Top 6 Best Interpretations of 'Muốn làm thằng cuội' by Tản Đà (Grade 8)

I. Understanding the Text

Question 1, page 156 - 8th Grade Literature Book:

The first two lines express Tản Đà's lament and his conversation with the Moon Goddess. Why do you think Tản Đà feels disillusioned with the world?

Tản Đà feels disillusioned with life because of the oppressive colonial feudal society he lived in. He was lonely, stuck, and had a turbulent life. As a romantic and free-spirited individual, he could not accept the harsh reality. He expressed his sadness, saying that life no longer holds any appeal. He confides in the Moon Goddess, saying that the earthly world no longer excites him.

Question 2, page 156 - 8th Grade Literature Book:

Many have commented that Tản Đà's poetry is rebellious. What does 'rebellious' mean, and how does Tản Đà express this in his desire to become Cuội? Pay attention to lines 3-4 and 5-6.

'Rebellious' refers to actions that stand out from the ordinary, things that break social norms and attract attention. It represents bold and unconventional acts that others might hesitate to do. Tản Đà's rebellion is shown in his wish to leave Earth and live on the Moon with the Moon Goddess. Additionally, his casual tone with her, referring to himself as Cuội, shows his defiance and self-assuredness. His plan to ascend to the Moon and make her company reflects his belief that he could provide her with comfort and companionship.

Question 3, page 156 - 8th Grade Literature Book:

Analyze the image at the end of the poem: 'Sitting together, looking down at the world and laughing.' What does the laughter symbolize?

The romantic and rebellious emotions in the poem peak in a vivid, surprising, and meaningful image of Tản Đà. On Mid-Autumn night, while others look up at the moon, the poet imagines himself sitting on the Moon with the Goddess, laughing at the world below. This laughter can be interpreted in two ways: one, as a sense of fulfillment from escaping the earthly world; and two, as a mocking, dismissive attitude toward the now insignificant Earth. This marks the peak of his romantic and rebellious spirit.

Question 4, page 156 - 8th Grade Literature Book:

What artistic elements contribute to the poem's charm?

The poem's allure lies in several artistic factors:

- A powerful and rich emotional core, simultaneously free-spirited and deeply heartfelt, expressed naturally and smoothly, resembling a personal conversation with a close confidant.

- Simple and clear language that remains elegant, nuanced, and expressive, while versatile in form (complaining, questioning, requesting).

- A bold and imaginative vision, creating a fantastical dream with vivid and unexpected details.

- The strict adherence to classical poetic structure in the author's hands, yet without being confined or formulaic.

II. Practice

Question 1, page 157 - 8th Grade Literature Book:

Analyze the use of parallelism in lines 3-4 and 5-6 of the poem.

In classical poetry, the pairs of lines 3-4 and 5-6 must parallel each other. Lines 3 and 4 mirror images (the moon and the banyan tree), actions (sitting and addressing), and ideas (exploration and suggestion). Similarly, lines 5 and 6 correspond in meaning: companionship and natural elements, loneliness and joy.

Question 2, page 157 - 8th Grade Literature Book:

Compare the language and tone of this poem with the poem 'Qua Đèo Ngang' by Bà Huyện Thanh Quan (learned in Grade 7).

The language in 'Qua Đèo Ngang' is formal and refined, with a structured, balanced tone. In contrast, this poem uses a casual, free-spirited tone, lightly playful, and rebellious. The words are simple, not overly formal, resembling everyday speech. The rhyme scheme is strict, but there is freedom in how the poem expresses itself, unlike 'Qua Đèo Ngang,' which follows rigid rules.

I. General Introduction to the Work

1. The Author

Tản Đà (1889-1939), born Nguyễn Khắc Hiếu, hailed from Khê Thượng village in Bất Bạt district, Sơn Tây province (now part of Ba Vì, Hà Tây). Tản Đà came from a Confucian background and attempted the imperial exams twice without success. Later, he turned to writing in the national language and gained fame, particularly in the 1920s.

His poetry is filled with romantic emotion, deeply rooted in national identity, and exhibits creative experimentation. Tản Đà's poetry is seen as a bridge between classical and modern Vietnamese poetry. In addition to poetry, he wrote prose, including notable essays, memoirs, and imaginative travelogues.

2. The Work

The poem “Muốn làm thằng Cuội” (I Want to Be Cuội) is part of the collection “Khối tình con I”, published in 1917. (Cuội is a character from Vietnamese folklore who lives on the moon.) In this poem, Tản Đà expresses the thoughts of someone deeply disillusioned with the mundane and corrupt world, seeking escape through dreams of joining the Moon goddess, Chị Hằng, on the moon. The poem's charm lies in its romantic spirit, combined with a touch of endearing rebelliousness, as well as the innovative approach to the traditional seven-character verse form.

The first two lines express Tản Đà’s lament and his conversation with Chị Hằng. Why do you think Tản Đà feels “disillusioned with the world”?

Answer:

The first two lines represent Tản Đà's lament and his conversation with Chị Hằng on a autumn night. He shares his sorrow with this distant, yet seemingly kindred soul. The reasons for his sorrow:

• His sadness stems from the combination of autumn melancholy and a deeper sense of world-weariness. The autumn melancholy is a common feeling among poets.
• The deeper cause is his disillusionment with the world, stemming from the oppressive, stagnant social conditions under colonial and feudal rule, which stifle human life. The fate of common people, enslaved by their circumstances, leaves little room for joy.
• Moreover, Tản Đà’s sorrow is amplified by personal pain: despite his exceptional talent, his low social status causes him to feel unfulfilled. Unable to change this tragic reality, he dreams of escaping to the moon to become Cuội.

Answer:

Tản Đà’s character lies between reality and dreams, between the sane and the crazy, unique in his own way. He has long been known as an “eccentric” poet, or the king of eccentricity. “Eccentric” refers to a carefree attitude, doing things contrary to the norm, without concern for public opinion or societal judgment. In a feudal society, “eccentric” was an attitude of rebelliousness, disregarding conventional rules that confined individuality.

Tản Đà’s “eccentricity” is shown in:

• His wish to be Cuội, leaving Earth to the moon to spend time with Chị Hằng, sharing his deepest thoughts. His longing is expressed through romantic verse and tender imagery.
• The question “Has anyone been sitting at the moon palace?” is a playful inquiry, followed by the request “Please ask the branch of the banyan tree to lift me up to play,” showing his boldness. He suggests that if no one is there, Chị Hằng must also be lonely, so he offers to join her for companionship.
• His “eccentricity” is also seen in how he speaks to Chị Hằng as if they were equals, using informal, familiar language like “sister” and “I” instead of a more formal tone that would be expected in a conversation with a celestial being.
• On Earth, Tản Đà feels lonely and longs for a like-minded companion. He seeks a space of dreams, where he can find a kindred soul in the sky, and together they can float among the winds and clouds, a romantic and free spirit.

Analyze the final image of the poem: “Leaning together, looking down at the world, laughing.” What does the laughter mean here?

Answer:

• The laughter here symbolizes both the joy of escaping the earthly, polluted, and corrupt world, and the poet's scornful mockery of the world when viewed from a higher, detached perspective.
• It also represents a cynical view of the mundane, filled with ugliness and limitations, which make life unbearable.
• The laughter reflects the poet’s “eccentricity” as he imagines being with the most beautiful celestial being, a dream many would envy.

Answer:

• The poem is written as a heartfelt confession, and its artistic elements, such as language, imagination, and emotional expression, contribute to its charm.
• The romantic, free-spirited tone, the “eccentricity” of the poet, and his vivid imagination create a fascinating, dreamlike quality. The poem is soaked in fantasy and eccentricity.
• The simple, clear language is emotionally expressive and diverse in its forms (complaining, asking, pleading). The poem is deeply rooted in the Vietnamese language, with terms that are familiar and close to everyday life.
• The rich, bold imagination creates a wonderful dream, filled with vivid and surprising details.
• While the poem follows the strict structure of classical seven-character verse, it still maintains a sense of freedom and looseness, reflecting the poet’s rebellious nature.

II. Exercises

Line 1: Comment on the parallelism in lines 3-4 and 5-6 of the poem.

Answer:

According to the rules of classical poetry, the pairs of lines must be parallel. The two pairs of lines are as follows:

Lines 3-4: Parallel in imagery, activity, and meaning (moon palace vs. banyan tree).

Lines 5-6: Parallel in meaning (has anyone been sitting there? vs. please ask the tree to lift me up).

The rhythm (2/2/3) and word choices align well.

Line 2: Compare the language and tone of this poem with that of the poem “Qua Đèo Ngang...”

Compare the language and tone of this poem with the poem “Qua Đèo Ngang” by Bà Huyện Thanh Quan (studied in grade 7).

Answer:

The Poem “Qua Đèo Ngang”

“Stepping to Đèo Ngang at dusk

The grass and trees mix with the stones, leaves with flowers

Bent down on the mountain, a few woodcutters

I. A brief introduction to the author Tản Đà
- Tản Đà (1889-1939), born Nguyễn Khắc Hiếu
- Hometown: Khe Thuong village, Bất Bạt district, Sơn Tây province (now Ba Vì district, Hanoi)
- Life and career:
+ Tản Đà came from a Confucian background
+ After failing several times in the exams, he turned to writing national literature and quickly gained fame, particularly in the 1920s.
+ In addition to poetry, Tản Đà was also well known for his prose works, essays, memoirs, and autobiographies…
+ Notable works: Giấc mộng con, Thề non nước, Khối tình con…
- Writing style:
+ Tản Đà's poetry is full of romantic emotion and rich in national identity, with many fresh and innovative explorations. His poetry serves as a bridge between classical and modern Vietnamese poetry.

II. Brief introduction to the poem "Want to be Cuoi"
1. Creation context
- The poem "Want to be Cuoi" was published in the collection "Khối tình con I" (1917)
2. Structure
- The poem follows the seven-character eight-line classical Chinese style but introduces new ideas and innovations.
3. Content value
- The poem expresses the feelings of a person deeply dissatisfied with the mundane reality and seeking an escape through dreams, wishing to join the moon goddess to escape the trivialities of life.
4. Artistic value
- The poem introduces many innovations, especially in form, with its use of the traditional seven-character eight-line verse. The tone of the poem is humorous, free-spirited, and slightly rebellious. The language is simple, clear, and naturally conversational, using many colloquial expressions.

III. Interpretation

Question 1: – The poet wishes to become Cuoi and visit the moon with the goddess because he is tired of the mundane earthly life and desires companionship with the wind and clouds. "Autumn nights are very sad, oh Hằng! The earthly world here is already boring to me."

– The poet expresses a desire to visit the moon, but in fact, he is sharing his deep feelings:

+ The sadness and dissatisfaction reflect the poet's true state of mind.

+ Life at that time had many painful and frustrating aspects, especially for a poet’s sensitive soul.

+ The country lacked sovereignty, and those in power fought over trivial matters, forgetting the shame of losing the country.

+ Furthermore, he is sad because despite being talented, his life has been marked by misfortune and struggles.

+ Unable to change this tragic reality, he seeks to escape it by wishing to be Cuoi and visit the moon.

Question 2: Tản Đà, with his unique personality, seems to exist between the dream world and reality, between sanity and madness. For a long time, he has been known as a "wild" soul, the king of rebellion.

Wildness is essentially an attitude towards life, a manifestation of frustration and discontent with the circumstances. Only someone who deeply loves life, who cherishes existence, would become disillusioned and rebellious in the face of a chaotic and dark world. Tản Đà's way of climbing to the moon with the goddess is also "wild": as the moon goddess lowers a branch of the banyan tree, Tản Đà climbs it to reach the moon. The third line of the poem is a playful question, and the fourth line is a bold request showing the poet’s self-confidence. If the Moon Palace is empty, the goddess would be lonely, so let him join her to ease their solitude.

Question 3: The "wildness" of Tản Đà in this poem is concentrated in the final two lines:

"And every mid-August full moon night

We’ll sit together and laugh at the world below"

Here, the "laughter" first represents the poet's joy, as he fulfills his wish. He also sees himself as above the world, while the earthly life is trivial and laughable. He laughs at everything.

Question 4: – The poem "Want to be Cuoi" is unique and delightful, with a gentle and ethereal tone, capturing a feeling of freedom.

– The imagination is rich and fantastic. The dreamlike and rebellious elements pervade the poem.

– The charm of the poem lies in the romantic poet's flight of fancy. The words are simple, natural, and conversational, with a tone that fluctuates between melancholy, inquiry, pleading, and satisfaction, making the poem lively and dynamic. Although it follows the classical rules of Chinese poetry, it contains a liberating and carefree spirit.

IV. Practice

Question 1: In Chinese poetry, the third and fourth lines, as well as the fifth and sixth lines, must correspond to each other.

The third and fourth lines: correspond in terms of image, action, and meaning.

The fifth and sixth lines: correspond in meaning.

Question 2: – In the poem "Qua Đèo Ngang" by Bà Huyện Thanh Quan, the musical rhythm creates a noble and refined atmosphere typical of Chinese poetry. The skillful use of words evokes a feeling of nostalgia and melancholy. The poet masterfully uses reduplicative words, onomatopoeia, and homophones.

– In the poem "Want to be Cuoi", the melody is light, graceful, with a playful and slightly rebellious tone, reflecting the spirit of a romantic poet. The language is simple, clear, and conversational. While the classical rhyme scheme remains intact, it no longer restricts the poet’s soul, and the emotions flow freely, unburdened by rigid forms. This is the essence of the poem's appeal.

The structure and theme may remain the same, but the tone of this poem is not as formal, dignified, or balanced as Bà Huyện Thanh Quan's "Qua Đèo Ngang".

Genre

Eight-line poem in the Tang Dynasty style

Structure

+ Two introductory lines: the mundane, boring life of the earthly realm.

+ Two body lines: the author's dream world.

+ Two analytical lines: the desire to escape reality.

+ Two concluding lines: a vision of a happy life.

Line 1 (Page 156, Literature 8, Volume 1)

The lament and the confession of Tản Đà to the Moon Goddess, reflecting his discontent with the earthly world:

+ Living in a colonial-feudal society, harsh and inhumane.

+ Carrying the shame of losing the country, burdened with a life of misfortune and despair.

+ Tản Đà, a free-spirited, romantic figure, dissatisfied with the restrictive life.

+ He lacks the power to change the tragic reality.

=> A declaration from someone out of place, constantly in conflict with the boring present.

Line 2 (Page 156, Literature 8, Volume 1)

- The term "rebellion" refers to:

+ Actions that are exceptional, surpassing ordinary limits.

+ Standing out, daring to defy the norm, with a carefree attitude and disregard for conventions.

- Tản Đà’s "rebellion" in his wish to be Cuoi:

+ Yearning to escape the dull, ugly reality and enter a dream world.

+ Addressing the Moon Goddess casually, wanting her to see him as a companion.

+ His journey to the moon reflects this rebellious nature: he wants the Moon Goddess to lower the banyan branch.

+ Line 3 hints at a question, while Line 4 shows Tản Đà’s confidence that when he ascends to the celestial realm, he will ease the Moon Goddess's loneliness.

=> Tản Đà’s poetry combines rebellion and romance, representing his unique personality and attitude towards an unfair, polluted life. Behind his rebellion lies a noble character.

Line 3 (Page 156, Literature 8, Volume 1)

- The final line combines Tản Đà’s rebellious and romantic spirit. The line expresses a longing for transcendence to preserve purity.

- The "laughter" in this line carries multiple meanings:

+ Laughter reflecting the joy of fulfilling his dream of entering the imaginary realm.

+ Laughter because the poet sees the mundane world he’s leaving behind as still trivial and depressing.

+ Laughter is a satirical expression of superiority, as Tản Đà ascends above the world he is forsaking.

Line 4 (Page 156, Literature 8, Volume 1)

- The appeal of this poem lies in:

+ The poet’s vivid, creative imagination.

+ His overflowing emotions and free-spirited writing style that creates an engaging, delightful imaginary conversation.

+ The poet’s rebellious attitude gives the poem an unusually bold tone.

+ Innovative approaches to expressing the "self"—contrasting with traditional classical poetry.

Exercise

Exercise 1 (Page 157, Literature 8, Volume 1)

- In the Tang Dynasty poetry style, couplets 3-4 and 5-6 must correspond to each other. In this poem, lines 3-4 are balanced:

+ In terms of imagery: the moon palace and the banyan tree.

+ In terms of action: sitting and mentioning.

+ In terms of meaning: exploring and suggesting.

Lines 5-6 balance ideas: friendship and wind-cloud, sorrow and joy.

The parallelism in these four lines is light, meaningful, and emphasizes the desire to escape the trivialities of the mundane world.

Exercise 2 (Page 157, Literature 8, Volume 1)

- The poem "Crossing Ngang Pass" by Mrs. Huyện Thanh Quan:

+ Language: uses many reduplicative words, onomatopoeia, and wordplay based on homophones.

+ Tone: melancholic, elegant, evoking a wistful sadness.

- The poem "I Want to Be Cuoi" by Tản Đà:

+ Language: simple, close to everyday speech.

+ Tone: gentle, lyrical, with a touch of humor and defiance.

Main Idea

The poem expresses the longing of someone wishing to escape from a dull and trivial society, dreaming of ascending to the moon to befriend the Moon Goddess.

Answer to Question 1 (page 156, Literature 8, Volume 1):

The first two lines express the sorrow and inner thoughts of Tản Đà as he shares with the Moon Goddess, Chị Hằng. Why does Tản Đà feel disillusioned with the world?

Detailed Explanation:

The poem begins with two introductory lines reflecting the poet's mood before the autumn scene:

"The night is so lonely, Chị Hằng!"

"The earthly world has become so tiresome for me."

The melancholy deepens as the poet faces the autumn night, making the sadness more profound, so much so that he vocalizes it. This lament is a deep sadness that is overwhelming. It reflects either the pain caused by the political and social situation or personal misfortune that leads the poet to disdain life itself.

+ Living under a colonial and feudal regime full of cruelty and injustice.

+ Carrying the shame of a lost nation, suffering from hardship, confusion, and despair.

+ Tản Đà, being free-spirited and romantic, was unhappy with this stifling life.

+ Unable to change the tragic reality he faced.

⟹ The poet’s lament reflects his alienation from the world, constantly at odds with the mundane reality of the time: from the sorrow for the fate of the nation and people, to personal despair and loneliness: "Twenty years spent on survival. Yet, here I am, just like this." Therefore, Tản Đà yearns to escape the oppressive, trivial society of his time through dreams. He wishes to "become Cuội" and leave the world behind to live with Chị Hằng on the moon.

Answer to Question 2 (page 156, Literature 8, Volume 1):

Many have accurately described Tản Đà as a poet with a 'wild' spirit. What does 'wild' mean in this context?

Detailed Explanation:

- 'Wild' refers to acting in ways contrary to the norm, different from those around you. In literature, 'wild' reflects a strong, rebellious personality that opposes the conventions of society, refusing to conform to societal rules and formalities. For instance, Nguyễn Công Trứ used a palm leaf to cover his backside while leisurely riding a buffalo to a pagoda in his poem "Bài ca ngất ngưởng," or Trần Tế Xương, in his poem "Bần nhi lạc," celebrated the unconventional life of a peasant, saying, "I don’t wear a hat, exposed to the sun, don’t dye my teeth, just smile and live freely."

- In this poem, the 'wild' nature is expressed through:

+ The desire to be Cuội, abandoning the world to live on the moon with Chị Hằng, enjoying the company of the wind and clouds, while looking down at the mundane world and mocking it.

+ Although the poet refers to Chị Hằng as 'sister' and himself as 'brother,' the tone of the poem carries a playful, almost mocking attitude. The way he addresses the reader and engages in this imagined conversation also reflects his rebellious 'wild' nature. Notably, the final stance in the poem—sitting together, looking down at the world and laughing—presents a defiant attitude toward societal norms of the time.

⟹ Tản Đà embodies the spirit of 'wildness' between reality and fantasy, between sanity and madness, expressing his personal attitude towards a world full of injustice and corruption. Behind his 'wild' nature lies a noble character.

Answer to Question 3 (page 156, Literature 8, Volume 1):

Analyze the final image of the poem: 'Sitting together, looking down at the world and laughing.' What does this laughter symbolize?

Detailed Explanation:

- The last two lines of the poem further reveal the poet's emotions:

"And every Mid-Autumn night, we sit together, looking down at the world and laughing."

The image of "sitting together" with Chị Hằng on the moon is so romantic. The Mid-Autumn night is when the moon is at its fullest and brightest, and during this time, people on Earth look up to admire the moon. At this very moment, the poet sits on the moon, leaning on Chị Hằng, looking down at the world.

- The 'laughter' here holds multiple meanings:

+ It reflects joy in fulfilling the dream of reaching the realm of imagination.

+ It is also a mockery, as the poet sees the mundane world he has left behind as trivial, dull, and depressing.

+ It is a form of irony, laughing at the state of the world from a higher vantage point, now that he has risen above it.

Answer to Question 4 (page 156, Literature 8, Volume 1):

What artistic elements contribute to the charm of this poem?

Detailed Explanation:

- The poet's creative, soaring imagination.

- His abundant emotions and free-spirited writing style create an engaging and enjoyable imaginary conversation.

- The author's rebellious attitude creates a bold, unconventional tone.

- The innovative approach to expressing 'self' stands in contrast to classical Chinese poetry.

Practice

Answer to Question 1 (page 157, Literature 8, Volume 1):

Comment on the antithesis in lines 3-4 and 5-6 of the poem.

- According to classical poetry rules, lines 3-4 and 5-6 must form an antithesis. In this poem, lines 3-4 oppose each other in:

+ Imagery: moon palace—banyan branch.

+ Actions: sitting—inviting.

+ Thematic opposition: exploring—proposing.

Lines 5-6 oppose in meaning: companionship—wind and clouds, sorrow—joy.

The antithesis in these four lines is light and meaningful, highlighting the poet's desire to escape the triviality of the mundane world.

Answer to Question 2 (page 157, Literature 8, Volume 1):

Compare the language and tone of this poem with the poem "Through the Pass" by Bà Huyện Thanh Quan.

Answer:

- In Bà Huyện Thanh Quan's poem "Through the Pass":

+ Language: uses many reduplications, onomatopoeic words, and puns with homophones.

+ Tone: melancholic, elegant, creating a wistful sadness.

- In Tản Đà's poem "Want to Be Cuội":

+ Language: simple and close to everyday speech.

+ Tone: gentle, lyrical, with a touch of humor and defiance.

Structure:

+ The first two lines: the tedious, dull life on Earth.

+ The next two lines: the poet's dream world.

+ The following two lines: the desire to escape reality.

+ The final two lines: a vision of happiness.

Central Idea

The human longing to escape a shallow, corrupt reality and transcend it through dreams of joining Chị Hằng on the moon.

Basic knowledge about the author and the work

1. The Author

- Tản Đà (1889 – 1939), born Nguyễn Khắc Hiếu, from Khê Thượng village, Bất Bạt district, Sơn Tây province (now Ba Vì, Hanoi).

- A Confucian scholar who failed twice in exams, he later turned to writing in national language and became famous, especially in the 1920s.

- His poetry is filled with romantic emotion, deeply nationalistic, and features innovative ideas. Tản Đà's poetry serves as a bridge between classical and modern Vietnamese poetry.

- Apart from poetry, Tản Đà also wrote prose, including notable works of essays, travelogues, and autobiographies.

- Major works: Khối tình con I, II (poetry, 1917), Giấc mộng con I (novel, 1917), Thề non nước (novel, 1920), Giấc mộng con II (travelogue, 1932), Giấc mộng lớn (autobiography, 1932).

2. The Work

- The poem Want to be Cuoi is part of the collection Khối tình con, published in 1917. (Cuoi: a character from folklore who lives on the moon.)

- Genre: Seven-character Chinese-style poetry (Thất ngôn bát cú Đường luật)

- Structure:

+ Two introductory lines: the boring and dull life on Earth

+ Two real lines: the author's imagined world

+ Two reasoning lines: the desire to escape from reality

+ Two concluding lines: envisioning a happy life

Question 1 - Page 156 SGK

The first two lines express Tản Đà’s lament and his confession to the Moon Goddess. Why does Tản Đà feel disillusioned with the world?

Answer:

Tản Đà feels disillusioned with the world because:

+ He lives in a colonial, feudal society that is cruel and inhumane

+ He bears the shame of a lost nation, and his own life is full of struggles and frustrations

+ As a free-spirited romantic, he despises the constrained life.

+ He lacks the power to change his tragic reality.

➥ It is the voice of someone lost in time, always at odds with a dull present.

Question 2 - Page 156 SGK

Many have rightly remarked that Tản Đà is a rebellious poet. What does "rebellious" mean, and how does Tản Đà express this in his desire to become Cuoi (refer to lines 3-4, 5-6)?

Answer:

The word "rebellious" refers to:

+ Taking bold, extraordinary actions that surpass the ordinary

+ Being daring, doing the opposite of what is expected, and showing an attitude of disregard for social norms

- Tản Đà’s "rebellious" nature in wanting to become Cuoi is shown through:

+ His desire to escape the miserable world and ascend to a realm of dreams

+ His casual tone with the Moon Goddess, seeking her as a friend

+ His bold way of ascending to the moon, requesting the Moon Goddess to lower the banyan tree branch

+ Line 3 shows his hesitant question, while line 4 reflects his self-confidence, thinking that he will make the Moon Goddess less lonely.

=> Tản Đà's rebellious spirit is a balance between sanity and madness, between reality and fantasy, demonstrating his character and attitude towards a corrupt and filthy world. Behind his rebellion lies a noble personality.

Question 3 - Page 156 SGK

Analyze the final image of the poem: "Leaning on each other, looking down at the world and laughing." What does the laughter signify here?

Answer:

- The final line perfectly combines Tản Đà’s rebellious and romantic nature. It reflects his yearning to escape worldly troubles while retaining his purity.

- The laughter in this line has several meanings:

+ Laughter represents the joy of realizing his dream of reaching the realm of imagination

+ Laughter expresses the poet’s view that the world he is leaving behind is still mundane and dull

+ Laughter signifies irony, a mockery of the world from a higher perspective.

Question 4 - Page 156 SGK

What artistic elements contribute to the appeal of the poem?

Answer:

The elements contributing to the poem's appeal are:

+ The poet’s boundless creativity and imagination

+ His abundant emotions and free-spirited writing that create an engaging and imaginative dialogue

+ The poet’s rebellious attitude, which shapes a unique and defiant tone

+ Innovative ways of expressing the "self", differing from traditional classical poetry.

Remember

The poem Want to be Cuoi by Tản Đà reflects the thoughts of a person deeply at odds with the mundane and corrupt reality, yearning for escape through imagination, ascending to the moon to join the Moon Goddess. The poem’s appeal lies in its romantic spirit mixed with rebellious charm and in the innovative approach to the traditional seven-character Chinese poetry form.