Top 5 Essays Analyzing the Image of Cốm in Thạch Lam's Reflection through the Excerpt "A Gift from Young Rice: Cốm" (Literature 7)

In the 1930s, a new literary phenomenon emerged in Vietnam: Thạch Lam. A member of the Tự sự literary group, Thạch Lam differed from his peers by not focusing on romantic love stories, but rather directing his pen towards the simplicity and everyday life that closely connect with the human experience. As a sensitive and refined writer, his work evokes beautiful feelings about life and humanity.

Initially known for his short stories, which earned him a reputation for their poetic quality, Thạch Lam ventured into a new literary territory and achieved great success with his collection of essays, *Hà Nội băm sáu phố phường*.

This collection, which depicts the daily life, ordinary gifts, streets, and shops in pre-1945 Hanoi, is invaluable in its cultural and social insights, and expresses a deep love for the homeland and respect for traditions. One of the essays in this collection, titled *A Gift from Young Rice: Cốm*, stands out.

Cốm, a simple and common treat, is something many might overlook. But few, like Thạch Lam, possess the keen eye and profound sensitivity to fully appreciate its beauty.

The essay begins with the scent of lotus leaves carried by the summer breeze across the lotus fields on the lake. This fragrance evokes the aroma of Cốm, the delicate gift of young rice. The sensation is incredibly refined, especially as the author opens his heart to embrace the full, pure fragrance of the rice fields and young rice:

The summer wind sweeps through the lotus fields on the lake, infusing the air with the scent of leaves, heralding the arrival of a humble, pure gift. Do you ever catch the scent when passing through green rice fields, the smell of fresh, tender rice kernels? Inside the green husk, there is a drop of white, fragrant milk, faintly tinged with the essence of flowers and grass. Under the sun, the milk slowly thickens, and the rice ear bows under the weight of its pure and precious substance.

This beautiful passage is filled with lyrical emotions, evoking a sense of nostalgia and longing for the countryside.

Cốm is a simple and pure gift, but it is also a product of human skill. Thạch Lam gently guides the reader to admire the artistry of those who make Cốm. He doesn't delve into the process of making Cốm but instead highlights that it is an art passed down through generations, a secret tradition that must be preserved with care. In Thạch Lam's perception, the image of the girls from Cốm-making villages is filled with affection and tenderness.

From his reflection on the fragrance of Cốm and its delicate formation from nature’s finest gifts and human craftsmanship, Thạch Lam shifts his admiration to the true value of Cốm: it is a unique gift of the land, a product of expansive rice fields, carrying with it the rustic, simple, and pure essence of the Vietnamese countryside.

The understated, humble value of Cốm, which is often overlooked, is something only those with a deep love for their homeland, like Thạch Lam, can truly appreciate.

Thạch Lam’s reflections on the value of offering Cốm as a gift during the Tet holiday offer readers a fresh perspective, helping them understand the deeper significance of this simple tradition. It’s a cultural beauty that must be preserved, as opposed to the misguided imitation of foreign customs. This gentle yet poignant critique resonates deeply.

In the final part of the essay, Thạch Lam discusses the appreciation of Cốm. How many of us have considered how to enjoy this simple gift? For Thạch Lam, eating Cốm is about savoring the essence contained within it: 'Eat Cốm slowly, thoughtfully, and reflectively. Only then will you truly appreciate the flavors it carries— the fresh rice scent, the fragrance of wild flowers, the tender green of the leaves, and the sweetness of the Cốm, which mirrors the gentle purity of nature.'

Thạch Lam’s artistic sensibility is so keen that it forces us to reflect deeply.

The essay concludes with a beautiful suggestion: we should savor this gift of nature, crafted by human hands, with care and reverence. Indeed, appreciating Cốm elevates the experience and makes the joy of it even more profound.

This heartfelt proposal from Thạch Lam expresses a deep affection for the humble gift of young rice.

To express his ideas and emotions, Thạch Lam carefully selects words, using sentences rich in rhythm and poetic imagery. His essay becomes an exceptional work of art, saturated with lyrical beauty.

Thạch Lam’s writing truly enriches and purifies the soul of the reader.

The essay "A Gift from Young Rice – Cốm" is part of the collection *Hà Nội băm sáu phố phường* by Thạch Lam, published in 1943. It speaks of a traditional, humble, yet deeply cultural treat: Cốm. With heartfelt admiration, the author discovers and celebrates the cultural significance contained within this special gift.

At the start, the author doesn't immediately showcase the beauty and flavor of Cốm, but instead gently leads the reader to understand its origins and the ingredients that make up this unique gift: "The summer breeze brushes over the lotus leaves on the surface of the lake... heavy with the pure essence from the heavens." While the process of making Cốm could be explained simply, Thạch Lam crafts a beautiful, artistic passage filled with vivid and delicate imagery.

The writer seems to use all his senses to feel the pure, untainted origins of Cốm from nature. When discussing its preparation, he doesn't delve too deeply into the details but highlights key aspects: "Wait for the perfect moment, which only the skilled can determine... the girls from the Vòng village make this soft and fragrant Cốm..."

In the capital of Hanoi, there are many villages known for making Cốm, but the most famous is Vòng village, where the Cốm is particularly soft and aromatic. Every autumn, people eagerly anticipate the arrival of Vòng Cốm, waiting for the young women in neat clothing carrying their baskets of Cốm, gracefully moving along like dragon boats swaying in rhythm.

With profound respect and affection for Cốm, the author highlights its significance: "Cốm is a unique gift of the land... it lifts the heart and refreshes the soul." As a country rooted in rice farming, Cốm is a product tied to the cultural practices of Vietnam, carrying the spiritual value and cultural essence of the people. Finally, the author discusses the proper way to enjoy Cốm, as it is a refined gift: "It is not a gift for those in a hurry... just as Cốm is naturally wrapped in lotus leaves..."

Cốm refuses to be treated carelessly, which is why when savoring it, one should take small bites, enjoy it slowly, and reflect deeply to fully appreciate the flavors that carry the essence of heaven and earth. It is not an exaggeration for the author to advise: "Do not hastily grab or handle this divine gift... and the joy will be much greater."

It can be said that such eloquent and tender writing reflects the author’s genuine emotional connection with this traditional gift, embodying the spirit of his homeland and country. From a simple, traditional food, the author touches on profound themes of life.

The essay "A Gift of Young Rice: Com – Thach Lam" is taken from the collection "Hanoi's Thirty-Six Streets" (1943), a series of essays about the sights and flavors of Hanoi, especially its simple but delicious daily treats that reflect the ancient cultural identity of the capital. In this work, with his delicate and sensitive writing, Thach Lam uncovers the cultural beauty of Vietnam embodied in a humble yet special product: Com (green rice flakes).

When people think of autumn in Hanoi, they immediately recall the cool, crisp winds, the small flowers falling along the streets, and the magical gift from young rice – Com. Naturally, Thach Lam introduces the autumn breeze, carrying the essence of Com, by describing the fresh scent of young rice intertwined with the purity of lotus leaves. The opening paragraph reads like a poem, subtly blending fragrance and color. The author uses beautiful adjectives for Com: graceful, pure, fragrant, and fresh. Thach Lam's style moves from the broad, general picture to the specific, from the vast rice fields to a single grain of rice: "Within the green husk, there's a drop of fragrant white milk, faintly scented with the fragrance of countless flowers and herbs. Under the sunlight, the drop slowly hardens, and the rice panicle bends down, heavy with the precious purity of Heaven." This delicate transformation from a grain of rice to Com reflects the meticulous craftsmanship of the people making it. Though Thach Lam doesn't provide a detailed description of the Com-making process like other authors, his brief but exquisite sketches allow readers to imagine the entire journey, from a fragrant drop of white milk in the rice husk to the final product – a delicious, chewy, and fragrant Com.

Com is closely associated with the name of Vong village, as no place can produce Com as chewy, fragrant, and tasty as this village in the outskirts of Hanoi (now part of Cau Giay District). If you've ever visited Vong village during autumn, hearing the rhythmic pounding of Com day and night, and watching the swift hands of the workers winnowing and sifting the rice, you would truly appreciate the beauty of the Com-making craft. The beauty of Com is also highlighted by the charming vendors who carry their baskets of Com, with their clothes neatly arranged and the distinctive curved bamboo pole resembling a dragon boat. In the early morning mist of autumn, the people of Hanoi eagerly anticipate the sight of these women, their baskets of Com, and the autumn scent spreading through every corner (Băng Sơn). The curved bamboo pole, which has been handed down through generations, symbolizes the care and tradition behind the craft, and its gentle, graceful curve was once compared by Băng Sơn to the curve of a fishing rod or the sky bending down to cradle the Com.

The value of Com lies not in its material worth, but in its cultural and spiritual significance. Com is a gift from the countryside, a national specialty that carries the rustic simplicity, purity, and elegance of the Vietnamese homeland. It is commonly given as a gift during the Lunar New Year festival, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity. The green color of Com, like jade, and the red hue of pomegranate-like sweets complement each other, bringing balance and lasting happiness. Thach Lam laments the fading of such beautiful customs and regrets that some people lack the sensitivity to appreciate the noble, subtle charm of Com. However, thankfully, autumn still flourishes with the country's natural beauty, and Com is reborn, renewing the hearts of those who cherish it (Băng Sơn).

Com, with its elegance and refinement, is a true delicacy. The making of Com is an art, and so is its enjoyment. One should not consume too much at once, and Com cannot be sold in bulk like rice or vegetables. Com is not for the hasty; it must be savored slowly and thoughtfully, for to the artist's mind, eating Com is a way to taste the essence of autumn, the harmony of nature, and the peacefulness of rural life. Thach Lam, a true connoisseur of Com, describes the experience with all of his senses: the fragrant aroma of young rice, the green color of Com, the freshness of young leaves, the sweetness of Com, and the delicate, subtle nature of this humble plant.

Thach Lam cherishes Com not only for its flavor, but for its symbolism. In contrast, Băng Sơn, while lost in the joy of eating Com, imagines the maker of it: "A pinch of Com, placed in the palm, tilting the head back to let it melt on the tongue. It dissolves and blends with the sweetness of the earth and the sky, with the scent of lotus blossoms, the rustling of rice fields, the drifting clouds, and the distant memory of a woman grinding Com by moonlight." This image evokes a sense of fragility and gentleness, for Com cannot accept any rough, clumsy handling. As the lotus leaf naturally cradles Com, so too must Com be handled with care. Thach Lam treats Com with great reverence, seeing it not as an ordinary gift of life, but as a creation that embodies the spirit of the heavens, the earth, and the deft hands of the artisans. He advises those purchasing Com to handle it gently, with respect, and to appreciate the skill and patience of its makers.

The essay "A Gift of Young Rice: Com" by Thach Lam is like a lyrical poem in prose form, rich in imagery, color, and emotion. Through it, the author paints a full picture of a valuable cultural treasure that should be preserved. Simple yet noble, Com is a grain of sticky rice transformed into something extraordinary. It is the essence of creativity, the result of millennia of tradition, and a symbol of national pride (Băng Sơn).

Com - when talking about this elegant dish with deep flavors of rural Vietnam, we cannot help but think of Hanoi, with its cool autumn breezes. There's nothing more joyful and heartwarming than holding a packet of this precious treat from childhood days. I would often ask my mother to buy me packs of com wrapped in lotus leaves whenever we went to the market.

At that time, I didn't fully understand the significance of the lotus leaves wrapping the vibrant green com grains. I just knew that if the com was scented with the fragrance of lotus leaves, it would be absolutely perfect. Perhaps that's why the writer Thach Lam mentioned it in his famous work *Hanoi's Thirty-Six Streets*, where he described it as a 'gift of young rice – com.'

'The summer breeze brushes over the lotus flowers by the lake, infusing them with the scent of the leaves, signaling the arrival of a delicate and pure gift. Can you smell it, as you walk past the lush fields where the first rice grains weigh down the rice stalks, releasing a fragrance of fresh rice? In that green husk, there's a drop of pure white milk, faintly fragrant with the scent of flowers and herbs. Under the sun, the milk solidifies, and the rice stalks bend down, heavy with the precious essence from the sky.'

From just a few opening lines, we can already sense the delicate elegance of these rice grains, which after much labor, transform into the smooth green com we know today. These grains of com are a result of the earth's and sky's essence. All of this adds value to the small com grains, which carry many more meanings than we realize. The breeze carries the sweet scent of the land and sky of Hanoi, which is particularly infused with the fragrance of lotus leaves.

When talking about Com, one of Hanoi's iconic delicacies, Com from Vong Village is considered one of the most culturally refined dishes. Vong Com offers not only delicate colors in its soft green hue but also a fragrance blended with lotus leaves that mesmerizes. To truly appreciate this dish, one must take the time to savor its aroma, a unique fragrance that, once experienced, will be unforgettable.

To create these delicate com grains, the artisans behind the process pour immense skill and effort into their work, and not everyone can craft com of such quality. Com comes in two types: soft com and crispy com. Each type is enjoyed in different ways. But if you're from Hanoi, you'd know that eating com is an art form. Eating it alone doesn't fully bring out the full taste of its young rice flavor. But when paired with fruits like ripe persimmons or Chuoi Ngu (a rare banana variety), the flavor transforms into something extraordinary. These combinations don't just offer a burst of flavor but also warm the heart. This is a taste of the countryside. This practice has become a common habit among those who enjoy com.

Imagine on a cool, misty morning, when we hold a warm packet of com, freshly wrapped in large, dark green lotus leaves. The scent of new rice mingles with the fragrance of lotus leaves, creating an unforgettable aroma of Com from Vong Village. It's customary to eat com by hand, without spoons or chopsticks, picking up small handfuls to truly savor the experience.

Today's busy lives make it hard to find the street vendors selling these packets of com. Thus, it is crucial to preserve such cultural treasures like Com, so future generations can still experience these unique elements of our heritage.

Hanoi, a land rich in culture, is home to many unique products that embody the essence of this thousand-year-old city. When thinking of Hanoi, we cannot forget Pho, Cha Ca La Vong, and especially Com from Lang Vong. This traditional treasure, made from local harvests and the people, is a source of pride for the region. The elegance and purity of Com, much like the people of Hanoi, is beautifully depicted in the essay 'A Gift from the Young Rice: Com' by writer Thach Lam.

Through his deep understanding and knowledge, Thach Lam describes the origins of Com. The emotion stirred by the gentle scent of lotus flowers on the lake, with its leaves hinting at a delicacy that is 'elegant and pure'—Com. Made from young, uncooked rice, the grains inside are filled with a 'drop of white milk, faintly fragrant like grass.' Under the sun, this milky drop solidifies, becoming the precious Com. Com encapsulates the purity and beauty of nature. The passage describes its origin in such delicate, expressive language, filled with lyrical emotion. Reading Thach Lam’s words, one can almost inhale the pure fragrance of Com.

The process of making Com is meticulous, requiring patience. To create these fragrant, soft grains, one must wait for the perfect moment, known only to those with expertise, to harvest the rice. Along with special family recipes passed down through generations, creating Com becomes a refined art. Surprisingly, what seems like a simple, rustic food is actually a complex and meticulous craft. The Com from Lang Vong is famous far and wide for its distinct taste.

As the Com is brought to people, it is done so with elegance. The vendors, in neat clothing, carry their goods on a curved pole like a dragon-shaped boat. The beauty of the people enhances the charm of Com.

Thus, the enjoyment of Com is special, requiring all senses. One must savor it slowly, reflecting on the fragrance of rice (smell), the gentle sweetness and purity of the Com (taste), and the fresh green of the Com (sight). Com is a delicacy to be appreciated slowly, not rushed. It is a humble treat, yet through careful consideration, the author shows a cultural attitude toward savoring Com.

Com is more than just a simple gift; it carries deep meanings within Vietnamese culture, as Thach Lam eloquently explains. Com is given as a gift during Tet and used in wedding ceremonies. The harmonious colors of Com and the red of the roses symbolize something beautiful and meaningful: 'the fresh green of Com, like precious jade, the red of the roses like ripe pomegranate.' There is no better match than this. Com is tied to good fortune and spiritual value in Vietnamese culture.

Thach Lam uses literary devices such as personification, metaphors, and similes. His words are poetic, gentle, yet profound, sensitive, and full of respect.

This essay illustrates Com as a national specialty, a gift from the countryside, bestowed by nature. Through this, we also see Thach Lam's deep respect and his determination to preserve the cultural traditions of the nation.