1. Reference Article No. 4
Duy Khan's depiction of nature in the peaceful rural areas through 'Lao Xao' paints a picture of a serene, tranquil Vietnam. This calm setting draws various animals, including fish, birds, and rare creatures, to establish their nests. The author vividly captures the beauty of early summer mornings in the countryside, where butterflies flaunt their colorful wings, bees buzz busily gathering nectar, and the air is filled with the hum of life. Various bird species, from sparrows to swallows, flock together, creating a harmonious natural scene. The detailed imagery transports the reader into the author's world, evoking nostalgia for those who grew up in the countryside. Duy Khan's narrative reflects a deep connection with nature, showcasing the coexistence of good and evil, as seen in his portrayal of both nurturing and harmful animals. His skillful descriptions bring the reader closer to nature, making them feel as if they are part of the peaceful landscape. Through this narrative, the author reminds us of the simple joys of rural childhood, where flying kites, picking flowers, and chasing butterflies are fond memories.
IllustrationThe natural landscape of the countryside vividly comes to life in the excerpt from "Lao Xao" by Duy Khanh, drawing us closer to the familiar and cherished world of birds, lullabies, and folk elements, deepening our love for the Vietnamese countryside. The scene opens in early summer, as the energy and vitality of the season fill the air: lush, flourishing trees, with the whole village filled with the fragrant scent of blooming flowers—lan orchids, the delicate bunches of white flowers, and the sweet scent of ripening jackfruit. These familiar, simple scents offer an affectionate and comforting reminder of home. The image comes alive further with the presence of bees and butterflies, busy in their own world—bees battling for nectar, and butterflies calmly drifting away. The picturesque and peaceful atmosphere of the village is unforgettable to the reader.
The scene shifts to a group of innocent, carefree children gathering in a corner of the yard, chatting and playing. It’s during this moment that the world of birds—both gentle and fierce—appears. Duy Khanh’s keen observations reveal the distinct traits of each bird species, from the pleasant-sounding doves to the boisterous sparrows. The sparrows, blackbirds, and other related species share a common trait—they are "harbingers of good fortune," with their songs announcing abundant harvests and ripe fruits.
Among the cheerful chirps, the calls of the cuckoo bring a darker tone. Duy Khanh masterfully weaves in the folk tale of the cuckoo, enriching the story with folklore and making it more engaging. The cuckoo’s call signals the arrival of the more ominous birds—the hawk, with its sharp beak and keen sense of smell, the crows, and the swifts. The hawk is portrayed as both a fierce and skilled predator, while the crows are notorious for stealing eggs. The swift, with its razor-sharp wings, is likened to a black demon, swift in its movements. Yet, the swifts can be deterred by the unity of the smaller birds, like the cheerfully chirping sparrows. These vivid images, complete with similes and metaphors, help the reader visualize the birds’ appearances and traits.
The depiction of the bird life is rich in variety, with a blend of sounds and colors. Duy Khanh’s skillful use of idioms, folk songs, and fairy tales, interwoven with the narrative, makes the story more captivating. His integration of storytelling, descriptive narration, and commentary reflects his deep knowledge and affection for the birds—the beloved companions of his childhood. With his sharp observations and simple, rustic language, these elements combine to create a truly engaging narrative that draws readers in.
Through the depiction of the rural landscape, we see not only Duy Khanh’s keen observational skills and deep understanding of birds but also his profound love for nature and his homeland.
IllustrationWriting about childhood in the Vietnamese countryside, Duy Khanh's ‘Silent Childhood’ stands out both in style and substance. Particularly the excerpt ‘Lao Xao,’ which leaves a strong impression on readers with its vivid depiction of rural Vietnamese nature, intertwined with unforgettable childhood memories. Each sentence and phrase from Duy Khanh resonates like a harmonious melody, evoking deep affection and respect for the beauty of nature.
The portrayal of the rural landscape unfolds in smooth, clear prose that is calm and soothing, embodying a dreamlike life in harmony with nature, where every moment is savored. The excerpt begins with a lively and energetic early summer scene, where the sounds of summer create a unique and peaceful melody that soothes the soul. The images of ‘butterflies and bees seeking nectar’ in the summer garden create a captivating ambiance. The ‘lao xao’ sound of bees fighting for nectar seems to enchant the reader, evoking a feeling that only tranquil rural areas can offer, with its subtle beauty.Duy Khanh describes the summer landscape with countless bird calls, from the bồ các to the ri, sáo sậu, sáo đen, tu hú, chim ngói, chim nhạn, creating a harmonious world of birdsong. These lively sounds can only be found in serene, clean rural areas. The birds’ songs form a lively symphony, resonating through the garden, evoking fond memories of childhood and the peacefulness of those early years.
The story paints a vivid picture of rural life and nature from a bygone era, evoking feelings of simplicity and warmth despite the poverty. Through keen observation and a deep love for the homeland, the author brings to life a rich and diverse world of birds. The narrative begins with a description of the village scene at the start of summer, followed by tales of various common birds, grouped into two categories: the gentle, human-friendly birds like starlings, magpies, and cuckoos, and the predatory ones like hawks, crows, and kestrels. Notably, the writer describes the brave water hen challenging the ruthless predators. The birds are portrayed with distinct characteristics—sounds, colors, shapes, and behaviors—that bring them to life.
IllustrationIn children's stories, both written about and for them, 'Silent Childhood' by Duy Khan stands out as a remarkable work. The author recalls memories of childhood, the beauty of rural life, and the simple, kind-hearted people of the village. Despite the poverty and hard work of the people, the region is rich with enduring vitality and a unique cultural identity, deeply rooted in the Kinh Bac area, near the Sông Cầu and Sông Thương rivers, which are incredibly dear to the author's heart. Duy Khan's writing is innocent and humorous, often evoking quiet reflection. His childhood memories flicker like tiny flames in his soul. The poem 'Lao Xao,' from 'Silent Childhood,' describes a rural garden at the beginning of summer and the world of birds in the sky, alongside the imaginations of young children. The sounds and colors of the village seem to resonate in our hearts long after reading. The garden in early summer is painted in vibrant hues, resembling a delicate silk painting of the countryside. 'The early summer sky' brings life and strength to the garden, as the lush trees fill the air with sweet fragrances. In just two short sentences, Duy Khan evokes a world of green and floral scents, describing flowers in their own distinct beauty, from the 'pale white' orchids to the 'chubby' dragon's claw flowers, sweet like ripened jackfruit. The summer garden's blossoms attract buzzing bees, busy and competitive in their quest for nectar, even fighting amongst themselves. Like humans, these bees fight for survival. The bees even chase away the butterflies, forcing them to quietly fly away. The image of bees and butterflies in the garden not only captures the beauty and vitality of nature but also reflects the spontaneous, competitive struggle for existence that Duy Khan so deeply connects with. His work makes us recall the natural beauty of the countryside as portrayed in the ancient poem 'Entering Summer': 'The front gate and garden are thick with grass, / The fading golden and pale flowers seem tired. / At the branch tip, the oriole calls faintly, / While in the dusk, the fireflies flicker...' The garden in summer is always a captivating and beloved sight.
IllustrationThe text 'Lao Xao on a Summer Day' by author Duy Khan leaves a lasting impression on readers. The portrayal of nature’s beauty in a rural village during summer showcases the author’s profound understanding of his surroundings. Nature appears alive, brimming with sound and energy. The behavior of birds that frequent rural areas in the summer is depicted in connection with human life, incorporating folk wisdom and often symbolizing different societal roles. Alongside this is the author’s reflection on childhood memories, which together create a vivid picture of rural life. It’s clear that Duy Khan pours his soul into these simple, innocent, and poetic pages.
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7. Reference Paper No. 10
Reading 'Lao Xao on a Summer Day' by Duy Khan captivates readers with its vivid portrayal of rural nature alive with sound. The beauty of the flowers and the presence of butterflies create a scene where earth and sky blend in pure tranquility. The author uses his deep understanding of nature to paint a world where birds are depicted with their distinct behaviors, showcasing the writer's sharp observational skills. Through this, readers develop a deeper affection for the natural beauty of their own homeland.
IllustrationThe peaceful homeland and the beautiful childhood memories have always served as fertile ground for many writers and poets, resulting in numerous unique and remarkable works. One such work that left a lasting impression on readers is the memoir collection 'Silent Childhood' by Duy Khan. The memoir paints a picture of a peaceful rural life that, despite its poverty and hardship, is full of vitality and rich in distinctive character. The excerpt 'Lao Xao' from this collection allows us to truly appreciate the vivid depiction of the rural landscape, full of diverse and vibrant colors.
Firstly, the 'Lao Xao' excerpt presents a portrait of the Vietnamese countryside at the dawn of early summer. This seasonal shift marks a time of transformation, where everything wears new colors. Duy Khan's description of the rural landscape during the early summer morning is detailed, lively, and incredibly vivid. It seems as though the whole garden is eager and buzzing with anticipation for the coming season, alive with colors, sounds, and scents. The fresh green hues of the 'lush trees', the pure white of the delicate orchids, the yellow of the cassava flowers, and the vibrant presence of butterflies all combine in a spectacular display. The air is filled with the fragrance of flowers, and the sounds of bees 'fighting each other', butterflies 'fluttering restlessly', and children chatting add to the liveliness of the scene. Through his simple yet evocative sentences and use of comparison and personification, Duy Khan takes the reader back to a pure, peaceful, and beautiful world of rural life.
Not only does the author describe the rural landscape, but he also introduces readers to the fascinating world of birds. Through the author's unique perspective, each bird species tells its own little story. The first story is that of the gentle birds, beginning with the 'bồ các' with its distinctive call, 'các...các...các...'. This leads to a playful nursery rhyme, where various birds are introduced, such as the bồ các, ri, sáo sậu, sáo đen, and tu hú, all of which share a family connection. These birds are harmless and beneficial to humans, bringing joy and signaling good harvests. Sáo sậu and sáo đen sing to celebrate a good season, and the tu hú calls out to mark the arrival of the 'tu hú season'.
Moving beyond the gentle birds, the author also explores the lives of more aggressive birds, such as the black hawk and the crow. The text reveals their predatory behaviors and survival tactics, highlighting each species' unique traits. The hawk, for instance, flies high and fast, using its keen sense of smell to hunt. The black crow and speckled crow are known for their cleverness, stealing chicks or eggs. The sharp-winged kestrel is known for its deadly precision, using its knife-like wings to strike in battle. These birds, although perceived as harmful, have a particular role in the ecosystem. Interestingly, the author also expresses affection for the 'chèo béo', a bird that, despite being predatory, has changed over time to protect other birds, showing bravery and unity. In the eyes of Duy Khan, the chèo béo is a symbol of courage and cooperation.
In conclusion, through childhood memories and a deep connection to his homeland, Duy Khan's 'Lao Xao' transports readers to a vibrant world of the Vietnamese countryside, offering a rich and colorful understanding of nature and the world of birds.
IllustrationAfter reading the excerpt from Lao Xao (Excerpt from Quiet Childhood - Duy Khan), as I close the book, a loving, warm picture of the Vietnamese countryside remains before me, filled with the deep affection and connection between people.
Through Duy Khan's heartfelt writing, the rural Vietnamese village appears simple and peaceful. It is this tranquil life that attracts birds to gather here, living harmoniously and warmly with humans.
The opening of the essay captures a rural village as summer begins, where butterflies and bees flock to suck nectar. The buzzing sound of bees and their playful skirmishes to gather nectar evoke a gentle sensation and a bittersweet feeling that lingers in the reader's heart.
Among the vibrant summer landscape, the image of birds stands out. Countless birds fill the sky, as if this was their private domain.
First, there are the birds familiar to rural life, closely connected to human existence: sparrows, doves, swallows, cuckoos, and many more. Together, they form a delightful and lively world with the sounds of their chatter and songs. We are startled by the loud call of the dove, but smile at the bird’s frantic, seemingly distressed flight. The cheerful melody of the starlings and the playful mimicry of the blackbird bring joy, while the cuckoo’s cry stirs memories of past summers, evoking a feeling of nostalgia.
The cuckoo’s call reminds the reader of the sweet ripe lychees of summer and brings to mind the famous verse by Bằng Việt.
The cuckoo's cry is so sincere
Cuckoo, why don’t you come to stay with my grandmother?
Why do you keep crying over the distant fields?
The lively sounds of birds on trees and fields, the flutter of swallows, and the “chéc, chéc” of swallows soaring high in the sky all contribute to the vibrant and lively atmosphere.
Suddenly, the mournful “bìm bịp” of the hidden bird breaks the scene. It’s a sound full of sorrow, perhaps carrying the weight of all the unfair accusations placed upon this bird. It evokes pity for the bìm bịp, a kind-hearted bird that must spend its days hiding in bushes, never able to enjoy the company of its fellow creatures.
These birds, so closely tied to human life, are depicted with a compassionate lens. This warm sentiment quickly passes to the reader, encouraging a deep connection with the birds, nature, and rural life.
Adding to this natural canvas are the hawks, with their cruel nature, stalking chickens, the crows, ugly and sly, and the hawks that mercilessly kill doves. Though these birds represent cruelty, they are a necessary part of the avian world, an integral part of the ecosystem. While the writer depicts them with disdain, they are still an essential element of the picture. Without them, how could we witness the amusing spectacle of the battle between the Chèo Bẻo birds and the predatory ones? These scenes make the portrayal of birdlife vibrant and captivating.
The world of birds enriches life with its beauty and warmth. Lao Xao is a vivid portrait of rural nature, a reflection of village life captured through a sensitive soul and painted with delicate, artistic skill.
Duy Khan's profound connection to rural life and nature is evident in his writing. His love and respect for nature and rural living are so deep that he can create such remarkable works.
Lao Xao will forever stir the hearts of readers!
IllustrationThe depiction of the countryside in Duy Khan's "Lao Xao" evokes a tranquil and serene Vietnam. This peaceful way of life attracts various species of birds to settle and coexist with humans. The early summer scene in the countryside, described by the author, is both diverse and rich. The allure of butterflies and bees gathering nectar gives the reader a relaxing, almost mesmerizing feeling. The scene becomes even more vivid with the presence of birds, from familiar and friendly ones to strange, kind, and even aggressive species. The calls and songs of these birds create lively sounds, breaking the previously peaceful atmosphere of the countryside. The narrative takes us back to childhood, bringing nostalgic memories of the dear countryside.
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