Top 6 Best Compositions of 'Lượm' by Tố Hữu for 6th Grade

A. CENTRAL KNOWLEDGE

1. Author:

To Huu (1920 – 2002), born Nguyen Kim Thanh.
Hometown: Thua Thien – Hue Province.
Born into a poor Confucian family, he began learning poetry at the age of six or seven.
After the August Revolution, To Huu became a leading intellectual and artistic leader of the Party and State, as well as a prominent poet of Vietnam's revolutionary literature.
1996: Awarded the Ho Chi Minh Prize for literature and arts.
Notable works: "From There" (Poetry, 1946); "Vietnam’s North" (Poetry, 1954); "The Winds" (Poetry, 1961); "To War" (Poetry, 1972); "Blood and Flowers" (Poetry, 1977); "A Sound of the Lute" (Poetry, 1992).

2. The Work:

Lượm – written in 1949, included in the collection "Vietnam’s North".
Context of creation: In his memoir "Recalling a Time," in both editions published by the Writer's Association Publishing House in 2000 (page 260) and the Cultural Publishing House in 2002 (page 200), To Huu shared that he wrote this poem in 1952 while attending the Third Central Committee Conference on January 21, 1952. During this meeting, a comrade from Thua Thien recounted stories of brave fighters in their homeland and informed To Huu about a young fighter named Lượm.
The poem’s content: The poem narrates and describes Lượm through the perspective of his uncle. It tells the story of their meeting in Hue city during the "Hue Bloodshed" day, Lượm’s heroic sacrifice during a mission, and the everlasting image of Lượm.

B. EXERCISES AND GUIDANCE

Question 1: Page 76, Grade 6 Literature Book, Volume 2

What events are recounted in the poem about Lượm, and by whose voice? Based on the order of narration, can you identify the structure of the poem?

Answer:
The poem tells the story of Lượm through the words of his uncle.
The story describes their meeting in Hue during the "Hue Bloodshed" day, Lượm’s brave sacrifice while performing a messenger duty, and his eternal presence in the hearts of the people.
The structure can be divided into three parts:
Part 1: from the beginning to "My child walks away..."
=> The meeting in Hue.
Part 2: “My child walks away” to "soul drifting among the fields..."
=> Lượm’s brave sacrifice during his messenger mission.
Part 3: The remaining part
=> Lượm lives on forever in the land and the nation.

Question 2: Page 76, Grade 6 Literature Book, Volume 2
How is Lượm depicted in the second to fifth stanzas from the narrator's perspective (appearance, attire, gestures, speech)? What qualities make Lượm so charming and beloved?
How do the artistic elements such as reduplicative words, rhymes, rhythms, and comparisons in these stanzas contribute to portraying Lượm's image?

Answer:
In the second to fifth stanzas, Lượm is described as:
Attire: A charming, slightly tilted cap
=> Highlights the innocent, youthful nature of a teenager.
Appearance: Petite, like a small bird hopping around with rosy cheeks.
=> Reflects cuteness, innocence, and the beauty of health nurtured by sunlight and fresh air.
Gestures: A proud head tilt, whistling cheerfully, running around energetically, smiling broadly.
=> Demonstrates lively, quick-witted youth. This may be a result of his messenger duties.
Speech: Natural, sincere.
"I'm going to deliver a message
It's fun, uncle!"
=> Expresses a joyful, carefree attitude, proud of his job, with no concern for the dangers he faces.
The poetic techniques used in this stanza include:
Reduplicative words (petite, hopping, proud...),
Rhymes (petite – hopping, proud – tilted, loud – gold...),
Rhythmic patterns and comparisons (Like a small bird...)
=> These elements emphasize Lượm's playful, energetic, and endearing personality, making him highly lovable.

Question 3: Page 76, Grade 6 Literature Book, Volume 2
How does the poet depict Lượm’s final messenger journey and sacrifice? What emotions does Lượm’s image evoke for you?
In this stanza, there are some particularly structured verses and stanzas. Can you identify them and explain their role in expressing the author's feelings?

Answer:
The poet imagines Lượm’s final mission as perilous and challenging: the battlefield, bullets whizzing by, a pressing mission. Yet, Lượm faces these dangers calmly:
"Venture past the frontlines
Not afraid of danger?"
His sacrifice: The enemy kills Lượm, shooting him in the lonely fields. Lượm falls like a little angel, his hands clutching a flower, his soul drifting among the fragrant rice fields:
"Lượm lies on the rice
Hands clutching the flower
The rice smells like milk
His soul drifts in the fields"
=> Lượm’s bravery is unforgettable, evoking admiration and sorrow.
Some uniquely structured verses in this stanza include:
"So that's it
Lượm, oh!"
=> This conveys a shock of grief and disbelief.
"It’s over, Lượm, oh!"
=> A lamentation. The poet, following Lượm’s journey, watches helplessly as the enemy’s bullet strikes, resigned to the inevitable death of Lượm.
"Lượm, oh, are you still there?"
=> A verse that is broken into its own stanza. The reader should pause, emphasizing disbelief and sorrow, unable to accept the reality, even though it is true. In truth, Lượm has passed away. Yet, because of the love and admiration for him, the narrator believes Lượm lives on.
The repetition of these two stanzas at the end highlights that Lượm lives on, continuing his work as a messenger, undeterred by death. The poem ends with a sense of vitality, affirming that Lượm’s spirit remains unbroken.

Question 4: Page 76, Grade 6 Literature Book, Volume 2
In the poem, the narrator uses various terms of address for Lượm. Can you identify these terms and explain their role in expressing the poet’s attitude and relationship with Lượm?

Answer:
Throughout the poem, the narrator calls Lượm by several names: Child, little one, Lượm, Little comrade, and so on.
The variations in addressing reflect the changing relationship between the poet and Lượm: from uncle and nephew to comrades, from a poet to a soldier who has fallen in battle.
In the final stanza, the poet refers to Lượm as "little one," because Lượm is no longer just the poet’s nephew. Lượm belongs to everyone, a young soldier who gave his life for his homeland and country.
The change in address deepens the emotional connection, making the poem even more poignant.

Question 5: Page 76, Grade 6 Literature Book, Volume 2
Why, after the heartbreaking line "Lượm, are you still there?", does the poet repeat the two stanzas from the beginning with the image of a joyful and carefree Lượm?

Answer:
The line "Lượm, are you still there?" is a sorrowful question about Lượm’s sacrifice. After this line, the poet repeats the first two stanzas, showing Lượm’s lively and joyful image.
The repetition serves to affirm that Lượm does not die, he lives on in the hearts of all. The earlier stanza that describes Lượm’s transformation:
"Lượm lies on the rice
Hands clutching the flower
The rice smells like milk
His soul drifts in the fields"
Once again, the poet emphasizes that Lượm lives forever in everyone’s hearts, his spirit forever intertwined with the land and nation.

Practice
Exercise 2: Page 77, Grade 6 Literature Book, Volume 2
Write a 10-line paragraph describing Lượm’s final messenger journey and his sacrifice.

Answer:
Lượm received an urgent letter from a comrade and prepared to leave. The frontlines erupted in gunfire, enemy planes hovered above. Under the midday sun, the village roads were deserted, the rice in the fields had begun to flower. Far away on the green expanse, Lượm’s cap could be seen. He crossed roads and fields to deliver the letter to the commander. Suddenly, a bomb dropped from the enemy plane. Boom! Lượm fell, his cap tossed far away. His face covered in dirt, his clothes stained with the red of blood. His hands tightly grasped the rice stalks, still fragrant with milk. His eyes slowly closed... It was over, Lượm, oh!

I. Author

To Huu (born Nguyen Kim Thanh) was born in 1920 in Thua Thien - Hue, and passed away in 2002 in Hanoi. Born into a poor Confucian family, To Huu began writing and composing poems at the age of 6 or 7. He was enlightened about the revolution during the Democratic Front period and became the leader of the Democratic Youth Union in Hue. To Huu started publishing poems in the press in the years 1937–1938. In 1939, he was arrested by the French colonialists. In 1942, To Huu escaped prison and continued his revolutionary activities. In 1945, he led an uprising in Hue. After the August Revolution, To Huu became the intellectual and artistic leader of the Party and the State, and a prominent revolutionary poet in Vietnamese literature.

Some of To Huu’s works include: *Từ ấy* (poetry, 1946), *Việt Bắc* (poetry, 1954), *Gió lộng* (poetry, 1961), *Ra trận* (poetry, 1972), *Máu và hoa* (poetry, 1977), *Một tiếng đờn* (poetry, 1992), *Xây dựng một nền văn nghệ lớn xứng đáng với nhân dân ta, thời đại ta* (essay, 1973), *Cuộc sống cách mạng và văn học nghệ thuật* (essay, 1981), *Nhớ lại một thời* (memoir, 2000).

Additionally, To Huu received several awards: First Prize in the Vietnamese Literature Prize (1954-1955); ASEAN Literature Prize (1996), Ho Chi Minh Prize in Literature and Art (first batch, 1996).

II. Study Guide

Question 1:

The poem tells and describes Lượm through the author's reminiscences and imagination. In the atmosphere of mourning and death during the days in Hue, the uncle accidentally meets his young, innocent, cheerful, and optimistic nephew, Lượm, during the early days of the resistance against French colonialism. The heroic sacrifice of Lượm while performing his mission, and the image of the boy remains forever.

The structure of the poem: The poem *Lượm* can be divided into three parts:

Part 1: from the beginning => “Cháu đi xa dần”: The image of Lượm in the accidental meeting of the two uncles.

Part 2: continued => “Hồn bay giữa đồng”: The story of the last mission and the heroic sacrifice of Lượm.

Part 3: the rest: The image of Lượm lives on forever.

Question 2:

The image of Lượm from the 2nd to the 5th verse is vividly and clearly depicted through artistic details:

Outfit: The cute, slightly tilted cap, the neat uniform typical of the communication soldiers during the anti-French resistance => representing the boy’s charm, innocence, and healthy appearance.

Actions: The head held high, the mouth whistling loudly, running energetically on the road, with a mischievous smile => these show his innocent, carefree nature, possibly shaped by the job's peculiarities.

Words: “Cháu đi liên lạc. Vui lắm chú à” (I am on a mission. It’s so much fun, uncle) => this cheerful, carefree, and proud confession shows that Lượm was not concerned about the dangers of the work, often facing death.

Artistic elements such as reduplication, rhyme, rhythm, and comparisons in the poem help accurately and vividly portray the image of a communication soldier.

Question 3:

The poet describes the last mission and Lượm’s sacrifice as dangerous and difficult:

The battlefield, bullets flying. The urgent mission, Lượm remains calm, overcoming challenges.

Vượt qua mặt trận

Sợ chi hiểm nghèo?

The enemy’s gunfire hit Lượm, and the boy fell in a desolate field:

Cháu nằm trên lúa

Tay nắm chặt bông

Lúa thơm mùi sữa

Hồn bay giữa đồng.

> The image of Lượm – a courageous young messenger, who earned the admiration and affection of everyone.

In this part, some verses and stanzas are uniquely structured with one verse (although normally each stanza contains four lines). These verses are even broken into two lines (Ra thế/Lượm ơi!…; Thôi rồi, Lượm ơi!…; Lượm ơi, Còn không?…). These stanzas and verses convey the immense grief and sorrow, as if they were forcefully compressed and then abruptly revealed upon hearing the news of Lượm's sacrifice.

Question 4:

In the poem, the narrator addresses Lượm using various terms of endearment:

“Chú bé” (the little boy): A form of address from an elder to a younger one, showing affection without being overly intimate.

“Cháu” (my child): A term that expresses closeness and affection, as if the adult were addressing a beloved family member.

“Chú đồng chí nhỏ” (my little comrade): A respectful form of address that also shows affection for a young soldier.

“Lượm ơi” (Lượm, oh): Used when the narrator's emotions are at their peak, filled with deep sorrow and admiration.

Question 5:

“Lượm ơi, còn không?” (Lượm, are you still there?), this verse at the end of the poem is a sorrowful question after Lượm’s sacrifice. After this, the poet repeats the first two stanzas, recalling the cheerful and innocent image of Lượm, as the author refuses to believe that the boy has died. The poet asserts that Lượm lives on eternally, in both time and in the hearts of the people of Hue and future generations.

1. Author

- Tố Hữu (1920 - 2002), born Nguyễn Kim Thành, hails from Thừa Thiên – Huế. He was born into a poor Confucian family.

- He was a revolutionary and a prominent poet of modern Vietnamese poetry.

- He held significant political roles, such as a member of the Politburo, Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, and Vice Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

- In 1996, he was honored with the Hồ Chí Minh Prize for Literature and the Arts.

- He is considered the flagbearer of revolutionary and wartime poetry, and his work epitomizes the artistic philosophy of the Revolution.

- Tố Hữu's poetry is subtle, gentle, and deeply touching, resonating with the soul of every generation, and continues to be a source of spiritual strength and cultural value, enduring within the era of Hồ Chí Minh.

- Notable works include: "Việt Bắc," "Lượm," "Hoan Hô Chiến Sĩ Điện Biên," "Việt Nam Máu Và Hoa," "Từ Cu-ba," and poetry collections such as "Từ ấy" (1937 – 1946), "Việt Bắc" (1947 – 1954), "Gió lộng" (1955 – 1961), "Ra trận" (1962 – 1971), "Máu và Hoa" (1972 – 1977), "Một tiếng đờn" (1978 – 1992), ...

2. Work

- The poem "Lượm" was written in 1949 during the resistance against the French and was published in the collection "Việt Bắc".

- Content: The poem tells the story of a young messenger named Lượm, who is innocent, joyful, enthusiastic, and courageous. Lượm sacrifices himself, but his image lives on in the hearts of the homeland and the people.

- Artistry: Through a combination of narration, emotional expression, and the four-line verse form, enriched with vivid imagery and rhythmic cadence, the poem successfully portrays the character of Lượm.

- Structure: The poem is divided into three parts:

+ Part 1 (first 5 stanzas): Lượm's meeting with the narrator.

+ Part 2 (next 7 stanzas): Lượm’s mission and sacrifice.

+ Part 3 (last 2 stanzas): Lượm’s eternal image.

Reading and Understanding the Text

1 - Page 76 Textbook

The poem tells the story and describes Lượm through what events and by whose words? Based on the sequence of narration, find the structure of the poem.

Answer:

– The poem narrates and describes Lượm through the voice of the narrator, based on two main events:

+ The encounter between the two in the city of Huế on the "day Huế bled".

+ Lượm’s heroic sacrifice while on a mission, and the image of Lượm enduring in the hearts of people.

- Structure of the poem "Lượm":

+ Part 1 (first 5 stanzas): The meeting of the narrator and Lượm in Huế.

+ Part 2 (next 7 stanzas): Lượm’s sacrifice while on a mission.

+ Part 3 (remaining stanzas): The eternal image of Lượm with the nation.

2 - Page 76 Textbook

How is Lượm’s image described in stanzas two through five through the narrator's perspective (appearance, actions, speech)? What qualities make Lượm’s image lovable and admirable?

How do artistic elements like reduplication, rhyme, rhythm, and comparisons affect the portrayal of Lượm?

Answer:

Lượm's image (stanzas 2 to 5):

– Appearance: small, with quick, nimble feet.

– Clothing: neat, with a tilted cap.

– Actions: head held high, whistling cheerfully, hopping along the road.

– Speech: natural, honest, and respectful: “I’m going on a mission, I’m very happy, Uncle, at Mang Cá station, I like it more than at home.”

– Artistic techniques: reduplication, comparisons, fast and lively rhythm.

→ Lượm is portrayed as an intelligent, agile, and carefree boy. Despite the dangers of his job, he remains courageous and unafraid.

3 - Page 76 Textbook

How does the poet imagine and describe Lượm’s final mission and sacrifice? What emotions does Lượm’s image evoke in you?

In this stanza, some lines and verses have unique structures. Identify these lines and explain their emotional impact.

Answer:

– The poet imagines Lượm’s final mission:

+ Very dangerous: bullets whistling by, a crucial mission.

+ Lượm’s mission is vital and urgent: the letter marked "urgent".

+ Mindset: Lượm remains calm and brave (not afraid of danger).

– The image of Lượm sacrificing himself and falling as part of the earth:

+ Lying on the rice field.

+ The rice smells like milk.

+ His spirit rises above the fields.

→ The image of Lượm’s fall leaves us in awe and deeply moved.

– The special structure of the verse: "So that’s it, Lượm!…" expresses sorrow and regret over Lượm’s sudden sacrifice.

4 - Page 76 Textbook

Throughout the poem, the narrator addresses Lượm using various terms. Identify these terms and analyze how these shifts in address reflect the narrator’s relationship with Lượm.

Answer:

- The narrator uses the following terms for Lượm: "child," "little boy," "Lượm," and "comrade child."

→ These terms reflect a multifaceted relationship: both as uncle and nephew, and as comrades.

- In the final stanza, the narrator calls Lượm "little boy" because by then, Lượm is no longer the narrator's alone.

- Lượm becomes a hero in the hearts of all people; a young soldier who sacrificed for the homeland.

5* - Page 76 Textbook

The line "Lượm, are you still there?" placed near the end of the poem, expresses deep sorrow after Lượm’s sacrifice. Why does the poet repeat the first few stanzas with the joyful, innocent image of Lượm?

Answer:

– The line "Lượm, are you still there?" is placed near the poem's end to express emotional loss and affirmation.

+ The line conveys sorrow, regret over Lượm’s sacrifice.

+ The question also shows a sense of disbelief, as if the narrator cannot accept the reality of Lượm’s death.

– After this poignant question, the joyful image of Lượm is repeated, confirming that his image will live on in the hearts of the people and the nation.

II. Practice

1 - Page 77 Textbook

Memorize the excerpt from "One day..." until the end of the poem.

Answer:

The excerpt to memorize is as follows:

One day

Like any other day

The little comrade

Puts the letter in the bag

Flies across the battlefield

Bullets whizzing by

The letter marked "Urgent" (9)

Not afraid of danger?

The rural road is lonely

The rice grows thick

The little boy’s cap

Bobbing on the field...

Suddenly a red flash

That’s it, Lượm!

!The little comrade

A stream of fresh blood

The child lies on the rice

Gripping a rice stalk

The rice smells of milk

The spirit rises across the fields...

Lượm, are you still there?

The little boy, so small

His neat little bag

His quick little feet

His proud little head.

Cap tilted

Whistling loudly

Like a sparrow

Jumping on the golden road...

2 - Page 77 Textbook

Write a paragraph of about ten lines describing Lượm’s final mission and sacrifice.

Answer:

In the poem "Lượm," the image of the young, quick-witted, and brave messenger leaves a lasting impression on every reader. Lượm, on his mission, faces constant danger from bombs and bullets, yet with his sharp mind and courageous spirit, he remains unfazed by peril. One day, as he delivers an urgent letter, he races across the battlefield, dodging the flying bullets. But suddenly, a bullet strikes, and a stream of fresh blood spills: Lượm falls, still gripping a rice stalk. He dies in the rice field, blending into the landscape, his image forever etched in memory as a symbol of heroism and sacrifice.

I. Overview of the Author: Tố Hữu (1920 - 2002)

- Birth name: Nguyễn Kim Thành

- Hometown: Phù Lai village, Quảng Thọ commune, Quảng Điền district, Thừa Thiên – Huế province

- Background:

His father was a poor Confucian scholar who struggled to make a living but had a deep love for poetry and a passion for collecting folk songs and proverbs.
His mother, also from a scholarly family, knew many folk songs from Huế and had a great love for her son.
→ Both parents contributed to nurturing Tố Hữu's poetic soul.

- Pen name: According to Tố Hữu’s own explanation, in 1938, he went to Laos to visit an elder brother. There, he met a scholar from Quảng Bình who gave him the pen name "Tố Hữu" (which means "inherent", referring to the latent courage within him). Tố Hữu accepted the name but interpreted "hữu" as "a pure companion", different from the original meaning of the scholar.

- Life:

Tố Hữu was deeply involved in revolutionary activities from 1938.
After the revolution, he held important positions in literary work and in the leadership of the Party and the state.
After 1986, he lost political credibility due to his responsibility in currency crises and was relieved from managerial positions, only retaining his role as a National Assembly delegate and leadership positions in literature and arts.
→ He is regarded as a revolutionary and one of Vietnam's great poets.

- Literary Career:

Tố Hữu began writing at an early age (since his teenage years).
His work was mainly in poetry, and he achieved great success in this genre.
His poetry is praised for being gentle, sweet, and deeply moving, resonating with all generations. His work has been preserved and continues to be an important cultural and spiritual asset during the era of Hồ Chí Minh.
Notable works: Từ ấy, Việt Bắc, Hoan hô chiến sĩ Điện Biên, Khi con tu hú, Ta với ta, Bà má Hậu Giang...
- Awards: He was awarded the Hồ Chí Minh Prize in literature and arts in 1996.

II. Overview of the Poem 'Lượm'

1. Origin

- 'Lượm' was written by Tố Hữu in 1949, during the resistance against French colonial forces, and was published in the collection 'Việt Bắc'.

2. Circumstances of Creation

In December 1946, a battle broke out between our forces and the French in Huế. By February 1947, the front at Huế collapsed, and our forces withdrew to the jungle, shifting to guerrilla tactics. At that time, Tố Hữu returned to Huế from Hanoi to serve the resistance. On the way, he happened to meet Lượm, a young, quick-witted, and cheerful messenger boy. Soon after, Tố Hữu learned of Lượm’s heroic sacrifice while delivering a letter. Deeply moved by Lượm's death, Tố Hữu wrote the poem 'Lượm'.

3. Genre

- Four-line poetry (with a 2/2 rhythm) – a narrative poem

4. Mode of Expression

- The poem combines narrative with description and emotional expression.

5. Narrative Perspective

- Third person perspective

6. Structure of the Poem

- The poem is divided into three parts:

Part 1: From the beginning to “Cháu đi xa dần” – The chance meeting of the two characters

Part 2: From “Cháu đi đường cháu” to “Hồn bay giữa đồng” – The brave sacrifice of Lượm

Part 3: The remaining part – The enduring image of Lượm

7. The Poem's Content Value

The poem portrays the image of the innocent, cheerful, brave messenger boy Lượm, who, despite his young age, displays great courage. Although Lượm has passed away, his image continues to live on in the hearts of the people and the nation.

8. The Poem's Artistic Value

- The use of four-line verses

- The poem features reduplication words that are vivid and melodious

- The artistry in character portrayal

- The integration of various modes of expression: description, narration, and emotional expression.

Question 1 (page 76, 6th-grade literature textbook):

- The poem narrates and describes Lượm from the perspective of the uncle.

+ It tells of the meeting between the two in Huế during the “bloody day in Huế”.

+ It also describes Lượm’s heroic sacrifice while on duty, and how his image continues to live on.

- Structure:

+ Part 1 (First 5 stanzas): The meeting of the two in Huế.

+ Part 2 (Next 7 stanzas): Lượm’s sacrifice while performing his mission.

+ Part 3 (The rest): The eternal image of Lượm.

Question 2 (page 76, 6th-grade literature textbook):

The portrayal of Lượm (from stanzas 2 to 5):

- His appearance: small and nimble, his feet swift

- Attire: neat, with a slightly tilted cap

- Activities: head held high, whistling, hopping along the road

- His speech: natural, sincere, respectful: “I’m going to deliver the message, it’s fun, Uncle. I prefer staying at the Mang Cá camp than at home.”

- Artistic techniques: reduplication, comparisons, fast and lively rhythm

→ Lượm is depicted as a bright, agile, and carefree young boy. Despite the difficult and dangerous task, he is courageous and unafraid of danger.

Question 3 (page 76, 6th-grade literature textbook):

- The poet describes Lượm's final, perilous mission: bullets flying around, an urgent task.

- Lượm's mission is critical and urgent: a letter marked 'urgent'.

- Lượm's mindset: calm and brave (unafraid of danger).

- The image of Lượm’s heroic sacrifice: he falls amidst the fields, lying in the rice.

+ He lies among the rice plants

+ The rice gives off a sweet scent

+ His soul flies across the field

→ This image of Lượm’s fall evokes admiration and sorrow.

The special stanza: “Ra thế/Lượm ơi!...” expresses deep grief and sorrow over his sudden sacrifice.

Question 4 (page 76, 6th-grade literature textbook):

- The poet addresses Lượm using terms like “child”, “little boy”, “Lượm”, “little comrade”.

→ This shows the complex relationship between them: both uncle and nephew, as well as comrades.

- In the final stanza, the poet calls Lượm “little boy” because Lượm is no longer just the poet’s. He has become a hero to everyone.

- Lượm becomes a hero in the hearts of all, a small soldier who sacrificed for his homeland and country.

Question 5 (page 76, 6th-grade literature textbook):

- The line “Lượm ơi, còn không?” is placed near the end of the poem to express emotion and affirmation.

+ It conveys a sense of loss and sorrow over Lượm’s sacrifice.

+ The question also reflects a sense of disbelief, as if the poet cannot believe that Lượm is gone.

- After the special line “Lượm ơi, còn không?”, the poet repeats the image of Lượm at the beginning of the stanza to affirm that Lượm’s image will remain forever in the hearts of the people and the nation.

EXERCISES

Exercise 1 (page 77, 6th-grade literature textbook):

Memorize the poem from 'Một hôm nào đó' to the end of the poem.

Exercise 2 (page 77, 6th-grade literature textbook):

In the poem 'Lượm', the image of the quick, intelligent, brave young messenger leaves a deep impression on the reader. Lượm performed the task of delivering messages, often facing the dangers of bombs and bullets, but with his quick wit and bravery, he showed no fear of danger. In one instance, while delivering an urgent letter, after placing it in an envelope, Lượm crossed through the battlefields where bullets were flying. Suddenly, a bullet hit him, and “a stream of fresh blood” poured out… Lượm fell, still holding the stalks of rice. Lượm sacrificed himself in the rice fields, becoming one with the land.

Answer to Question 1 (page 76, Textbook Literature 6, Volume 2):

The poem "Lượm" by Tố Hữu recounts and describes Lượm through the events narrated and imagined by the author. In the mournful atmosphere of death during the bloody days in Hue, the uncle unexpectedly encounters his young nephew Lượm, a cheerful and optimistic boy in the early days of the resistance against French colonialism.

- The poem recalls and describes Lượm through the author's memories and imagination. Despite the war-torn backdrop, the uncle meets the lively and optimistic Lượm, a young boy eager to contribute to the resistance effort.

- Lượm overcame many dangers to fulfill his mission and tragically sacrificed himself in the rice fields of his homeland.

* The structure of the poem: Three sections:

- Section 1: From the beginning until "Cháu đi xa dần" ⟶ The chance encounter between the uncle and Lượm.

- Section 2: Continuing until "Hồn bay giữa đồng" ⟶ The story of Lượm's final mission and sacrifice.

- Section 3: The remainder ⟶ The enduring image of Lượm's spirit.

Answer to Question 2 (page 76, Textbook Literature 6, Volume 2):

How is Lượm depicted in the lines from the second to the fifth stanza, from the narrator's perspective (clothing, appearance, gestures, speech)? What qualities of Lượm stand out in this depiction?

How do artistic elements like reduplication, rhyme, rhythm, and similes enhance the portrayal of Lượm's image?

Detailed answer:

Lượm is vividly depicted from stanzas two to five, with artistic details like:

- Appearance: small and nimble, but quick and mischievous (The legs swiftly darting, The head held high).

- Clothing: A small satchel, a slanted cap. Lượm's outfit resembles that of the national soldiers during the resistance against French colonialism. However, Lượm is still young, so his satchel is merely "cute" and his cap is tilted, conveying a sense of youthful bravado and energy.

- Gestures: Very agile (like a sparrow), carefree, full of joy (whistling, squinting with a smile).

- Speech: natural and sincere (I'm off to deliver messages, It's fun, Uncle! I'd rather be at the Mang Cá post than at home!).

* Artistic features like reduplication (nimble, swift, high), rhyme (nimble - swift, high - slanted, ringing - golden...), rapid rhythm, and similes (Like a sparrow...) all contribute to portraying Lượm as a joyful, energetic, and devoted young messenger, making him a lovable and endearing character.

Answer to Question 3 (page 76, Textbook Literature 6, Volume 2):

How did the poet imagine and describe Lượm's final mission and sacrifice? What emotions does Lượm's image evoke for you?

In this stanza, some lines and stanzas are uniquely structured. Can you identify these lines and explain their effect in expressing the poet's emotions?

Detailed answer:

- The poet imagines Lượm's final mission as perilous: bullets whizzing by, an urgent task.

- Lượm's mission is vital and urgent: a top-secret letter.

- Lượm is calm and brave (unafraid of danger).

- Lượm's heroic sacrifice is depicted as part of the land itself:

+ Lying on the rice field.

+ The rice gives off a milky fragrance.

+ The soul flies over the fields.

⟶ Lượm's image falling evokes admiration and deep emotion.

Special stanza: "Is this how it is/ Lượm, oh!..." expresses sorrow and regret over Lượm's sudden sacrifice.

Answer to Question 4 (page 76, Textbook Literature 6, Volume 2):

The narrator refers to Lượm by various names in the poem. Can you identify these terms and analyze how the changing forms of address reflect the author's emotional relationship with Lượm?

Detailed answer:

The narrator uses several forms of address for Lượm in the poem:

- Little boy: a term from an older person to a younger one, expressing familiarity but not yet intimacy.

- Child: a term that shows close affection, as if a family member.

- Little comrade: a term that is both affectionate and respectful, addressing a young soldier.

- Lượm, oh: used when the narrator's emotions reach their peak, showing affection and sorrow: "Oh no, Lượm!" and "Lượm, are you still here?"

Answer to Question 5 (page 76, Textbook Literature 6, Volume 2):

"Lượm, oh, are you still here?" This line at the end of the poem poses a painful question after Lượm's sacrifice. Why does the poet repeat the earlier stanzas, depicting Lượm's carefree, joyful image after this line?

Detailed answer:

- The line: "Lượm, oh, are you still here?" is placed near the end of the poem to express emotion and affirmation.

+ Expressing emotion: sorrow, regret over Lượm's sacrifice.

+ The question also conveys disbelief, as if the narrator cannot accept Lượm's death.

- After this poignant line, the earlier image of Lượm is repeated to reinforce that Lượm's spirit will forever remain in the homeland, the nation, and in people's hearts.

EXERCISE

Write a short paragraph of about ten lines describing Lượm's final mission and sacrifice.

Detailed answer:

The battle was fierce. Lượm was tasked with delivering a top-secret letter. The little boy carefully placed the letter in his satchel, slung it across his chest, and ran swiftly through the barrage of bullets flying overhead. On the other side, the enemy aimed their guns at the cap that bobbed up and down in the field. Suddenly, a thunderous explosion sounded, and Lượm fell. The little boy sacrificed himself in the rice field of his homeland, his hand still gripping a stalk of rice. The fragrance of young rice became a soft cradle, guiding Lượm into eternal sleep. Though Lượm is gone, his courageous and upright spirit lives on in the hearts of the entire nation.

Main Idea

The poem captures the image of the young, carefree, enthusiastic, and brave messenger Lượm. Though Lượm sacrificed himself, his image will forever remain in the hearts of his homeland, his people, and the nation.

I. A Few Notes About the Author

Tố Hữu, born Nguyễn Kim Thành in 1920 and passing away in 2002, hailed from the Thừa Thiên Huế region.
From a young age, he displayed a natural literary talent.
He was an exceptional poet during the period of resistance against French colonization.
Not only was he a revolutionary fighter full of patriotism, but his poetry also blends emotional depth with political insight.
His poetic style is a harmonious combination of lyrical expression and political commentary.
Tố Hữu authored several poetry collections that were deeply tied to key moments in Vietnam's history: Từ ấy, Việt Bắc, Máu và hoa, Một tiếng đờn...

II. Key Insights into the Poem

1. Context of Creation

The poem "Lượm" was written by Tố Hữu in 1949, during the period of resistance against French colonial forces.

2. Structure:

Part 1 (First 5 stanzas): The meeting between the uncle and nephew.
Part 2 (Next 7 stanzas): The heroic sacrifice of Lượm.
Part 3 (Remaining stanzas): The lasting image of Lượm in the hearts of the people and the nation.

3. Artistic Value

The poem uses a four-syllable line structure.
It features repetitive sounds that evoke imagery and rich rhythm.
The artistic construction of the character Lượm is central.
It employs a variety of literary methods: description, narration, and expression of emotion.

5. The Poem’s Thematic Value

The poem portrays the image of Lượm, a young, joyful, enthusiastic, and courageous messenger boy. Although Lượm dies, his image remains forever linked to the country, the land, and in the hearts of the people.

III. Responses to Textbook Questions

Question 1 (page 76, Literature Textbook, 6th grade, Volume 2)

The poem narrates and describes Lượm through the uncle's perspective.

The story recounts the meeting between the two relatives in Hue during the "Hue Bloodshed Day", Lượm’s courageous sacrifice on duty, and his enduring presence in the hearts of the people.

The structure can be divided into three parts:

Part 1: From the beginning to “The child is moving further...”: The meeting in Hue.
Part 2: From “The child’s path” to “The soul drifts across the fields...”: Lượm’s heroic sacrifice in his messenger role.
Part 3: The remaining part: Lượm’s everlasting presence with the land and the nation.

Question 2 (page 76, Literature Textbook, 6th grade, Volume 2)

- Regarding the uniform: The small, neat satchel and the tilted cap. These are the outfits worn by messengers during the anti-French resistance.

Lượm takes pride in his important work.

- Quick movements: His feet are swift, playful, innocent, and his laughter is wide, with a whistling mouth.

- Natural, honest speech: "I’m on messenger duty / I’m very happy, uncle / In Mang Cá station / I prefer it to home."

Lượm is depicted as small, joyful, innocent, and sincere—easily lovable.

Artistic elements such as the use of repeated sounds, similes, and rhythm help vividly capture the lively character of Lượm, the young messenger.

Question 3 (page 76, Literature Textbook, 6th grade, Volume 2)

- The poet envisions Lượm’s last mission as perilous: bullets fly swiftly, the task is urgent.

- Lượm’s mission is critical and time-sensitive: a top-priority letter.

- His mindset: Lượm remains calm and brave (unafraid of danger).

- Lượm’s heroic sacrifice is depicted through the powerful image of him falling as one with the land:

He lay upon the rice.
The rice smelled of milk.
His soul drifted between the fields.
→ This image of Lượm’s fall moves us with respect and sadness.

One particularly poignant verse: “So that’s it / Lượm, oh!” conveys sorrow over Lượm’s sudden sacrifice.

Question 4 (page 76, Literature Textbook, 6th grade, Volume 2)

In the poem, the narrator refers to Lượm with various pronouns:

- “The child”: a term used by an elder for a young boy, signifying affection but not necessarily closeness.

- “Grandchild”: A term that conveys intimate, familial affection, like that between an elder and a child.

- “Little comrade”: A term that is both affectionate and respectful for a young soldier.

- “Lượm, oh!”: This is used when the narrator’s emotions reach their peak, demonstrating grief and sorrow for Lượm’s sacrifice.

Question 5 (page 76, Literature Textbook, 6th grade, Volume 2)

The line "Lượm, oh! Is he still there?" is a heart-wrenching question about Lượm’s sacrifice. After this verse, the poet repeats the first two stanzas, reaffirming the youthful, cheerful image of Lượm.

This repetition serves to emphasize that Lượm never truly dies—his spirit lives on in the hearts of the people and with the country.

Earlier, the poem described Lượm’s transformation:

"The child lay on the rice / His hand grasped the bloom / The rice smelled of milk / His soul drifted across the field"

At this point, the poet again asserts that Lượm lives on forever in the hearts of all, and remains one with the nation and its land.

IV. Practice

Question 1 (page 77, Literature Textbook, 6th grade, Volume 2)

Memorize the poem from "One day, somewhere" to the end of the poem.

Question 2 (page 77, Literature Textbook, 6th grade, Volume 2)

Lượm received the urgent letter from the officer, then requested permission to depart. The battlefield erupted with gunfire, enemy planes buzzed above. In the midday heat, the village road lay empty. The rice fields, lush and green, were beginning to flower. Off in the vast fields, Lượm’s white cap appeared in the distance. He sprinted across the road, waded through the rice paddies, and delivered the letter to the commander. Suddenly, an enemy bomb dropped. Boom! Lượm collapsed. His cap flew far. His face was smeared with dirt, his clothes stained bright red with blood. His hands tightly gripped a cluster of rice blossoms still fragrant with milk. His eyes slowly closed... Lượm is no more!