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1. Lesson Plan for 'Visiting Uncle Ho's Mausoleum' Version 4
I. A Few Words About the Author
- Career highlights:
+ During the French and American wars, he was active on the Southern front, one of the earliest writers in the Southern Liberation Literature Movement.
+ In 1952, his epic poem 'Victory at Hòa Bình' won second place in a literature competition held in the South.
+ He was elected to the executive committee when the Southern Writers' Association was formed.
+ Notable works: 'Heroic Landmine', 'Like Spring Clouds', 'A Mother's Heart', ...
- Writing style: Viễn Phương’s poetry is emotionally rich but not overly sentimental. His work is gentle, soft-spoken, and contemplative.
II. The Poem
1. Context of Creation:
The poem was written in April 1976, after the end of the American War and the reunification of the country. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum was newly inaugurated, and Viễn Phương traveled to the North to visit Uncle Ho, penning this poem, which was later included in the collection 'Like Spring Clouds' in 1978.
2. Structure:
- Stanza 1: The author's emotions when seeing the external space and surroundings of the mausoleum.
- Stanza 2: Emotions upon seeing the crowd entering to visit Uncle Ho.
- Stanza 3: Emotions upon entering the mausoleum and witnessing Uncle Ho’s resting place.
- Stanza 4: Feelings before leaving.
3. Content Value:
The poem expresses deep reverence and profound emotion from the poet and the people as a whole when visiting Uncle Ho's mausoleum.
4. Artistic Value:
Written in a seven-syllable verse form, the poem conveys a solemn and heartfelt tone, featuring many romantic and evocative images.
Answers to Question 1 (page 60, 9th-grade Literature Book 2):
- The prevailing emotion in the poem is one of sacred reverence, gratitude, and pride, mingled with sorrow as the poet enters the mausoleum to visit Uncle Ho.
- This emotion is expressed in the order of the poet's experience entering the mausoleum.
- In the final stanza, the poet expresses a deep wish to stay by Uncle Ho’s mausoleum forever.
Answers to Question 2 (page 60, 9th-grade Literature Book 2):
- The first image the poet describes in the poem is the row of bamboo trees.
- At the end of the poem, the row of bamboo is revisited with the symbolic meaning of loyalty.
=> This technique, where the beginning and end correspond, reinforces the image and heightens the emotional impact.
Answers to Question 3 (page 60, 9th-grade Literature Book 2):
- 'Every day the sun passes over the mausoleum'
'I see a sun inside the mausoleum, glowing red.'
The sun in the second line symbolizes both the greatness of Uncle Ho and the poet's and the nation's deep respect for him.
- The image of 'the people walking in sorrowful memory' is real, but 'the string of flowers offering seventy-nine springs' is a beautiful metaphor, symbolizing the deep reverence and sacred feelings of the people for Uncle Ho.
- 'Uncle Ho rests in peaceful sleep'
'Under a gentle, bright moon.'
The image of the sun has now been replaced with a gentle, bright moon, symbolizing Uncle Ho not only as a revolutionary leader but also as a loving father figure.
In the following lines, this emotion is expressed directly:
'Though I know the sky will forever be blue'
'Why does my heart ache so deeply?'
These lines are honest and intense.
The final stanza expresses the poet’s wish to remain eternally by Uncle Ho’s side: to become a bird with a sweet song, a flower releasing fragrance, and especially a loyal bamboo tree, to stay by Uncle Ho’s resting place forever.
Answer to Question 4 (page 60, 9th-grade Literature Book 2):
- Poetic form and rhythm: The poem uses eight-syllable lines interspersed with some seven- and nine-syllable lines. The rhyme scheme is flexible. The slow rhythm reflects the poet’s quiet, reflective mood and the deep emotions tied to the moment.
- Language and imagery: The poem is rich in creative imagery that blends literal and symbolic meanings. The language is emotionally expressive.
Practice:
Write a paragraph analyzing stanza 2 or stanza 3 of the poem.
a. Example paragraph (analysis of stanza 2):
The sun rises higher, and this image brings new associations for the poet:
'Every day the sun passes over the mausoleum'
'I see a sun inside the mausoleum, glowing red.'
The natural sun moves across the sky, while the sun in the mausoleum is a metaphor for Uncle Ho. The natural sun brings light, life, and day, while Uncle Ho’s 'sun' also provides guidance, peace, and prosperity. The vivid 'red' represents Uncle Ho’s passionate heart, full of love for the nation and the people. The 'sun' metaphor elevates Uncle Ho’s greatness and immortality while highlighting the nation’s deep respect and gratitude.
The image of the people waiting in line to visit Uncle Ho is equally emotional:
'Every day the people walk in sorrowful memory'
'Forming a string of flowers offering seventy-nine springs.'
The repetition of 'every day' emphasizes the eternal nature of the memory and the love the people hold for Uncle Ho. The 'people' are likened to a 'string of flowers', a unique metaphor representing the beauty and reverence of their tribute, which can never fade. The people’s tribute to Uncle Ho, marked by 'seventy-nine springs', signifies his rich life full of contributions and sacrifices for the country. The repetition of the image underscores the sacredness of the visit and the emotional atmosphere of the mausoleum.
b. Example paragraph (analysis of stanza 3):
The third stanza captures the poet’s emotions upon entering the mausoleum and standing before Uncle Ho’s resting place. The long-suppressed emotions overflow as the poet gazes upon Uncle Ho’s beloved figure. The image of Uncle Ho in the mausoleum is depicted with great emotion:
'Uncle Ho lies peacefully in his sleep'
'Under a gentle, bright moon.'
The lines evoke serenity, reverence, and the beauty of nature. The poet’s feelings are conveyed through the calm, quiet moonlight, symbolizing the lasting peace and beauty that Uncle Ho embodied. The poet also reflects on the sacrifice and love that guided Uncle Ho’s life and his peaceful rest. The gentle moonlight parallels the poet’s longing to keep Uncle Ho’s memory alive forever.
2. Lesson Plan for 'Visiting Uncle Ho's Mausoleum' Version 5
A. MAIN KNOWLEDGE
1. Author:
Viễn Phương (1928 – 2005):
His real name was Phan Thanh Viễn, from An Giang province. During the French and American wars, he was active in the South. He was one of the earliest writers of the liberation literary movement in the South during the American war.
His poetry is often gentle, filled with emotion and a dreamlike quality, even amidst the harsh conditions of war.
2. Work:
Creation Context: The poem "Visiting Uncle Ho's Mausoleum" was written after the victory of the American war, when the country was reunified, and Uncle Ho's mausoleum had just been inaugurated. Viễn Phương visited the North, entered the mausoleum to pay respects to President Hồ Chí Minh, and published the poem in his collection "Like Spring Clouds" (1978).
Content: The poem expresses the deep respect and emotional admiration of the poet and the people for Uncle Hồ when visiting his mausoleum. The tone of the poem is solemn and sincere, with beautiful and evocative metaphors, using simple yet refined language.
B. EXERCISES AND GUIDELINES
Question 1: page 60, Grade 9 Literature, Volume 2
Read the poem multiple times, identify the author's predominant emotion, and describe its expression in the poem.
Answer:
The prevailing emotion in the poem: The poem conveys the deep emotional respect and gratitude of the author toward Uncle Hồ when visiting his mausoleum, and by extension, the feelings of the people for him. This emotion shapes the tone of the poem. The tone is respectful and solemn, fitting the sacred atmosphere of the mausoleum, where the leader rests. The structure of the poem follows the sequence of events in the visit to the mausoleum: first, the outside view with the prominent image of the bamboo grove in the morning mist, then the group of people lining up to enter the mausoleum, followed by the poet's reflections and emotions after seeing Uncle Hồ, and finally, the poet's sincere wish to remain close to Uncle Hồ forever, as the visit concludes and he prepares to return home.
Question 2: page 60, Grade 9 Literature, Volume 2
Analyze the image of the bamboo grove in front of Uncle Hồ's mausoleum as depicted in the first stanza. What aspects of the bamboo did the poet highlight, and what deeper symbolic meanings does it convey? How does the final reference to the bamboo at the end of the poem further develop its symbolic significance?
Answer:
The image of the bamboo grove in the first stanza:
Upon arriving at the mausoleum, the poet's first impression is the sight of a bamboo grove gently swaying in the early morning mist. The bamboo serves as a powerful metaphor. It is a simple, humble plant, yet it is found amidst the grandeur and solemnity of the mausoleum. This contrast may symbolize Uncle Hồ's own simple yet elevated nature. Furthermore, bamboo represents the humble, peaceful life of the Vietnamese countryside. It is also a metaphor for the resilience and indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people: "standing tall in the face of storms and floods".
The bamboo at the end of the poem:
The bamboo that frames the beginning and end of the poem reinforces its symbolic significance. At the close of the poem, the bamboo takes on a new dimension, symbolizing the enduring loyalty of the Vietnamese people and their commitment to follow the path that Uncle Hồ charted. It may also represent the guards standing vigil over the leader's eternal rest, as implied by the poet's deep respect and affection for him.
Question 3: page 60, Grade 9 Literature, Volume 2
How is the poet's and the people's affection for Uncle Hồ expressed in stanzas 2, 3, and 4? Focus on the distinctive metaphors used in these stanzas.
Answer:
The verses in these stanzas express the deep emotion, reverence, and longing the poet feels for the beloved leader. The poet's respect is evident in the lines:
"Every day the sun passes through the mausoleum
And there is a sun inside, so bright and red".
The poet uses metaphor to illustrate the collective admiration for Uncle Hồ. The sun is a natural symbol of life and vitality, and here it is used to represent Uncle Hồ, who brought light and direction to the people. The metaphor effectively conveys the admiration for Uncle Hồ, as the sun provides light and life, just as he did for the Vietnamese nation. The following lines also show the deep sorrow of the poet and the people:
"Though we know the blue sky lasts forever,
Why does it still ache in our hearts?"
The image of the sky symbolizing eternity reflects the lasting legacy of Uncle Hồ. Though his physical presence is gone, his memory and influence remain forever in the hearts of the people. The poet’s heartache highlights the profound loss the nation felt, emphasizing that while logic may accept the inevitability of death, emotion still suffers deeply from this loss.
Question 4: page 60, Grade 9 Literature, Volume 2
Comment on the unity between the poem’s content, emotions, and artistic elements (poetic form, rhythm, language, imagery).
Answer:
The poem’s tone is one of solemn reverence, which is enhanced by its artistic elements. The poet uses free verse, alternating between lines of seven, eight, and nine syllables, with slow rhythms and few pauses, which creates a sense of reflective sincerity. The use of respectful language (e.g., "From the South, I visit Uncle Hồ's mausoleum") and metaphors (e.g., "the sun in the mausoleum is very red", "the sky is forever blue") helps convey deep admiration and gratitude toward Uncle Hồ. These elements work harmoniously to create a cohesive atmosphere of respect, pride, and sorrow as the poet mourns and honors the leader.
Practice
Question 2: Page 60, Grade 9 Literature, Volume 2
Write an essay analyzing stanzas 2 or 3 of the poem "Visiting Uncle Hồ's Mausoleum".
Answer:
For many children of the South, the greatest regret of their lives is not having the chance to see Uncle Hồ one last time before his passing. Viễn Phương was one such child. In 1976, after the victory of the American war and the reunification of the country, Uncle Hồ's mausoleum was inaugurated, and Viễn Phương traveled to the North to pay his respects. In that moment of sorrow, he wrote the poem "Visiting Uncle Hồ's Mausoleum" as an expression of gratitude to the great leader. The pain of loss is deeply felt in every line of the poem, especially in the following verses:
"Uncle lies in the mausoleum, peacefully asleep
Under a soft, gentle moon
Though we know the blue sky lasts forever,
Why does it still ache in our hearts?"
By describing Uncle Hồ’s death as a "peaceful sleep" under a "gentle moon", Viễn Phương softens the pain, as if to reassure himself that Uncle Hồ’s life and legacy will always bring comfort. The poet uses a contrast between logic and emotion: while he knows that death is inevitable, the pain of losing a beloved leader is still too overwhelming to bear. The poem not only reflects the immense sorrow but also the deep respect and admiration the poet and the people have for Uncle Hồ as they visit his resting place.
3. Analysis of "Visiting Uncle Hồ's Mausoleum" - Version 6
3. Analysis of the Poem "Visiting Uncle Hồ's Mausoleum" - Version 6
4. Analysis of the Poem "Visiting Uncle Hồ's Mausoleum" - Version 1
Structure
- First stanza: The poet's emotions upon visiting Uncle Hồ's mausoleum for the first time
- Stanzas 2 & 3: The feelings while joining the crowd to visit the mausoleum
- Final stanza: The sorrow of having to leave the mausoleum and return to the South
Question 1 (Page 60, Textbook, Literature 9, Volume 2)
The overall emotion conveyed in the poem is one of reverence, gratitude, pride, but the dominant emotion is sorrow and regret.
- The tone of the poem: respectful, solemn, and contemplative
- The emotional journey of the poet as they approach the mausoleum:
+ Emotions before reaching the mausoleum,
+ Emotions while joining the crowd entering the mausoleum,
+ The deep desire to remain by Uncle Hồ's side forever
Question 2 (Page 60, Textbook, Literature 9, Volume 2)
The bamboo grove is both a real image and a symbolic one:
+ The bamboo symbolizes the closeness of the Vietnamese countryside and represents the resilience and indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people.
+ The upright bamboo stands for the uprightness of the Vietnamese people, steadfast and strong in any circumstance.
+ At the end of the poem, the image of bamboo reinforces the themes of unity and loyalty – virtues cherished by the Vietnamese people.
- The poet uses the symbolic image of bamboo, especially at the beginning and end of the poem, to create a lasting impression and emphasize the emotion.
→ The poet uses bamboo as a central symbol in the poem.
Question 3 (Page 60, Textbook, Literature 9, Volume 2)
Day by day the sun passes over the mausoleum
And a sun within the mausoleum shines so brightly.
- The metaphor of the sun represents Uncle Hồ's greatness and the respect the poet and the Vietnamese people feel towards him.
Day by day the people walk in deep remembrance
And offer a flower garland representing seventy-nine springs...
- The metaphor of the "flower garland" conveys the profound respect and sorrow felt by the people when visiting Uncle Hồ.
Uncle Hồ rests in peaceful slumber
Under the gentle, bright moon.
- The image of Uncle Hồ in "peaceful slumber" evokes deep sorrow for his passing.
+ The moon: a symbol tied to Uncle Hồ's life, also representing the illuminating path for the nation.
- The poet's raw emotions burst forth in the final stanza, expressing the ache in their heart:
Though the blue sky lasts forever
The pain still lingers deep in my heart
- The final lines express the poet's desire to remain by Uncle Hồ’s side forever, becoming a bird or a flower.
+ The desire to become a loyal bamboo tree next to Uncle Hồ symbolizes the epitome of the Vietnamese people's virtues.
→ The poet and the Vietnamese people share an eternal respect and love for Uncle Hồ.
Question 4 (Page 60, Textbook, Literature 9, Volume 2)
- Poetic form: Free verse
- Rhyme scheme: Flexible, with a slow rhythm that reflects deep thought and introspection, highlighting the poet's profound emotions.
- Language and imagery: Creative use of both literal and metaphorical images
- The language is highly expressive, filled with respect, pride, sorrow, and regret.
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1 (Page 60, Textbook, Literature 9, Volume 2)
Memorize the poem
Exercise 2 (Page 60, Textbook, Literature 9, Volume 2)
"Visiting Uncle Hồ's Mausoleum" is a poem expressing the poet Viễn Phương's reverence and pride during his first visit to the mausoleum. In stanzas 2 and 3, the poet sincerely portrays both his and the people's feelings toward Uncle Hồ. The poet uses the sun metaphor to symbolize Uncle Hồ's greatness:
Day by day the sun passes over the mausoleum
And a sun within the mausoleum shines so brightly
If the real sun gives light and life to all things, Uncle Hồ gave the Vietnamese people the path to happiness and freedom. Following this, the eternal procession of people, who remember Uncle Hồ "day by day," and the "flower garland offering seventy-nine springs" symbolize the deep gratitude to the great leader of the Vietnamese nation.
Uncle Hồ rests in peaceful slumber
Under the gentle, bright moon.
For the poet, Uncle Hồ is like resting in "peaceful slumber," surrounded by the bright light of the moon as imagined by the poet. The poet feels a sharp ache in his heart, knowing that although natural laws are inevitable, the loss of Uncle Hồ still causes deep sorrow. But Uncle Hồ will live on in the poet's heart, in the country, and in the people of Vietnam.
Meaning and Value
- Content: Through the poem, students can appreciate the deep reverence and emotion the poet and the people feel when visiting Uncle Hồ’s mausoleum.
- Artistic value: Students can analyze the artistic features of the poem, such as the solemn and sincere tone, beautiful metaphors, symbolic meanings, and the simple but rich and profound language.
5. Analysis of the Poem "Visiting Uncle Hồ's Mausoleum" - Version 2
Basic Knowledge
1. Poet Viễn Phương was born in 1928 in An Giang province. He was one of the earliest writers in the southern liberation arts movement during the anti-American war. His poetry often has a soft tone, rich in emotion, and was well known to readers during the resistance against American imperialism.
Learn more about the biography of poet Viễn Phương.
2. The poem "Visiting Uncle Ho's Mausoleum" was written when the mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh was completed, marking a united country where people from the south could finally fulfill their wish to visit him. In the deep emotions of the people entering the mausoleum, Viễn Phương wrote this poem.
Reading - Understanding the Text
Question 1 - Page 60 of the Textbook
Read the poem multiple times, explore the prevailing emotions of the poet, and the sequence in which these feelings are expressed in the poem.
Answer:
The poem conveys the feelings of a southern Vietnamese child toward President Ho, expressing the desire and affection of the southern people and all Vietnamese for their beloved leader and father figure.
Sequence of expression:
- First, the scene outside the mausoleum, highlighted by the image of the bamboo groves in the early morning mist.
- Next, the image of people queuing to visit the mausoleum.
- The poet’s emotions and reflections upon entering the mausoleum.
- Finally, the poet’s heartfelt wish to stay by the President's side forever.
Question 2 - Page 60 of the Textbook
Analyze the image of the bamboo grove beside the mausoleum as described in the first stanza. What aspects of the bamboo are highlighted by the poet, and what metaphorical meanings do they convey? How does the final line of the poem returning to the image of the bamboo enhance its symbolic significance for Vietnam?
Answer:
+ The bamboo grove is vast and endless.
+ The bamboo is green, symbolizing the color of the land, of Vietnam.
+ The bamboo is resilient, standing tall in the face of storms ("Withstanding storms, standing firm in rows").
The poet does not describe the bamboo literally but uses metaphor, personification, and symbolism.
This description shows how closely the mausoleum is associated with the imagery of bamboo, which represents the nation’s homeland, the villages with their bamboo hedges. It also symbolizes how the Vietnamese people, like the bamboo, are gathered around the President, guarding his peaceful rest.
Question 3 - Page 60 of the Textbook
How are the poet's feelings and those of the people expressed in stanzas 2, 3, and 4? Pay attention to the use of metaphorical images in these stanzas.
Answer:
- The emotions are expressed uniquely:
+ The love and respect for the President are endless.
+ Time repeats daily as the sun passes over the mausoleum.
+ People move through a space full of deep affection, "walking in memories".
+ The most distinctive image is of the people, the hearts, that have formed a wreath of flowers offered to the President.
- In the third stanza, the poet describes the scene inside the mausoleum and the emotions felt when seeing the President.
+ The moon is used symbolically.
+ The mind says that the President is in peaceful sleep, forever alive in spirit.
+ The truth is that the President is no longer with us.
- In the fourth stanza, the poet's wishes are expressed:
+ To be a singing bird.
+ To be a flower spreading fragrance.
+ To be a loyal bamboo tree.
-> All to remain by the President’s side, guarding him day and night.
Question 4 - Page 60 of the Textbook
Comment on the unity between the poem’s emotional content, feelings, and artistic elements (poetic form, rhythm, language, imagery).
Answer:
- The 5-line poetic form is closely associated with folk tunes, particularly from Central Vietnam, with a gentle and sincere tone. The linking rhyme between stanzas also helps to maintain a continuous emotional flow.
- The poet combines simple, natural images (purple flowers, birds singing, stars...) with more symbolic and abstract ones (the nation like a star...)
- The theme of spring runs through the poem, from the spring of nature to the spring of the homeland. This structure keeps the poem focused, and the emotions don’t feel scattered.
- The tone of the poem reflects the poet’s mood, shifting from joy and enthusiasm in the opening stanzas to a more solemn, heartfelt expression of longing in the conclusion.
Exercise
Task: Write an analysis of either stanza 2 or stanza 3 of the poem.
Sample analysis
Stanza 2
The second stanza reflects the poet's deep admiration for the immense beauty of the President as he becomes part of the crowd visiting the mausoleum. Here, the image of the sun is repeated twice, each with a different meaning. The first reference to the sun represents the actual sun of nature, which brings light, warmth, and life to all creatures. The second reference is a metaphor, where the sun represents the President. By using this metaphor, the poet celebrates the President as a source of light and life for the Vietnamese people. He is the light that guides millions of sons and daughters of the country, the very source of the nation’s life. The image of the people who "walk in memories" and "form a wreath of flowers offering seventy-nine springs" expresses the profound respect and affection of the Vietnamese people for their great father. This is the poet’s sincere, heartfelt tribute to the President.
Stanza 3
While the second stanza expresses gratitude and respect, the third stanza conveys an overwhelming sense of grief at the loss of the President. "Although we know the sky is eternal", the poet compares the President to the timeless, unchanging sky. Even though the President is gone, he remains alive forever in the hearts of the Vietnamese people, his love and great deeds never fading. The President’s image still feels as close as a father, kind and gentle, but when seeing him "resting peacefully", the poet can’t hide his sorrow over the immense loss. The final line of the stanza, "Why does my heart ache?" concludes the poem with a direct expression of the poet’s heartfelt emotions. The exclamation mark emphasizes the sorrowful tone, revealing the poet’s deep feelings toward the President.
6. Lesson Plan "Visiting Uncle Ho's Mausoleum" No. 3
