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1. Lesson Plan for 'Đồng chí' No. 4
2. 'Comrade' Lesson Plan No. 5
Question 1. When was the poem 'Comrades' written? What do you know about the circumstances of its creation?
Answer:
Refer to the note (★) in the 9th grade Literature textbook, volume one, page 129, for information about the circumstances surrounding the creation of the poem 'Comrades'.
Question 2. In your opinion, why did the author title the poem 'Comrades,' which speaks of the camaraderie among the soldiers? What does the title suggest about the feelings of the revolutionary soldiers?
Answer:
Refer to note (1) about the term 'comrade'. The comradeship of the soldiers is referred to by the author as 'comradeship,' emphasizing the class foundation, fighting ideals, and revolutionary nature of their relationships during the resistance against the French. Comradeship is the essence and deep-rooted bond among the revolutionary soldiers.
Question 3. In the poem 'Comrades,' several lines mirror each other. Identify these corresponding lines and discuss the significance of this literary technique in the poem.
Answer:
The corresponding lines are: 1 and 2, 13 and 14, 15 and 16. Additionally, there are many other paired lines with matching details and images, such as lines 5, 6, 11, and 17. This artistic technique highlights the closeness and unity among the revolutionary soldiers, from their shared origins to their mutual experiences of hardship, scarcity, and the common fighting ideal. It symbolizes the very foundation and manifestation of comradeship. This method contributes significantly to the construction of the revolutionary soldier’s image, emphasizing the unbreakable bond of comradeship and solidarity. Such feelings are not only a spiritual beauty but also the source of the soldiers’ strength in battle.
Question 4. Write a paragraph expressing your thoughts on the last three lines of the poem 'Comrades'.
Answer:
Here are some guiding thoughts:
- In this vivid scene, three images stand out in the cold, moonlit forest: the soldier, the rifle, and the moon. In the desolate, frost-covered wilderness, the soldiers stand side by side, waiting for the enemy. The strength of their comradeship enables them to endure the harsh weather and all hardships. In the ambush, the soldiers have one more companion – the moon. 'The moon hangs on the barrel of the gun.' These four words have a rhythm like something floating in the vastness, evoking a sense of distance, not something firmly fixed. The moon moves lower and sometimes seems to hang suspended over the muzzle of the rifle. During these ambushes, the moon feels like a friend to the soldiers. (According to Chinh Huu, 'A Few Small Memories of the Poem “Comrades”')
- The image of 'the moon hanging on the barrel of a gun' also carries symbolic meaning, inviting many interpretations: the gun and the moon are both near and far, the real and the imagined, the fighting spirit and the poetic essence, the soldier and the poet.
3. 'Comrade' Lesson Plan No. 6
I. About the Author
- Chính Hữu (1926-2007): His real name was Trần Đình Đắc, pen name Chính Hữu
- Hometown: Can Lộc district, Hà Tĩnh province
- In 1946, Chính Hữu joined the Capital Regiment and served in the military throughout both the wars against French and American invaders.
⇒ Chính Hữu was a soldier-poet who matured during the resistance against French colonialism.
- Living and writing during a time when the country was undergoing long struggles to protect its sovereignty and independence, Chính Hữu focused his writing on the harsh realities of war.
- Creative Journey:
+ He began his poetry career in 1947.
+ The primary theme of Chính Hữu's works is war and soldiers.
+ His most notable work is the poetry collection *The Moon Hanging on the Muzzle of the Gun* (1966), alongside other publications such as *Poetry by Chính Hữu* (1997).
- Writing Style: Though his body of work is not extensive, the majority of his poems are deeply personal, marked by intense emotions, both passionate and somber, with concise, straightforward language and distinctive imagery, establishing him as a poet with a simple yet profound style.
II. About the Poem *Comrade*
1. Context of Creation
- The poem was written in the spring of 1948, during the early stages of the resistance against French colonial rule, after the author and his comrades participated in the Việt Bắc Campaign (Autumn-Winter 1947), defeating a major French offensive in the Việt Bắc resistance zone.
⇒ Considered representative of the wartime poetry from 1946–1954, this poem has journeyed over half a century, solidifying Chính Hữu’s legacy as a soldier-poet of the resistance.
2. Structure (3 Stanzas)
- Stanza 1 (First 7 lines): Establishing the foundation of comradeship among soldiers.
- Stanza 2 (Next 10 lines): Expressing the manifestations of this comradeship and the strength it provides to the soldiers.
- Stanza 3 (Final 3 lines): Symbolizing the beauty of comradeship.
3. Content Value
The poem reflects the deep, sincere bond between comrades, built on shared struggles and a common cause. This comradeship is pivotal in shaping the strength and character of revolutionary soldiers. It paints a realistic yet noble image of Hồ Chí Minh's soldiers at the onset of the French resistance.
4. Artistic Value
The poem succeeds artistically through its flexible free verse, vivid and authentic imagery, and its concise, accessible language that resonates emotionally.
Question 1.
a. The seventh line of the poem is uniquely structured, containing just one word—“Comrade!”—followed by an exclamation mark. This creates a striking emphasis, sounding like a revelation or an affirmation. It serves as a symbolic handshake between individuals, bridging the previous and following stanzas: the first explaining the origins of comradeship, and the second describing its manifestations.
b. Structure.
The first section explains the foundation of comradeship (7 lines).
The second section details the expressions of comradeship and its strength (9 more lines).
The final section (3 closing lines) presents an emblematic image of the soldier.
Question 2. The first six lines of the poem describe the foundation of comradeship among revolutionary soldiers, born from shared humble origins:
“Your homeland is saltwater, sour rice fieldsMine is poor, where the soil is stony and hard”
This commonality of class origins binds the soldiers, making them brothers-in-arms despite coming from distant places.
Comradeship also emerges from their shared mission, fighting side by side:
“Gun to gun, head to head”
The bond grows stronger as they endure hardships together, sharing both joy and sorrow—a true, heartfelt connection symbolized in simple, poignant imagery:
“In the cold night, sharing the blanket like soulmates.”
Question 3. Throughout the poem, there are vivid and evocative images of comradeship that depict the unbreakable bond between the soldiers:
– “In the cold night, sharing the blanket like soulmates.” In the harsh cold, the soldiers share warmth. The phrase “sharing the blanket” traditionally symbolizes intimacy between family or spouses, but here it highlights the profound connection between comrades-in-arms, who are bonded like close friends, united in purpose.
– The next ten lines illustrate specific, moving manifestations of comradeship.
This includes profound empathy for one another:
“I entrusted my fields to you, my friendWhile the house falls apart, the wind blows against itThe well near the banyan tree reminds me of you, soldier.”
The soldiers share the struggles of life, from tattered clothes to shoes worn thin:
“Your shirt is torn at the shouldersMy trousers patched in placesThe cold bites, and no shoes cover our feet.”
And they endure the feverish struggles together:
“The fever shakes us, sweat wets our brows.”
Question 4. The poem ends with a striking image:
“Tonight, in the wild forest with frost and salt
We stand side by side, waiting for the enemy to arrive.
The moon hangs on the gun’s muzzle.”
This is a beautiful symbol of comradeship, depicting the bond between soldiers, symbolized by the moon in the cold night, their weapons, and their steadfast unity. Despite the harsh conditions, their comradeship provides warmth and strength.
The soldiers in ambush are not alone—the moon, their silent companion, hangs above them. The image “The moon hangs on the gun’s muzzle” represents a blend of realism and romanticism, where the practical realities of warfare meet poetic imagination. The moon symbolizes both hope and duty, evoking the eternal connection between the soldier and the poet.
For Chính Hữu, this image encapsulates the tension between reality and dreams, between war and poetry. “The moon hanging on the muzzle of the gun” is not just a physical image but a rhythm, a sense of something suspended, drifting, and vast, yet also intimately connected to the soldier’s existence.
Question 5. The title *Comrade* reflects the deep, revolutionary nature of the soldiers’ relationship. The term “Comrade” signifies shared ideals, and the poem conveys this through the revolutionary comradeship between soldiers, symbolizing their mutual loyalty and dedication to the cause.
Question 6. The poem illuminates the simple yet noble qualities of revolutionary soldiers, particularly during the early stages of the resistance against the French. Comradeship is a powerful force that helps the soldiers remain steadfast on the battlefield, waiting for the enemy with unwavering resolve. The love between comrades gives them extraordinary strength.
4. Analysis of the Poem "Comrade" - Version 1
Structure:
- Section 1 (First 7 lines): The origin of comradeship
- Section 2 (Next 11 lines): The beauty of the soldiers and their comradeship
- Section 3 (Last 3 lines): The symbolic representation of comradeship
Guidelines for Poem Analysis
Question 1 (Page 130, 9th Grade Literature)
The seventh line of the poem, “Comrade!” stands out due to its unique structure. It establishes a sacred bond between the soldiers.
- It acts as a connection, bridging the foundation of comradeship described in the first six lines with its vivid and moving expressions in the following verses.
Question 2 (Page 130, 9th Grade Literature)
The foundation of comradeship:
+ The soldiers come from poor rural backgrounds but unite in the same military unit
+ They share the same battlefront and fighting conditions
+ They empathize with the material shortages faced during the war
+ They share the same ideals and mission in the fight
+ Comradeship grows from working together in battle
+ From “strangers” to “confidants” (In the cold night, sharing a blanket makes them close friends)
→ The foundation of comradeship arises from shared backgrounds, common struggles, and mutual understanding in the face of hardships
Question 3 (Page 130, 9th Grade Literature)
The images and details illustrating comradeship reflect the soldiers' spirit:
+ A cold night shared under the same blanket, turning strangers into close friends
+ One soldier’s jacket is torn, and the other’s pants are patched
+ They express affection by holding hands
→ These vivid details create a powerful image of the unbreakable bond of comradeship among revolutionary soldiers
- These specific and moving expressions of comradeship highlight their emotional connection
+ Mutual understanding of each other's feelings and thoughts
+ Sharing the difficulties and deprivation of a soldier's life
Question 4 (Page 130, 9th Grade Literature)
The final three lines serve as symbols of comradeship:
- The soldiers’ battle conditions: a lonely, cold, desolate forest at night
- The soldiers stand side by side, ready and waiting for the enemy to approach
- Comradeship warms their hearts and gives them strength to fight
- The final image of the poem blends both realism and romanticism:
+ The soldier – the rifle – the moon
+ The moon: a symbol of peace, serenity
+ The rifle: a symbol of the harsh reality, the soldier's duty to fight for the country
- The image of a rifle with the moon hanging above symbolizes the harmonious and beautiful union of comradeship.
Question 5 (Page 130, 9th Grade Literature):
The author chose the title “Comrade” because the entire poem emphasizes the beauty of comradeship, highlighting the bond between individuals who share the same ideals, aspirations, and love for their country.
Question 6 (Page 130, 9th Grade Literature)
The soldiers during the resistance against the French:
- They came from humble beginnings but were rich in patriotism and fighting spirit
- They were willing to sacrifice their personal happiness for the cause of the resistance
- Despite the dangers and deprivations of war, they remained optimistic and supported each other through every hardship
- The most beautiful and sacred aspect of their bond was their solidarity, their shared suffering, and their unity
Practice
Question 1 (Page 131, 9th Grade Literature):
Memorize the poem
Question 2 (Page 131, 9th Grade Literature): Write a paragraph on ...
Your impression of the final lines of the poem “Comrade”:
The final lines of the poem are both realistic and romantic. The realism is reflected in the desolate forest, in the soldiers standing guard, waiting for the enemy, and in the rifle firmly held in the soldier’s hand. Yet, these images also carry a romantic quality, as the comradeship warms the cold air, with the moonlight playfully lingering above the rifle. It’s a beautiful, almost poetic picture: the rifle of war and the moon of peace, symbolizing the hopeful future that lies ahead.
5. Analysis of the Poem "Comrade" - Version 2
Answer to Question 1 (page 130, Literature 9, Volume 1):
What makes the seventh line of the poem unique? How is the emotional flow and thought process in the poem developed before and after that line?
Detailed Answer:
- The seventh line of the poem consists of a single word, 'Comrade!'—a form of address used in military units or organizations. This line is quite special in its structure, as it contains just one word followed by an exclamation mark: Comrade! This type of sentence creates a notable emphasis. It resonates like a discovery, a statement of certainty, and can even be likened to a warm handshake between people. It serves as a hinge connecting two sections of the poem: the first part discusses the origins of comradeship, while the second part illustrates the concrete, touching expressions of that bond.
Answer to Question 2 (page 130, Literature 9, Volume 1):
What are the foundations of the soldiers' comradeship?
Detailed Answer:
- The foundation lies in their shared background of poverty:
His homeland is a place of salty water and sour soil.
My village is poor, the land yields only stones and gravel.
This shared class origin unites them as revolutionaries. Their common purpose and ideals bring them together from distant places into the revolutionary army, making them familiar with one another.
- Comradeship grows from the shared mission of fighting side by side: 'Guns beside guns, heads together.'
- Comradeship strengthens through mutual hardship and joy, forming an intimate bond, as the author illustrates with a simple yet powerful image:
On cold nights, we share a blanket, becoming twin souls.
Answer to Question 3 (page 130, Literature 9, Volume 1):
What are the moving expressions of comradeship that form the spiritual strength of the revolutionary soldiers? Analyze the meaning and value of these details and images.
Detailed Answer:
+ Comradeship is the deep understanding of each other's feelings and experiences. The soldiers are bound by a profound connection, recognizing each other's innermost thoughts:
Fields and crops I leave behind for my comrade to tend.
My house, deserted, sways in the wind.
The well and the banyan tree are reminders of the soldiers gone.
The soldier leaves behind what he loves most—his homeland, his fields, his home, and his memories. The phrase 'mặc kệ' (let it go) conveys his decisive departure. Yet, deep within, the soldier's heart remains with his homeland, constantly imagining the familiar sights of his distant village.
+ Comradeship is also about enduring the hardships of soldiering together:
You and I both feel the chill,
Shivering from fever, sweat dripping down our brows,
Your jacket torn at the shoulders,
My trousers patched with rags,
Our lips smile through the biting cold,
Our feet without shoes,
We hold each other's hands with love.
The hardships faced by the soldiers during the French resistance come alive in the form of worn clothes and cold, unshod feet. These experiences make the suffering tangible for the poet, revealing how exhaustion from fever can cause shivering, and how difficult it is to smile in the bitter cold. Yet, despite the hardships, the soldiers find comfort in each other's camaraderie, holding hands to share warmth and solidarity. The close-knit bond of comradeship is reflected in the consistent pairing of 'you' and 'I,' expressing their deep connection.
Answer to Question 4 (page 130, Literature 9, Volume 1):
What thoughts arise in you when you read the last three lines about the soldier and the battle? Analyze the beauty and meaning of the images in these lines.
Detailed Answer:
The final three lines of the poem end with beautiful imagery:
This night, the jungle is cold and silent,
We stand side by side, waiting for the enemy to come,
The moon hangs over the barrel of our guns.
Set against the desolate, freezing jungle, the soldiers stand together, awaiting the enemy's arrival. This image concretely represents the comradeship, the soldiers fighting side by side in the cold night, preparing for the battle ahead. Their unity and comradeship help them overcome the chill and tension of waiting for the enemy.
The final line is striking: 'The moon hangs over the barrel of our guns.' This is a real image that the poet himself experienced during the late-night ambushes: 'Throughout the night, the moon slowly descended from the high sky, sometimes seeming to hang directly over the tip of our rifles. During these ambushes, the moon was like a companion.' However, this image also carries a deeper, symbolic meaning. 'Guns' represent war and the harsh realities of combat, while 'Moon' symbolizes peace, serenity, and idealism. Together, these images create a beautiful symbol of the soldier's life—a life of both harsh reality and dream-like aspirations. This juxtaposition encapsulates the essence of revolutionary poetry, blending the brutal realities of war with the romanticism of peace and hope. This image, 'The moon over the barrel of the gun,' became the title of the poet's entire collection, 'The Moon Over the Gun's Barrel.'
The poem ends with a vivid portrayal of comradeship and the soldier's spirit.
Answer to Question 5 (page 130, Literature 9, Volume 1):
Why do you think the author titled the poem about the comradeship of soldiers 'Comrade'?
Detailed Answer:
The poem focuses on the comradeship between soldiers, and the title 'Comrade' reflects the essence of this bond. The term 'Comrade' denotes individuals who share the same goals and ideals. It is a form of address within revolutionary groups. Thus, the title encapsulates the revolutionary nature of comradeship and its role in the soldiers' unity and shared purpose.
Answer to Question 6 (page 130, Literature 9, Volume 1):
What impressions do you have of the soldiers during the resistance against the French, based on this poem?
Detailed Answer:
From this poem about comradeship, we see the simple yet noble qualities of revolutionary soldiers, specifically the soldiers during the early stages of the French resistance:
- They came from peasant backgrounds ('His homeland... stones and gravel').
They were willing to leave behind everything dear to them in their rural life to fight for a greater cause: 'Fields and crops... swaying in the wind.'
The phrase 'mặc kệ' reflects their decisive, resolute nature. These peasant soldiers were still deeply connected to their homes, and the longing for their homeland is evident in their hearts: 'The well and the banyan tree are reminders of the soldiers gone.'
- The soldiers endured immense hardships and deprivation.
They faced the chills of malaria, wearing tattered clothes and bare feet in the freezing winter. But these struggles only highlighted the soldiers' inner beauty: their smiling faces despite the pain ('A smile through frozen lips').
- However, above all, their comradeship and determination to fight for their cause shine through.
Practice Exercise
Write a paragraph reflecting your thoughts on the final section of the poem (the last three lines).
Detailed Answer:
In this scene, three interconnected images stand out: the soldier, the rifle, and the moon. In the cold, desolate jungle, the soldiers wait together for the enemy. The strength of their comradeship helps them overcome the hardships. The final image, 'The moon over the rifle's barrel,' is both symbolic and meaningful, representing the contrast between the harsh realities of war ('gun') and the hope for peace ('moon'). This duality captures the essence of revolutionary poetry—grounded in real struggles but infused with the dream of a better future.
Structure
The structure is divided into three parts:
- Part 1 (first 6 lines): The foundations of comradeship.
- Part 2 (next 11 lines): The expressions and power of comradeship.
- Part 3 (last 3 lines): The soldier's image in the night watch.
Main Idea
The comradeship of the soldiers is rooted in their shared circumstances and fighting ideals, expressed naturally and deeply in all situations, contributing to the strength and spiritual beauty of the revolutionary soldiers.
6. Comrade Poem Analysis No. 3
