Top 6 Best Analyses of "Bài ca Côn Sơn" by Nguyễn Trãi for Grade 7

I. IMPORTANT KNOWLEDGE TO REMEMBER
1. The Author
- Nguyễn Trãi (1380 - 1442), pen name Ức Trai.
- Birthplace: Chi Ngại, Chí Linh, Hải Dương; later moved to Nhị Khê (Thường Tín - Hà Tây).
- Father: Nguyễn Ứng Long, a poor scholar who was highly educated and passed the imperial examination under the Trần dynasty.
- Mother: Trần Thị Thái, daughter of Trần Nguyên Hãn.
- Born into a family with a strong tradition of patriotism, culture, and literature.
- Had a debt to the country and a vendetta against his family => joined Lê Lợi in the Lam Sơn uprising.
- 1427 - 1428: Lam Sơn uprising was victorious => wrote Bình Ngô Đại Cáo.
- Later, he contributed to nation-building but was wronged.
- In 1439, he retired to Côn Sơn.
- In 1440, he returned to official duties.
- In 1442, wrongfully accused in the Lệ Chi Viên incident => executed along with his family, and more than 20 years later, he was posthumously exonerated by Lê Thánh Tông.
=> Conclusion:
+ Nguyễn Trãi was a national hero, an extraordinary multi-talented individual, and a world-renowned cultural figure.
+ He endured the gravest injustices in Vietnamese feudal history.

2. Literary Career
a. Major Works
- Significant works written in Classical Chinese: Quân Trung từ mệnh tập, Bình Ngô Đại Cáo, Ức trai thi tập, Chí Linh sơn phú, Băng Hồ di sự lục, Lam Sơn thực lục,...
- Major works written in Vietnamese (Nôm script): Quốc âm thi tập, currently containing 254 poems divided into four categories: Vô đề, Thời lệnh môn, Hoa mộc môn, Cầm thú môn. The Vô đề section contains many subcategories: Thủ vĩ ngâm (1 poem), Ngôn chí (21 poems), Mạn thuật (14 poems), Thuật hứng (25 poems), Tự thán (41 poems), Tự thuật (11 poems), Tức sự (4 poems), Bảo kính cảnh giới (61 poems), etc.
b. Literary Value
* Political Writing:
- Theme: The dominant philosophy throughout his works is patriotism, humanism, and a deep love for the people.
- Artistic qualities: Achieves a high level of literary excellence, with tight structure and sharp arguments.
* Lyric Poetry:
- The ideals of the hero: Combining patriotism with a love for the people, always passionately persistent.
- The will and character of the hero: Strong-willed, unyielding, fighting for the nation and against oppression.
=> Conclusion:
+ Theme: Draws from two major inspirations: patriotism and humanity.
+ Artistry: Made significant contributions to both form and language.

3. Work
- Context of creation
"Bài ca Côn Sơn" (Côn Sơn song) was likely written during a period of hardship when Nguyễn Trãi was forced to retire and live in Côn Sơn.
Originally written in Classical Chinese, the poem was later translated into the lục bát verse form.
- Verse Form
Original: Classical Chinese poetry
Translation: Lục bát verse form
- Expression: Expressive

3. Content Value
The character "ta" in the beautiful, captivating scenery of Côn Sơn reflects a perfect harmony between the individual and nature, stemming from the noble character and poetic soul of Nguyễn Trãi.

4. Artistic Value
- Use of the personal pronoun "ta"
- Interweaving details describing both the scenery and the individual
- Use of rhetorical devices: similes, repetition (ta, Côn Sơn, như)
- Soft, gentle tone
- The translation into lục bát verse with clear, vivid, and engaging language

II. READING - UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT

Question 1 - Page 79 Textbook

Based on the brief explanation of the lục bát verse form in the footnotes, identify the structure of the excerpt from Bài ca Côn Sơn, specifically the number of lines, number of syllables in each line, and rhyme scheme.

Answer:

The verse form of the excerpt from Bài ca Côn Sơn is lục bát.

- Number of lines: There is no limit, but at least two lines must be present, one with six syllables followed by one with eight syllables.

- Number of syllables: One pair of lục bát (6 – 8) contains 14 syllables.

- Rhyme Scheme: End rhyme and internal rhyme.
+ The sixth syllable of the six-syllable line rhymes with the sixth syllable of the eight-syllable line (internal rhyme).
+ The eighth syllable of the eight-syllable line rhymes with the sixth syllable of the six-syllable line (end rhyme).

- All rhymes are even-toned.

Question 2 - Page 79 Textbook

Count the number of occurrences of the word "ta" in the excerpt and answer the following questions:

a. Who is the character "ta"?

b. How does the character "ta" appear in the excerpt?

c. The sound of the flowing stream is likened to the sound of a zither, and the moss-covered stone is likened to a soft mat. How do these metaphors help you understand the character of "ta"?

Answer:

There are five occurrences of the word "ta" in the excerpt.

a) The character "ta" here refers to the poet - Nguyễn Trãi.

b) Through the imagery of listening to the stream and imagining it as the sound of a zither, sitting on a mossy stone and feeling it like a soft mat, and lying in the cool shade while composing poetry, the character "ta" is portrayed as a person at peace with nature, immersing himself in the poetic beauty of Côn Sơn: a true poet Nguyễn Trãi.

c) The sound of the stream is compared to the sound of a zither, and the moss-covered stone is compared to a soft mat, showing that the poet has a deep emotional connection with nature, considering it as a close companion. This comparison suggests that the poet is a sensitive artist, rich in imagination.

Question 3 - Page 79 Textbook

Alongside the character of "ta," how is the scene of Côn Sơn described? What is your opinion of the scenery of Côn Sơn?

Answer:

- The scene of Côn Sơn is described with imagery of streams, rocks, pine trees, and bamboo, with a mossy carpet like a soft mat.

- The pine trees and bamboo symbolize the noble qualities of a gentleman.

→ The scene of Côn Sơn is picturesque, serene, and vast. Those who are drawn to such a beautiful scene are those with a poetic soul, with a noble character, and a love for nature.

Question 4 - Page 79 Textbook

What do you think about the image of "ta" leisurely reciting poetry in the cool shade of the bamboo trees? Based on that, how would you imagine the poet Nguyễn Trãi at Côn Sơn?

Answer:

The image of "ta" reciting poetry leisurely under the cool shade of bamboo trees evokes the image of a wise sage, unburdened by the worries of the world. This is a poet deeply in love with nature. Even though Nguyễn Trãi lived in seclusion, he remained deeply concerned for his country and people.

However, this only deepens our admiration for his poetic talent and soul. Despite life's many difficulties, Nguyễn Trãi still maintained a pure and beautiful love for nature. This reflects the most beautiful aspect of his noble spirit.

Question 5 - Page 80 Textbook

Identify instances of repetition in the poem and analyze how the repeated words contribute to the tone of the poem.

Answer:

- Repeated words in the poem: Côn Sơn (repeated twice), ta (repeated five times), trong (repeated three times), có (repeated twice).

- Effects of repetition:

+ It reflects the richness and diversity of the scene.

+ It conveys the speaker's deep admiration for the scenery.

+ It creates a rhythmic flow in the poem.

=> Such repetition gives the poem a leisurely, free-flowing tone. Even though Nguyễn Trãi retreated into seclusion, he did not become disillusioned or negative about life.

EXERCISES

Question 1 - Page 80 Textbook

Compare the way Nguyễn Trãi and Hồ Chí Minh use metaphors to describe the sound of the stream in their poems "Côn Sơn suối chảy rì rầm, Ta nghe như tiếng đàn cầm bên tai" and "Tiếng suối trong như tiếng hát xa" (Cảnh khuya). What are the similarities and differences?

Answer:

When comparing how Nguyễn Trãi and Hồ Chí Minh use metaphors to describe the sound of the stream in "Côn Sơn suối chảy rì rầm, Ta nghe như tiếng đàn cầm bên tai" and "Tiếng suối trong như tiếng hát xa" (Cảnh khuya), we observe the following:

- Both metaphors are products of poetic souls, able to connect with nature.

- Although the metaphors differ—one compares the stream to the sound of a zither, and the other compares it to a distant song—both music forms share a similarity. Therefore, both poets perceive the sound of the stream in a similar, poetic way.

I. Author and Work Overview

1. Author

Nguyễn Trãi (1380 – 1442), originally from Chi Ngại village, Chí Linh, Hải Dương, later moved to Nhị Khê village, Thường Tín, Hà Tây. He was a distinguished historical figure, possessing remarkable multi-talented skills but also suffered one of the most tragic false accusations in Vietnamese history. Nguyễn Trãi was the first Vietnamese to be recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Figure in 1980.

2. The Work

* Origin: The text of the "Bài ca Côn Sơn" is believed to have been written during Nguyễn Trãi’s retirement in Côn Sơn (now part of Chí Linh District, Hải Dương).

The excerpt in the textbook is taken from the poem "Côn Sơn ca" which is part of Nguyễn Trãi’s collection of Classical Chinese poems.

* Poetic Form: The "Bài ca Côn Sơn" is written in the traditional lục bát (six-eight) verse form.

II. Study Guide

Question 1:

The poem "Bài ca Côn Sơn" follows the lục bát form. The features of this form are:

Number of lines: No strict limit, but at least two lines, with one line having six syllables followed by an eight-syllable line.
Number of syllables: Each pair of lục bát (6 – 8) contains 14 syllables.
Rhyme Scheme: End rhyme and internal rhyme.
+ The sixth syllable of the six-syllable line rhymes with the sixth syllable of the eight-syllable line (internal rhyme).
+ The eighth syllable of the eight-syllable line rhymes with the sixth syllable of the six-syllable line (end rhyme).
All rhymes are of even tones.

Question 2:

The word "ta" appears five times in the excerpt.

a) The character "ta" refers to Nguyễn Trãi.

b) The character "ta" is presented in various states: sometimes listening to the stream, sitting on soft stone, lying under the green pine shade, or composing poetry amidst the bamboo groves.

=> The poet is shown as deeply connected to nature, absorbed in it, and portrayed as a true artist detached from worldly concerns.

c) The stream's sound is compared to the "zither’s tune," and the mossy stone is likened to a "soft mat." These metaphors demonstrate the poet’s refined sensibilities, making vivid and artistic connections with nature.

Question 3:

Along with the character of "ta," the Côn Sơn scenery is described with details: the gurgling stream, moss-covered rocks, whispering pines, and shaded bamboo.

=> Côn Sơn appears as a picturesque and serene landscape, perfect for poets to find solace and inspiration. It is depicted as a paradise for a poet to contemplate and write.

Question 4:

The image of "ta" reciting poetry under the bamboo shade portrays a perfect harmony between the poet and nature. In this scene, Nguyễn Trãi seems immersed in a peaceful, poetic moment amidst nature’s beauty.

From this, we understand Nguyễn Trãi as someone with noble character and a poetic soul. Despite life’s hardships, he maintained a pure and beautiful connection to nature, reflecting his elevated spirit.

Question 5:

* Repetition in the excerpt:

“Côn Sơn” is repeated twice.
“Ta” is repeated five times.
“Trong” appears three times.
“Có” is repeated twice.

* Purpose of repetition:

It emphasizes the richness and diversity of the landscape.
It reflects the speaker’s deep admiration for the scenery.
It creates a rhythmic flow in the poem.

=> This repetition contributes to a leisurely, rhythmic tone. Even though Nguyễn Trãi lived in seclusion, he remained positive and deeply connected to the world around him.

PRACTICE EXERCISE

Question 1 (page 81, Literature Textbook 7, Vol. 1):

Compare how Nguyễn Trãi and Hồ Chí Minh use metaphors to describe the sound of the stream in their poems: "Côn Sơn suối chảy rì rầm, Ta nghe như tiếng đàn cầm bên tai" and "Tiếng suối trong như tiếng hát xa" (Cảnh khuya). What are the similarities and differences?

Similarities:

+ Both poets use metaphors that reveal their poetic sensitivity and connection to nature.

+ Both poets describe the sound of the stream as akin to a musical instrument.

Differences:

One poet compares the stream’s sound to a zither’s tune, while the other likens it to a distant song.

A. KEY LEARNINGS

1. The Author

Nguyễn Trãi (1380 - 1442), also known as Ức Trai, was born in Chi Ngại village, Chí Linh district, Hải Dương province, and later moved to Nhị Khê village, Thường Tín district, Hà Tây province. He was an outstanding poet and writer in Vietnamese literature, whose contributions have left a profound legacy. Nguyễn Trãi became one of Vietnam's most revered historical figures, possessing rare talent and leaving invaluable contributions to the nation. His life, however, was marked by hardship, as he was wrongfully accused in the Lệ Chi Viên incident and met an untimely death. It wasn't until 1464 that his innocence was officially restored by King Lê Thánh Tông.

2. The Work

The poem "Bài Ca Côn Sơn" was likely written during Nguyễn Trãi's time in exile at Côn Sơn (now part of Chí Linh district, Hải Dương), after he resigned from his official duties. The poem reflects the perfect harmony between humanity and nature, with the poet's high character and artistic soul as the foundation of this union.

B. EXERCISES AND SOLUTIONS

Question 1: (Page 80 - 7th Grade Literature Textbook) Based on the brief explanation of the "lục bát" poetic form in the footnotes, identify the characteristics of the verse in the excerpt from "Bài Ca Côn Sơn," including the number of lines, the number of syllables per line, and the rhyming scheme.

Solution:
"Bài Ca Côn Sơn" is written in the "lục bát" form, a traditional style found in Vietnamese folk poetry. Key characteristics include:
Number of lines: There is no fixed number of lines, but it requires at least two: one with 6 syllables and the other with 8 syllables.
Number of syllables: A typical line has 14 syllables, forming a couplet with 6 and 8 syllables.
Rhyming scheme: The rhyme is both at the end and within the line. All rhyming words are in a flat tone, with the 6th syllable of the 6-syllable line rhyming with the 6th syllable of the 8-syllable line (rầm - cầm, êm - nêm, râm - ngâm).

Question 2: (Page 80 - 7th Grade Literature Textbook) Count how many times the word "ta" appears in the excerpt and answer the following questions:
a. Who is "ta" in this poem?

b. How is the image and soul of "ta" depicted in the poem?

c. The sound of the stream is compared to the sound of a "cầm" (Vietnamese lute). The moss-covered stone is compared to a comfortable mat. What do these comparisons reveal about "ta"?

Solution:
a. The word "ta" appears five times in the poem. "Ta" refers to the poet Nguyễn Trãi himself.
b. Through various images—listening to the stream, sitting on the comfortable stone, lying under the green pine, and reciting poetry in the bamboo forest—the poet reveals a state of tranquility, immersed in nature, and in harmony with his surroundings. He is at peace with the world, lost in the beauty of Côn Sơn.
c. The poem is rich in metaphors: "the sound of the stream" is likened to "the sound of a lute" and "the moss-covered stone" is compared to a "comfortable mat." These metaphors highlight the poet's delicate and romantic imagination, reflecting his deep connection to nature.

Question 3: (Page 80 - 7th Grade Literature Textbook) What specific details describe the scene of Côn Sơn in the poem? How would you describe the landscape of Côn Sơn?

Solution:
In just a few strokes, Nguyễn Trãi paints a vivid picture of a spacious, serene, and beautiful landscape. The scene of Côn Sơn is full of details: the murmuring stream, the moss-covered stones, the pine trees swaying in the wind, and the shaded bamboo groves. The landscape is like a painting—peaceful, romantic, and vast. It feels like nature embraces the poet in its calmness. Under the poet's keen eye, the landscape of Côn Sơn becomes a timeless masterpiece, blending beauty, music, and poetry.

Question 4: (Page 80 - 7th Grade Literature Textbook) How do you feel about the image of "ta" reciting poetry leisurely in the cool shade of bamboo? Based on this, how would you imagine Nguyễn Trãi at Côn Sơn?

Solution:
In the final lines of the poem, we encounter "ta" leisurely reciting poetry in the cool shade of the bamboo forest, evoking the image of an ancient sage, detached from worldly concerns. This image conveys the essence of a poet at peace with nature, surrendering completely to the beauty around him. The poem was written during Nguyễn Trãi's time in Côn Sơn, as he withdrew from the corrupt court to live a simple, reflective life. Despite the political turmoil, Nguyễn Trãi's heart remained dedicated to the country and the people. His love for nature is pure and beautiful, a reflection of his noble soul.

Question 5: (Page 81 - 7th Grade Literature Textbook) Identify the use of repetition in the poem and analyze its effect on the poem's tone.

Solution:
The repetition in the poem includes: "Côn Sơn" repeated twice; "ta" repeated five times; "trong" repeated three times; and "có" repeated twice. The use of repetition creates a rhythmic flow, expanding the spatial scope and deepening the emotional resonance. It enhances the reader's connection to the imagery and themes of the poem, reinforcing the tranquility and unity between the poet and nature.

Practice
Question 1: Practice (Page 81 - 7th Grade Literature Textbook) Compare the metaphors of the stream's sound in Nguyễn Trãi's poem "Côn Sơn Suối Chảy Rì Rầm" and Hồ Chí Minh's poem "Cảnh Khuya." What are the similarities and differences?

Solution:
Similarities:
Both poems reflect the poets' deep connection to nature, with a shared ability to translate nature's sounds into music. Both Nguyễn Trãi and Hồ Chí Minh illustrate nature’s music in human terms, demonstrating their poetic sensibilities.
Differences:
Hồ Chí Minh's metaphor, comparing the sound of the stream to a distant song, is more vivid and personal, while Nguyễn Trãi compares it to the sound of a cầm, reflecting a more classical and formal style of imagery.

Additional Notes
Write a brief essay on your impressions of "Bài Ca Côn Sơn".

Solution:
After years of turmoil and witnessing the pains of the world, Nguyễn Trãi returned to Côn Sơn, where he found peace and serenity. "Bài Ca Côn Sơn" reveals the purest and most beautiful elements of nature, captured through the sounds and sights of the stream, moss-covered rocks, and the green forests.
The poem's opening verses capture the tranquil sound of the stream, like the sound of a lute: "Côn Sơn suối chảy rì rầm, Ta nghe như tiếng đàn cầm bên tai." This connection to the stream expresses the poet’s deep immersion in nature, listening to the rhythm of life. Years later, Hồ Chí Minh also shared a similar experience, likening the stream to a distant song: "Tiếng suối trong như tiếng hát xa." Both poets capture the music of nature, but Nguyễn Trãi's comparison to a lute adds a deeper, classical resonance.
Not only is the sound of nature emphasized, but the vivid imagery of the landscape, with its lush greenery, also conveys the vitality of the natural world. Côn Sơn’s rocks, pines, and bamboo create a peaceful environment where humanity and nature coexist in harmony. In this poetic space, Nguyễn Trãi finds peace and a deep connection to his roots, using the traditional lục bát form to bring the landscape to life with joy and rhythm.

I. Brief Introduction to Author Nguyễn Trãi
- Nguyễn Trãi was born in 1380 and passed away in 1442, with the pen name Ức Trai. He was the son of Nguyễn Phi Khanh.
- Origin: He was originally from Chi Ngại village, Cộng Hòa commune, Chí Linh district, Hải Dương province. Later, his family moved to Nhị Khê village, Thường Tín district, Hà Tây province (now part of Hanoi).
- He played a significant role in the Lam Sơn uprising alongside Lê Lợi. Nguyễn Trãi became a remarkable historical figure, a rare genius. However, he tragically died unjustly in 1442, and it was only in 1464 that King Lê Thánh Tông cleared his name.
- He left behind a vast and rich literary legacy, including works like "Bình ngô đại cáo", "Ức Trai thi tập", "Quốc âm thi tập", "Quân trung từ mệnh tập".
- Nguyễn Trãi was the first Vietnamese to be recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Personality in 1980.

II. Overview of the Poem 'Bài ca Côn Sơn'
1. Context of Creation
- 'Bài ca Côn Sơn' (Côn Sơn ca) is likely to have been written during a time when Nguyễn Trãi was oppressed and had to retire to Côn Sơn.
- The poem was originally written in Classical Chinese, but here it is translated into the traditional Vietnamese verse form 'lục bát'.
2. Content Value
Through the depiction of the character 'ta' amidst the poetic scenery of Côn Sơn, the poem illustrates the harmonious connection between humanity and nature, which stems from Nguyễn Trãi’s noble character and poetic soul.
3. Artistic Value
- Usage of the personal pronoun 'ta'.
- Interweaving scenes and descriptions of both nature and people.
- Use of rhetorical devices like simile, repetition (ta, Côn Sơn, like).
- Gentle, soothing tone.
- The translation in the 'lục bát' form uses clear, vivid, and appealing language.

III. Answering the Questions

Question 1 (page 80, Vietnamese Literature 7, Volume 1)

'Bài ca Côn Sơn' is written in the lục bát verse form, which is a traditional Vietnamese style.

- The six and eight-syllable lines are linked together.

- The final syllable of the sixth line rhymes with the sixth syllable of the eighth line (e.g., 'rầm' rhymes with 'cầm').

- The final syllable of the eighth line rhymes with the final syllable of the next sixth line.

Question 2 (page 80, Vietnamese Literature 7, Volume 1)

a. The character 'ta' is the author himself.

b. The character 'ta' is a nature lover:

+ Enjoys listening to the sound of the stream, likening it to the melody of a natural instrument.

+ Likes to sit under the shade of trees in the forest and compose poetry.

→ The character 'ta' is in harmony with nature, perceiving it through a poet's heart.

The sound of the stream is likened to the sound of a harp, while the mossy stone is compared to a soft mattress.

→ This simile shows that the character 'ta' is a lover of nature, with a rich imagination, akin to a sensitive artist.

Question 3 (page 64, Vietnamese Literature 7, Volume 1)

+ Côn Sơn is portrayed with streams, stones, pines, and bamboo, with mossy beds as soft as mats.

+ The pine and bamboo are beautiful plants, symbolic of noble people.

→ The scenery of Côn Sơn is poetic, enchanting, and expansive. Those who seek such beauty are people with poetic souls, noble character, and a love for nature.

Question 4 (page 64, Vietnamese Literature 7, Volume 1)

+ The character 'ta' recites poetry leisurely under the green shade of bamboo groves.

→ This image reflects those who are virtuous, resembling the noble scholars and sages often found in classical poetry.

+ With a return to nature, it symbolizes spiritual nourishment.

→ Nguyễn Trãi at Côn Sơn embodies the spirit of a noble person.

Question 5 (page 64, Vietnamese Literature 7, Volume 1)

- Repetition: The word 'ta' appears 5 times, 'like' 3 times, 'Côn Sơn' 2 times, and 'has' 2 times.

- The repetition highlights the character 'ta' amidst nature, emphasizing the inherent beauty of Côn Sơn.

- The comparisons reveal the uniqueness of the landscape.

- The repetition creates a gentle, harmonious rhythm in the verse.

- 'Ta' appears at the beginning, middle, and end of the lines, adding fluidity to the poem.

Practice

Exercise 1 (page 81, Vietnamese Literature 7, Volume 1)

Similarity: Both poets compare the sound of the stream in nature, using it as a subject of perception and comparison.

+ Nguyễn Trãi and Hồ Chí Minh are both great figures with poetic souls.

- Differences: The stream in Nguyễn Trãi's poem is linked to the Côn Sơn stream, while the stream in Hồ Chí Minh's poem is unnamed.

+ Nguyễn Trãi hears the stream like the sound of a harp, while Hồ Chí Minh hears it like the distant sound of a song.

+ The stream in Nguyễn Trãi's poem seems to be heard during the day, while in Hồ Chí Minh's poem, it is perceived at night.

Answer to Question 1 (page 80, Textbook for Vietnamese Literature 7, Volume 1):

Based on the brief introduction to the form of the Lục Bát verse in the notes, identify the poetic form of the excerpt from the poem "Bài ca Côn Sơn" regarding the number of lines, syllables per line, and rhyme scheme.

Detailed Answer:

The poetic form of the excerpt from "Bài ca Côn Sơn" is Lục Bát.

- Number of lines: There is no limit, but it must consist of at least two lines, with a six-syllable line followed by an eight-syllable line.

- Number of syllables: A pair of Lục Bát lines (6 – 8) contains 14 syllables.

- Rhyming pattern: End rhymes and middle rhymes.

+ The 6th syllable of the 6th line rhymes with the 6th syllable of the 8th line (middle rhyme).

+ The 8th syllable of the 8th line rhymes with the 6th syllable of the 6th line (end rhyme).

- All rhymes are even tones.

Answer to Question 2 (page 80, Textbook for Vietnamese Literature 7, Volume 1):

Count how many times the word 'ta' appears in the excerpt and answer the following questions:

a. Who is the character 'ta'?

b. How does the image and spirit of the character 'ta' appear in the excerpt?

c. The sound of the babbling stream is compared to the sound of a zither. The mossy stone is compared to a soft mat. What do these metaphors reveal about the character 'ta'?

Detailed Answer:

The word 'ta' appears five times in the excerpt.

a) The character 'ta' refers to Nguyễn Trãi, the poet.

b) From hearing the stream sound like a zither, sitting on stones that feel like soft mats, and lying under the cool shade while composing poetry, the character 'ta' appears as a relaxed figure, immersing himself in the natural beauty of Côn Sơn: a poet Nguyễn Trãi at heart.

c) The babbling stream is compared to the sound of a zither, and the moss on the stones is compared to a soft mat. These metaphors show that the poet is deeply connected to nature, seeing it as a close companion. The descriptions reflect a sensitive, imaginative artist.

Answer to Question 3 (page 80, Textbook for Vietnamese Literature 7, Volume 1):

Along with the image of the character 'ta', how is the scenery of Côn Sơn depicted? What do you think of Côn Sơn’s landscape?

Detailed Answer:

Alongside the image of the character 'ta', the landscape of Côn Sơn is described with elements such as a babbling stream, moss-covered stone tables, green bamboo groves, and cool shade. Côn Sơn truly reflects a natural, tranquil beauty.

Answer to Question 4 (page 80, Textbook for Vietnamese Literature 7, Volume 1):

What are your thoughts on the image of 'ta' leisurely composing poetry in the cool shade of bamboo? From that, how do you imagine the poet Nguyễn Trãi in Côn Sơn?

Detailed Answer:

The character 'ta' leisurely composes poetry in the refreshing green of the bamboo's shade. This image conveys an ideal harmony between the human and the natural world. From this harmony, we see Nguyễn Trãi as a person of high moral character and a poetic soul. This reflects a deeper philosophy: humans and nature are one.

Answer to Question 5 (page 81, Textbook for Vietnamese Literature 7, Volume 1):

Identify the use of repetition in the excerpt and analyze how it affects the tone of the poem.

Detailed Answer:

- Repetitions in the poem: 'Côn Sơn' is repeated twice; 'ta' appears five times; 'trong' is repeated three times; and 'có' appears twice.

- Effect:

+ Reflects the diversity of the scenery.

+ Demonstrates the speaker’s deep admiration for the scenery.

+ Creates a rhythmic flow in the poem.

Practice

Compare the metaphor of the stream's sound in Nguyễn Trãi's verses "Côn Sơn suối chảy rì rầm, Ta nghe như tiếng đàn cầm bên tai" with Hồ Chí Minh's metaphor in "Tiếng suối trong như tiếng hát xa" (Night Scene). What similarities and differences do you find?

Detailed Answer:

Comparing Nguyễn Trãi's metaphor of the stream in "Côn Sơn suối chảy rì rầm, Ta nghe như tiếng đàn cầm bên tai" with Hồ Chí Minh’s in "Tiếng suối trong như tiếng hát xa," we find the following similarities and differences:

- Both metaphors come from poetic souls, able to resonate with nature.

- Although one compares the stream to a zither and the other to singing, both liken the stream’s sound to music. Thus, their appreciation of the stream is quite similar.

Structure

Structure: 2 sections

- Section 1 (first 4 lines): The scenery of Côn Sơn.

- Section 2 (last 4 lines): The human presence in Côn Sơn's nature.

Main Content

The poem conveys the harmony between humans and the pure, beautiful nature, revealing Nguyễn Trãi’s carefree, free-spirited, and leisurely soul.

I. Author

- Nguyễn Trãi (1380 - 1442), known by the pen name Ức Trai, was the son of Nguyễn Phi Khanh.

- His birthplace was Chi Ngại village, Cộng Hòa commune, Chí Linh district, Hải Dương province.

- Nguyễn Trãi is a celebrated historical figure, a rare polymath.

- In 1442, he became entangled in the Lệ Chi Viên case and was sentenced to execution along with his family. He was later exonerated during the reign of King Lê Thánh Tông.

- Nguyễn Trãi was the first Vietnamese figure to be recognized as a World Cultural Celebrity in 1980.

II. The Work

1. Creation Context

The poem "Bài ca Côn Sơn" was likely written during a time when Nguyễn Trãi was marginalized at the royal court and had retreated to live in Côn Sơn.

2. Poetic Form

The original Classical Chinese text is written in a different form, but the translation follows the traditional Vietnamese lục bát (six-eight) form.

III. Reading and Understanding the Text
1. The Landscape of Côn Sơn
- The natural scenery of Côn Sơn is vividly portrayed through key images:
The sound of the stream flowing
Stones covered in moss
Pines growing densely
In the forest, there are shaded bamboo groves
=> The scenery is vast and untouched by human hands.
- The comparisons of nature to:
The stream's sound - the sound of a zither: harmonious, resonant, and soulful
Stones covered in moss - a soft mat
Pines growing densely like a handwoven mat
Bamboo shades
=> In the poet's eyes, nature is wild yet full of charm.

2. Harmony Between Humans and Nature
- The repetition of the pronoun “ta” emphasizes the presence of humans amidst the expansive natural world.
- Despite being small, “ta” shares a deep connection with nature:
“Ta nghe như tiếng đàn cầm bên tai” (I hear it like the sound of a zither beside my ear): Listening to the stream, it feels like the music of a zither.
“Ta ngồi trên đá như ngồi chiếu êm” (I sit on the stone as if it were a soft mat): Sitting on moss-covered rocks feels as comfortable as sitting on a mat.
“Tìm nơi bóng mát ta lên ta nằm” (Seeking shade, I lie down): Enjoying the cool shade leisurely.
“Trong màu xanh mát ta ngâm thơ nhàn” (In the cool green, I leisurely recite poetry): Not only enjoying life but also indulging in the joy of poetry, showing a peaceful soul.
=> The lyrical figure blends with nature, experiencing its tranquility and serenity. At this moment, nature is the closest and most intimate companion.

IV. Summary

- Content: The poem illustrates the scenic beauty of Côn Sơn and the harmonious connection between humans and nature, stemming from Nguyễn Trãi's poetic soul.

- Artistry: The poem follows the lục bát form, using repeated words for emphasis…

V. Answering the Questions
Question 1. Based on the introduction to the lục bát poetic form in the footnote (*), identify the poetic form of the excerpt from "Bài ca Côn Sơn" in terms of the number of lines, syllables, and rhyme scheme.
- Lục bát form: There is no fixed number of lines; each line alternates between six and eight syllables.
- Rhyme: The last syllable of the six-syllable line rhymes with the sixth syllable of the eight-syllable line, and the last syllable of the eight-syllable line rhymes with the last syllable of the six-syllable line in the following pair, alternating every two lines with a consistent rhyme. (rầm - cầm, êm - nêm, râm - ngâm).

Question 2. Count how many instances of “ta” appear in the excerpt and answer the following questions:
- There are five instances of “ta.”
a. The figure of “ta” can be understood as the poet himself.
b. The image and soul of the figure “ta” in the poem:
- Image: A person who loves nature and lives in harmony with it.
- Soul: A sentimental poet, enjoying the rare moments of peace to harmonize with nature’s beauty.
c. The comparison of “Tiếng suối chảy rì rầm” (The stream’s sound flowing murmuring) to “tiếng đàn cầm” (the sound of a zither) and “Đá rêu phơi” (The moss-covered stone) to “chiếu êm” (a soft mat). What do these comparisons tell you about the figure of “ta”?
These comparisons show “ta” as someone who lives in harmony with nature, with a rich imagination and an optimistic, joyful spirit when immersed in the natural world of Côn Sơn.

Question 3. Alongside the image of “ta,” how is the scene of Côn Sơn portrayed? What is your opinion of the scene?
- Côn Sơn appears through a poetic depiction of nature with:
The sound of the stream flowing
Stones covered in moss
Pines growing densely
In the forest, there are shaded bamboo groves
- Opinion: The scenery is enchanting and picturesque, a peaceful and poetic landscape.

Question 4. What is your feeling about the image of the figure “ta ngâm thơ nhàn trong màu xanh của trúc bóng râm” (I leisurely recite poetry in the green shade of bamboo)? From this, what kind of person do you think the poet Nguyễn Trãi is in Côn Sơn?
- The image of “Trong màu xanh mát ta ngâm thơ nhàn” (In the cool green, I recite poetry leisurely): Not just enjoying life, but the figure of “ta” also indulges in the joy of reciting poetry.
- Nguyễn Trãi resembles the wise sages of the past, living a quiet, secluded life without care for worldly matters.

Question 5. Identify the repetition of words in the excerpt and analyze the effect of the repeated words on the tone of the poem:
- The word “ta” is repeated five times; the phrase “Côn Sơn” is repeated twice.
- The use of repetition emphasizes the unity between humans and nature. It also creates a lilting rhythm, making the poem’s tone melodious, akin to the sound of a zither.

Practice
Question 1. How do the metaphors for the stream in Nguyễn Trãi’s lines “Côn Sơn suối chảy rì rầm, Ta nghe như tiếng đàn cầm bên ta” and Hồ Chí Minh’s line “Tiếng suối trong như tiếng hát xa” (Night Scene) compare and contrast?
- Similarities: Both use the sound of the stream as a metaphor to convey a musical experience. Whether it's the “sound of a zither” or the “sound of distant singing,” both evoke melodious, musical sounds that can only be appreciated by sensitive souls like those of the two poets.
- Differences:
Bài ca Côn Sơn: Compares the stream’s sound to the zither, closely tied to the locale of Côn Sơn.
Cảnh khuya: Compares the stream’s sound to distant singing, with no specific location mentioned.

Question 2. Memorize the excerpt from "Bài ca Côn Sơn".
- Students are encouraged to memorize it on their own.
- Pay attention to difficult or easily confused images (such as pines growing densely like a mat, shaded bamboo groves…).