1. Lesson Plan 4
Structure
- The first two lines: the author's reflections on the destiny of the country.
- The last two lines: the author's philosophy of non-action.
Content of the Lesson
- The poem expresses the poet's sense of responsibility and optimistic belief in the future of the country, as well as the national aspiration for peace.
- The poem is rich in philosophical ideas.
Lesson Preparation Guide
Question 1 (Page 138, Literature 10 Textbook, Volume 1):
- The author uses comparisons to express the strength and enduring prosperity of the country.
- This line both affirms the country's fortune and expresses the author's belief in the nation's future.
Question 2 (Page 138, Literature 10 Textbook, Volume 1):
- The national context:
+ After years of war and chaos, our country began to enter a period of stability.
+ The king (Lê Đại Hành) aims to lead the country to greater strength, as a unified nation.
- The mood: joyful, optimistic, and confident in the nation's future.
Question 3 (Page 138, Literature 10 Textbook, Volume 1):
- Non-action according to Laozi is in harmony with nature, in accordance with the natural laws.
- In this poem, it means that rulers should use their virtue to influence the people, and with the people's trust, the nation will prosper.
- The last two lines affirm that only ruling by virtue will ensure the long-lasting prosperity of the nation.
Question 4 (Page 138, Literature 10 Textbook, Volume 1):
- The last two lines reflect a beautiful tradition of the Vietnamese people, that is, the tradition of peace-loving.

2. Lesson Plan 5
I. GENERAL UNDERSTANDING
1. This poem conveys the poet's awareness of responsibility and optimistic trust in the future of the nation, while also expressing the longing for peace during that era and the tradition of peace-loving in the Vietnamese people.
2. In terms of artistry, the poem is rich in philosophical depth: using natural imagery to affirm the enduring, prosperous, and lasting fortune of the country. The language is succinct yet profound, and the verse has the form and content of a philosophical proverb.
II. DEVELOPING SKILLS
1. In the first line, the poet borrows natural imagery to represent the country's fate (the nation's fortune is like a vine intertwined). This comparison not only emphasizes strength but also the long-lasting, thriving development of the nation. The verse confirms the nation's fortune (Quốc tộ refers to the nation's good fortune) and expresses the poet's faith in the country's destiny.
2. From the first two lines, we can gather the following:
- The national context: After many years of war and turmoil (such as the twelve warlords' rebellion and the Tống invasion in 981), our country began its path to stability. The king (Lê Đại Hành) sought to build a strong, powerful feudal dynasty, a mighty nation. In the rising energy of the people, a new opportunity seemed to unfold.
- The poet's mood: The poet is full of confidence in the nation's future. The first two lines reflect a joyful, optimistic, and proud sentiment about the nation's future.
3. The last two lines speak about the governance method. It all boils down to the concept of “non-action.” Non-action, according to Laozi, means following the natural order and not acting against nature’s laws. In this poem, non-action means that rulers must lead with virtue to influence the people and earn their trust. When the people trust, peace will naturally prevail. This form of governance is one where ruling by virtue ensures the long-lasting peace and prosperity of the nation.
4. The central idea of the poem is captured in the two words “peaceful reign.” The nation’s fortune revolves around these words, and the approach to governance aims for them. The aspiration of the people of that time was for an enduring “eternal peace.” The final two lines reflect a noble tradition of the Vietnamese people, which is the tradition of peace-loving.

3. Lesson Plan 6
Question 1 (Page 139, Literature 10 Textbook, Volume 1)
What does the comparison “The nation's fate is like a creeping vine” mean?
Detailed Answer:
This comparison suggests that the nation's fate is intertwined with many factors. It cannot depend on just one element to succeed. It is a relationship of many interconnected elements that ensure the nation's long-term growth and prosperity. Though the monk does not explicitly say so, we understand this to mean:
- A strong, suitable governance strategy
- Good diplomatic relations with neighboring countries
- Military potential
- Economic strength
- High unity between the leaders and the people

4. Reference Lesson Plan 1
Question 1 (Page 139, Literature 10 Textbook, Volume 1)
The poet begins with a verse using natural imagery to describe the nation's fate:
"The nation's fortune is like a creeping vine"
- The artistic comparison: it represents the strength, unity, and permanence of the country.
→ This verse affirms the nation's prosperity and the poet’s belief in its future.
Question 2 (Page 139, Literature 10 Textbook, Volume 1)
The first two lines:
- National context: After years of war and chaos, the country gradually stabilizes, building a strong dynasty.
- The nation's fortune is rising, with new opportunities emerging.
→ The poet expresses confidence in the country’s future. The first two lines reflect a joyful, optimistic, and proud mood.
Question 3 (Page 139, Literature 10 Textbook, Volume 1)
The last two lines discuss governance, summarized by the concept of “non-action.”
- Non-action, according to Laozi, means acting in harmony with nature, following its laws.
- In this context, it means the ruler must lead with virtue to win the people's trust, and when the people trust the ruler, the country prospers.
- The last two lines affirm that governing by virtue is the only sustainable way to ensure a prosperous, stable nation.
Question 4 (Page 139, Literature 10 Textbook, Volume 1)
The key point of the poem lies in the two words “peaceful reign.”
Both the nation's fortune and the governance strategy aim for a peaceful state.
- After enduring many wars, the people’s desire at the time was for “eternal peace.”
→ These lines reflect the Vietnamese tradition of desiring peace. This is the response of the monk to King Lê Đại Hành. The poem reveals the monk’s thoughts on governance and his foresight for the nation's future.

5. Reference Lesson Plan 2
Question 1 (Page 139, Literature 10 Textbook, Volume 1):
The poet compares “The nation's fortune is like a creeping vine” to express:
- Prosperity, stability, and longevity.
- Affirming the nation's luck and the poet’s faith in the country’s future.

6. Reference Lesson Plan 3
Lesson Preparation Guide
Structure:
- The first two lines: The poet’s reflection on the fate of the nation.
- The following two lines: The poet’s philosophy of "wu wei".
Question 1 (Page 139, Literature 10 Textbook, Volume 1):
In the first line, the poet employs natural imagery – intertwining vines – to convey the nation’s fate. The comparison technique is effectively used here to emphasize the nation’s lasting strength, prosperity, and resilience.
Question 2 (Page 139, Literature 10 Textbook, Volume 1):
The poem was written after King Lê Đại Hành successfully repelled the Song invaders, ending the civil war in Vietnam. At this moment, the king sought to rebuild the nation and restore peace. The poem reflects the state of the country at that time: a unified nation, a capable ruler, and a people united with the military. The poet expresses faith in the new dynasty, believing it will be strong and prosperous.
Question 3 (Page 139, Literature 10 Textbook, Volume 1):
The poet declares, “wu wei on the imperial throne – peace everywhere, war will cease”:
- “Wu wei,” according to Laozi, means to act in harmony with nature, not to interfere with the natural order. In this poem, “wu wei” is understood through Confucian thought, meaning that the ruler (the king) must lead with virtue to win the people’s hearts and avoid actions that contradict the natural laws. By following this path, the people will trust the ruler, and the nation will live in peace, free from war.
Question 4 (Page 139, Literature 10 Textbook, Volume 1):
The last two lines express a longing for peaceful living, reflecting the long-standing tradition of peace-loving in our nation.

