1. Lesson Plan "Tức cảnh Pác Bó" by Ho Chi Minh #4

2. The composition of "Tức cảnh Pác Bó" by Hồ Chí Minh, version 5
1. Author
Ho Chi Minh (1890 – 1969), born in Kim Liên village, Nam Đàn, Nghệ An.
He came from a poor Confucian family, with his father Nguyễn Sinh Sắc and mother Hoàng Thị Loan.
From a young age, Ho Chi Minh was intelligent and grew up influenced by revolutionary ideas.
Born during a time when his country was enslaved, Ho Chi Minh went abroad to find a path to rescue his country, becoming the first leader of Vietnam.
Though he did not aim to write poetry, his love for the arts led him to leave behind many valuable works to serve the revolution.
2. Work
In February 1941, after thirty years of revolutionary activities abroad, Ho Chi Minh returned to Vietnam to directly lead the resistance. Upon his return, he lived and worked in extremely difficult conditions: residing in a small cave in Pác Bó, near the Vietnam-China border in Cao Bằng province.
Here, he endured hardship, often eating corn porridge and bamboo shoots instead of rice. His workspace was a small stone slab beside a stream near the cave (which he named Lê-Nin stream). The poem "Tức cảnh Pác Bó" describes his life in this cave and his joy in revolutionary life.
Question 1: Page 29, 8th Grade Literature, Volume 2
What type of poem is this? Name other poems in this style you have studied.
Answer:The poem follows the tứ tuyệt (four-line) style, a traditional Chinese form where each line has seven syllables. The rhyming scheme involves lines 1, 2, and 4 or 2 and 4 rhyming. Some other poems in this form that we have studied include: Cảnh Khuya, Nguyên Tiêu (Full Moon Night), Sông núi nước Nam (The Southern Mountains), Bánh trôi nước (Floating Rice Cake), Ngẫu nhiên viết nhân buổi về quê (Writing While Returning to the Homeland), Tĩnh dạ tứ (Thoughts in the Quiet Night), ...Question 2: Page 29, 8th Grade Literature, Volume 2What is the general tone of the poem? How is Ho Chi Minh's mood in Pác Bó expressed in the poem? Why does he consider his difficult life there to be "truly noble"?Answer:The tone of the poem is bright, natural, and humorous, with a hint of playful cheer. Ho Chi Minh's mood in the poem is one of optimism and joy. Despite the hardships, he remained focused on his revolutionary work, constantly striving for the country's development. His optimism is reflected in his connection with nature, where he turns hardship into motivation and joy. While living in Pác Bó, Ho Chi Minh faced great difficulties. However, these struggles—corn porridge, bamboo shoots, and a stone desk—were trivial compared to the hope of national liberation. For Ho Chi Minh, the hardships were not obstacles but rather a symbol of the grandeur of his mission. The poem reflects his noble character and quiet sacrifice for the nation.Question 3: Page 29, 8th Grade Literature, Volume 2From the poem, it is clear that Ho Chi Minh found peace and joy living with nature. Nguyễn Trãi also praised the "forest stream joy" (the joy of living among the forest and stream) in his poem Côn Sơn ca. What similarities and differences can you identify between the "forest stream joy" of Nguyễn Trãi and Ho Chi Minh?
Answer:"Forest stream joy"—like "field and garden joy"—is a high, pure sentiment that has been valued since ancient times. Many wise men and philosophers, when facing tumultuous times, chose to retreat into nature, living in simplicity and purity. Ho Chi Minh's experience in Pác Bó illustrates this "forest stream joy" as he harmonized with the natural world in a peaceful and humble way. Nguyễn Trãi's "forest stream joy" in Côn Sơn ca, however, reflects the joy of a recluse retreating from society. Unlike Nguyễn Trãi, Ho Chi Minh was not a hermit seeking isolation but a great revolutionary leader enduring hardship for the cause of independence. His "forest stream joy" came amid his efforts to lead the revolution in secret. Both men, though, found solace and joy in nature, but Ho Chi Minh’s joy was in service to his people and his nation.Expanded Reference
Question 1: The value of the poem Tức cảnh Pác Bó in terms of content and artistry.
Answer:Content: The poem reflects the simplicity and hardship of daily life, but with optimism, confidence, love for life, and nature. It portrays the spirit of a revolutionary soldier’s life. The art of the poem lies in its simple, clear language. It is a four-line poem with a playful and uplifting tone. The poetic ideas are natural and expansive.Question 2: Write a paragraph about your feelings on Ho Chi Minh's life based on the poem Tức cảnh Pác Bó.
Answer:Through the poem Tức cảnh Pác Bó, we see Ho Chi Minh's simple yet noble lifestyle. His calm and optimistic demeanor is evident even in the face of adversity, trusting in the future of the revolution. After years of exile, Ho Chi Minh returned to his homeland, choosing Cao Bằng as his base. Despite the hardships—living in a cave, eating food from the forest—he was at peace with his surroundings, seeing the larger mission ahead. This poem highlights his dedication to the revolution and the extraordinary spirit he embodied in those difficult times. His joy was not in the simplicity of nature, but in the nobility of his cause.Question 3: Analyze the word "noble" in the line: "The revolutionary life is truly noble".
Answer:The nobility of the revolutionary life: For Ho Chi Minh, the greatest joy was not simply in the peaceful life of nature but in the endless joy of a great revolutionary who, after thirty years of exile, returned to lead his people in the fight for independence. The poet captures the harmony and tranquility with nature, symbolizing the noble spirit of those who dedicate their lives to a revolutionary cause. For Ho Chi Minh, the hardships—dark caves, porridge, bamboo shoots—became insignificant in the face of his commitment to the nation’s liberation. The poem ends with a strong sense of optimism, highlighting his unwavering belief in the revolution's success.

3. The Composition 'Tuc Canh Pác Bó' by Ho Chi Minh, Version 6
I - BASIC KNOWLEDGE TO MASTER
1. Ho Chi Minh was a great revolutionary, poet, and cultural figure of our country and the world. (Review the biography of Uncle Ho in the Vietnamese Literature book for Grade 7, Volume 2.)
2. After thirty years of revolutionary activities abroad, in February 1941, Uncle Ho returned to the motherland to directly lead the revolutionary movement inside the country. At that time, he lived and worked under extremely difficult conditions in Pác Bó Cave, a small mountain cave in Hà Quảng District, Cao Bằng Province. His daily life was very simple. The poem 'Tuc Canh Pác Bó' is one of the works he wrote during this time.
The poem was written in the seven-word quatrain (tứ tuyệt) style of Tang poetry, which only has one stanza consisting of four lines, each with seven words. This poetic form was highly popular in China and later became a common form in medieval Vietnamese literature.
'Tuc Canh Pác Bó' is a simple quatrain infused with a playful tone, reflecting Uncle Ho's optimistic spirit and relaxed demeanor amidst the revolutionary hardships in Pác Bó. The poem also highlights how revolutionary activities and harmony with nature brought immense joy to the revolutionary poet, Ho Chi Minh.
II - GUIDELINES FOR READING AND UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT
1. 'Tuc Canh Pác Bó' belongs to the quatrain form of Tang poetry. Other poems of similar style include: 'Nam Quoc Son Ha', 'Thien Truong Van Vong', 'Banh Troi Nuoc', 'Canh Khuya', 'Nguyen Tieu', 'Vong Lu Son Boc Bo', 'Tinh Da Tu', 'Hoi Huong Ngau Thu',...
2. The general tone of the poem is joyful. Despite the difficult circumstances—living in a cold cave, eating only corn porridge and wild bamboo shoots, and working with inadequate resources like a rocky desk—the poet maintains a cheerful mood. To him, even in such tough conditions, life is 'rich'. His joy comes from engaging in revolutionary activities, leading the country toward independence. Thus, the 'richness' of life is not just about wealth but about living harmoniously with nature, an expression of joy despite hardship, which, in Ho Chi Minh's view, was 'noble' and full of humor, grounded in reality rather than mere bravado.
3. Ho Chi Minh felt great joy and comfort in nature. It resembled the pleasure of ancient hermits who withdrew into nature to escape the frustrations of life. However, unlike these ancient figures, Ho Chi Minh was driven by his revolutionary mission. He lived in a cave without a shelter or proper household, lacking even basic necessities and helpers. Yet he continued his revolutionary work, writing Party history to educate the movement. His life, though minimalist, was revolutionary, and he found joy not only in nature but in contributing to the nation's independence, which culminated in August 1945.

4. Composition "Tức cảnh Pác Bó" by Hồ Chí Minh No. 1
I. A Brief Introduction to Hồ Chí Minh
- Hồ Chí Minh (1890-1969), born Nguyễn Sinh Cung, from Kim Liên village (Sen village), Kim Liên commune, Nam Đàn district, Nghệ An province.
- His life and career:
- He is the beloved leader of Vietnam.
- After 30 years abroad, Hồ Chí Minh returned to directly lead the national revolution in Vietnam.
- In addition to his revolutionary work, he left behind a valuable literary legacy, making him one of the nation's greatest writers and poets.
- Writing style: Hồ Chí Minh's poetry often expresses his deep love for nature and the country, with a gentle, uplifting, and romantic tone.
II. A Brief Overview of the Poem Tức cảnh Pác Bó
1. Context of creation: After 30 years of revolutionary activities abroad, Hồ Chí Minh returned to Vietnam in February 1941 to lead the national revolution. He lived in harsh conditions, but maintained a joyful and optimistic spirit. The poem Tức cảnh Pác Bó was written during this time.
2. Poetic form: Seven-character quatrain (Thất ngôn tứ tuyệt Đường luật)
3. Content value: The poem reflects Hồ Chí Minh's optimistic spirit and composed demeanor amidst the struggles of revolutionary life.
4. Artistic value: The poem uses the seven-character quatrain form with clear, profound language that conveys optimism despite difficult circumstances, using simple, everyday words.
Question 1 (Page 29, Literature Textbook 8, Volume 2):
- The poem Tức cảnh Pác Bó is written in the seven-character quatrain form.
- Other poems in the same form: Nam quốc sơn hà, Cảnh khuya, Nguyên tiêu, Bánh trôi nước, Thiên trường vãn vọng, Tĩnh dạ tứ, Hồi hương ngẫu thư...
Question 2 (Page 29, Literature Textbook 8, Volume 2):
- The general tone of the poem is cheerful, with a touch of humor and wit.
- Hồ Chí Minh's mood in Pác Bó:
- "Morning by the stream, night in the cave" → a life in harmony with nature.
- "Corn porridge and bamboo shoots readily available" → though lacking, he remains cheerful and happy.
- "The rocky table is uneven" → the hardships of life mirror the struggles of the national revolution.
Despite the difficulties in Pác Bó, Hồ Chí Minh lived peacefully, in harmony with nature.
- Hồ Chí Minh saw this difficult life as "elegant" because:
- He prioritized the nation's welfare above all.
- His greatest joy was finding the path to national liberation.
- "Elegance" here refers to living harmoniously with nature and embracing joy.
- Hồ Chí Minh's silent sacrifice represents a noble, virtuous character.
Question 3 (Page 29, Literature Textbook 8, Volume 2):
The "forest stream" pleasure of Hồ Chí Minh and Nguyễn Trãi:
- Similarities:
- Both lived harmoniously with nature, finding joy in it.
- Both sought peace with nature, making it their home.
- Differences:
- Nguyễn Trãi: withdrew from life, finding solace in nature as an escape.
- Hồ Chí Minh: lived in nature due to revolutionary necessity, lacking all comforts, yet working tirelessly for the revolution.

5. Composition "Tức cảnh Pác Bó" by Hồ Chí Minh No. 2
Overview of the Author and Work
1. The Author
- Hồ Chí Minh (May 19, 1890 - September 2, 1969), born in Sen Village, Kim Liên, Nam Đàn, Nghệ An.
- He was a prominent political figure, revolutionary leader, writer, and poet of our nation, as well as a world-renowned cultural icon.
- Hồ Chí Minh was also a writer, poet, and journalist, producing works in Vietnamese, Chinese, and French.
2. The Work 'Tức cảnh Pác Bó'
- Creation context: In February 1941, after thirty years of revolutionary activities abroad, Hồ Chí Minh returned to Vietnam to directly lead the national revolutionary movement. He lived and worked under very difficult conditions in Pác Bó Cave, a small cave near the Vietnam-China border (Hà Quảng District, Cao Bằng Province), often eating corn porridge and wild bamboo shoots instead of rice, and working at a stone desk by the riverbank (which he named Lenin Stream).
- Poetic form: Seven-character quatrain (thất ngôn tứ tuyệt)
- Structure: 2 parts
+ Part 1 (first 3 lines): Describes Hồ Chí Minh's daily life and work.
+ Part 2 (remaining lines): Reflects Hồ Chí Minh's thoughts on revolutionary life.
Question 1 - Page 29 Textbook
What poetic form does the poem belong to? Name a few other poems in the same form that you have studied.
Answer:
- 'Tức cảnh Pác Bó' is written in the seven-character quatrain (thất ngôn tứ tuyệt) form.
- Other similar poems include: 'Nam quốc sơn hà', 'Cảnh khuya', 'Nguyên tiêu', 'Bánh trôi nước', 'Thiên trường vãn vọng', 'Tĩnh dạ tứ', 'Hồi hương ngẫu thư'...
Question 2 - Page 29 Textbook
What is the general tone of the poem? How is Hồ Chí Minh's mood expressed in the poem? Why did he feel that his difficult life was 'luxurious'?
Answer:
- The poem has a cheerful, slightly humorous tone.
- Hồ Chí Minh's mood in Pác Bó:
+ 'Waking by the stream, resting in the cave' → a life in harmony with nature.
+ 'Corn porridge, bamboo shoots always available' → despite hardship, he remains joyful and content.
+ 'Stone desk unsteady' → the harsh conditions mirror the struggles of the revolutionary fight.
→ Despite the challenges at Pác Bó, Hồ Chí Minh remained calm, at peace, and connected to nature.
- Hồ Chí Minh felt that this challenging life was 'luxurious' because:
+ He prioritized the nation’s welfare above all else.
+ His greatest joy was finding the path to liberate the country.
+ 'Luxury' for him meant living in harmony and joy with nature.
→ This reflects Hồ Chí Minh’s silent sacrifice and his noble character.
Question 3 - Page 29 Textbook
The poem shows Hồ Chí Minh's joy and comfort living amidst nature. Nguyễn Trãi also praised the 'forest and stream pleasure' in his poem 'Côn Sơn ca'. How do Nguyễn Trãi's and Hồ Chí Minh's views on nature differ?
Answer:
Nguyễn Trãi praised the 'forest and stream pleasure' as a retreat from the troubled world, seeking peace in nature. In Hồ Chí Minh's case, the 'forest and stream pleasure' is connected to his revolutionary mission. Though his life appeared like a hermit’s, Hồ Chí Minh was actively fighting for the country’s freedom, working tirelessly for the independence of the nation (e.g., working at a stone desk while translating Party history).

6. The Composition 'Tức cảnh Pác Bó' by Hồ Chí Minh No. 3

