1. Essay Analyzing the First Stanza of the Poem "Đây thôn vĩ dạ" No. 4
Hàn Mặc Tử is a prominent poet from the New Poetry movement (1932-1945), known for his iconic works. Despite enduring the painful effects of illness, he immersed himself in nature, appreciating the beauty of his homeland, longing for a deeper connection with life. This spirit is beautifully captured in the poem "Đây thôn Vĩ Dạ." The first stanza depicts a vibrant image of Vĩ village and the poet's poignant sense of longing.
The stanza begins with a question: "Why don't you come visit Vĩ village?" This question feels like a subtle reproach, a longing from the poetic persona. But who is asking this question? It isn't Hoàng Cúc or any other girl from the village. Perhaps it is Hàn Mặc Tử himself, confronting his own isolation. The question reflects a reality—the poet has not been able to return to Vĩ village for a long time, and he wonders if he ever will again. The line is poetic, filled with sorrow, calling back memories of the village. The seven-syllable verse has six flat tones, with one rising tone at the end, creating a gentle yet deeply emotional resonance of nostalgia. The memory of Vĩ village begins to awaken in the poet's heart:
Looking at the sunlight on the betel trees as the sun rises
The garden is so lush, green like jade
The bamboo leaves cover the face like a letterbox
In just three lines, Hàn Mặc Tử captures the essence of Hue's natural beauty. Each line is a vivid brushstroke, forming a beautiful and lively image of Vĩ village in the poet's memories. First, there is the pure and fresh morning sunlight: the sunlight on the betel trees rising is not the harsh midday heat, but the soft, fresh light of dawn. Just describing the sunlight evokes beautiful associations in the reader's mind.
The slender betel trees stretch high, welcoming the fresh, warm rays of the morning sun. This familiar scene could be found in any corner of rural Vietnam. The repetition of the word "sunlight" enhances the image, making it seem to spread and illuminate everything in its path, bathing the garden and the village in a new, vibrant light.
The third line describes the garden, bathed in morning light, shining like a magical jade: "The garden is so lush, green like jade." This line is filled with wonder and delight. The garden is not just green but "green like jade"—a symbol of purity and nobility. The simple yet pure beauty of the garden is striking. Perhaps the morning dew has cleansed the leaves, giving them a luminous, translucent appearance as the sunlight touches them. The word "lush" evokes a sense of softness and freshness, as if the garden is glistening with vitality. But the magic of the line lies in the word "ai" (who), which turns the scene into something distant, evoking a sense of mystery. For Hàn Mặc Tử, this is a world outside of illness, a place of life and beauty.
And naturally, the poet’s emotions shift to the image of a person, as reflected in the line:
The bamboo leaves cover the face like a letterbox
The final line is a masterful image created by Hàn Mặc Tử, capturing the essence of Vĩ Dạ. The bamboo branch is a familiar symbol associated with the people of this ancient imperial city. The people seem to blend into nature, their beauty understated and graceful. This reflection also contains a sense of sadness, as the poet longs for the lost connection with the place. In Hàn Mặc Tử's poetry, there is a blend of folk poetry influence and a new, creative style, reflecting his personal sorrow and a sense of alienation.
The first stanza of the poem "Đây thôn Vĩ Dạ" paints a picture of the people and landscape of Hue, both earthly and ethereal in Hàn Mặc Tử's memory. Through this, we see the poet's deep love for his homeland and the people, as well as his profound longing for Vĩ village. Reading this poem evokes in the reader a deep love for the land, nature, and the people, teaching us to cherish and protect what is around us.


2. Essay on the First Stanza of the Poem 'Đây Thôn Vĩ Dạ' No. 5
Hàn Mặc Tử is one of the most outstanding writers, making significant contributions to the New Poetry movement and the achievements of Vietnamese literature. He is also remembered as 'the poet of unrequited love' and the one who 'stirred' without ever creating a solid form. Through 'Đây Thôn Vĩ Dạ', he carved into the hearts of millions of readers a poem of unrequited love, poetic yet ethereal in the dreamy land of Huế.
Thôn Vĩ Dạ is renowned for its connection to the Huong River and the Ngự Mountain in Huế, so it is no surprise that famous figures like Nguyễn Bính, Bích Khuê, and Nguyễn Tuân found inspiration from this land. Just as every love is tied to a specific time and place, each image of the poetic character in this poem is deeply rooted in the natural landscape and people of Thôn Vĩ, creating memories that are hard to fade.
Why don’t you come to visit Thôn Vĩ?
This is a playful and affectionate reproach that conveys the longing and yearning of the girl from Thôn Vĩ. Her soft words, filled with love, have sparked a beautiful melody that resonates throughout the poem. In the second line, Hàn Mặc Tử immediately places himself in the space of Vĩ Dạ. This is a journey into the poet’s mind:
Looking at the sunlight on the rows of areca trees, the sun has just risen
The sunlight is depicted as 'looking at the sunlight on the areca trees,' paired with the pure and fresh light of dawn that excites the poet, expressing it as if a child would say 'the sun has just risen.' The 'sun' is brightened on the rows of areca trees. Visitors can see the sunlight on the areca trees, and the closer they get to the garden, the more they feel the emerald green of the trees. The poet’s eyes are in the Thôn Vĩ garden, as if trying to tear apart the dark sky to witness the marvelous sunrise from Thôn Vĩ Dạ. This place, where the person he loves resides, seems to contain the magic of a fairy tale.
Whose garden is so lush, so green like jade?
The 'lush garden' is revealed to be not only lush but 'green like jade.' Everything is fresh and green, making us feel not only with our eyes but also with the sound of the jade-like leaves. Could the 'garden' belong to her? Do we see her face in that garden? Reading Hàn Mặc Tử’s poetry, we encounter many images, a world both real and imaginary. Thus, it is hard to believe, but Hàn Mặc Tử has reunited with his own image, as the young man who once lived in Huế.
Does the bamboo leaf cover the face of the rectangular character?
The poet, one who loves the moon, wishes to experience a pure love, an intense love, and to return to the person he was before. It seems that Hàn Mặc Tử wants to forget the harsh reality and love once more, to love even more deeply.
Could the bamboo leaf be a symbol of the separation of love? The line 'Wind blows like the wind, clouds like clouds' creates a mood of faint hope, but overwhelming disappointment: 'Will the moon return tonight?' The poem concludes with a reproach:
The mist here blurs the human figures
Who knows if their love is truly deep?
Hàn Mặc Tử has depicted the image of a garden in Thôn Vĩ through his melancholic nostalgia for an unfinished love, touching the hearts of many generations of Vietnamese readers in a state of longing. In the four lines of the first stanza, the scene speaks of love, the sadness of love seeping into the landscape, and only when placed in the context of the whole poem can one truly understand the poet’s feelings and intentions.


3. Essay on the First Stanza of the Poem 'Đây Thôn Vĩ Dạ' No. 6
"Before there was no one, and after there is no one, Hàn Mặc Tử is like a shooting star with its dazzling tail glowing brightly." In the world of new poetry, Hàn Mặc Tử is a poet with an incredibly complex and mysterious poetic persona. His poetry intertwines the most familiar and pure elements with the most eerie, supernatural, and delirious ones. In this world, moonlight, flowers, music, and fragrance blend with souls and spirits. Behind this intricate poetic appearance, one can perceive a love that is intense and painful, directed towards life. In his collection 'Crazy Poems,' 'Đây Thôn Vĩ Dạ' features some of the purest and most crystalline verses that still convey a deep, aching love for life.
'Đây Thôn Vĩ Dạ' begins with a rather peculiar question: 'Sao anh không về chơi thôn Vĩ?' At first glance, one might think this is a question from Hoàng Cúc or some other girl from Huế. However, in the letter sent to Hàn Mặc Tử, Cúc does not ask such a question. So, is this a self-question from Hàn Mặc Tử, or is the poet imagining a question like this? Regardless of the interpretation, this question is a heartfelt inquiry that carries so much emotion. It speaks of longing, yearning, a deep desire to return, and a sorrowful regret. The word 'về' is used very subtly by the poet. Thanks to this word, we understand that for Hàn Mặc Tử, Vĩ Dạ is a familiar, beloved place, yet ironically, the more beloved it is, the more intense the longing and yearning becomes.
After this self-inquiry, memories of Vĩ Dạ’s garden suddenly awaken and flood the poet’s mind. The garden of Vĩ Dạ, known for its beauty, appears even more enchanting through the lens of passionate yet hopeless love: 'Nhìn nắng hàng cau, nắng mới lên.' Vĩ Dạ, a place famous for its rows of tall betel nut trees, has captivated many visitors with its beauty. Having once been connected to this land, Hàn Mặc Tử’s immediate recollection of the 'newly risen sunlight on the betel nut trees' is now captured in his poetry. The image of the 'new sunlight on the betel nut trees' is both simple and familiar, yet it reflects the purest and most delicate beauty of the Vĩ Dạ garden.
The 'new sunlight' refers to the early morning sun, soft and pure, yet it also clings to the betel nut leaves, glistening with dew, making it even more radiant. The fragrance of the morning sun merges with the sweet, light fragrance of the betel nut, creating a harmonious sensation. The repetition of the word 'sunlight' creates both imagery and rhythm. It feels as though each ray of sunlight dances through the betel nut leaves, gradually filling the entire garden. The word 'sunlight' at the beginning of the verse lends a melodious, lyrical quality to the poem, almost like a whispering cheer. Could it be that in this moment, the dazzling beauty of Vĩ Dạ has enchanted Hàn Mặc Tử, causing him to forget his painful reality?
In the early morning sunlight, the Vĩ Dạ garden bathed in dawn becomes an ethereal, pure place: 'Vườn ai mướt quá xanh như ngọc.' The adjective 'mướt' and the comparison to 'emerald green' work together to create the irresistible allure of the garden. The garden is lush, fresh, and glistening with a smooth, delicate green hue that radiates like a giant emerald. In the face of such pristine beauty, the poet cannot help but be amazed and captivated. The word 'quá' expresses the poet’s amazement. But alongside this wonder, there is a sense of sorrow. The word 'em' feels close and familiar, while 'ai' feels distant and vague. The beautiful garden of Vĩ Dạ seems so close yet is actually out of reach, belonging to someone else, slipping away from the poet's grasp, fading before his eyes.
The first stanza concludes with a poetic image that carries deep, hidden meanings: 'Lá trúc che ngang mặt chữ điền.' This line has sparked heated debates among literary critics, who offer various interpretations. However, within the emotional flow of the poem, this line seems to describe the face of a person from Vĩ Dạ and someone returning to Vĩ Dạ. In the aesthetic conception of the people of Huế, a 'chữ điền' face is the face of a virtuous, composed woman:
Mặt em vuông tựa chữ điền
Da em thì trắng, áo xanh mặc ngoài
Lòng em có đất, có trời
Có câu nhân nghĩa, có lòng thủy chung
Seen in this light, the image of the betel leaf hiding the 'chữ điền' face evokes the gentle, graceful, modest beauty of a Huế girl. It could also be understood as the face of someone returning to Vĩ Dạ, and that person is none other than Hàn Mặc Tử himself. Perhaps Hàn Mặc Tử nostalgically recalls the time he left Huế, when he would visit Hoàng Cúc’s house in Vĩ Dạ, standing outside and only daring to peek through the betel leaves. Alternatively, the poet could be imagining a time when he returns to Vĩ Dạ, but it feels just like an old memory, only able to discreetly peek through the betel leaves and silently admire the garden. Hàn Mặc Tử often returned to life in such a secretive, hidden way. The first stanza of 'Đây Thôn Vĩ Dạ' contains within its poetic imagery the intense love for life from a soul burdened by separation and rejection.
For Hàn Mặc Tử, the Vĩ Dạ garden is like a paradise, a garden of Eden that no longer belongs to him. Returning to Vĩ Dạ becomes an impossible wish, a longing out of reach. The breathtaking beauty of the garden contrasts with the poet’s deep sorrow and regret.


4. Essay on the first stanza of the poem "Đây Thôn Vĩ Dạ" number 7
"Poetry flows when emotions are full." Indeed, poetry is the rhythm of emotions, a salvation for each individual's life. For Hàn Mặc Tử, poetry became the space where he expressed his deep feelings and intense emotions, often intertwined with pain. His poem "Đây Thôn Vĩ Dạ" is a prime example of his style, capturing the beauty of the natural landscape of Huế and the profound connection between life and humanity.
The natural scenery of Thôn Vĩ Dạ unfolds in vivid, lively imagery:
Why don't you come visit Thôn Vĩ?
Look at the sunlight on the areca trees, the morning sun rising.
Whose garden looks so lush, green like jade?
Bamboo leaves cover a face with a square shape.
The opening line, "Why don't you come visit Thôn Vĩ?" feels like a gentle reproach, a soft message from the lyrical subject. Whose voice is it? It's not Hoàng Cúc's or any other girl from Thôn Vĩ, so whose voice is it? It seems to be Hàn Mặc Tử himself, as if the poet is questioning himself. It's a subtle acknowledgment that it's been a long time since he visited Thôn Vĩ, and he wonders when he will be able to return to revisit a place full of memories and deep connections. This question serves as a sweet and bittersweet excuse to evoke memories of Thôn Vĩ and opens up a beautiful, familiar scene with the morning sun, gardens, and bamboo leaves. The "sunlight on the areca trees" represents the first light of morning, a familiar image in Hàn Mặc Tử's poetry.
The morning, with tall areca trees reaching up to greet the first rays of sunlight, still bathed in the mist of dawn. The sun spreads across the trees and garden, wrapping everything in a fresh, youthful coat. In these lines, the poet not only describes the sunlight but also uses repetition of the word "sun" to evoke the passage of time, as it shines down on everything from above, filling the garden. The garden of Thôn Vĩ glows with the vibrant green of jade. The word "lush" conveys a sense of vitality, not only describing the color but also the energy of the garden. The comparison of the color to jade makes the garden sparkle with light, creating a beautiful image.
The phrase "whose garden" introduces an elusive beauty, a beauty that is distant and hard to grasp. It represents the world beyond, the world the poet yearns for. The scene is further enriched by the image of human presence: "bamboo leaves cover a square face." This is a unique, multi-layered image, with the square face symbolizing a peaceful, kind-hearted person, hidden behind the delicate green of bamboo leaves. This is a familiar image in Hàn Mặc Tử's poetry, born out of his sense of separation and isolation, feeling detached from the joys of life. This line leaves a strong impression of longing in the poet's heart, expressing the ache of missing Thôn Vĩ. While the first stanza depicts a fresh, vibrant scene, the second stanza presents a nature steeped in the poet's mood:
The wind follows its path, the clouds follow theirs,
The river flows in sadness, the corn flowers sway.
Whose boat is anchored at the moonlit riverbank,
Is it bringing the moon back before tonight?
The imagery of wind, clouds, and the river differ from the usual. The wind and clouds, typically inseparable, are divided in this poem. Hàn Mặc Tử’s poetic soul cuts through something that is usually undivided. The river, normally lifeless, is described as "sad," personified to reflect human emotions. This metaphor represents the melancholy flow of the poet's thoughts, mirroring the separation of wind and clouds. The river carries corn flowers that sway gently at the banks, subtly suggesting sadness and emptiness, reflecting the poet's inner turmoil. The question, "Whose boat is anchored at the moonlit riverbank?" reflects the poet’s longing, wishing for something to return to him and hold on to.
For the poet, his dreams are intertwined with the moon and music. The moon symbolizes beauty, something Hàn Mặc Tử always sought. The image of a "boat carrying the moon" is both a dream and a mystical illusion, difficult to distinguish between reality and fantasy. The word "kịp" (in time) evokes a sense of anxiety, as the poet worries about the fleeting nature of time. His longing is connected to sorrow, anticipating loss. While the first and second stanzas create a picture of nature, the third stanza introduces the image of a woman, the object of the poet's yearning:
I dream of the traveler from afar,
Your white dress is so bright, I can’t see clearly.
Here, mist and smoke blur the image,
Who knows if your love is deep?
The poem’s voice is urgent, reflecting the poet’s desire for the figure of "the traveler" and "you" in the white dress. The image of the woman is fleeting, almost as a dream. "The traveler" and "you" seem to be one and the same. The poet dreams of a distant, almost unreachable figure, a pure and fragile beauty, always revered. The moment the poet seems to recognize the figure, it fades away, lost beyond his reach. The poem ends with a poignant question:
Here, mist and smoke blur the image,
Who knows if your love is deep?
The lyrical subject returns to the painful reality, where mist and smoke obscure everything, symbolizing the passage of time and the distance between the poet and the object of his affection. The poem concludes with an aching question, perhaps directed at the poet himself or the woman he secretly loves. This final line expresses a sense of despair, a longing for understanding and love, despite the overwhelming loneliness.
Thus, the poem "Đây Thôn Vĩ Dạ" offers deep insights. It shows how, even when pushed to the brink of pain and despair, the poet continues to yearn for life, seeking connection and understanding.


5. Essay on the first stanza of the poem "Đây thôn Vĩ Dạ" No. 8
Hàn Mạc Tử is one of the most notable poets in the new poetry movement, known for his boundless creativity and distinct style. "Đây thôn Vĩ Dạ" is one of his most remarkable works, a poem that paints a harmonious picture of the pure natural landscape alongside the reflective and sorrowful inner world of the poet.
In the first stanza of the poem, Hàn Mạc Tử directs his pen toward the simple yet beautiful and pure natural scenery of Thôn Vĩ:
"Sao anh không về chơi thôn Vĩ "
"Nhìn nắng hàng cau nắng mới lên "
"Vườn ai mướt quá xanh như ngọc "
"Lá trúc chen ngang mặt chữ điền"
"Đây thôn Vĩ Dạ" was written based on the poet’s deep feelings when he received a postcard from Hoàng Cúc, featuring a dreamlike landscape of Huế and a heartfelt invitation, "Sao anh không về chơi thôn Vĩ?" (Why don't you come visit Thôn Vĩ?).
The poem begins with a rhetorical question, carrying a gentle and heartfelt tone, a mixture of reproach, frustration, and a sincere invitation from a girl from Huế. The question also serves as a self-reproach from the poet, lamenting his inability to visit Vĩ Dạ again, a place filled with beautiful memories. Although his current circumstances prevent him from returning, Hàn Mạc Tử vividly paints a scene of Vĩ Dạ with all the cherished recollections he holds.
"Nhìn nắng hàng cau nắng mới lên"
Vĩ Dạ is famous for its traditional vegetable farming and rows of tall, lush betel nut trees. The image of these betel trees in Hàn Mạc Tử's poem is beautifully captured, with the deep green leaves of the trees and the soft golden sunlight of dawn. The repetition of the word "nắng" (sunlight) emphasizes both the light itself and the poet’s excitement, capturing his fresh and sincere emotions upon remembering Vĩ Dạ.
"Vườn ai mướt quá xanh như ngọc"
The image of a vibrant and life-filled garden in Thôn Vĩ shines with extraordinary beauty, with Hàn Mạc Tử using the striking comparison "green like jade" to describe the fresh green foliage under the sun’s rays. The word "mướt" (smooth) captures not only the lushness and vitality of the garden but also the care and skill of the hands tending it. Through his deep and overwhelming emotions about the landscape of Thôn Vĩ, the poet creates an image of a hidden human figure behind the bamboo leaves:
"Lá trúc chen ngang mặt chữ điền"
The square-shaped face evokes a sense of kindness and warmth, suggesting that this might be the image of the girl Hàn Mạc Tử loved. Though she is distanced by the bamboo, her figure remains etched in the poet’s heart, evoking deep longing and yearning. At this point, the landscape and the person seem to merge into one, creating a beautiful, pure poetic image.
With just four short lines, Hàn Mạc Tử has created a vivid, evocative portrait of Vĩ Dạ, infused with sincere and heartfelt affection from the poetic subject.


6. Essay on the first stanza of the poem "Đây thôn vĩ dạ" number 9
Hàn Mặc Tử – a poet known for his love that stirred deep emotions, forever unresolved. Though Tử loved deeply, he bitterly realized that the moon was his final, loyal lover. Hoàng Thị Kim Cúc, a young girl from Thôn Vĩ, was Tử's first love, a bond that began in Quy Nhơn. Tử had admired Kim Cúc from 1936, but his shyness kept him from expressing his feelings except through poetry. In 1939, upon learning of Tử's terminal illness, Kim Cúc sent him a postcard featuring a boat and pier, along with a brief message of sympathy, though unsigned. This small gesture ignited Tử's imagination and memories. The first stanza of the poem "Đây thôn Vĩ Dạ" evokes these deep, hidden emotions:
Sao anh không về chơi thôn Vĩ?
Nhìn nắng hàng cau, nắng mới lên
Vườn ai mướt quá xanh như ngọc
Lá trúc che ngang mặt chữ điền
The poem presents a sorrowful, yearning self-reflection. The opening question is not just a literal inquiry but a gentle reproach, a passionate invitation from the girl of Thôn Vĩ, and also a question posed by the poet to himself, a longing for home. The seven syllables of the line echo a soft reproach, full of longing and wistfulness. Thôn Vĩ holds something uniquely captivating, a beauty that even in his mind, Tử can only visit in spirit. The question "Sao anh không về chơi thôn Vĩ?" reflects Tử's inner sorrow. The question isn't directed outwardly but is a plea to himself, echoing a deeper sense of regret and the poet's introspective nature. The entire first stanza resonates with a deep sense of loss and nostalgia, a delicate sorrow that is expressed through the rhythm and the emotional depth of the words.
For Hàn Mặc Tử, the question and the subsequent imagery of the sunlit garden evoke memories of a Thôn Vĩ that is both real and dreamlike. The next verses reveal the natural beauty through Tử's eyes:
Nhìn nắng hàng cau nắng mới lên
Vườn ai mướt quá xanh như ngọc
Lá trúc che ngang mặt chữ điền
The image of "Nhìn nắng hàng cau nắng mới lên" evokes the purity and freshness of a new day, where the tall, straight betel-nut trees catch the first rays of light. The sunlight bathes the garden in a clean, ethereal glow, with the light filtering down through the betel-nut trees, highlighting the serene beauty of the morning. The description of the garden as "mướt" conveys a lush, dewy, and vibrant feeling, capturing the refreshing beauty of the morning dew. The vivid imagery of "xanh như ngọc" paints the scene in a fresh, almost magical hue, a lush green that mirrors the beauty of jade. This imagery, enhanced by the morning light, brings the garden to life in the poet's memory.
The garden holds an intimate connection to his feelings, and the poet's longing is subtly expressed through the description of the environment. The mention of "Lá trúc che ngang mặt chữ điền" evokes the image of a traditional, serene face, hidden behind the bamboo leaves. This motif adds to the sense of beauty and mystery of the place. The face of the girl, as seen through the bamboo leaves, symbolizes the idealized love, unspoken but present in the poet's heart. The image of the "mặt chữ điền" is a symbol of a pure, virtuous face, reflecting the calmness and sincerity of the love the poet once had.
The concluding lines of the poem express the quiet, distant grief, a reflection of the poet's deep inner turmoil and the fragility of love that has passed. The poem, while filled with beautiful natural imagery, ultimately reveals the poet's heartache and loss:
"Lá trúc che ngang mặt chữ điền".
The "Lá trúc" serves as a metaphor for the subtle barriers between the poet and his past love. It suggests the distance, both physical and emotional, that separates them now. The idea of the "mặt chữ điền" being partially obscured speaks to the poet's inability to fully express his emotions, and the longing for something that has been lost. The closing verse of the poem continues this theme of sorrow, as Tử questions the possibility of true love ever being fully realized in this life. It leaves the reader with a sense of melancholy and a longing for the past that can never be reclaimed.


7. Essay on the first stanza of the poem "Đây thôn vĩ dạ" number 10
If humanity no longer yearns
And no one loves the poet's craft
The last poet - Hàn Mặc Tử
Still appears here, waiting
(Tràn Ninh Hổ)
Hàn Mặc Tử - a poet of love stories that never fully take shape. He loved deeply but sadly realized that the moon became his constant, faithful companion. In the fleeting span of his life and poetry, Hàn was captivated by four young women (Hoàng Cúc, Mộng Cầm, Mai Đình, Ngọc Sương). Hoàng Cúc, a girl from Vĩ Dạ village, was Tử's first love. The two met in Quy Nhơn, where Tử worked at the Surveying Department, and her father was the head. Tử quietly loved Hoàng Cúc since 1936, but his shyness kept him from expressing his feelings, and he only confided in poetry and friends... In 1939, after learning of his terminal illness, Hoàng Cúc, reminded by others, sent Tử a postcard with a picture of Huế and a few lines of inquiry without a signature. Tử mistakenly thought it was a scene from "Vĩ Dạ at dawn or a moonlit night?" To show his gratitude, Tử wrote the poem "Đây thôn Vĩ Dạ" for Hoàng Cúc. When reading the first stanza of this poem, even the most indifferent reader can feel the melancholic tone:
Why don't you come visit Vĩ village?
Look at the sunlight on the areca trees, the dawn's light
Whose garden is lush, green like jade?
The bamboo leaves cover the square face
To appreciate the beauty of "Đây thôn Vĩ Dạ" is to connect it with Tử's first love with Hoàng Cúc. However, many people, influenced by factors outside the text—particularly the idea that "Hoàng Cúc showed Hàn Mặc Tử a photo of herself in a white áo dài from Đồng Khánh school (...), and reproached him for not visiting Vĩ village sooner"—have misunderstood the opening lines of the poem as a gentle reproach. This interpretation seems to stray from the original text. Based on Hoàng Cúc's assertion that there was no reproach following the postcard, it's clear that the question "Why don't you come visit Vĩ village?" is not a complaint from a girl but rather a reflection of Tử's own regret. The poet himself may be asking why he did not visit Vĩ village earlier, filled with sorrow and a sense of self-blame. This stanza is imbued with sadness, tinged with a bit of regret. The entire poem "Đây thôn Vĩ Dạ" might be Tử's answer to his own question (perhaps the question mark should be placed at the end of the second line for better coherence).
Before composing the iconic poem "Đây thôn Vĩ Dạ", Hàn Mặc Tử had once passed by Hoàng Cúc's garden at Vĩ Dạ village, but only observed it from the gate. The striking first impression left on readers by the opening stanza is the scene of "Vĩ Dạ at dawn". What secret emotions is the poet trying to convey through this scene? Among the myriad of trees and leaves at Vĩ Dạ, the poet mentions the areca trees basking in the morning sun. For generations, the areca tree has symbolized love for the Vietnamese people, and the poet emphasizes this with the description "the new light rising," "green as jade." While the dawn light is beautiful, it passes as quickly as "a fleeting drunken sigh" (hence, after the dawn, the scene shifts to the moonlit, melancholic riverbank).
The lines "The areca trees bask in the new light" and "Whose garden is lush, green like jade" evoke the sweet fragrance of a ca dao garden, yet Tử's description of the garden is distinct from the one in Nguyễn Bính's poems. Here, the garden is "lush, green like jade," an unusual comparison that suggests this is the garden of someone special. The "Whose garden?" may refer to the garden of the one he loves, the beloved girl's garden.
Clearly, the garden in Tử's poem is not a "rose garden" nor a garden with "the shadows of the sunset," but a garden "green like jade." This fresh metaphor encourages readers to think of "your garden" as a place of beauty. Entering this garden is no easy feat. The fourth line further elaborates this idea:
"The bamboo leaves cover the square face." The bamboo leaves add an air of nobility to the Vĩ Dạ garden. The square face covered by bamboo leaves has long been a subject of debate among poetry enthusiasts. Many assert that the square face represents kindness, purity, and sincerity, as seen in a famous ca dao verse from Huế:
My face is square like a field's shape
My skin is pale, with a black dress outside
My heart is filled with sincerity
With kindness and unwavering loyalty
The late poet Chế Lan Viên expressed skepticism, asking, "What makes a girl with a square face beautiful, that Hàn Mặc Tử praises it?" Whose face is this in the poem? Some believe it is Hoàng Cúc's face, while others think it is Tử's own. The image of the bamboo leaves also prompts debates. Are they real bamboo leaves, or are they the decorative bamboo curtains hanging before noble houses? The question "Why don't you come visit Vĩ village?" is more than just a gentle reproach from a village girl. It reflects the poet's own inner turmoil and longing for lost time and missed opportunities, expressing a deeper love and regret.
Ultimately, Tử's poem, "Đây thôn Vĩ Dạ," speaks not only of the beauty of nature and the people of Huế but also of Tử's love and the tragedy of his terminal illness. The poem remains anchored in the "pain" and sadness of his condition, making it a timeless piece of lyricism that still resonates deeply.


8. Essay on the first stanza of the poem "Đây thôn Vĩ Dạ" number 11
Starting to write poetry at the age of sixteen, Hàn Mặc Tử was a poet with abundant creativity in the New Poetry movement. One of his most remarkable poems about nature, the country, and its people is "Đây thôn Vĩ Dạ." The opening stanza vividly describes the nature of Huế, blending a deep feeling of longing and nostalgia, reflecting a characteristic style of Hàn Mặc Tử’s poetry:
Sao anh không về chơi thôn Vĩ?
Nhìn nắng hàng cau, nắng mới lên
Vườn ai mướt quá xanh như ngọc
Lá trúc che ngang mặt chữ điền.
The poem "Đây thôn Vĩ Dạ" has three stanzas. The first stanza portrays a garden bathed in the pure and fresh light of dawn. The second stanza evokes the sky, moon, clouds, and water, imbued with a sense of melancholy and distance. The final stanza conveys a dreamlike longing, with the image of a Huế girl.
Thôn Vĩ Dạ lies on the banks of the Perfume River, famous for its lush orchards and charming houses. It became known in literature through this exquisite verse. But it is not just nature that evokes a perfect sense of love, but also the presence of familiar people, waiting with a passionate heart.
Sao anh không về chơi thôn Vĩ?
This line is an invitation, possibly even a gentle reproach. The language is carefully chosen yet seems spontaneous. "Sao anh không về" is tender and playful, evoking the memories of the poet’s past, when he was a sensitive schoolboy in Huế. "Come back to Thôn Vĩ," a Thôn Vĩ bathed in morning sunlight:
Nhìn nắng hàng cau, nắng mới lên,
Vườn ai mướt quá xanh như ngọc.
Thôn Vĩ Dạ has rows of tall areca palms. The early morning sunlight fills the space, casting a golden glow. The palm leaves, covered in dew, glisten like jade. The poetry is innocent, with the phrase "Vườn ai mướt quá" capturing a joyous tone, yet skillfully crafted. The comparison of the garden to "green as jade" is a striking, unique metaphor.
Lá trúc che ngang mặt chữ điền
The bamboo leaves are delicate and slender, their branches swaying lightly in the morning breeze, casting shadows on a face resembling the square shape of the chữ điền (a traditional Vietnamese facial feature). Perhaps it is both: a real and ethereal image shimmering in the poet’s longing. The line is stylized, symbolizing the harmony between nature and the people of the region. The vibrant landscape gives life to the scene, blending human and natural beauty into a poetic unity.
The rhythm of the poem is gentle, its meaning flowing: from the playful invitation (line 1), the vivid imagery of nature (lines 2-3), to the serene portrayal of people in harmony with nature. The stanza expresses the enchanting beauty of Huế’s people and landscape. Through this, the poem evokes a deep love for nature, a sense of melancholy and distance, as echoed in the final line of the poem:
Ai biết tình ai có đậm đà?
Some say that the scenes in many of Hàn Mặc Tử’s poems are rich with national colors. Indeed, without a deep connection to his homeland, Hàn Mặc Tử could not have written such exquisite verses. Alongside poems about homeland and country by Thế Lữ, Xuân Diệu, Huy Cận, Chế Lan Viên, and Anh Thơ, the opening lines of "Đây thôn Vĩ Dạ" by Hàn Mặc Tử have solidified the value of the New Poetry movement in the 1930s, advancing the modernization of Vietnamese literature in the early 20th century.


9. Essay on the first stanza of the poem "Đây thôn Vĩ Dạ" number 12
In reading Hàn Mặc Tử’s “Đây thôn Vĩ Dạ,” the reader is likely struck by the vivid portrayal of the vibrant natural scene in Thôn Vĩ. This is clearly illustrated in the opening stanza of the poem:
Sao anh không về chơi thôn Vĩ?
Nhìn nắng hàng cau nắng mới lên
Vườn ai mướt quá xanh như ngọc
Lá trúc che ngang mặt chữ điền.
The opening line is a question rich in meaning. It may be a question posed by the people of Thôn Vĩ to the poet. According to some accounts, Hàn Mặc Tử was inspired to write the poem after receiving a postcard from a girl in Thôn Vĩ while he was severely ill. The postcard depicted a scene from the village, accompanied by the words asking, "Why don’t you come back to visit Thôn Vĩ?" Alternatively, it could be the poet himself, asking this question of himself. At that time, Hàn Mặc Tử longed for and missed his homeland but could not return. Regardless of interpretation, we can feel the poet’s deep yearning and desire to return to Thôn Vĩ.
In the second line, the poet begins to sketch a picture of the Thôn Vĩ landscape: "Nhìn nắng hàng cau, nắng mới lên." This is the morning light that blankets the rural landscape. The repetition of "nhìn nắng" and "nắng mới" conveys a space brimming with vitality. The light of a new day, pure and warm, infuses everything with a fresh energy. The image of the "hàng cau" (rows of areca palms) shines in the sunlight, with these tall trees being the first to receive the day’s rays.
The third line evokes an image of a lush, green environment: "Vườn ai mướt quá xanh như ngọc." The garden’s ownership is unclear, but it is evident that it is meticulously cared for, with abundant greenery. The phrase "xanh như ngọc" suggests a bright, vibrant green, symbolizing life and vitality. The word "quá" conveys the poet’s admiration and appreciation for the garden.
The natural scene culminates in the final line, where human presence briefly emerges: "Lá trúc che ngang mặt chữ điền." The phrase "mặt chữ điền" evokes a gentle, kind face. It’s as if the poet catches a glimpse of someone’s face behind the bamboo leaves. Could this be the face of the girl Hàn Mặc Tử secretly admired? Through this, the poet aims to capture the beauty of the people of Huế and the affection he feels for them and their land.
In conclusion, the first stanza of “Đây thôn Vĩ Dạ” paints a vivid, lively picture of nature in full bloom.


10. Essay on the first stanza of the poem "Đây thôn Vĩ Dạ" number 1


11. Essay on the first stanza of the poem "Đây thôn vĩ dạ" number 2
Poet Hàn Mặc Tử is recognized as one of the most creative poets of the new poetry movement. His life, though brief and filled with tragedy, is reflected in the profound and vibrant poetry he left behind. His works, filled with love for life, nature, and humanity, convey a deep yearning for a connection with the world. The poem “Đây thôn Vĩ Dạ” is a prime example, embodying both passion and despair. The first stanza presents a vivid and beautiful landscape.
The inspiration for “Đây thôn Vĩ Dạ” came from a photograph of Huế and a greeting from a girl from Vĩ Dạ while the poet was suffering from a terminal illness. The poem can be seen as a confession of love for life, from a soul that desperately wishes to embrace existence. The first stanza introduces a vibrant garden scene in the village of Vĩ Dạ bathed in the morning sun, where the simplicity of the surroundings contrasts with the poet's deep emotions of longing and passion. The natural beauty is captured in a unique way:
Why don't you come visit Vĩ Village?
Look at the sun over the betel nut trees rising high
The garden is so lush, green as jade
The bamboo leaves cover half the face, just like a gentle maiden
The first line opens with the word “Why,” a question that sparks a sense of curiosity and reflection in the reader. The use of “you” refers to the poet himself, creating an informal tone, close to the reader, as though inviting them into his personal experience. This rhetorical question seems to express the poet's own yearning to return to Vĩ Dạ, a place of memories and longing. At this moment, he is physically distant due to illness but mentally he is already back in the village, revisiting the beauty of the place in his mind.
The second line emphasizes the sensory experience of the poet observing the scene, with the word “look” focusing on the visual aspect. The repetition of “sun” emphasizes its omnipresence, shining brightly through the scene. The “new sun” symbolizing the dawn of a new day brings purity and life to everything it touches. The betel nut trees, tall and straight, are the first to greet the morning light. Through this, the poet creates a vibrant and dynamic image, giving depth to the garden scene.
The third line adds to the picture of Huế’s beautiful nature, using the indefinite pronoun “who” to express a sense of humility or insecurity. The word “lush” conveys the sense of young, fresh, and thriving life, while “green as jade” metaphorically illustrates how the garden seems to radiate vitality. The brightness of the green is almost glowing with life. The beauty of the garden is depicted as rich and overflowing with energy, just like the poet’s longing for life and connection.
The final line highlights the human element of the scene, depicting the beauty of the people of Huế. The phrase “face like a rectangle” refers to someone with a gentle and kind face. The image of bamboo leaves partly obscuring the face evokes a sense of modesty and shyness. This could symbolize the poet's own feelings of isolation and longing to return to his roots, to reconnect with life. The poet's affection for the people and the place is unchanging, no matter the distance or hardship.
The first stanza of “Đây thôn Vĩ Dạ” allows readers to glimpse into the poet’s soul, revealing a deep love for life, despite the suffering he was experiencing both physically and emotionally. It is a beautiful depiction of longing for a place that represents both peace and loss. The poem is a testament to the poet's enduring love for life, as he continues to dream of the vibrant village of Vĩ Dạ even in the face of illness.


12. Essay on the first stanza of the poem "Đây thôn vĩ dạ" number 3


