Top 6 Best Lesson Plans on 'Homeland' by Tế Hanh (Grade 8)

I. A Brief Introduction to the Author Tế Hanh
- Tế Hanh (1921-2009), born as Trần Tế Hanh
- Hometown: Born in a fishing village by the coastal region of Quảng Ngãi Province
- Life and Career
+ He participated in the New Poetry movement in its later stages, writing poems filled with sorrow and love for his homeland
+ After 1945, Tế Hanh wrote works to support the revolution and resistance against foreign invaders
+ He was awarded the Ho Chi Minh Prize for Literature and Arts by the government
- Writing Style: His poetry is simple and natural, yet rich in imagery, evoking deep and heartfelt emotions.

II. A Brief Overview of the Poem 'Homeland'
1. Context of Creation
- The poem was written in 1939, when Tế Hanh was studying in Huế and feeling homesick for his coastal fishing village. It was first published in the collection 'Nghẹn ngào' (1939) and later included in 'Hoa niên' (1945)
2. Structure
- First two lines: General introduction to the village.
- Next six lines: Depiction of the fishermen rowing their boats out to sea to fish
- Next eight lines: Description of the fishing boats returning to shore
- Last four lines: Longing for the fishing village and the homeland
3. Content
- The poem vividly paints a bright and lively picture of a coastal village, emphasizing the energetic and vibrant image of the fishermen and their daily labor. Through this, the poet expresses a deep and sincere love for his homeland.
4. Artistic Techniques
- Simple yet evocative language, with a strong and bold poetic voice
- Rich, meaningful imagery
- Use of various literary devices to enhance the artistic effect

Question 1. In the following two lines, the author uses simile:

- The boat is light and fast like a wild horse

- The sail is stretched like the soul of the village

How are these two comparisons different from each other? What is the artistic effect of each?

Answer:

Both lines use simile, but they employ different approaches and yield distinct artistic effects.

- The first (The boat is light and fast like a wild horse) compares a physical, tangible object (the boat) to another concrete, visible object (the wild horse). The comparison highlights the boat’s vigor and swift motion, akin to a horse galloping eagerly towards the horizon. This simile emphasizes the strength and energy of the boat as it heads out to sea.

- The second (The sail is stretched like the soul of the village) compares a tangible, visible object (the sail) to something abstract and spiritual (the soul of the village). While it doesn’t make the sail more concrete, it imbues the sail with a sense of soul, making it a powerful symbol of the village. This comparison elevates the sail, giving it a deep, profound meaning, representing the vitality and spirit of the community.

Question 2. Below are two lines describing the fishermen:

The fishermen’s skin is sun-tanned,

And their bodies exude the scent of the distant sea;

How do these two descriptions differ? What is the artistic effect of each?

Answer:

Both lines describe the fishermen, but each does so differently:

The fishermen’s skin is sun-tanned,

And their bodies exude the scent of the distant sea;

The first line paints a realistic image, highlighting the sun-kissed, tanned skin of the fishermen—an everyday feature of those who work under the harsh sun. This is a straightforward description of their physical appearance.

The second line is a unique artistic creation. Instead of simply describing their physical bodies, the poet expresses an emotional and sensory connection, as though the fishermen’s bodies carry the “scent” of the faraway sea, symbolizing the vast, mysterious, and uncharted nature of the ocean. The use of ‘the distant sea’ conveys the poetic beauty and grandeur of the fishermen’s bond with the sea, offering a romantic and ethereal quality to the description.

Question 3. In your opinion, is the picture of the homeland depicted by the poet in the poem a landscape or a scene of daily life? What does this tell you about the poet’s feelings for his homeland?

Answer:

A landscape painting is one that focuses on nature’s beauty, while a scene of daily life depicts human activities like work, play, and social interactions. In the poem 'Homeland', the poet presents both. There are landscape elements, like the clear sky, gentle breeze, and the morning light, especially in the early verses. There are also scenes of daily life, such as the fishermen heading out to sea and the villagers welcoming the boats back to shore.

However, the majority of the poem focuses on daily life, particularly the labor and vitality of the fishermen. These elements take up more space and feature the most striking, creative descriptions. Therefore, the poet’s primary focus is on the people and their work, showing that his love for his homeland is deeply rooted in the lives and struggles of its people. Tế Hanh’s longing for his homeland is clear, reflecting an affection that is pure, sincere, and physically vigorous—qualities not commonly seen in the New Poetry movement.

I. General Overview of the poem "Homeland"
1. Author
Tế Hanh is a poet with a passionate, profound soul. His homeland has been his primary source of inspiration throughout his poetic life.
2. The Poem
"Homeland" is a poem from the collection "Choked with Emotion" published in 1939.
3. Structure:
First 2 lines: A general introduction to the village.
Next 6 lines: Depiction of fishermen rowing boats to sea for fishing.
Next 8 lines: The scene of fishing boats returning to the shore.
Final 4 lines: The yearning for the village and the sea of the homeland.

II. Reading and Understanding the Text

Question 1. After the first two simple, natural lines, the poet introduces his village in a way that conveys only the basic idea. Following that, six lines describe the scene of "strong young men rowing boats to catch fish" in the early morning, which is broad and spacious. These lines are beautiful, setting the scene with a wide, clear sky, painted with the soft pink hues of the dawn, and within that sky stands the image of the boat fleet venturing out to sea:

When the sky is clear, the breeze gentle, in the early pink morning

Strong men row boats to catch fish

The boat sails swiftly, like a galloping horse

With each stroke of the oar, crossing the great river

The comparison to a "galloping horse" and the choice of words like "swift", "with urgency", "crossing" all impressively depict the bold energy of the boat racing out to sea, radiating vitality and unexpected grandeur. These four lines not only create an image of a vibrant natural landscape, but also an image of enthusiastic, life-filled labor, as the fishermen battle the waters. The next two lines describe the sails in a romantic and unexpected comparison:

The sail billows wide like the soul of the village

The white body catches the wind, gathering it in

The image of the white sail filled with the ocean breeze, familiar yet suddenly grand and sacred, becomes the very symbol of the village's spirit. The poet not only paints the scene but also feels the essence of the objects. The comparison here doesn't just make the description more vivid, but evokes a soaring, meaningful beauty. Can there be a better image to express the soul of the fishing village than the white sail swelling with the sea breeze, stretching out across the vast ocean?

Stanza 3 depicts the fishermen welcoming the boats back, creating a lively scene of labor, full of joy and life: the atmosphere is bustling, the boats are loaded with fish, the silver, fresh fish are pleasing to the eye, and there's a sense of gratitude for the calm sea that has protected them and allowed the boats to return safely with "boats full of fish"...

The next stanza is striking, describing the fishermen and their boats resting on the shore after the sea voyage. The first line (Fishermen with sun-kissed skin) is realistic, while the following line is a creative metaphor, capturing the essence of these workers, the children of the sea, with their weathered skin and powerful, salty bodies: Their entire form seems to breathe the taste of distant shores. This description combines realism and romance, adding depth to the image.

The next two lines describe the boats resting on the shore after battling the waves, using a unique artistic approach. The poet doesn't just see the boat resting but also "feels" its exhaustion, as if the boat itself is savoring the salt in its wooden frame. The boat, once lifeless, now seems to possess a soul, reflecting the sensitive heart of the poet. Just like the fishermen, the boat absorbs the salty essence of the sea. Such lines wouldn't be possible without a keen soul, a deep connection to the life of the fishing village, and a heart full of love for it.

Question 2. In this poem, the poet vividly captures the images of his homeland and the fishermen through unique comparisons. For example:

The sail billows like the very soul of the village
The white body catching the wind and drawing it in...

The fishermen with their sun-kissed skin
And their bodies brimming with the taste of distant shores.

The white sail, swelling with the wind, exudes a powerful allure. The strong, expansive shape of the sail mirrors the breath of the boat, the soul of the sailor, and the spirit of the village. Here, the poet has compared the sail, a tangible, physical object, to the abstract soul of the village, making the spiritual essence of the village materialize through an image that is both soaring and meaningful. The strength and vigor, the free spirit, and the longing for grandeur in the fishermen are embodied in the white sail.

The next two lines describe the fishermen – ordinary workers – but through the poet's creative and evocative lens, Tế Hanh elevates their stature to that of heroic figures, worthy of admiration. The fishermen are portrayed as statuesque figures carved by the sea, with the colors and textures of the ocean in their skin, strong, sun-kissed bodies, and the deep "taste of distant shores." The "taste of distant shores" refers to the salty air and the essence of the vast sea, the very breath of the ocean and the far horizons.

Question 3. To paint such a vivid and vibrant picture of a coastal village, and especially to bring the fishermen and their daily labor to life in such a vivid, realistic way, it is clear that Tế Hanh must possess a finely tuned sensitivity and artistry, as well as a deep, affectionate connection to his homeland. His longing for the vast, watery landscape of his birthplace is palpable. Question 4. "Homeland" is a lyrical poem, though most of its stanzas are descriptive. Even in the final four lines, where the expression is primarily emotional, two middle lines still retain descriptive elements.

Yet, this is still a lyrical poem, where the dominant method of expression is emotional. The descriptive images serve to recreate the scenery, the life, and the people of the fishing village as experienced through the poet's nostalgic heart. The descriptive elements here exist to enhance the emotional tone of the work. Moreover, the poet's description is not objective but is rather filled with subjective emotions, which is why there are such beautiful, soaring comparisons, and moments of personification that breathe life into the objects, giving them unexpected beauty and depth.

The most distinctive artistic feature of this poem is its creativity in imagery. The poem is rich in imagery. Some of the images are accurate and unembellished, down to the smallest details, making the reader feel as if they are seeing the scenes described (such as in the first stanza, the first two lines of the second stanza, the third stanza, and the two middle lines of the last stanza). Yet there are also images that are poetic, romantic, and full of soul, as analyzed above.

Hoài Thanh astutely commented: "I believe Tế Hanh is a very sensitive person. He has captured the heartfelt scenes of his homeland. The reader can hear even what is invisible, what has no sound, such as the "soul of the village" on the "billowing sail", or the song of the fragrant fields tempting the narrow country roads. Additionally, the poet's skillful use of comparisons has contributed greatly to creating these vivid, evocative images. Furthermore, his simple yet emotionally charged language stirs the reader's imagination."

Exercise

Question 2. Collect and transcribe your favorite poems about the homeland (Suggestions: "Remembering the Homeland River" by Tế Hanh, "Homeland" by Giang Nam, "Mother Tơm" by Tố Hữu, "Across the Đuống River" by Hoàng Cầm, "Việt Bắc" by Tố Hữu…).

Structure:

Divided into 4 parts:

+ Part 1 (the first two lines): Introduction to the fishing village, the author's hometown.

+ Part 2 (second stanza): The scene of the fishermen setting sail, full of joy and romance.

+ Part 3 (third stanza): The scene of the fishing fleet returning.

+ Part 4 (the last stanza): The author's deep yearning for his homeland.

Question 1 (page 18, Literature 8, volume 2):

The author vividly portrays the fishermen rowing their boats out to sea:

+ Clear sky, gentle breeze, rosy dawn → a beautiful and fresh morning scene.

+ Strong young men rowing boats → a central, dynamic image full of vitality.

+ The fleet is like a strong steed (charging, galloping, overcoming) → conveys a sense of power with a mythical, fairytale tone.

+ The sails (spread wide, white) represent the soul of the village → a metaphor symbolizing the essence and spirit of the coastal people. A majestic and meaningful beauty.

→ A vibrant natural landscape, a lively scene of labor and hope from the seaside people.

- The return of the fishing fleet to the harbor: joyful and glorious.

+ The atmosphere of welcoming the boats back: busy, noisy, and lively.

+ The image of the fishermen: tanned skin, strong physique → a portrayal of the tough, healthy people of the sea.

+ "The boats full of fish" convey joy and gratitude towards the "calm sea" that brings them sweet rewards.

+ The image of the boat: still, tired, lying down / the salt gradually soaks into the wood → an inanimate boat takes on a soul, feeling the weariness yet joyfully returning (according to Hoài Thanh's words), sensitively sensing the essence of life.

→ The joyful and excited return of the fleet is felt through poetic sensitivity, a deep understanding of the hard yet beautiful labor of the fishermen.

Question 2 (page 18, Literature 8, volume 2):

The sail spreads wide like the soul of the village

It stretches white, gathering the wind

+ The sail: spread wide, stretching, gathering wind – a familiar image depicted realistically through careful observation.

+ Metaphorical comparison: the intangible is given form, made concrete through the image of the "sail", clear in shape, texture, and color.

+ "Stretching white, gathering wind" – vast and upright, strong like the spirit of the people of the sea, ready to face challenges.

+ The sail symbolizes the essence, spirit, and emotions of the fishermen, transforming into something ethereal and romantic in poetry.

→ The metaphor and comparison bring the real image of the sail to life, becoming a symbol of the village’s soul, a source of pride, and a testament to the love and mastery of the sea.

The fishermen's skin is tanned by the sun

And their bodies exude the scent of the distant sea

+ The realistic image of "sun-tanned skin" – a depiction of strength and endurance, showing the hardships of the fishermen's labor under the sun and sea.

+ "Their bodies exude the scent of the distant sea" → a metaphorical transformation, the body now perceived through the sense of taste – "salty".

+ The saltiness of the sea permeates every breath, symbolizing the deep connection between the people and the ocean that nourishes them.

→ This metaphor not only builds the image of the strong, seasoned fishermen but also highlights the inseparable bond between humans and nature.

Question 3 (page 18, Literature 8, volume 2):

The author’s deep affection for the landscape, life, and people resonates in every line of the poem.

+ The imagery of the coastal homeland is etched deeply in the author’s mind, creating a surge of emotions that flow through the poem, expressed through beloved images: boats, white sails, the sea, silver fish...

+ The author's longing for his homeland is evident, with the salty taste of the sea lingering in his thoughts from beginning to end.

→ A profound and unwavering love for the homeland.

Question 4 (page 18, Literature 8, volume 2):

- The artistic uniqueness of the poem:

+ The use of vivid imagery captures the shape, outline, and color of objects, creating high emotional value.

+ The art of comparison makes the description more concrete, evoking a sense of beauty that is both romantic and elevated.

+ The use of metaphors enhances the imagery, making the emotions and sensations more intense.

- The method of description, blending expression with emotion, is predominantly used in this text: + Descriptive imagery that recreates and portrays the familiar, beautiful scenes of the coastal village.

+ Emotions of nostalgia and passionate love for the homeland are conveyed.

Exercise

Exercise 1 (page 18, Literature 8, volume 2)

Memorize and read aloud the poem.

Exercise 2 (page 18, Literature 8, volume 2)

Some verses about the homeland:

Homeland is a bunch of sweet starfruit

For me to climb and pick every day

Homeland is the road to school

Where butterflies fly, as I return.

(Homeland - Đỗ Trung Quân)

Can Tho with its white rice and clear water

Whoever goes there never wants to leave.

Folk song

The market in Saigon is paved with stones

The market in Rạch Giá is paved with cement

I say goodbye to my homeland

As I return, I no longer belong.

Folk song

Answer to Question 1 (Page 18, Literature Textbook 8, Volume 2)

The scene of fishermen paddling their boats out to sea:

- Space and time: Clear skies, light winds, and the early pink dawn.

- The image of the boat is compared to a strong horse: 'galloping', 'charging' to convey the power and vitality of the boat fleet.

- The sail is compared to the soul of the village: Representing the core spirit of the coastal people.

The scene of the boats returning to port:

- Atmosphere: Noisy, bustling, lively.

- The fishermen: 'Bronzed skin', 'strong bodies with the distant scent of the sea.'

=> The robust, energetic beauty of the coastal people.

- The boat: The boat is personified. It, like a person, rests after a hard journey, the salt from the sea soaking into its wooden body, representing the soul of the sea and the homeland of the fishermen.

Answer to Question 2 (Page 18, Literature Textbook 8, Volume 2)

- The sail is compared to the soul of the village: The intangible, colorless idea is made concrete through the image of the sail, which has shape, texture, and color. The scene breathes with the spirit of the people, with the poet infusing the image with the essence of the fishing village.

- Using metaphor to express sensory perception (taste), something that is usually visual (body image).

Answer to Question 3 (Page 18, Literature Textbook 8, Volume 2)

The poet's affection for his homeland is deep and profound. Far from home, he constantly remembers the salty taste and green color of the sea, the white sails, the boats heading out to sea, and the strong bodies of the fishermen.

Answer to Question 4 (Page 18, Literature Textbook 8, Volume 2)

- The poem’s tone is simple and rustic, with emotionally rich language.

- Rich imagery, with comparisons that evoke high emotional resonance, as well as personification.

- The use of metaphor, inversion in word order within sentences.

- A series of strong verbs, adjectives, and the use of listing.

- A narrative style blended with descriptive and expressive elements.

Practice

Question 1 (Page 18, Literature Textbook 8, Volume 2). Memorize and practice reading the poem with feeling. Students work independently.

Question 2 (Page 18, Literature Textbook 8, Volume 2). Collect and write down your favorite verses or excerpts about the feeling of homeland.

- The river waves ripple, carrying thoughts of home

No sunset smoke, yet still I miss my home

(From Tràng giang by Huy Cận)

- In my childhood, I went to school twice a day

Loved my homeland through each little page of my book

(From Quê hương by Giang Nam)

- Homeland is unique, just like only one mother

(From Quê hương by Đỗ Trung Quân)

Structure:

- The first two lines: General introduction to the village.

- The next six lines: Depiction of fishermen paddling their boats out to sea.

- The next eight lines: Scene of fishing boats returning to port.

- The final four lines: Expressing the poet's longing for the village and the sea.

Main idea:

Tế Hanh creates a vivid, lively picture of a coastal village, highlighting the vitality and strength of the fishermen and their laborious lives. The poem conveys the poet's sincere and heartfelt love for his homeland.

I. Author and Work
Tế Hanh, born Trần Tế Hanh in 1921 in a fishing village in Quảng Ngãi, became a prominent figure in the New Poetry movement (1940-1945). His poems express a deep sorrow and a profound love for his homeland. He is best known for his poetry reflecting a longing for the Southern homeland and the desire for national reunification. He was awarded the Ho Chi Minh Prize for Literature and Art in 1996. Notable works include: Hoa niên (1945), Gửi miền Bắc (1955), Tiếng sóng (1960), Hai nửa yêu thương (1963), and Khúc ca mới (1966).
The theme of the homeland is a constant source of inspiration throughout Tế Hanh's poetry, with his poem "Homeland" being the first in this theme. It was originally published in the 1939 collection Nghẹn ngào and later reprinted in Hoa niên (1945).

II. Structure
The poem is divided into four parts:
+ Part 1 (the first two lines): Introduction to the fishing village, the author's homeland.
+ Part 2 (stanza 2): The lively, romantic scene of the fishermen heading out to sea.
+ Part 3 (stanza 3): The return of the fishing boats.
+ Part 4 (final stanza): The author's nostalgic longing for his homeland.

Question 1, Page 18 - Literature Textbook 8, Volume 2: Analyze the scenes of fishermen rowing their boats out to sea (from lines 3 to 8) and the arrival of the fishing boats at the port (the following 8 lines). What distinctive features of the fishermen and their life in the village are portrayed in these two scenes?

Answer:
The poet vividly depicts the fishermen rowing out to sea:
+ The sky is clear, the breeze gentle, and the early morning light pink – this sets a beautiful, fresh scene at dawn.
+ The strong, vigorous fishermen rowing the boats – this represents the vitality and strength of youth.
+ The boats are compared to galloping horses – symbolizing the legendary, mythic power of the fleet.
+ The sails (white and billowing) are compared to the soul of the village – a metaphor for the spirit, the essence of the coastal people.
– The vibrant natural landscape and the dynamic, hopeful energy of the fishermen create a vivid scene of their labor.
– The return of the boats to port: cheerful, victorious.
+ The atmosphere as the boats arrive: busy, noisy, and full of life.
+ The image of the fishermen: bronzed skin, strong bodies exhaling the scent of the distant sea – a symbol of the rugged, vital life of coastal people.
+ The boats are full of fish – a joyful, grateful return to the sea for its bountiful gifts.
+ The boat itself: quiet, tired as it returns, its salt-covered hull – personifying the boat, giving it a soul, it listens and feels the rhythm of life in the labor of the fishermen.
– The lively, hopeful scene of the returning boats is captured with a tender, empathetic tone, reflecting a deep understanding of the struggles and joys of coastal life.

Question 2, Page 18 - Literature Textbook 8, Volume 2: Analyze the following verses:
– "The sail is raised like the soul of the village"
"It stretches white, vast, gathering the wind..."
– "The fishermen’s skin is tanned, their bodies exhaling the distant scent of the sea."
What is the artistic effect of the metaphors and comparisons in these lines?

Answer:
The sail raised like the soul of the village – a vivid, visual image: the sail, large and white, gathering the wind, is compared to the intangible soul of the village. The metaphor makes something abstract and colorless into a concrete, visually rich image with shape, texture, and color. The sail, which is familiar to the fishermen, becomes a symbol of the spirit of their community, elevating it to a poetic, symbolic image.
The fishermen with tanned skin and bodies exhaling the distant sea’s scent – a realistic depiction: the fishermen’s skin is tanned by the sun.
The metaphor here blends sensory details, using the sense of taste (the sea’s saltiness) to describe the fishermen's strong, physical presence, a characteristic often only perceived visually. These verses evoke the salty, poignant atmosphere of the sea and express a longing for home through the poet's sensory-rich imagery.

Question 3, Page 18 - Literature Textbook 8, Volume 2: How do you assess the author’s feelings for the landscape, life, and people of his homeland?

The poet's affection for his homeland is deep and heartfelt. Away from home, he constantly recalls the salty taste, the green sea, the white sails, the boats setting out to sea, and the strong bodies of the fishermen. Such emotions reflect a profound connection to the people and the laborious life of the coastal village. Without this deep bond, Tế Hanh could not have written such unique, evocative lines.

Question 4, Page 18 - Literature Textbook 8, Volume 2: What are the most notable artistic features of the poem? Do you think the poem is written with a descriptive, expressive, narrative, or lyrical style?

Answer:
The poem has a rustic, simple tone, with emotionally charged language.
The comparisons are rich in imagery, full of emotional depth, and employ personification.
There are metaphors, inversions in word order, and the use of dynamic verbs, adjectives, and lists.
The poem blends narrative, descriptive, and expressive elements seamlessly.