make sense of the world. It conveys joy, sorrow, emotions, and stirrings of the heart. Not only that, but literature also enhances the feelings we already have inside us.

Who among us doesn’t remember our first day of school? For many, the impression of that day is still fresh in our minds. Yet, even so, when we read the essay “The School Gate Opens” by Lý Lan, we are still deeply moved and eager to read it over and over again. The most reasonable explanation is that the essay perfectly taps into our emotions. Reading it allows us to rediscover those deep, nostalgic feelings, and it also helps us cherish the beautiful memories of our childhood years.

Literature is both the soul and the life itself. These two elements intertwine and complement each other. Life provides the raw material for literature, and literature beautifies the soul. But for literature to enrich the soul, it must first be beautiful and meaningful. In other words, it must be genuine, compassionate, and created by those who truly understand love.

When discussing the value, power, and function of literature, the writer Hoai Thanh firmly stated that "Literature evokes emotions we don't have".

Literature represents true literary works. It is not just words on paper, but rather vibrant worlds and stories brought to life by the author. These literary works provide readers with countless experiences. Most importantly, they evoke emotions we've never felt before and deepen the emotions we already possess. This has been the mission of literature since its inception.

These emotions are not just noble or grand, but also relatable and genuine. They encompass joy, sorrow, suffering, happiness, anger, empathy, and compassion. All of these emotional nuances are contained within literary works. Clearly, these are characters we've never met and stories that aren’t real, yet we still connect with them, experiencing each emotion as if it were our own. From this, we carry a heart more sensitive and full of love.

For instance, when reading Nam Cao’s short story “Poverty,” we feel the deep suffering and misery of the Chuột family. We sympathize with the desperate, final sacrifice of Mr. Chuột, and mourn the hardships faced by their children. This feeling of compassion extends into our real lives, teaching us to appreciate and care for those around us, to offer support to the unfortunate. This is the profound humanistic value that authentic literature always strives to convey.

Each time we read a literary work, our hearts grow warmer with sincere and precious emotions. As Hoai Thanh has stated, "Literature evokes emotions we don't have."

Discussing the noble role of literature, the writer Hoai Thanh asserted: "Literature evokes emotions we don't have and nurtures emotions we already possess."

This statement accurately reflects one of the highest duties of literature in shaping human emotions. Strong verbs like "evokes" and "nurtures" highlight the direct impact of literary works. Through stories, lives, and fates of different characters, literature creates emotions we may have never experienced, deepening the feelings we already have.

For example, when we read the poem "Homeland" by Nguyen Dinh Thi, the heroic images of our ancestors, conveyed through grand poetry, ignite a fiery love for our country. It makes our hearts race with patriotism, filling us with intense national pride. Similarly, when reading the excerpt "In the Arms of Mother" by Nguyen Hong, the love and longing for a mother are stirred deeply, making us long to return home and embrace her warmth, just as we did when we were young. This is the power of literature to nurture and strengthen existing emotions within us.

On the other hand, literature can also awaken emotions we never knew we had. For example, when reading "Who Named the River?" by Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong, the vivid and beautiful images of the Huong River in Hue stir within us a longing for that place, even if we have never been there. It makes us yearn to travel to Hue and witness the breathtaking scenery for ourselves. Or when reading "The Song of the Chinh Phu" by Dang Tran Con, we feel deep sympathy for the lonely, suffering fate of the female soldier, a character we have never met. The emotions we feel are genuine, though the character is entirely fictional.

These values and meanings are the sacred power of literature. However, true literature is essential—works that are crafted with the heart of the writer, not those produced solely for commercial gain or amusement, devoid of deeper meaning. Unfortunately, market-driven literature is becoming more prevalent today, and it is gradually eroding the profound impact literature should have on readers. This is truly regrettable. However, such superficial works will eventually fade away with time and the judgment of readers. Only authentic literary works will stand the test of time and survive the decay of superficial trends.

Therefore, we can confidently say that the ability to evoke emotions we haven't experienced and to nurture emotions we already have is not just the value or purpose of literature. It is also the primary goal and ideal that true literary works strive to achieve.

The literary critic Hoai Thanh, when discussing the role of literature in human life, made the following insightful statement: "Literature evokes emotions we don't have." This may not be a new idea, but it is profound, containing valuable messages about the emotional and humanistic world of people that literature contributes to shaping.

In Hoai Thanh's observation, literature refers to an art form that uses language to create imagery, reflect, and express life. Literature is distinct from literary studies, as literary studies is the scientific field that examines literary phenomena. While literary studies is considered a science, literature itself is the art of words.

Literature has the power to evoke emotions within us. For some, these emotions are already present, but for others, they must be awakened through literature. Literature provides a view of life through the lens of art, capturing its infinite shapes and colors. Ordinary people may find it difficult to perceive the complexities of human emotions and life unless they encounter works of literature. "Literature evokes emotions we don't have," enriching our souls with noble feelings, cultural traditions, delicate human interactions, and profound life lessons.

For example, the novel "The Thorn Birds" by Colleen McCullough, set in Australia—a country with cultural practices vastly different from our own—still manages to stir us. The tragic love story of Meggie and Father Ralph touches us deeply, revealing a universal truth: humans yearn for love, even at the cost of enduring a life of suffering. This truth is one that cannot be conveyed as effectively by any theory or course as it is by a timeless literary work.

However, not all works of literature provide positive value. Many authors deviate from humanistic traditions, creating works that serve merely as unhealthy entertainment. At its core, literature should embody both beautiful language and meaningful ideas. It must also be the product of hearts that know how to love. Only then can literature foster the beautiful emotions that it aims to instill in its readers.

Through real-life experiences and the process of engaging with literature, we see that Hoai Thanh's assertion holds true. Literature helps people live better, nurturing beautiful emotions that make us love ourselves and those around us even more.

Nhà văn Nga nổi tiếng Xantưkốp Sêđrin đã từng khẳng định: “Văn học nằm ngoài những định luật của băng hoại. Chỉ mình nó không thừa nhận cái chết!” Bao năm tháng có qua đi, những cuộc chiến được dựng lên và san bằng, lịch sử đã sang trang mới nhưng văn học vẫn chưa bao giờ thôi hết sức hấp dẫn. Phải chăng là chức năng kì diệu của nói, mà như Hoài Thanh nói trong “Ý nghĩa văn chương”: “Văn chương gây cho ta những tình cảm ta không có, luyện cho ta những tình cảm ta sẵn có”.

Khi những con chữ được viết ra trên trang giấy bởi những xúc cảm của nhà thơ với cuộc đời, để hướng tới sự đồng cảm và gửi gắm những thông điệp nào đó, ta có văn chương. “Văn chương gây cho ta những tình cảm ta không có”- văn chương khơi lên trong lòng chúng ta những tình cảm, những trạng thái mà ta chưa từng biết đến, với những tình cảm sẵn có, văn chương giúp chúng ta “luyện” để sống thật với những cảm xúc, và cũng để sống đẹp hơn. Đó là những nỗi yêu, ghét, giận hờn thường ngày, là thái độ trân trọng và yêu quý cái đẹp cũng như biết đấu tranh để loại bỏ cái xấu xa, tàn ác. Đó chính là thiên chức, là sức mạnh kì diệu của văn chương.

Văn chương gây cho ta những tình cảm ta không có, hay chưa có cơ hội được trải nghiệm. Mỗi chúng ta, là con của đất nước Việt Nam đều mang trong mình lòng tự hào dân tộc, tình yêu quê hương đất nước. Nhưng trong thời hòa bình, ấm no, tình cảm ấy dường như đã bị ngủ quên. Khi ấy, những áng văn “Tinh thần yêu nước của nhân dân ta” của Hồ Chí Minh chính là minh chứng rõ nhất. Bác đã khẳng định: “Dân ta có một lòng nồng nàn yêu nước”, tính cảm ấy luôn sôi nổi, mãnh liệt và chân thành. Từ thuở Bà Trưng, Bà Triệu; từ người già đến người trẻ, từ chiến sĩ đến nhân dân, từ nam nữ công nhân cho đến chính phủ, … Tình yêu nước được thể hiện rất đa dạng và phong phú. Khi ấy, ta chợt thấy hình như, một làn sóng mới, hình như tình yêu nước cũng đang dâng trào trong ta. Từ đó, có ý thức trách nhiệm với tổ quốc.

Đến với văn chương, ta còn được sống trong những trang thơ đẫm lệ, được chứng kiến cảnh chia li sầu thảm và tình cảnh lẻ loi của người chinh phụ sau giây phút tiễn chồng ra trận:

“Cùng trông lại mà cùng chẳng thấy
Thấy xanh xanh những mấy ngàn dâu
Ngàn dâu xanh ngắt một màu
Lòng chàng ý thiếp ai sầu hơn ai?”

Cả không gian nhuốm màu xanh buồn thảm, từ xanh xanh nhẹ nhàng đẩy lên xanh ngắt cực điểm như nỗi sầu buồn của người chinh phụ cứ ngày thêm chồng chất không thể hóa giải. Câu hỏi cuối đầy day dứt: Lòng chàng, ý thiếp, ai sầu hơn? Thiếp đâu thể biết lòng chàng, ngay cả sự sống của chàng cũng không biết. Nhưng rõ ràng nỗi sầu của thiếp đã đong đầy cả đất trời, ngấm vào cảnh vật. Những câu thơ ngắn gọn, dẫu không ở trong xã hội phong kiến bấy giờ, ta cũng có thể thấu hiểu nỗi lòng của con người thuở trước.

Không chỉ vậy, văn chương còn luyện cho ta những tình cảm ta sẵn có. Nỗi yêu ghét, buồn vui ngày thương ai chẳng có, nhưng đến với văn chương, ta được sống trọn vẹn với từng cung bậc cảm xúc. Khi tình yêu quê hương hòa cùng với tình yêu đôi lứa, ta có những câu thơ như những câu hát phất lên đầy sức sống:

“Đứng bên ni đồng ngó bên tê đồng,
mênh mông bát ngát
Đứng bền tê đồng ngó bên ni đồng
bát ngát mênh mông
Thân em như chẽn lúa đòng đòng
Phất phơ dưới ngọn nắng hồng ban mai.”

Khung cảnh đất nước quê hương mới bát ngát, rộng lớn làm sao! Câu hò của ta cứ ngang dọc, thênh thang trong biển rộng sông dài. Hình ảnh cô gái hiện lên như “chèn lúa đòng đòng” đầy sức sống và xinh tươi dưới ngọn “nắng hồng ban mai” trong mùa gặt hái. Câu thơ căng tràn sức sống, niềm tin yêu đối với quê hương cũng như con người. Nhưng có lúc, ca dao cho ta sống với những số phận bi thảm, những tiếng kêu đau thương của con người:

“Thương thay thân phận con tằm,
Kiếm ăn được mấy phải nằm nhả tơ.
Thương thay lũ kiến li ti,
Kiếm ăn được mấy phải đi tìm mồi.
Thương thay hạc lánh đường mây,
Chim bay mỏi cánh biết ngày nào thôi.
Thương thay con cuốc giữa trời,
Dầu kêu ra máu có người nào nghe.”

Số phận người nông dân trong xã hội cũ chỉ là con sâu, cái kiến, kêu trời trời không thấy, kêu đất mà đất chẳng nghe. Cuộc đời của họ chỉ như những con vật: tằm, kiến, hạc, cuốc để cho bè lũ phong kiến áp bức, bóc lột. “Thương thay” hay là thương cho chính mình, cho số kiếp của mình để rồi cất thành tiếng kêu bi phẫn:

“Ai làm cho bể kia đầy
Cho ao kia cạn, cho gầy cò con?”

Như vậy, đến với văn chương, chúng ta đã được sống trong thế giới của tình cảm, cảm xúc một cách trọn vẹn: được cảm nhận những nỗi đau của con người cách ta hàng trăm năm, yêu và giận hết mình với con người. Như thế, ta biết sống đẹp hơn, biết trân quý cuộc sống của mình và hướng mình tới cái đẹp, cái thiện. Đó chính là giá trị của văn học, cũng là bí quyết để nó nằm ngoài quy luật băng hoại của cuộc sống.

Hoai Thanh, a renowned literary critic in Vietnam, has made a significant contribution to the development of poetry with his works. In his essay "The Meaning of Literature," he asserts: "Literature evokes emotions we don't have, and refines those we already possess." This statement underlines the profound role literature plays in shaping our emotional and intellectual life, enriching our inner world and helping us live more sincerely, kindly, and compassionately.

Hoai Thanh's view underscores the powerful mission of literature: to awaken emotions within us that we have yet to experience. Before encountering literature, we may not realize certain emotions, but once we engage with literary works, we are introduced to new thoughts and feelings. Take, for example, the way we come to revere Uncle Ho, even though we never met him. Through literature, we grow to understand and admire his immense sacrifices for the nation. Minh Hue's poem vividly captures a night in the life of this great man:

"Tonight, Uncle sits there
Tonight, Uncle does not sleep
For a simple, natural reason
Uncle is Ho Chi Minh."

The final verse elevates the poem, encapsulating a universal truth: Uncle did not sleep because of his selfless devotion to the people and the country. As poet To Huu said, "He cherished everything, except himself." Literature not only evokes patriotism, but also kindles compassion for those who suffer. Folk songs, which depict the hardships of the common people, transport us back to an era of feudal oppression, reminding us of the often unseen struggles of ordinary lives.

"How pitiful the life of a silkworm,
Eating so little, yet weaving endlessly.
Pity the tiny ants,
Searching for food, working tirelessly.
Pity the migrating birds,
Soaring with tired wings, wondering when they will stop.
Pity the cuckoo under the sky,
Even crying blood, without an end in sight."

Reading works like "The Farewell of the Dolls" also stirs deep emotions, as we witness the tragic separation of siblings Thanh and Thuy due to their broken family. Literature helps us understand the importance of nurturing a happy, stable family. Moreover, it sparks a desire to explore far-off lands, as in the beauty of Hue, as described in the poem:

"The road to Hue is winding
The mountains green, the water clear, like a painting.
Anyone who visits Hue will see..."

Literature also encourages exploration of even more distant places, like the majestic Nu Lu Falls in China, or the land of Anzat in A. Dode's "The Last Lesson" set in France. Along with awakening new emotions, literature refines and strengthens the ones we already have.

Humanistic emotions are innate within us, and literature enhances these feelings, making them deeper and more profound. We all love and respect our parents and elders, but literature brings us to a deeper understanding, such as when we read: "A mother would trade a year of happiness to spare her child an hour of pain" (Anatole France). The father’s love is boundless, as expressed in the saying:

"A father's love is like the mighty Tai Mountain,
Endless as the ocean and vast as the sky.
The nine words of filial duty etched deep in the heart."

From the moment we are born, we feel a deep connection to our homeland. Every corner, every tree along the road feels familiar, and literature nurtures our love for our homeland even more strongly:

"Homeland is the sweet cluster of starfruit,
For me to climb and pick each day."
(Do Trung Quan)

Similarly, the value of friendship becomes clearer when we read about it in works like "My Friend Came to Visit" by Nguyen Khuyen:

"There’s no betel to offer, but here’s tea,
Come, let’s share in quiet camaraderie."

In conclusion, Hoai Thanh's insight remains accurate: "Literature evokes emotions we don't have, and refines those we already possess." Yet, not all literature is beneficial. Some works may be harmful, and we must choose wisely, selecting only those that enrich our hearts and minds.