Top 6 Best Essays on "Buổi chiều đứng ở phủ Thiên Trường trông ra" by Trần Nhân Tông for 7th Grade

IMPORTANT KNOWLEDGE TO REMEMBER

1. The Author

- Trần Nhân Tông was born in 1258 and passed away in 1308. His real name was Trần Khâm, the eldest son of Trần Thánh Tông.

- He was a patriotic king, a hero known for his compassion and kindness. Along with his father, he led two successful resistance wars against the Mongol and Yuan invasions.

- He followed Buddhism and in 1299, he withdrew to the Yên Tử Pagoda (in today's Quảng Ninh province) to become the first patriarch of the Trúc Lâm Yên Tử Zen sect.

- Trần Nhân Tông was also a distinguished cultural figure and poet of the Trần Dynasty.

2. The Work

- Context of creation: The poem was written during Trần Nhân Tông's visit to his old homeland in Thiên Trường (now in Nam Định province).

3. Content Value

The scene of the afternoon at Thiên Trường is a depiction of a quiet rural area that is not desolate. There is still a sense of life among the people in harmony with nature, depicted poetically. It helps us understand that despite his high status, the author’s soul remains deeply connected to the simple, rural homeland.

4. Artistic Value

- The use of repetition and creative parallelism

- A soft, harmonious rhythm in the verse

- The use of descriptive language with a strong visual artistic quality

- The poem follows the seven-character quatrain form of Chinese poetry.

READ - UNDERSTAND THE TEXT

Question 1 - Page 76 SGK
In terms of form, which previously learned poem does 'The Afternoon at Thiên Trường' resemble? Please describe some of the features of that form and explain how they are present in this poem.

Answer: 'The Afternoon at Thiên Trường' follows the same form as 'The Southern Mountains of Vietnam' – both are composed in the seven-character quatrain form of the Tang Dynasty.
- Number of lines: 4
- Number of characters per line: 7
- Rhyme scheme: the last characters of lines 1, 2, and 4 rhyme (yên-biên-điền).

Question 2 - Page 77 SGK
What does the phrase “half there, half not” (bán vô bán hữu) mean? How can you visualize the scene described in the second line of the poem?

Answer: In the poem, the scene appears half real, half unreal. These contrasting images create a picturesque and poetic scene, where the mist rises gently, evoking a sense of presence and absence. It may symbolize a hazy, dreamy state of mind, suggesting the ambiguity and peace of the moment.

Question 3 - Page 77 SGK
At what time of day is the poem set, and what details does it describe?

Answer: The poem describes the rural scene at dusk, as evening falls. The following details create the setting: the sound of a shepherd's flute as cows return home, white storks landing in the fields, and the faint smoke rising from the village. The colors of the rural evening—fading light, white storks, and green rice fields—convey the beauty of the moment.

Question 4 - Page 77 SGK
Based on the poem’s descriptions, what are your impressions of the scene at Thiên Trường, and what is the author’s emotional response to it?

Answer: The scene is simple and humble, yet it holds immense grandeur. There are no towering mountains or vast rivers, just a fleeting moment of sunset, a corner of a village with a few rice fields—yet it resonates with the echoes of the entire nation. The author seems to be lost in the serene, captivating rural twilight, filled with deep affection for his homeland and people.

Question 5 - Page 77 SGK
After understanding the value of the poem, how do you feel knowing that the author was a king and not a common farmer? What does this suggest about the Trần Dynasty?

Answer: Kings typically live in luxurious palaces far from the humble countryside. Yet, Trần Nhân Tông, despite his high rank, remained deeply connected to rural life, caring for and identifying with the common folk. This shows that Trần Nhân Tông, unlike many kings, was empathetic toward his people, and his close bond with the masses played a significant role in the Trần Dynasty’s resilience and victories over the Mongol-Yuan invasions.

PRACTICE

Exercise on page 77 SGK:

Using imagination, write a five or six-line description of a shepherd playing a flute while guiding cattle home at dusk.

Example 1:

The long, narrow road ahead is now shrouded in shadow, with the cattle and their shepherd playing flutes as they ride on their backs. The sound of the flute echoes across the fields, while the vast green stretches beneath the fading light of the setting sun, accented by storks flying gracefully past the rice shoots. The scene is peaceful, leading the viewer into a dreamlike realm.

Example 2:

The sun dips below the mountains, and the golden light fades. Storks fly gently back to their nests. The air, once warm, is now replaced by cool breezes. In the distance, cattle wander back to their barns, led by the shepherds, who play their flutes with joy. The music floats in the calm evening air, creating a peaceful, idyllic rural scene.

A. MAIN KNOWLEDGE

1. The Author

Trần Nhân Tông (1258-1308), whose real name was Trần Khâm, was the eldest son of Trần Thánh Tông and a king during the Trần dynasty in Vietnam. He made significant contributions to the establishment and defense of the nation. As a ruler, he was both a famous and compassionate hero. He was also a prominent poet of the Trần period. In 1299, he retired to Yên Tử Mountain and became the first Patriarch of the Trúc Lâm Yên Tử Zen school.

2. The Work

Context of composition: The poem was written when the poet visited his old hometown in Thiên Trường.
Content: The poem captures the tranquil yet lively atmosphere of the countryside. While the scene is calm, it conveys the vibrant life of the people harmoniously blending with the natural environment, showing the author’s deep connection to his homeland despite his high rank.

B. EXERCISES AND GUIDELINES

Question 1: (Page 76 - 7th-grade literature textbook) Which poem does 'Buổi chiều đứng ở phủ Thiên Trường trông ra' resemble in terms of its poetic form? Please mention a few characteristics of that form and how they appear in this poem.

Answer:
This poem is similar to 'Sông núi nước Nam.' It is composed in the Đường law's seven-character quatrain form. The poem has four lines, each with seven syllables, and the rhyme scheme is 1-2-4: yên – biên – điền.

Question 2: (Page 77 - 7th-grade literature textbook) What does the phrase “nửa như có, nửa như không” (half present, half absent) mean? Imagine the scene evoked in the second line of the poem.
Answer:
In this poem, the landscape appears half-real, half-illusory. The two images alternate between being visible and hidden, creating a poetic scene. The gentle white smoke drifts lightly, blurring the boundary between what is visible and what is not. This mirrors the vague, dreamlike feelings of the observer, who feels a deep, melancholic connection to the serene scene.

Question 3: (Page 77 - 7th-grade literature textbook) When is the scene described in the poem, and what details make up the imagery?
Answer:
The poem describes the rural landscape at dusk. The images and sounds that define this moment include:
Visuals: the sound of a flute played by a young shepherd leading his well-fed cattle home, the white storks gently landing on the field ahead, and in the distance, a faint wisp of smoke rising from the village.
The color palette of the scene: a thin veil of smoke rises over the village, the lingering light of sunset, the white storks, and the green rice fields.

Question 4: (Page 77 - 7th-grade literature textbook) Based on the poem’s description, what feelings do you have about the evening scene at Thiên Trường and the author’s state of mind?
Answer:
The poem is a watercolor painting of tranquility and serenity. It evokes the peaceful rural landscape: the misty village, the distant sound of the shepherd’s flute, and the graceful storks landing on the field. The author seems immersed in a dreamy, nostalgic state, deeply in love with the peacefulness of his homeland.

Question 5: (Page 77 - 7th-grade literature textbook) After understanding the poem’s value, what thoughts arise knowing the poet was a king, not just a commoner? How does this reflect the era of the Trần dynasty in Vietnamese history?
Answer:
While kings often lived in grand palaces far removed from rural life, Trần Nhân Tông, despite his high status, remained deeply connected to the countryside. This shows that he was a ruler who genuinely cared for the common people, fostering a close relationship with rural life. Not all kings have such a connection, but his empathy contributed to the strength of the Trần dynasty, enabling them to triumph over the Mongol invasions.

Question 1 – Practice (Page 77 - 7th-grade literature textbook) Using your imagination, write a short paragraph (5-6 lines) to describe the scene of a shepherd playing his flute and leading cattle home at sunset.
Answer:
The evening shadows gradually stretch as the sun dips behind the mountains. The storks return to their peaceful resting place after a busy day. A soft breeze sweeps away the heat, leaving a cool and calming feeling in the air. The cattle wander slowly back to their pens on the familiar village path, gently swishing their tails. The shepherd, perched on the cattle’s back, plays his flute, filling the air with light, melodic notes. The countryside is calm, peaceful, and full of life.

Additional Reference
Question 1: Describe the landscape in the poem 'Buổi chiều đứng ở phủ Thiên Trường trông ra.'
Answer:
'Thiên Trường Vãn Vọng' is a beautiful portrayal of the countryside at sunset. The poem opens with the hazy, almost surreal scene of the village, where the landscape slowly fades in the mist and the twilight creates an ambiguous, half-visible atmosphere. Sunset evokes emotions of tranquility and peacefulness in the heart. The phrase 'man mác' captures this fleeting, nostalgic feeling as the poet, long away from home, returns to the countryside. Amid this quiet scene, the sound of a shepherd’s flute rings clear and bright, as he sits atop his cattle, guiding them back. This flute adds a joyful, innocent sound to the serene evening. As the day ends, people head home, reuniting with their families. The harmony of nature, animals, and people is captured in the seamless rhythm of life. In the distance, pairs of storks flutter down to the fields, symbolizing the peacefulness and beauty of rural life. The poem’s simplicity and subtle imagery form a picture of an idyllic, tranquil world.

I. General understanding of the poem Buổi chiều đứng ở phủ Thiên Trường trông ra

1. The author

Trần Nhân Tông (1258 – 1308), born Trần Khâm, the eldest son of Trần Thánh Tông, was a king deeply devoted to his country and an outstanding national hero. He played a pivotal role in the victorious battles against the Mongol invasions. He was also a renowned cultural figure and poet, a representative of the Tran Dynasty’s literary spirit.

2. The work

The poem Buổi chiều đứng ở phủ Thiên Trường trông ra is a perfect example of the seven-character quatrain, a form of classical Chinese poetry (Đường luật). It was written during the author's visit to his ancestral homeland in Thiên Trường.

II. Study guide

1. Question 1, page 76, Vietnamese Language textbook, Grade 7, Volume 1

Regarding the poem's style, Buổi chiều đứng ở phủ Thiên Trường trông ra is similar to the poem "Nam quốc sơn hà" by Lí Thường Kiệt.

Some features of the poem

It is a seven-character quatrain.
The poem consists of 4 lines.
Each line contains 7 characters.
Rhyme scheme: 1 - 2 - 4

2. Question 2, page 77, Vietnamese Language textbook, Grade 7, Volume 1

The phrase "half-there, half-not" (bán vô bán hữu) means:

In the twilight, when the day is fading, the scene becomes hazy and indistinct, blending reality with the ethereal. The sound of a flute from a distant shepherd boy, along with the white herons appearing intermittently in the mist, captures the tranquil, almost surreal atmosphere. The scene feels peaceful, like it’s both there and not there.

3. Question 3, page 77, Vietnamese Language textbook, Grade 7, Volume 1

The poem describes the scene at dusk.

The poet observes the surroundings from the Thiên Trường palace, watching the day slowly end. The light grows soft and misty, as if covered by a veil of smoke. Amid this shifting light, one hears the distant sound of a flute played by a child shepherding cattle home. In the distance, small white herons flit in and out of sight as they descend gracefully in the fading light. The scene is serene and poetic, evoking a sense of peace and tranquility.

4. Question 4, page 77, Vietnamese Language textbook, Grade 7, Volume 1

The images in the poem create a picture of a peaceful and poetic sunset. While the scene is not grand or dramatic like towering mountains or vast rivers, it holds a unique, humble beauty, full of tranquility and simple rural charm. In this peaceful setting, the poet’s feelings are deeply connected with the landscape and his homeland, showing a soul completely immersed in the beauty of his country.

5. Question 5, page 77, Vietnamese Language textbook, Grade 7, Volume 1

Though the poet is a king, he possesses the heart of a poet. There is no separation between the ruler of a nation and a simple, humble villager who shares the same love for their homeland. This connection reveals the poet’s deep affection for his people and land. His empathetic heart became one with the nation’s spirit, contributing to the victories during the Mongol invasions, during the reign of the Trần Dynasty.

III. Practice

The evening light fades completely, leaving only a faint glimmer. The road leading home grows quieter in the twilight, with the distant sound of a flute carried by the wind as shepherd boys guide their herds of cattle. The vast fields become still, and the little white herons, fluttering gently in the dusky light, seem to dance in and out of the mist. It’s a peaceful, poetic evening scene, like a painting brought to life.

I. Đôi nét về tác giả Trần Nhân Tông

1. Hoàn cảnh ra đời
Bài thơ được sáng tác trong dịp Trần Nhân Tông được về thăm quê cũ ở Thiên Trường (thuộc tỉnh Nam Định ngày nay)
2. Bố cục (2 phần)
- Phần 1 (hai câu đầu): Cảnh thôn xóm vùng Thiên Trường trong buổi chiều tà
- Phần 2 (hai câu còn lại): Cảnh sắc đồng quê dân dã, mờ ảo trong buổi chiều tà
3. Giá trị nội dung
Cảnh tượng buổi chiều ở phủ Thiên Trường là cảnh tượng vùng quê trầm lặng mà không đìu hiu. Ở đây vẫn ánh lên sự sống của con người trong sự hòa hợp với cảnh vật thiên nhiên một cách nên thơ. Qua đó giúp chúng ta thấy rằng, tác giả tuy có địa vị tối cao nhưng tâm hồn vẫn gắn bó máu thịt với quê hương dân dã
4. Giá trị nghệ thuật
- Kết hợp điệp ngữ và tiểu đối sáng tạo
- Nhịp thơ êm ái hài hòa
- Sử dụng ngôn ngữ miêu tả đậm chất hội họa
- Thể thơ thất ngôn tứ tuyệt

III. Hướng dẫn soạn bài

Câu 1 (trang 76 sgk ngữ văn 7 tập 1)

Về thể thơ, bài Buổi chiều đứng ở phủ Thiên Trường trông ra giống với bài Nam quốc sơn hà

Đặc điểm: Cùng thuộc thể thất ngôn tứ tuyệt ( 4 câu, mỗi câu 7 chữ)

- Hiệp vần: Câu thứ nhất, câu thứ hai và câu thứ tư hiệp vần chân với nhau ( yên- biên- điền)

Câu 2 (trang 76 sgk ngữ văn 7 tập 1)

- Cụm từ “nửa như có nửa như không ( bán vô bán hữu) có nghĩa: phong cảnh mờ ảo, vừa như có lại vừa như không có, vừa thực, lại vừa không có thực

- Quang cảnh được gợi lên: làng quê yên bình đang mờ trong sương khói, cảnh vừa có nét thực vừa có nét ảo

→ Bức tranh thiên nhiên độc đáo, mơ hồ như tranh họa đồ

Câu 3 (trang 76 sgk ngữ văn 7 tập 1)

Trong bài thơ, cảnh vật được miêu tả vào lúc hoàng hôn, nắng tắt

- Cảnh vật của làng quê hiện lên trong buổi chiều tà mờ ảo, hư thực

+ Những cánh cò trắng đáp xuống ruộng

+ Thôn xóm mờ trong khói chiều

- Lắng kĩ có thể nghe thấy tiếng sáo

→ Khung cảnh làng quê thanh bình, nên thơ

Câu 4 (trang 76 sgk ngữ văn 7 tập 1)

Cảnh tượng nhìn thấy từ Thiên Trường vào thời gian buổi chiều thật nên thơ:

- Thôn xóm chìm dưới màn khói chiều

- Trẻ mục đồng đã khuất sau những thôn trước, thôn sau

- Những cánh cò trắng chao liệng xuống dưới những cánh đồng

→ Tác giả như chìm đắm vào cảnh vật, non sông mình, tác giả mở rộng tấm lòng đón nhận vẻ đẹp bình dị, yên bình của cuộc sống

Câu 5 (trang 76 sgk ngữ văn 7 tập 1)

Tác giả là vị vua trị bận trăm sự nhưng lại có tâm hồn người thi sĩ.

- Thi sĩ yêu mến cảnh đẹp bình dị của quê hương

- Chứng tỏ nhà vua gần dân chúng, yêu mến sự hòa bình, thanh bình

- Nhà vua gần dân chúng, yêu mến cảnh thanh bình, yêu hòa bình

- Giữa người có quyền lực cao với dân chúng không hề có khoảng cách, sự xa lạ, trái lại gần gũi, gắn bó.

→ Chính sự gần gũi, quan tâm tới đời sống của dân chúng đã tạo nên sự ủng hộ của dân chúng trên mọi phương diện

Luyện tập

Buổi chiều tà buông xuống, những sợi nắng vàng tắt hẳn nhường chỗ cho màn khói mờ ảo của hoàng hôn phủ xuống cảnh vật của làng quê thanh bình. Những đàn cò trắng nổi bật chao liệng trên không rồi đáp xuống cánh đồng lúa mang lại vẻ đẹp bình dị cho làng quê. Trên con đường làng, hình ảnh những đàn trâu lững thững trở về, trên lưng là những chú bé mục đồng đang say sưa thổi sáo. Bức tranh tự nhiên của làng quê đẹp yên bình dưới góc nhìn của vị vua nhân hậu, quan tâm yêu thương con dân của mình.

I. The Author

- Trần Nhân Tông (1258 - 1308), originally named Trần Khâm, was the eldest son of King Trần Thánh Tông.

- Known as a patriotic king and hero, he led his people alongside his father in two victorious wars against the Mongol-Yuan invaders.

- A devout Buddhist, in 1299, he retired to the Yên Tử Monastery (located in present-day Quảng Ninh Province), where he became the first Patriarch of the Trúc Lâm Yên Tử Zen school.

- In addition to being a king, Trần Nhân Tông was also a distinguished cultural figure and poet of the Trần Dynasty.

II. The Poem

- The poem "The Evening at the Temple of Thiên Trường" was written during Trần Nhân Tông's visit to his ancestral homeland in Thiên Trường (now part of Nam Định Province).

- Structure: Two parts

Part 1: The first two lines describe the natural scenery at the Temple of Thiên Trường.
Part 2: The last two lines highlight the harmonious relationship between humans and nature.

III. Answering the Questions
Question 1. What other poem does "The Evening at the Temple of Thiên Trường" resemble in terms of its poetic form? What are some distinctive features of that form, and how are they expressed in this poem?
- The poem shares similarities with "Nam Quốc Sơn Hà."
- Features: The poem follows the seven-character quatrain form (four lines, each with seven syllables).
Rhyme: The first, second, and fourth lines rhyme with one another.
Language: Concise and profound.
- In this poem, the rhyme scheme of the first, second, and fourth lines (yên, biên, điền) and the compact language vividly depict a tranquil countryside scene, full of life, and express a deep love for the homeland.

Question 2. What does the phrase "half present, half absent" (bán vô bán hữu) mean? How do you visualize the scene evoked by the second line of the poem?
- The phrase "half present, half absent" suggests an ethereal, dreamlike quality, where reality and illusion blend together, leaving the reader unsure whether the scene is real or imagined.
- The scene conjured by this phrase depicts a rural landscape shrouded in mist, creating an ambiguous, almost unreal atmosphere like a painting.

Question 3. What time of day is described in the poem, and what are the key details (light, sound, color, and scenery)?
- The scene is set at dusk, the fading light of the day.
- Key details: Light: The sun has set, leaving only the dimming twilight.
Sound: The distant flute of the shepherd boy.
Color: White herons, a misty atmosphere.
Scenery: The village appears hazy, and the shepherds are leading their cattle home.

Question 4. Based on the descriptions in the poem, what is your perception of the scene, and what is the poet's emotional response to it?
- Perception of the scene: Peaceful and poetic.
- Emotional response: The poet is deeply immersed in the rural beauty and reflects on his childhood memories in this serene setting.

Question 5. After understanding the poem's significance, how does it feel to know that the author was a king, not a common villager? What can we infer about the Trần Dynasty in Vietnamese history?
- Kings typically lived in palaces, distant from rural life, making Trần Nhân Tông's deep connection with his homeland all the more admirable.
- The Trần Dynasty is not only remembered for its victories over the Mongol-Yuan forces but also for its compassionate rulers who cared deeply for their people.

II. Practice
Suggested response:
As dusk falls, the shepherds return home with their cattle. The herds move slowly along the lush green dikes, while the sweet sound of a flute fills the air. In the distance, white herons soar toward their nests after a long day of foraging. The rural scene is bathed in a soft, ethereal glow, resembling a painting by an artist.

Answer to Question 1 (page 76, Literature 7, Volume 1):

Regarding the form of the poem, which poem does "The Afternoon Standing at the Thiên Trường Palace" resemble? Please mention a few characteristics of that form and explain how these features are represented in this poem.

Detailed Solution:

The poem "The Afternoon Standing at the Thiên Trường Palace" is similar to the poem "The Southern Mountains of the Water" in that they are both written in the seven-character quatrain of the Tang dynasty style.

- Number of lines: 4

- Number of characters per line: 7

- Rhyming pattern: the final words of lines 1, 2, and 4 rhyme (yen-bien-dien)

Answer to Question 2 (page 77, Literature 7, Volume 1):

What does the phrase "half present, half absent" (ban vo ban huu) mean? Imagine the scene described in the second line of the poem.

Detailed Solution:

The phrase "half present, half absent" means a scene that is vague and elusive; it seems both real and unreal. The scene in the second line creates a peaceful, tranquil atmosphere. Everything appears to fade into mist, giving the scene a dreamy, ethereal quality, which adds a unique, poetic touch to the verse.

Answer to Question 3 (page 77, Literature 7, Volume 1):

At what time of day is the scene described in the poem, and what are the key details?

Detailed Solution:

The poem describes a scene at twilight, just before evening falls, with the following details:

- Light and color: dim, as if shrouded in mist.

- Sound: the distant sound of a flute as the cattle return home.

- Visuals: a herd of buffaloes walking by, with pairs of white storks flying low over the field.

Answer to Question 4 (page 77, Literature 7, Volume 1):

What are your feelings about the scene at Thiên Trường Palace in the evening and the poet's emotions toward it?

Detailed Solution:

- Perception of the scene: The landscape is simple, modest, and rustic, reflecting a tranquil beauty.

- The poet's mood: The poet seems lost in a dreamlike state, absorbed in the quiet beauty of the evening. His heart is filled with a deep love for the peaceful, familiar village, his homeland.

Answer to Question 5 (page 77, Literature 7, Volume 1):

After understanding the value of the poem, how do you feel knowing that the author is a king and not just an ordinary villager? What can you deduce about the Trần Dynasty from this?

Detailed Solution:

The author of the poem is a king with the soul of a poet. Reading the poem, you can sense no barrier between the highest ruler of a nation and a humble villager. The scene is described in the simplest, most relatable terms. This shows that the king was deeply connected to the people and loved them, cherishing peace and simplicity. Perhaps this closeness to the people contributed to the success of the Trần Dynasty, especially during the Mongol invasions, when the Trần rulers led the people to victory.

Exercise

Based on your understanding of the two final lines, imagine and write a short paragraph (around five or six lines) to describe the scene of a shepherd playing the flute as he leads the cattle home at dusk. (Hint: See the illustration.)

Sample paragraph 1:

The narrow road in the distance is disappearing under shadows, with a herd of buffaloes led by young shepherds playing their flutes. The flute's melody echoes across the field. The vast green field is now golden under the setting sun, and the white storks glide gently through the air, landing among the young rice plants. The whole scene is like a gentle lullaby, transporting us into a dreamlike world.

Sample paragraph 2:

The evening sky gradually darkens as the sun sinks behind the mountain. The storks return to their resting place after a long day of foraging. A soft breeze sweeps through, cooling the hot summer air and bringing a soothing, refreshing feeling. The herd of buffaloes slowly makes its way down the familiar village path, their tails swishing gently. The young boys riding the buffaloes play their flutes, and the peaceful village life feels so close and comforting.

Structure

Structure: 2 paragraphs

- Paragraph 1 (The first two lines): Depicts the village scene in the soft glow of twilight, peaceful and serene.

- Paragraph 2 (The last two lines): A depiction of the rural landscape, simple and calm, evoking a sense of tranquility.

Key Theme

The poem was written by King Trần Nhân Tông during a visit to the ancient capital Thiên Trường in Nam Định. With just a few strokes, the king-poet painted a mystical, romantic image of rural life, capturing its beauty and charm.