Top 10 Essays on the Poetic Essence in the Short Story 'Two Children' by Thach Lam

Thach Lam's stories often lack a conventional plot. We always feel that he quietly observes the world and people, offering subtle and gentle reflections and feelings. His narrative style and descriptions are striking, somewhat ambiguous, restless, and wistful, creating a sense of quiet sadness. The distinctive feature of Thach Lam's short stories and essays is their poetic quality, which imbues the work with an elegant and refined charm that Nguyen Tuan once referred to.

Much like "Hanoi's Thirty-Six Streets" or "Under the Shadow of the Yellow Orchid," the short story "Two Children" is soaked with the poetic essence of both the environment and human emotions, portraying a poor town from more than seventy years ago. Thach Lam's prose is light, clear, vivid, and expressive. The depiction of the sunset in the impoverished town is a perfect example of how every rural area used to look: the sound of the autumn drum, the "western sky glowing red like a fire", the summer clouds "pink like a dying coal", the village bamboo "turning dark and sharply outlined against the sky", the sound of frogs croaking in the fields, and the mosquitoes buzzing. The breeze is cool, and the evening is "gentle like a lullaby". All these sounds, shapes, and colors are imbued with a soft, lingering sadness. This is the beautiful, sorrowful poetry of a poor town, where the "streets meet the riverbank" (Tú Xương), known by many.

The darkness in the poor town is described with poetic sensitivity. Thach Lam portrays the small light of Sister Ti's lantern, the stove of Uncle Siêu "lighting up a patch of sandy ground", and the dim light in Lien's shop "where the faint glimmer of light shines through the bamboo blinds". That tiny, flickering light accentuates the overwhelming darkness of the poor town, representing the suffering lives of people like Lien and her sister, the wandering children in the marketplace, and the destitute lives of Sister Ti's family, Uncle Xẩm's family, and the slightly mad old woman who is addicted to alcohol.

The reader is drawn to the night sky through the innocent eyes of the two children. The stars are "twinkling", the fireflies fly "low", leaving behind traces of light. The Milky Way and the duck following the God of Agriculture are points of focus and joy, reflecting the naive delight of Lien and An. Red, too, is part of the poetry of life, as Thach Lam shares the children's joy and innocence.

The poetic essence of "Two Children" is also seen in the portrayal of a harsh, tragic life. The figure of the old woman, laughing "loudly", and her gestures of drinking down a shot of liquor and retreating into the darkness, exemplify this. The story also portrays Uncle Siêu, Sister Ti with her humble business of selling water and gathering snails, Uncle Xẩm’s family with their sorrowful music from the monochord, and the image of a child crawling on the ground. The poetic quality in "Two Children" expresses Thach Lam's compassion and sympathy for the oppressed lives of the people in the colonial, semi-feudal society. This poetry reflects the humanistic value of the story.

Moreover, the story's poetic quality is reflected in the delicate portrayal of the inner thoughts and feelings of the two children. An asks her sister to wake her when the night train passes. Lien, feeling that she has grown up and is responsible, takes pride in her maturity. The moist smell of the soil is for Lien a sign of home. Her desire to stay awake and wait for the night train is not only for business but also to dream of "faraway Hanoi, bright, joyful, and noisy", to relive the beautiful childhood memories when her father worked, her mother had money, and Lien could visit the Hoan Kiem Lake and drink cool, colorful drinks.

In conclusion, the poetic essence in "Two Children" is a deep humanitarian value that awakens the souls of those suffering in life. This poetry not only creates a romantic atmosphere but also conveys the story's realistic content, illustrating Thach Lam's distinctive artistic style in his short stories.

Thach Lam was born in Hanoi into a bureaucratic family with a lineage of officials. As a child, he primarily lived in his maternal hometown, the rural town of Cam Giang in Hai Duong province. Thach Lam was the sixth of seven children (six boys and one girl). His birth name, given by his parents, was Nguyen Tuong Vinh. As one of Vietnam's foremost writers, he possessed a unique literary style that set him apart from his contemporaries. His works are always filled with poetry, with a romantic, lyrical quality that is rarely found in other pieces.

The poetic essence in a short story is created when the writer skillfully explores and expresses the emotions, moods, and feelings of the characters or even of the writer himself, through vivid details, evocative imagery, and a clear, expressive writing style that matches the rhythm of the emotions. A work is considered rich in poetry when it is written in prose yet displays characteristics typical of poetry, particularly when it focuses on depicting the emotional state of the protagonist.

This is very evident in Thach Lam’s works, where he develops characters whose lives are infused with deep emotions. Take the character Lien in 'Two Children,' for instance. Lien is portrayed as someone with delicate sensibilities. She yearns for the past, noticing the slightest changes in her surroundings. A faint smell rising from the ground makes her believe it’s the scent of her homeland’s soil. The quiet, desolate atmosphere of the town stirs Lien’s soul, allowing her to sense the melancholy of the rural evening, and her eyes are filled with the twilight’s shadow. These poetic moments are rarely seen in prose writing.

What is remarkable about Thach Lam is how he blends romantic lyricism into his characters. As a result, his characters often possess fragile, delicate qualities, with souls that are easily moved by life’s changes, always brimming with emotion. Thach Lam does not focus on rational beings but rather on emotional ones. His characters are molded by their emotional responses, overflowing with love and tenderness.

Thach Lam once said: “For me, literature is not a means of escape or forgetfulness. On the contrary, literature is a noble and powerful weapon we possess, to both expose and change a false and cruel world, while purifying and enriching the human heart.” Thach Lam deeply believed in the magical power of literature, which he felt could transform people and help them rise to a higher level of life. For humanity, literature and art will forever be a close and trusted companion. The eternal existence of true literature proves the intrinsic value of it.

Thus, his works always shine with the beauty of human compassion. It is the beauty of the warm relationship between grandmother and granddaughter in "Under the Shadow of the Yellow Orchid", intertwined with the beauty of the homeland, or the beauty of warmth amidst the cold winter, unaffected by social class in "The Cold Wind of Early Winter". The warmth spreads through each line, which is exactly what the writer aimed for—to preserve the remaining beauty of humanity amidst a chaotic and tumultuous era. There is no poetry more beautiful and romantic than the poetry of the human soul.

The biggest characteristic of a short story is the plot, but Thach Lam was unafraid to omit the plot from his works, which made his short stories much softer and more fluid. Without a clear plot, the story does not follow the conventional development of events but flows according to the emotional currents and moods of the characters. To achieve this, Thach Lam places the narrative point of view within the character’s perspective. From this viewpoint, the scene of life is portrayed with the intermingling of present feelings and past memories, where it seems the dominant force in driving the story forward is the journey through memories.

The writer allows the characters to flow with their emotions, never restricting their heartbeat or forcing them into a rigid mold. Everything pours out freely, almost as if the characters are telling their own story. Thach Lam’s works are profoundly influenced by emotional thinking, driven by feelings. Simply put, the plots in his short stories may be simple, but they are rich with lyrical beauty that keeps the reader’s attention fixed. Works such as "Under the Shadow of the Yellow Orchid" and "Two Children" exemplify this.

It can be said that Thach Lam is a very unique writer who decisively embraced the lyrical style, creating a path few others could follow. It is a harmonious blend of the beauty of nature and humanity.

A significant feature contributing to Thach Lam's success in the short story genre is the presence of poetic qualities. A prime example of this is his short story 'Two Children'.

The poetic essence, often referred to as the lyrical quality, is expressed through the emotions, psychological developments, and subtle sensitivities in the soul of the characters or even the author. Additionally, it is conveyed through vivid imagery, details, and the expressive language that the writer uses within the work.

First and foremost, the poetic quality in 'Two Children' is depicted through the idyllic and romantic landscape of the rural town. It captures the peaceful countryside evening filled with color, sound, and shape. The scene comes alive with the harmonious blend of the distant sound of autumn drums, the croak of frogs in the fields, the buzz of mosquitoes, and the vibrant hues of the sky, described as a “fiery red like burning fire” in the west, the “pinkish glow like an ember about to die” in the clouds, and the silhouette of the “village bamboo grove clearly outlined against the darkening sky.” It is a beautiful yet sorrowful scene.

Not only that, the image further includes the appearance of light in the sky, where “thousands of stars compete to shine, mingling with the glimmers of fireflies fluttering low over the ground or weaving through the trees” on a summer night “as soft as velvet with a gentle breeze.”

Although this is a short story, 'Two Children' doesn’t follow the traditional structure of a plot-driven narrative. The entire story can be likened to a sorrowful poem. This is because Thach Lam sought to explore the human soul, which imbues his short stories with a deeply emotional hue. The entire narrative revolves around a single event—the sisters, Lien and her sibling, waiting for a train. This train symbolizes salvation for the sisters and the townspeople.

Thach Lam was a writer with remarkable observational skills and an acute sensitivity. He was able to uncover the delicate, fragile emotions and psychological states of the characters in a very refined and skilled manner, showcasing his sensitive soul. The main character in this short story is Lien, a compassionate and empathetic young girl. As the day wanes, Lien feels a sense of melancholy as dusk falls: “Lien didn’t understand why, but she felt a deep sadness at the hour of the day’s end.” Observing the marketplace winding down, she feels the “distinct scent of the earth, of this homeland.” A homeland struggling with poverty and the weariness of life.

Lien sympathizes with the children collecting scraps after the market, yet she has nothing to give them. Lien is a sensitive soul, attuned to the subtle shifts in nature, and capable of nurturing love and compassion for others. She feels for those struggling to make a living. When the train passes, Lien compares herself to the dim light of the lantern at the tea stall, striving to shine but growing weaker. In this moment, the sorrow within her intensifies as the train passes quickly, its light and noise fading, allowing Lien to feel the encompassing darkness over the rural town more sharply.

The tone is gentle and profound, with sentences that carry a musical rhythm, such as: “Evening, it’s already evening. A peaceful evening like a lullaby, with the distant sound of frogs croaking in the fields, carried by the gentle breeze.” Or this line: “The night has begun, a summer night as soft as velvet, with a gentle breeze passing by.” These lines have a soft and melodious quality. One can feel the author's voice merging with the character’s, as Thach Lam had once lived in his maternal hometown of Cam Giang, Hai Duong, and like Lien, waited for the train with his sister. This voice is filled with compassion and love, with every character in the story representing a fragment of the writer’s own soul.

The entire work reads like a soft, deep lyrical poem. The poetic quality in 'Two Children' significantly contributed to the writer’s success and helped establish a distinctive artistic style that remains unique among other writers of Thach Lam’s era.

Each literary work has its own distinct characteristics, shaped by the poetic nature or essence it conveys. The short story 'Two Children' is one such example, with its poetic quality subtly and deeply resonating within the reader's heart.

The poetic essence in this story is a blend of the characters’ emotions and moods. The author skillfully intertwines these poetic elements to create a unique and refined atmosphere throughout the work. Every detail, every sentence is crafted with care, using a rhythm that mirrors the emotional cadence of the characters' hearts, bringing depth to the portrayal of the characters’ psychological states, especially the vivid depiction of the nighttime train journey.

In 'Two Children,' the characters are portrayed with exquisite sensitivity, embodying purity and a deep emotional resonance in their observations. Their portrayal is marked by a refined artistic approach, making them both engaging and vibrant. Every word and description contributes to a sense of innocence and purity. The author conveys a deep connection with life and people through these beautifully crafted characters.

Each character is described with unique, distinctive traits, emphasizing the author’s delicate and profound way of representing them. These traits hold significant meaning within the context of the story. Faced with life's challenges, the author creates a dreamlike atmosphere in portraying the characters, with the image of the train, its light penetrating the dark corners of the characters' souls, symbolizing a sense of hope and a fresh perspective on life.

As the characters contemplate the harsh realities of life, the author’s dreamlike description of the natural world paints a vibrant picture, filled with hope for a brighter future. Through subtle and skillful descriptions, the author depicts the impoverished rural town, where countless lives are marked by hardship, and poverty looms over them.

The scene where Lien and An nostalgically reflect on the past, remembering the grandeur of Hanoi, reveals their longing for a poetic past filled with light. In contrast, the dark and impoverished imagery of the rural town emerges, as the author captures the true essence of the town through authentic and vivid descriptions. The image of the elderly, the poverty-stricken children scavenging after the market, all bring forth a strong sense of realism.

In the setting of this rural town, every image is described in intricate detail, emphasizing sensitivity and an undercurrent of hope for a brighter future. The night train, with its detailed portrayal of Lien and An waiting for it, creates a poignant contrast to the surrounding despair, representing the fleeting moments of hope and the possibility of a better life waiting ahead.

Each detail contributes to a vivid portrayal of life in the impoverished rural town. With poetic language, the author succeeds in conveying the human experience, full of moments of value, and a deep belief in the potential for a better future.

Trên diễn đàn văn học Việt Nam trước Cách mạng tháng Tám, Thạch Lam không phải là người đứng đầu nhưng là một tên tuổi quan trọng, khẳng định được giá trị của mình. Dù viết truyện dài, nhưng ông nổi bật với những truyện ngắn, nơi tài năng của ông được thể hiện trọn vẹn và đầy sắc sảo. Nguyễn Tuân đã nhận xét: "Nhắc đến Thạch Lam, người ta nhớ nhiều hơn đến các truyện ngắn của ông thay vì truyện dài." Đóng góp của Thạch Lam không chỉ nằm ở nghệ thuật mà còn ở việc nuôi dưỡng tâm hồn người đọc. Các tác phẩm của ông giúp người ta thanh lọc tâm hồn, như một bài thơ trữ tình mang đậm cảm xúc và sự nhạy bén đối với thế giới xung quanh. Truyện ngắn "Hai đứa trẻ" là một ví dụ điển hình.

Thạch Lam, dù là một thành viên của Tự Lực Văn Đoàn, lại có một con đường tư tưởng riêng biệt. Ông xây dựng những nhân vật thuộc tầng lớp nghèo khổ với lòng trắc ẩn sâu sắc. Thế giới nhân vật trong các tác phẩm của ông thường là những con người nhỏ bé, bất hạnh, sống trong không gian tĩnh lặng, xa lánh khỏi những bất trắc của cuộc sống. Nhân vật của ông tìm nơi trú ẩn trong gia đình, trong những bức tường vây quanh, để tìm lại bản thân và phản chiếu nỗi đau của cuộc đời. Cảm quan của Thạch Lam có thể gói gọn trong ba từ: "niềm xót thương". Những con người nhỏ bé ấy luôn được bao bọc trong một không gian trữ tình đầy tình cảm, thể hiện sự yêu thương và đồng cảm sâu sắc của tác giả.

Truyện ngắn của Thạch Lam không có cốt truyện phức tạp, nhưng ngôn ngữ và giọng điệu đầy chất trữ tình. Mỗi truyện ngắn của ông như một bài thơ, gợi lên cảm giác thương xót trước số phận của những con người bất hạnh. Văn phong bình dị, tinh tế với âm điệu trầm buồn, mang lại một cảm giác như bước vào thế giới của thơ ca. Truyện ngắn "Hai đứa trẻ" là một tác phẩm đặc trưng cho phong cách này, với một không khí nhẹ nhàng, buồn bã nhưng đầy nhân văn.

Truyện "Hai đứa trẻ" kể về cuộc sống của hai chị em, thay mẹ trông một gian hàng nhỏ ở một phố huyện nghèo, gần một ga tàu. Mỗi đêm, các bóng người đi qua hàng của họ, mờ mịt như những đốm lửa lập lòe trong đêm. Dù không có cốt truyện rõ ràng, câu chuyện vẫn diễn ra trong một không gian đặc biệt, với những âm thanh nhỏ bé và ánh sáng mờ ảo, đặc trưng cho cuộc sống tẻ nhạt và cô đơn của các nhân vật. Truyện không chỉ mô tả cuộc sống hàng ngày mà còn phản ánh những suy nghĩ, cảm xúc trong lòng hai chị em Liên và An.

Thạch Lam tái hiện khung cảnh phố huyện trong ánh chiều tàn, nơi ánh sáng dần tắt, nhường chỗ cho bóng tối bao phủ. Bóng tối và ánh sáng đan xen nhau, tạo nên một không gian vừa tăm tối vừa rực rỡ. Bóng tối mang ý nghĩa tượng trưng cho sự nghèo nàn và cô đơn, trong khi ánh sáng là ước mơ, hy vọng. Đặc biệt, ánh sáng cuối cùng từ ngọn đèn của chị Tí, dù yếu ớt, vẫn mang trong mình những ước mơ chưa thành hiện thực. Tất cả tạo nên một không gian đầy cảm xúc, gợi lên những suy tư về cuộc sống và thời gian trôi qua.

Cảnh vật trong phố huyện, từ những con người nghèo khổ đến những đống rác, đều phản ánh sự tiêu điều, xác xơ của nơi này. Mùi vị của rác, lá mía, vỏ bưởi, mùi khói và cỏ mục, tất cả tạo nên một không gian buồn bã, xám xịt. Tuy nhiên, ngay giữa cảnh vật đó, Thạch Lam vẫn tìm thấy một chút tình thương, sự xót xa đối với những con người nhỏ bé, yếu ớt, đang cầm cự sống trong những điều kiện khắc nghiệt.

Nhân vật chị Tí là một biểu tượng cho cuộc sống quẩn quanh của người dân phố huyện. Dù biết mình không thể kiếm sống ổn định, chị vẫn cặm cụi dọn hàng, sống trong cảnh nghèo khó, thiếu thốn. Những người khác, như bác phở Siêu hay cụ Thi, cũng mang trong mình nỗi đau của cuộc đời, dù không rõ ràng nhưng đầy ám ảnh. Thạch Lam khéo léo mô tả từng nhân vật, từ những nét giản dị đến những cảm xúc sâu kín, giúp người đọc cảm nhận được sự khắc nghiệt của cuộc sống nơi phố huyện nghèo này.

Liên, nhân vật chính trong truyện, có cuộc sống tẻ nhạt, không có gì thay đổi, ngoài những đêm dài chờ đợi chuyến tàu đi qua. Niềm vui duy nhất của Liên là chờ đợi ánh sáng của đoàn tàu, dù chỉ lóe lên một khoảnh khắc rồi lại tắt lịm trong đêm tối. Cảm giác đó phản ánh sự mong manh của cuộc sống, một cuộc sống không có hy vọng, nhưng cũng không thể rời bỏ. Liên và những người xung quanh cô sống trong bóng tối, trong sự nghèo khó và cô đơn, nhưng vẫn mang trong mình một chút ánh sáng mơ hồ, giống như những tia sáng nhỏ bé trong đêm.

Trong "Hai đứa trẻ", Thạch Lam đã tạo ra một không gian trữ tình đầy thơ mộng, nhưng cũng tràn đầy sự xót xa, thương cảm. Câu chuyện không chỉ là một bức tranh về cuộc sống nghèo khó mà còn là một tác phẩm nghệ thuật với ngôn ngữ và hình ảnh đầy chất thơ. Dưới cái nhìn sâu sắc của Thạch Lam, cuộc sống của những con người trong phố huyện không chỉ là những khó khăn vật chất mà còn là sự đau đớn tinh thần, những khát khao không bao giờ được thực hiện. Câu chuyện, qua ngôn ngữ trữ tình và cảm xúc mạnh mẽ, đã vẽ nên một bức tranh sống động về cuộc đời và con người, đầy xót thương và hy vọng.

Vì vậy, "Hai đứa trẻ" không chỉ là một câu chuyện về những con người nghèo khó, mà còn là một tác phẩm phản ánh sự tinh tế trong cảm xúc và tâm hồn của Thạch Lam. Truyện mang đậm chất thơ, với một giọng điệu nhẹ nhàng, đầy cảm xúc, thể hiện sự trân trọng đối với những con người nhỏ bé, đồng thời phản ánh một xã hội đầy những khó khăn và thử thách. Như nhận xét của Nguyễn Tuân: "Ngày nay đọc lại Thạch Lam, vẫn cảm nhận được cái nhã thú, cái phẩm hạnh cao quý trong từng câu chữ của ông."

Thach Lam's short stories are not abrupt or rough, but rather deep and subtle, much like poems that are rich in meaning and compact. This quality creates a strong emotional impact that captivates readers, leaving a lasting impression on their hearts. The short story “Two Children” by Thach Lam embodies this poetic essence that resonates throughout its pages.

This can be confidently stated because in this story, the author does not focus on events, conflicts, or actions. Instead, Thach Lam emphasizes the state of life and the human soul. The poetic quality in “Two Children” is revealed in two main aspects: first, through the beauty of emotions, moods, and feelings, and second, through the artistic form. We begin by exploring the poetic quality found in human emotions, moods, and feelings.

The character Lien is portrayed as having the pure and innocent soul of a child, like a blank sheet of paper that has not yet been stained by ink. Just a faint scent of dampness mixed with the earthy smell of dirt leads Lien to believe it is the unique fragrance of her homeland. She senses the melancholic silence as dusk falls, and her soul is delicate and attuned even to the flickering of fireflies or the faintest beam of light... Despite the hardships of daily life, Lien cannot erase the memories of her past. She constantly remembers her “Hanoi” and is haunted by the image of the train journey from Hanoi, allowing herself to be lost in distant dreams.

Lien lives in poverty and feels the depths of this hardship. She feels pity for the poor children who collect trash, though she herself does not have money to give them. She pours more wine into the bottle for the madwoman Mrs. Thi, and these images reflect the purity of a child’s heart. We, too, feel a sense of empathy, sorrow, and affection for Thach Lam's character, for he has lived a similar life in a poor rural area.

The artistic elements in Thach Lam’s story are steeped in poetry. This is evident through a vivid and evocative collection of images that capture both the realism and beauty of the world. The setting of the story is a poor town, but under the author’s pen, it seems more like a rural village than a town. The calm and tranquil atmosphere of the town at twilight evokes poetic imagery: “The western sky blazed red like a fire,” the clouds “glowed pink like a dying ember,” and the sound of the autumn drum “echoed across the dyke, calling in the evening.”

Even when everything sinks into darkness, nothing changes: the summer night is “smooth like velvet and carries a cool breeze,” the sky is “filled with thousands of stars competing to shine,” and the shadow of Pho Siu’s stall “spreads across the earth in a vast area, stretching to the fence at both sides of the alley.” These images, though familiar, appear fresh and new under Thach Lam’s pen. Even the garbage at the village market stirs feelings of nostalgia, awakening the childhood memories of many Vietnamese people. Thach Lam also uses a distinctive lyrical style in his narration, soft and gentle yet clear and resonant. He does not rely on grandiose words or rushed rhythms but instead uses smooth, refined language with a rhythm that invokes a slow, melancholic pace. Additionally, the author creatively develops a unique language to express the quiet stirrings of life, bringing forth the delicate and gentle nature of the human soul.

In conclusion, the short story “Two Children” is imbued with poetry in both its form and its content. The poetry is drawn from the simplicity of everyday life. The story is like a lyrical poem, and although it may not be rich in deep social meaning, it still “offers the reader something light, fragrant, and refreshing,” as author Nguyen Tuan has remarked. This is the unique value of the work and the distinctive literary essence of Thach Lam that makes it endure in the hearts of readers.

“Two Children” stands as one of Thach Lam’s most outstanding short stories. Through this work, the author brings the reader to a serene, quiet rural street, which on the surface appears peaceful but is in fact filled with the monotonous and dull rhythm of life for its poor inhabitants. The blending of realism and lyrical beauty within this single piece not only reflects the reality of life but also imprints a poetic quality into the story.

The short story “Two Children” revolves around the sensitive and innocent world of the protagonist, Lien. Through the observations and feelings of the children about the world around them, the reader is gradually drawn into a calm, yet somewhat boring and lackluster world in the village. The most evident poetic quality is displayed through Lien’s perception of the village during the evening: “It’s evening already, a calm evening like a lullaby, the sound of frogs croaking can be heard faintly, and a gentle breeze from the fields drifts in…” The village scenery is simple and peaceful, like any other rural part of Vietnam, making it familiar and easily stirring a feeling of nostalgia in the reader.

The scene where the two sisters, Lien and An, are waiting for the train is truly pure and bright. It reflects not only the excitement of the children but also their vague longing for something brighter, something special beyond the mundane lives of the village’s inhabitants. Children like Lien and An may be too young to fully understand life, but it seems they yearn for something new. Waiting for the train is their immediate need, a desire to escape the dreary, monotonous reality, even if just for a moment.

In the dull atmosphere of the village, Lien recalls her memories of Hanoi, describing it as “a distant Hanoi, a radiant, joyful, and bustling Hanoi.” These memories create a stark contrast between the lively, light-filled atmosphere of Hanoi and the dark, gloomy village setting. The train’s arrival brings hope and anticipation for the two sisters, but the train quickly departs, heading toward a new horizon, while Lien and An remain uncertain when or if their own journey will ever begin.

The combination of realistic writing and lyrical technique in “Two Children” has created a unique artistic effect. Thach Lam writes about the dull, confined life in the village, where poor people are “struggling” with the ordinary daily life, but he does so in a way that does not make the reader feel heavy or suffocating. Instead, it evokes a soft, melancholic mood, much like the village scene at twilight.

The poetic nature here is further enhanced by the melancholic tone and the vague, elusive emotions often found in poetry. The sadness expressed through the narrative is mirrored in the character’s emotions: “her eyes slowly filled with darkness, and the sadness of the rural evening soaked deeply into her innocent soul…” The story’s vague and intangible emotions are central to the character’s state of mind: “Lien didn’t understand why, but she felt a vague sadness at the time of day fading away,” “Lien’s soul felt calm, filled with ungraspable emotions,” “Lien sat silently, lost in her thoughts. Hanoi felt so distant…”; “Lien felt surrounded by all these unknowns, things that were beyond her comprehension…”.

The deep, poetic essence of this story is also hidden in the simple beauties of everyday life, which the writer’s sensitive heart has captured. This includes the pure, innocent affection between the two children and the emotional transcendence of the characters as they reach for a distant, mysterious, yet alluring world—like a sky full of twinkling stars or a train cutting through the darkness with its light. This poetic quality, seen from this perspective, is also a special manifestation of Thach Lam’s artistic style: exploring reality through lyrical methods, creating a lingering poetic aftertaste in the work.

Thạch Lam (1910 – 1942), born Nguyễn Tường Vinh and later changed to Nguyễn Tường Lân, was one of the prominent figures in the Tự Lực Văn Đoàn movement, alongside Nhất Linh and Hoàng Đạo. Thạch Lam was known for his mastery of short stories, often writing tales without clear plotlines, focusing instead on the inner world of his characters. His writing is pure and simple, yet deep and profound. Each of his stories is like a lyrical poem filled with melancholy, with a calm, reflective tone. The short story 'Two Children' stands as a prime example of Thạch Lam’s writing style. The story particularly highlights the poetic essence within a short narrative.

'Poetry is the harp of the soul, the heartbeat of life,' a way of distilling life’s essence into poetry. 'Poetic essence' refers to the lyrical quality—a fusion of emotion, mood, and sentiment, beautifully expressed in a way that evokes aesthetic and human feelings. 'Poetic essence in a short story' arises when the writer subtly explores and conveys the emotional state, mood, and feelings of a character or of themselves, through vivid imagery and a pure, evocative style that resonates with the rhythm of emotion and soul. It is the sensitivity of the writer’s response to the beauty of nature, life, humanity, and love. Voltaire once said: 'Poetry is the melody of a noble and sensitive soul.' It is through the music of the heart that an artist can transmit emotions to the reader, awakening admiration for people and cherishing life. The poetic essence brings a refined quality to the writing, deeply penetrating the reader’s heart.

Thạch Lam, with his sensitive soul, created many works rich with poetic quality, such as 'The First Cold Wind,' 'Under the Shadow of the Yellow Orchid,' and particularly the short story 'Two Children.' Published in 1938 in the collection 'Sunlight in the Garden,' 'Two Children' is one of Thạch Lam's most representative short stories. The plot is simple, describing the life of poor villagers during a short period from dusk to nightfall. The setting depicts the monotonous, tedious lives of the villagers, among them two children entrusted by their mother to manage a small shop, staying up late to wait for a passing train. The story’s charm lies in its delicate, image-rich language, vivid emotions, melodic writing, and the beauty of everyday life, infused with pure, innocent emotions and distant dreams.

The poetic essence in 'Two Children' first emerges from the natural scenery at dusk. The quiet rural landscape is painted with vivid imagery: 'In the late afternoon, a soft, velvet-like evening breeze came through.' The evening is signified by the sound of the drum marking the end of the day, the croaking of frogs, and the buzzing of mosquitoes. The scene is highlighted by the fiery red of the setting sun, along with the soft pink hue of the evening clouds. The village's bamboo grove appears dark against the sky, painted with sharp contrasts. Through these few descriptive details, Thạch Lam brings the rural scene to life, making it feel intimate and peaceful. This image is experienced through the innocent eyes of the two children, Liên and An, whose perception reflects the calm and warm beauty of the evening: 'Nightfall had come, a warm summer night, gentle with the evening breeze. The streets and alleys gradually filled with darkness. Most of the houses were closed, except for a few shops that kept their doors slightly ajar with a glimmer of light.'

Children gather on the steps, laughing and talking, causing An to wish she could join them, but she hesitates as they must stay and watch over the shop. Instead, the two sisters remain sitting quietly on a bench, watching the late-night figures walking slowly through the night. The street’s sand sparkles in the moonlight, and in the scene, we see poor children foraging for scraps left behind after the market, collecting bamboo sticks and other discarded items. Liên feels sympathy for them, but she has no money to give. Her heart is filled with a vague sadness as the day ends. It seems that Thạch Lam painted this picture of the village based on his own childhood memories when his family lived in a small town, capturing the atmosphere and people of that time in a true and intimate way. The poetic quality here is accentuated by the vivid emotions drawn from his personal connection with the scene.

The blend of realism and romance is a prominent feature in Thạch Lam’s style, and it is this combination that gives the story its authenticity and poetic beauty. It is through this delicate balance that the poet creates a compelling narrative, making readers unable to look away from the lives of these humble people. The underlying sorrow of the characters’ lives echoes through the quiet moments, suggesting a deep sympathy for their struggles. Thạch Lam masterfully highlights time as an artistic element, particularly focusing on the time when the village falls into darkness. The darkness, which haunts the story, represents the bleak and monotonous lives of the villagers, overshadowing their world with a sense of hopelessness. At times, there is a flicker of light, like the faint glow of oil lamps or fireflies, but these lights are fleeting and dim, symbolizing the fragility of hope. The small lamp at Tí’s tea shop is mentioned repeatedly, becoming a symbol of the struggles and the impoverished lives of the people in this town.

Night, which should be a time for rest, becomes another cycle of labor for these people. The story depicts their ongoing struggle to survive. Tí’s family, despite their hard work, cannot escape poverty. The hardships of everyday life are illustrated by the sounds of the evening: the laughing of the crazy old woman Thi, and the image of Bác Siêu carrying his small noodle cart, a luxury item unattainable for most. Liên and her sister, though in a slightly better position, are still haunted by their past, when their family had to move from Hanoi due to their father losing his job. Despite their youth, the two girls help their mother run the small shop, dreaming of a distant, more prosperous Hanoi. This dream of the past underscores the sadness of their present reality and foreshadows an uncertain future.

If writers like Nam Cao often delve into complex psychological processes, Thạch Lam’s focus is on the delicate emotions of the soul. In 'Two Children,' Thạch Lam captures the subtle, almost imperceptible emotions, like 'the tremors of a butterfly’s wing.' These fine emotions are revealed through the internal shifts of the character Liên, whose soul is stirred by the scenes of rural dusk. Sitting by 'the blackened tobacco leaves,' Liên feels the encroaching darkness and smells the distinctive scent of earth, sand, and warmth that she associates with home. Reading 'Two Children,' one can sense Thạch Lam’s deep affection for his characters. The fusion of emotion and reality creates a timeless pull, making the work eternally relevant.

The poetic essence in 'Two Children' is amplified by the hopes and desires of the villagers. Despite the darkness of their lives, they still hold onto the belief that something brighter may come in the future. Even though tired and sleepy, they wait for the passing train that brings them joy and momentary light. The train, though seemingly ordinary, holds immense significance for the people here, as it brings them a brief escape from their bleak world. The light from the train symbolizes the hope for a better future. For Liên and An, waiting for the train is not a material need, but a longing for the past, a time of brightness and dreams, an antidote to the stifling atmosphere of their present. Thạch Lam poignantly captures this feeling of waiting, drawing the reader into the lives of those trapped in poverty and darkness, urging them toward the light of a hopeful future.

‘Art gives soul to a work.’ It would be remiss not to mention the artistic quality in the story. Through his writing, Thạch Lam creates a vivid world with moving imagery and a sense of time and space that constantly shifts. The small yet meaningful details reflect the fragile, almost intangible emotions of his characters. As Thạch Lam himself once said: 'A writer must go deep into their own soul, discovering emotions and feelings that are true, finding the soul of others through their own.' In 'Two Children,' Thạch Lam achieves this, making his work a deeply emotional and evocative piece, with subtle yet powerful artistic characteristics that resonate with readers.

The poetic essence in 'Two Children' is distilled from the simple, everyday life, emerging from the writer’s sensitive soul and love for beauty, his keen observations of nature, life, and human goodness. Thạch Lam uncovers the hidden beauty of life, which can only be perceived by those with delicate and sensitive souls.

Thach Lam, the author, is renowned for his gentle yet profound writing style. His works often lack a strong plot, yet they leave a deep imprint on readers through his reflections on life, humanity, and the profound philosophies embedded within his stories. In his short story 'Two Children,' readers encounter a tale that feels like a soft and intimate recount. Some have commented that 'Two Children' stands out as a story rich in poetic essence.

'Poetic essence' is understood as the lyrical quality typically found in a work of poetry. It emerges from the harmonious blend of emotion and mood with the beauty of expression, evoking an aesthetic resonance in the reader. In this short story, poetic essence is evident in the careful attention the author pays to exploring and expressing the emotions, moods, and feelings of the characters, including his own. The writer emphasizes evoking deep emotions, using vivid, evocative details and clear, expressive language that captures the rhythm of the soul.

'Two Children' is a short story that portrays life in the town of Cam Giang through the lens of a few representative characters. In this town, people's lives are marked by struggle and confinement, where light is overshadowed by darkness. The rare moments of light come in the form of fleeting glimmers, narrow rays, or distant glows. Life here is burdened by poverty and despair. However, among the hardships, there are children, like the sisters Lien and her younger sibling, with pure hearts, full of dreams and hopes for a better life. The image of the train that appears towards the end of the story breathes a sense of new hope into the lives of the people in Cam Giang, symbolizing a brighter future for those in poverty.

The poetic essence in 'Two Children' is manifested in the emotional depth and inner turmoil of the character Lien. As evening falls, Lien feels 'a deep sadness' in her heart. She reflects on her thoughts and feelings as night approaches. This moment highlights the delicate sensitivity of her character. Lien is also a compassionate young girl, full of love and empathy. She feels sorrow when she sees children scavenging for food, and her observations of the other characters reveal a deep compassion and tenderness in her nature. Lien is moved by the plight of the people struggling to survive in the poor district. She is also a girl with dreams, longing for a brighter future, as evidenced by the scene where she and her sister wait for the train. The sisters are waiting for the train, which symbolizes a longing to relive the memories of better days, filled with light and sound. Lien yearns for a life full of light and fulfillment.

The poetic essence in 'Two Children' also reflects the emotions and sensitivity of the author, Thach Lam. Behind Lien’s character, one can sense the soft, nuanced, and deeply humane nature of Thach Lam himself. Thach Lam based 'Two Children' on his childhood experiences and memories of Cam Giang. As a result, the portrayal of both the characters and the setting is simple yet authentic. Lien and An represent aspects of Thach Lam's own life, with Lien’s character reflecting his own sister. The mother-daughter figures in the story may even represent his own mother. Through the portrayal of these humble, struggling lives, readers encounter a Thach Lam who is deeply connected to life and people, full of love and kindness.

Thach Lam builds a world of imagery that is both genuine and deeply moving, filled with emotional richness. He carefully selects the details that express the characters’ emotions, and the narrative flows with lyrical beauty. The story does not follow a traditional plot but is instead driven by the emotional currents of the characters. Thach Lam's introspective writing delves into the inner world of the characters, capturing subtle, fleeting emotions and thoughts. 'Two Children' is a prime example of the poetic quality in his writing, representing his distinctive artistic style.

The short stories of Thach Lam often lack an independent plot, with each tale carrying the tone of a gentle, melancholic lyrical poem. The writer often delves deeply into exploring the inner world of the characters, capturing their vague, fleeting, and delicate emotions. This distinctive style is evident in 'Two Children,' a short story rich in poetic quality.

Thach Lam (1910-1942), born Nguyen Tuong Linh, hailing from Hanoi, was part of the Self-Strengthening Literary Group. However, he later branched out to write on his own, as his writing blended elements of romanticism and lyricism with realism, ensuring literature remained connected to life. Thach Lam believed: 'For me, literature is not a means to offer readers escape or oblivion; on the contrary, it is a noble and powerful weapon we have, to both expose and change a false and cruel world, while also purifying and enriching the human heart.'

'Two Children' was published in the short story collection 'Sun in the Garden.' The story merges realism and lyrical romanticism, depicting the poverty-stricken neighborhood streets and expressing deep empathy for the hardship faced by people in rural areas before the revolution. The author always holds dear the fragile, yet sincere hopes of the characters.

It must be said that 'Two Children' is a short story overflowing with poetry, both romantic and captivating in its gentle, evocative prose. Thach Lam does not focus on telling a dramatic story or introducing sudden conflicts; instead, he deeply explores the inner life of the characters and the ordinary, yet profound, human experiences. With a narrative style full of heartfelt emotion and vivid, poignant imagery, Thach Lam conveys messages of love through his compassionate and delicate writing.

Reading 'Two Children,' we encounter the three words 'ruin,' referring to the twilight, the market closing, and the decaying lives of the people. First, the poetic quality is evident in the description of the fading day, depicted with a unique sound characteristic of pre-revolutionary northern Vietnam, the 'sound of autumn drums.' Time flows slowly and peacefully, interrupted only by the sounds of frogs and the occasional mosquito hum in the store. As night falls, a single sound from the đàn bầu (a traditional string instrument) resonates quietly, followed by the faint sound of a train passing by, the distant drumbeat signaling the guard's call, and the barking of a dog. These sounds blend into the quiet evening, painting a poignant image of the neighborhood's still, sorrowful atmosphere. All these sounds create a sense of static movement, an artistic technique often used in Eastern poetry.

The slow transition from afternoon to night is depicted through changes in the color of the surroundings, with the 'western sky glowing as red as a fire' gradually fading into the dark, the sunset descending with 'clouds tinged with a pink hue like an ember nearing its end,' before merging into the blackness of night. The passage of time is captured with Thach Lam's poetic and delicate pen, where no specific moment is pinpointed, yet the imagery of sounds and colors allows the reader to feel the moment when the sunset fades and night envelops everything. The atmosphere is incredibly serene, with a subtle sadness permeating the air. The scene of the market closing, with its poverty and desolation, is empty, leaving only trash behind.

The entire passage carries a slow, rhythmic beat, filled with musicality and rich imagery. The words are both realistic and tinged with romantic, melancholic shades, with imagery that feels poetic, like a painting of a sorrowful rural town. It is unclear whether the scene penetrates the soul or if the human emotions are reflected in the scene, but they harmonize together like a quiet poem. The imagery is simple, yet it captures the spirit and essence of the rural Vietnamese landscape at that time. In this sorrowful, poetic scene, we see the lives of people in decay. The characters of the young girl Lien and her little brother An, the small, shabby grocery store, the poor children, Sister Ty, the slightly eccentric old woman, and Lien's mother, who appears faintly through the conversation of the two siblings.

The poetic quality is also evident in the detailed portrayal of Lien's soul. She is a young girl with an innocent, tender heart, yet sensitive and perceptive to the changes in nature. Lien can sense the distinct smell of the countryside soil after the market has closed, 'a damp, musty scent rising,' carrying the residual heat of the day. Though uncomfortable, this smell is familiar, making Lien and her brother An think of their homeland. The description 'Lien sat quietly beside a few black lacquered incense sticks in the late afternoon, her eyes slowly filling with darkness, and the sadness of the late afternoon seeping into her innocent soul' captures how the sadness of the evening shadows penetrates Lien's soul, or perhaps Lien's sadness enhances the sorrowful atmosphere. They support one another, creating a poetic, melancholic scene. Another beautiful aspect of Lien's soul is her compassionate heart, shown in her care for those around her. She inquires kindly about Sister Ty's situation, showing deep sympathy for her difficult life. For the old woman Thi, Lien demonstrates empathy, watching her until she disappears from view, feeling sorrow for her weary life. Lien's kindness is also reflected in her compassion for the poor children, even though she has no money to offer them, as her family is no better off than theirs. Despite her youth, Lien shows remarkable depth of character and understanding.

The peak of poetry in 'Two Children' comes with the scene of the night train, where the people of the rural town wait for something brighter, as the train 'carries a glimpse of a different world.' To the people of the town, it holds profound meaning, offering a fleeting moment of light, a brief joy, like a gift from life. In the midst of hunger and darkness, at least there is something to hope for. That shining light symbolizes the deep yearning in the human heart for a better life. For Lien and An, the train holds different meanings. To An, it is a source of joy, satisfying his rich imagination as a young boy who rarely encounters new toys or vibrant sights. To Lien, it silently conjures thoughts of a distant, bright, lively Hanoi, a stark contrast to the dark, poor town. Lien's soul is calm, her emotions faint and fragile, and the train evokes memories of a beautiful past, long gone. It helps Lien become more aware of her difficult life and the lives of those around her.

'Two Children' is a gentle song of love for the homeland, evoking an image of a northern Vietnamese countryside, poor yet drenched in poetry. Thach Lam wrote: 'Afternoon, then evening, a peaceful afternoon, with the distant sound of frogs croaking, carried by the gentle breeze from the fields,' and 'a summer night as soft as velvet, with a cool breeze passing by.' Surely, only a deep love for one's homeland and a strong connection to it could inspire the author to write such poetic, beautiful sentences, like a melancholic love song. The story is full of poetic and lyrical content, exemplifying the writer's humanistic style. It reflects profound empathy for the struggles of the poor before the August Revolution. The image of the train symbolizes the yearning for a brighter future, carrying 'a glimpse of a different world,' which reminds Lien of the beautiful memories of Hanoi. Through Lien, the author conveys a deeply human message: In life, love and compassion are the most important, as they unite everything and give life more meaning. This symbolizes Thach Lam's humanitarian spirit and his writing style, simple and approachable, yet rich in poetry and unique lyrical beauty.

With his distinctive writing style, Thach Lam creates a story without a plot, using language full of emotion and imagery that is both familiar and simple, yet filled with a poetic essence, romantic and gentle. The whole story feels like a painting of a sorrowful rural town, yet within it is a quiet longing for a better life, escaping the stagnation and darkness of life in the poor town.