Top 4 Best Analyses of "In the Words of My Mother" by Trương Nam Hương (Literature 8 - Chân Trời Sáng Tạo Textbook)

PREPARATION FOR READING

Question: Share with your classmates a poem or a folk song that you love about mothers.

Answer:

Additional Reference:

Folk Song 1:

Who can count the leaves of the forest?

Who can count how many layers the sky has?

Who can count the stars?

Who can count the lifelong dedication of an old mother?

Folk Song 2:

Holding my child, mother counts the stars

Counting endlessly the hardships of life.

EXPERIENCE WITH THE TEXT

Question 1: Which lullabies does this verse remind you of?

Answer:

This verse reminds me of lullabies such as:

The stork goes to catch the rain

In the dark, who will guide the stork home?

The stork returns to visit the village

Visits the father, the mother, and the brother.

or:

Sleep well, my child

While I finish my chores, let me finish the coal pile

Sleep tight, my dear

Tomorrow you will grow up, a model student.

Question 2: What difference can you hear in the mother's lullaby in this verse compared to the previous seven verses?

Answer:

In this verse, what the child "hears" is the entire life of the mother, which the poet sees through her lullaby: Mother, in your words/ I can see the whole life unfold. In the previous verses, the child only "hears" the external things that the mother tells about.

REFLECTION AND RESPONSE

Question 1: What is the poetic form of "In the Words of My Mother"?

Answer:

The poem "In the Words of My Mother" is written in free verse.

Question 2: Are the rhymes in the poem continuous or alternate? How can this be determined?

Answer:

The rhymes in the poem are alternate. Most of the final words of the second and fourth lines in the stanzas rhyme with each other, which indicates the alternate rhyme pattern.

Question 3: Draw a diagram of the poem's structure. What is unique about this structure? (Illustration)

Question 4: Identify distinctive features in the imagery. The swaying rhythm of the lullaby and the full moon from the mother's youth/ still fragrant with the scent of areca.

Answer:

The poet uses the onomatopoeic word "swaying" instead of "rocking" to express a gentle and rhythmic movement that makes a strong impression in the poem. The imagery of the full moon from the mother's youth and its fragrance of areca highlights the emotional connection to the past, enhanced by personification to emphasize the mother's youthful years.

Question 5: How do you envision the mother as described from the third to the seventh stanza?

Answer:

The mother is portrayed as someone deeply connected to village life, loving and dedicated to her child, always working tirelessly and sacrificing quietly. She is depicted through the image of her graying hair and hunched back, which show the passage of time and the hardships she has endured. Despite her aging body, she continues to provide her child with a rich emotional and spiritual life, offering the best for her child's future.

Question 6: What is the dominant emotion in the poem, and how do rhyme, rhythm, and imagery contribute to expressing this emotion?

Answer:

The dominant emotion in the poem is love and gratitude towards the mother's sacrifices. The use of rhyme, rhythm, and imagery strengthens the emotional depth, highlighting the fleeting passage of time and the mother’s aging. These poetic devices evoke feelings of nostalgia, sorrow, and overwhelming gratitude from the child towards the mother. Additionally, the poet skillfully uses figurative language to underscore the rapid passage of time and the inevitable aging of the mother.

Question 7: In your opinion, what is the role of the title "In the Words of My Mother" in conveying the theme of the poem?

Answer:

The title reflects the child’s feelings, showing that through the mother’s lullaby, the child realizes many things, including the aging of the mother. The title succinctly captures the essence of the poem, illustrating its central theme and the soul of the work.

Question 8: How does the portrayal of the mother in this poem differ from other poems you know?

Answer:

The portrayal of the mother here is one of tenderness and sacrifice, with the mother enduring hardships for her child. Over time, her physical appearance changes—her hair turns gray, and her body weakens. Yet, she is always there for her child, supporting their dreams. Unlike other poems that describe the mother’s appearance or external features, this poem reveals the mother through the lullaby she sings, capturing the passage of time in her voice.

Preparation for Reading

(Page 13, Literature Textbook 8, Volume 1)

Share with your friends a poem or a folk saying you love that is about a mother.

Method of Solution:

Apply knowledge about poems and folk sayings

Gather knowledge of poems and folk sayings related to mothers.

Detailed Solution:

Experience with VB 1

Question 1 (Page 13, Literature Textbook 8, Volume 1)
Folk Saying:
Climbing the mountain, you’ll know how high it is
Raising a child, you’ll know a mother’s labor.
Anyone who says a mother’s work is like the mountain
Is wrong; a mother’s labor is even greater.
An old mother is like the midnight moon
Gently illuminating the steps of the child.

Poem “I Love My Mother” - Xuân Quỳnh:

- I love my mother like the sky
Vast and never-ending

- How can I know, then,
Where the sky truly is?
The sky is vast and high
But mother waits, when will I arrive?

- I love my mother like Hanoi
To remember her, I travel
From this street to that one
I will find her no matter where

This verse reminds me of what lullaby?
Method of Solution:

Remember those lullabies I once heard

Detailed Solution:

This verse reminds me of the following lullaby:
The stork goes to greet the rain
Darkness falls, who brings the stork home?
The stork returns to visit the village
Visiting father, visiting mother, the stork returns to visit the brother.

Remembering the lullabies I once heard
Experience with VB 2

Question 2 (Page 14, Literature Textbook 8, Volume 1)

What is the difference in the message conveyed in the mother’s lullaby in this verse compared to the previous seven verses?
Method of Solution:
Apply reading knowledge
Analyze the author's language to understand the content

Detailed Solution:
While the first seven verses express the beauty of nature and love for the homeland through the mother’s words, the final verse of the lullaby becomes a message of encouragement for the child to strive, to nurture dreams and passions, which becomes a strong motivation for the child to push forward.

Reflect and Respond 1

Question 1 (Page 14, Literature Textbook 8, Volume 1)
Identify the poetic form of the poem “In the Mother’s Lullaby”.

Method of Solution:
Apply the knowledge learned about poetic forms

Detailed Solution:
The poem is in the six-syllable verse form.

Reflect and Respond 2

Question 2 (Page 14, Literature Textbook 8, Volume 1)
Are the rhymes in the poem continuous or alternate? How do you identify this?
Method of Solution:
Apply knowledge of rhyme schemes

Detailed Solution:
The rhymes in the poem are alternate rhymes: “ngào - dao”; “xanh - chanh”…
Reason: Alternate rhymes are those that do not occur consecutively but are spaced out over one line in folk sayings and proverbs.

Reflect and Respond 3

Question 3 (Page 14, Literature Textbook 8, Volume 1)

Draw a diagram of the poem’s structure. What is unique about this structure?

Method of Solution:
Apply reading skills to understand the content of the text

Detailed Solution:

The poem's structure:
Part 1 (Verses 1 and 2): The lullaby from the mother reflects childhood memories.
Part 2 (Verses 3-7): Over time, the mother ages.
Part 3 (Final verse): The child’s belief in the future.

Reflect and Respond 4

Question 4 (Page 14, Literature Textbook 8, Volume 1)

Identify the distinctive features of the imagery in the lines “The rocking rhythm of the lullaby” and “The moon of mother’s youth,/ Still fragrant with the smell of betel leaves”.

Method of Solution:
Apply reading comprehension skills

Detailed Solution:
The rocking rhythm of the lullaby: This line evokes the world of childhood with the love of the mother, providing the child with sweet, fairy-tale-like years.

The moon of mother’s youth,/ Still fragrant with the smell of betel leaves: The image of the moon refers to the mother’s youth, still fragrant with the scent of betel leaves. The author uses personification to emphasize the mother’s youth as her most radiant time, while the passage of time and sacrifices for her child have made her older.

Reflect and Respond 5

Question 5 (Page 14, Literature Textbook 8, Volume 1)

How do you imagine the portrayal of the mother from the third to the seventh verse of the poem?

Method of Solution:
Apply reading comprehension skills

Detailed Solution:
The portrayal of the mother evokes deep sympathy. In the text, the mother is like all real mothers, who love their children unconditionally, nurturing, saving, and providing for them to live a fulfilling life. She sacrifices everything for her child, wishing for them to grow up and become someone valuable.

Reflect and Respond 6

Question 6 (Page 15, Literature Textbook 8, Volume 1)

What is the main inspiration of the poem, and how do the rhyme, rhythm, and imagery contribute to expressing this inspiration?

Method of Solution:
Apply reading comprehension skills

Detailed Solution:
The mother provides the child with “life” through the lullaby, giving the child “wings” to grow, allowing them to soar. The author’s emotions and thoughts about the mother are beautifully expressed! Thanks to the mother’s lullaby, the child understands life, especially the hardships and love the mother has for the child.

This poetic expression conveys the deep gratitude the author feels, encouraging a life philosophy of kindness and compassion: “The lullaby gives the child wings,/ As they grow, they will soar high.” This promise becomes the author’s life motto, always looking forward to the future with sweet enthusiasm.

The author uses alternate rhymes, a 2/4, 3/3 rhythm pattern, and diverse, simple, and familiar imagery to convey the poet’s emotions, highlighting the love and gratitude the author feels towards their mother.

Reflect and Respond 7

Question 7 (Page 15, Literature Textbook 8, Volume 1)

What role does the title “In the Mother’s Lullaby” play in expressing the theme of the poem?

Method of Solution:
Apply reading comprehension skills

Detailed Solution:
The title reveals and reflects the poem’s theme. In the text “In the Mother’s Lullaby,” the title helps readers understand the content, which emphasizes the importance of a mother’s lullaby in the life of each child.

Reflect and Respond 8

Question 8 (Page 15, Literature Textbook 8, Volume 1)

How is the portrayal of the mother in this poem different from other poems about mothers you know?

Method of Solution:
Apply analytical skills

Detailed Solution:

In the poem “In the Mother’s Lullaby,” the author expresses love and gratitude to the mother through simple, intimate, and natural imagery, especially using lullabies. The poet doesn’t explicitly state their emotions but instead conveys them through each verse and image. This subtlety demonstrates the poet’s skill and conveys the profound love for the mother in a delicate, nuanced way.

Reflections and Responses:

Question 1: Identify the poetic form of the poem 'In the Song of Mother'.

Answer:

The poem follows the six-syllable meter.

Question 2: Does the poem use alternate rhymes or continuous rhymes? How can we determine this?

Answer:

• The rhymes in the poem are alternate: 'ngao - dao'; 'xanh - chanh', etc.
• Explanation: Alternate rhymes are not consecutive but typically appear with a line of poetry between them in folk verses.

Question 3: Draw the structural diagram of the poem. What is unique about this structure?

Answer:

Poem Structure:

• Part 1 (Stanzas 1,2): Mother's lullaby filled with childhood memories.
• Part 2 (Stanzas 3,4,5,6,7): As time passes, the mother grows older.
• Part 3 (Final Stanza): The child’s faith in the future.

Question 4: Identify the special features of the images 'The swaying of the hammock in the folk song' and 'The moon of mother’s youth, still fragrant with the scent of betel nut'.

Answer:

• 'The swaying of the hammock in the folk song': This line evokes the world of childhood, filled with the mother’s love, providing the child with sweet and fairy-tale-like memories.
• 'The moon of mother’s youth, still fragrant with the scent of betel nut': The image of the moon refers to the mother’s youth, still lingering with the fragrance of betel nuts. The poet uses personification to highlight her youth, beauty, and radiance, showing how time and sacrifices for her child have aged her.

Question 5: How do you imagine the image of the mother portrayed from the third to the seventh stanza?

Answer:

The mother’s image depicted by the poet brings a sense of tenderness to the reader. She represents all real-life mothers who love their children endlessly, cherish them, and sacrifice everything for their well-being, hoping they grow up to be good people.

Question 6: What is the main emotion conveyed in the poem, and how do rhyme, rhythm, and imagery contribute to this emotion?

Answer:

• The poet presents the “whole life” of the mother in her lullaby, giving her child the wings to fly far. The poet’s emotions and reflections about the mother are deeply beautiful! Through the mother’s lullaby, the child learns about life, especially the hardships and the love the mother has given.
• The way the poet expresses these emotions shows a deep sense of gratitude. The lullaby metaphorically gives the child wings, symbolizing a promise for the future—a principle that directs the poet’s life toward a sweet, hopeful future.
• The poet uses alternate rhymes, a rhythm of 2/4 and 3/3, and simple, relatable imagery to convey thoughts and emotions, expressing love and gratitude toward the mother.

Question 7: In your opinion, how does the title 'In the Song of Mother' contribute to expressing the poem’s theme?

Answer:

The title reveals the essence and theme of the poem. For this text, 'In the Song of Mother' helps the reader understand the vital role of the mother’s lullaby in shaping the life of each child.

Question 8: How does the portrayal of the mother in this poem differ from other poems you have read?

Answer:

In 'In the Song of Mother,' the poet conveys love and gratitude to the mother through simple, heartfelt imagery, especially using lullabies. The poet does not explicitly state these feelings but uses every image to subtly express them, showing both the poet’s sensitivity and the talent of Truong Nam Huong.

* Preparation for Reading

Question (page 13, 8th Grade Literature, Volume 1):

Share with your friends a poem or folk verse that you love about mothers.

Answer:

• A folk verse that I love about mothers is:

Who can count the leaves of the forest

Who can count the layers of the sky above

Who can count the stars in the night

Who can count the labor of an aging mother.

Who says a mother’s love is like a mountain

In reality, her love is even greater.

• Experience with the Text

Link: Which lullabies does this stanza remind you of?

This stanza reminds me of the following lullabies:

Cuoi sat under the banyan tree,

Calling the cattle to graze, father calling from the sky.

Mother rides the horse, inviting guests,

The stork and the heron complain to me about the rice.

What’s this? It’s the stork standing on the edge,

Mother and the stork blame me.

Synthesis: How does the message in the mother’s song in this stanza differ from the previous seven stanzas?

The first seven stanzas describe the immense sacrifices and silent dedication of the mother to her child, while the last stanza expresses the child’s gratitude and love for the mother.

• Reflections and Responses

Main Content: The poem reveals the child's sorrow and deep gratitude toward the mother's silent sacrifices.

Question 1 (page 14, 8th Grade Literature, Volume 1): Identify the poetic form of the poem 'In the Song of Mother'.

Answer:

The poem follows the six-syllable form.

Question 2 (page 14, 8th Grade Literature, Volume 1): Does the poem use alternate or continuous rhymes? How do we determine this?

Answer:

The poem uses alternate rhymes as the final sounds in each pair of lines are spaced apart. For example: 'ngao – dao', 'xanh – chanh', etc.

Question 3 (page 14, 8th Grade Literature, Volume 1): Draw the structural diagram of the poem. What is unique about the poem's structure?

Answer:

• Poem Structure:
• The unique aspect of this poem's structure is:
  • First 3 stanzas: The child’s view of the world is shaped by the mother’s lullaby.
  • Next 4 stanzas: The child’s sorrowful realization of the mother’s sacrifices.
  • Final stanza: The child’s faith in the future.

Question 4 (page 14, 8th Grade Literature, Volume 1): Identify the distinct features of the images 'The swaying of the hammock in the folk song' and 'The moon of mother’s youth, still fragrant with the scent of betel nut'.

Answer:

• 'The swaying of the hammock in the folk song':
• The term 'chòng chành' symbolizes the hardships and struggles of the mother.

Despite the difficulties, the mother perseveres, raising her child with the best care, wanting them to experience the beauty of the world.

• The reversed adjective 'chòng chành' emphasizes how the lullaby endures over time, intertwined with the beauty of the land.

'The moon of mother’s youth, still fragrant with the scent of betel nut': 'Mother’s youth' is a metaphor for the earlier years of her life.

In the mother’s lullaby, the child sees the familiar images of the homeland, which fosters love and appreciation for nature while also acknowledging the mother’s ongoing struggles through the years.

Question 5 (page 14, 8th Grade Literature, Volume 1): How do you imagine the image of the mother from stanzas 3 to 7? What makes this portrayal unique?

Answer:

• The image of the mother from stanzas 3 to 7 portrays a hardworking, selfless figure who has spent years raising her child to maturity.
• What makes this portrayal unique is how the mother’s image is depicted alongside daily tasks and the passage of time: elements like grinding, rice, and grain evoke the image of a mother who works tirelessly for her children.

Question 6 (page 15, 8th Grade Literature, Volume 1): What is the main emotion in the poem, and how do rhyme, rhythm, and imagery contribute to this emotion?

Answer:

• The central emotion of the poem is sorrow and gratitude from the child toward the mother’s hard work and sacrifice.
• The rhyme, rhythm, and imagery work together to create a light, poignant feeling that vividly conveys the mother’s enduring love and sacrifices.

Question 7 (page 15, 8th Grade Literature, Volume 1): What role does the title 'In the Song of Mother' play in revealing the theme of the poem?

Answer:

The title plays a crucial role in expressing the poem’s theme: it highlights the mother’s love, encapsulating it all within her lullaby.

Question 8 (page 15, 8th Grade Literature, Volume 1): How is the portrayal of the mother in this poem different from other poems you have read?

Answer:

• In this poem, the portrayal of the mother differs because, while other poems may use symbolic images like 'dried areca' or 'clear spring water' to describe a mother’s love, this poem uses the lullaby itself to express the mother’s profound affection for her child.