Top 6 Best Review Outlines for Semester 1 Literature Exam

The concept of the homeland is timeless, calling out to the hearts of millions, resonating in every corner of the world. Our country is passed down through lullabies, folk songs, and the poetic verses of countless poets, expressing deep pride and love for the land. In the works of Nguyễn Đình Thi, the image of a suffering nation shines through a spirit of resistance, while in Hoàng Cầm’s poetry, there is tenderness and thoughtful reflection. However, Nguyễn Khoa Điềm offers a more comprehensive view, seeing the nation through the eyes of the people, a vision that brings together various perspectives on the Vietnamese homeland.

Through poetry that blends emotions with reflections, lyrical thoughts with political commentary, the poet aims to awaken the national consciousness of the young generation during the American War of Resistance. The opening lines are soft, intimate, like a tender conversation that connects the reader to the heart of the nation.

'When we grow up, the homeland was already here,' the homeland is within those ancient stories our mothers told, in the betel nut that our grandmother chews, and the bamboo that stands at our door—symbols of a peaceful, loving Vietnam, strong in its unity, but fierce in defending against invaders.

Each betel nut, each bamboo tree carries a spiritual beauty, deeply rooted in the history and culture of the nation. The homeland is also a reflection of the thousand-year-old customs, traditions, and the deep bonds of family love.

The love between parents, like the bitterness of ginger and the saltiness of salt, is natural and eternal. The imagery evokes memories of the timeless bond between people: 'With a plate of salt and a bowl of ginger, bitter ginger, salty salt—never forget each other.' The homeland is also the result of hard labor, the struggle for survival, and the building of homes:

The beams and columns of the house are named,

The rice is grown with one sun, two rains, and much grinding and sifting.

Here, the homeland is no longer an abstract concept; it is present in every simple and familiar aspect of life, depicted through folk elements that express the poet's thoughts on the nation—the nation of the people. With a tone of intimate dialogue with imaginary characters, Nguyễn Khoa Điềm presents a personal vision of the homeland:

The land is where you go to school,

The water is where you bathe,

The homeland is where we meet,

The homeland is where you lost your handkerchief in quiet longing.

The homeland is not only perceived through vast geographic spaces, from mountains to seas, but also through the everyday spaces of people’s lives, from love to longing. The poet’s idea of the homeland emerges from the division of land and water, with its nuanced and poetic interpretation reflecting the people’s unique understanding of their nation. As time passes, the homeland becomes the place where love grows and where we long to return.

The land and water, though separate, unite when we become 'we'. The handkerchief—symbolizing longing—once again touches the hearts of young lovers: 'The handkerchief remembers someone, falling onto the ground...' The homeland is also where people return, as symbolized by the image of a phoenix flying to the silver mountain, a reminder of deep love for the country.

The homeland may be humble, but it is also vast and magnificent to those far from it. It is a place always remembered, where the Vietnamese family turns toward its roots. The homeland transcends time and space, enduring as the place for reunion, the very foundation of the Vietnamese people across generations. Nguyễn Khoa Điềm evokes the myth of Lạc Long Quân and Âu Cơ, as well as the Hung Kings’ death anniversary, reminding everyone of the nation’s origins.

Through these references to legends and ancestors, Nguyễn Khoa Điềm urges us to remember the origins of the Vietnamese people. Wherever we go, we remember the Dragon and Fairy lineage, always returning to our roots.

The poet’s vision of the homeland, expressed through the people, is not about glorifying historical figures or celebrated heroes but about celebrating the ordinary people, those whose labor and sacrifices have built the nation. The homeland is the product of their efforts, passed down from generation to generation, through struggles, sacrifices, and the preservation of culture and values. These individuals, though anonymous, have created the Vietnam we know.

Through the simplicity of everyday lives, the poet highlights the truth that 'the homeland is created by the people.' The poet’s imagery brings nature and people together, symbolizing the country’s collective soul. Every mountain, every river, every landmark has been shaped by the hands of ordinary people. This is reflected in the poetic expression:

'And everywhere across the fields and hills,

There is a shape, a wish, a way of life passed down by our ancestors.'

The thought of the homeland, created by the people, is the central theme of the poet’s work, showing how the everyday people’s contributions have shaped the country. The poet ends with a simple yet profound statement:

This homeland belongs to the people,

This homeland of folk songs and legends.

A simple, unexpected definition of the homeland, but one that embodies the essential qualities of the Vietnamese tradition: love, unity, and a fierce spirit of resistance. Nguyễn Khoa Điềm’s poem on the homeland is a significant addition to the literary tradition of writing about the nation. Through intimate, familiar perceptions, the homeland becomes something close and sacred, rather than abstract.

Reading Nguyễn Khoa Điềm's 'Đất Nước,' we not only return to the roots of the nation but also awaken the national spirit within every Vietnamese person, in every generation.

Hoàng Phủ Ngọc Tường, although not originally from Hue but from Quảng Trị, has spent his entire life in Hue and developed a deep love and understanding of its culture, history, and geography. This strong connection forms the foundation for his exquisite essay on the beauty of the Perfume River. The writer’s unique artistic style combines rich imagery, eloquent language, and a harmonious balance between emotion and intellect, blending sharp reasoning with profound reflection. His works have left a lasting impact on Vietnamese literature.

His essay 'Who Named the River' was written on January 4, 1981, in Hue and published in a collection with the same title. It is divided into three sections, and the part we study focuses on the poetic, dreamlike beauty of the Perfume River as it flows through the heart of Hue.

With all his affection and emotions, the author depicts the Perfume River as a beautiful, graceful woman with long black hair, embodying both strength and gentleness. In the opening passage, the author introduces the river’s beauty through vivid geographical descriptions, showing the harmony between the river and its surrounding landscapes, together creating an enchanting image of Hue.

The river flows in three major sections: through the Truong Son mountain range, along the outskirts of Hue, and finally, through the city itself. As it passes through each stage, it reflects the beauty of the land, and the final stretch into the city mirrors the stunning elegance of the former imperial capital of Phu Xuan.

The Perfume River in the mountainous region of Truong Son is compared to an epic song of the forest, emphasizing its powerful and majestic nature. Through strong, dynamic verbs like 'roars' and 'swirls,' the author captures the grandeur of the river’s force.

Yet, the river also reveals a more gentle and poetic side as it flows through areas rich with wild azaleas, becoming 'soft and intoxicating,' like the tender and alluring personality of a Hue girl. This duality gives the river an enchanting, lively presence that is both tender and bold.

To further emphasize the river's complex nature, the author uses a creative metaphor, likening the Perfume River to a free-spirited gypsy girl, wild and untamed, whose beauty captivates all who encounter it.

The river’s character emerges as bold and adventurous, shaped by the forest’s influences, while at the same time holding a calm, serene spirit. After leaving the mountains, the river gently embraces the city of Hue, symbolizing a new phase of its journey. The author reflects on the artist’s delicate exploration of this river’s many faces, showing the intricate process of the writer’s creative work.

Once the river leaves the forest, it takes on a new, tranquil appearance, symbolized by the metaphor of 'the mother of fertile land,' nurturing the culture and people of Hue with its gentle flow of nourishing silt. The river, like a caring mother, quietly supports the growth of its children, enriching the land and building the culture of the ancient capital.

The river’s journey through the rural outskirts of Hue is like a romantic dream, where the river is likened to a sleeping girl awaiting her lover. This section is soft and reflective, depicting the river as an eternal search for a reunion, a search for the beloved. This journey is poetic, capturing the essence of a passionate, romantic pursuit.

The river’s appearance near Châu Hóa, where its waters are calm and serene, conjures the image of a beautiful woman at rest. In contrast, when it passes through the city, its water becomes reflective of the bright colors of the day—green in the morning, gold at noon, and purple at dusk. The Perfume River becomes a beautiful, living canvas, ever-changing and full of life.

As the river passes ancient tombs, it takes on a more somber, reflective mood, pondering the past, yet it becomes lively again as it nears the sounds of the city. The city’s energy brings the river back to life, symbolizing the vibrant spirit of Hue.

Finally, the author compares the river to a gentle love song, as it flows through the city, serene and graceful like a slow dance. The river embodies a quiet, intimate connection, full of affection and tenderness, a metaphor for the city’s timeless charm.

The Perfume River is a symbol of Hue itself, bearing witness to the city’s rich history and enduring beauty. Its quiet flow, rich with cultural significance, represents the spirit of the people and the land, forever present as a living testament to Hue’s past, present, and future. Hoàng Phủ Ngọc Tường’s poetic reflections allow us to see the Perfume River as a unique and powerful symbol of Hue, forever captured in his beautifully evocative prose.

Among the works of the great leader, the Declaration of Independence stands as the most iconic. This work possesses a powerful, emotional tone, sharp reasoning, and a persuasive quality that resonates with readers and listeners alike. The Declaration of Independence is the culmination of countless sacrifices—bloodshed and the loss of lives by heroic Vietnamese in prisons, concentration camps, distant islands, under guillotines, and on battlefields. It embodies the hopes, struggles, and unwavering belief of over twenty million Vietnamese people (Trần Dân Tiên).

The Declaration begins by directly addressing the issue at hand, citing undeniable legal grounds—'self-evident truths' that cannot be disputed. These statements echo those found in the historic declarations of France and the United States. The U.S. Declaration of Independence from 1776 asserts that 'All men are created equal... and have the right to pursue happiness.' To emphasize the universality of these truths, the leader also quotes from the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen of 1791: 'All men are born... with rights.'

This clever yet firm presentation of evidence demonstrates a respect for universal truths, even if they come from enemy nations. The leader uses these declarations as a critique of colonial powers. French and American imperialists—those oppressors—have trampled upon the very principles they espoused. By using the logic of the enemy to turn the argument against them, the leader employs their own tools to defeat them. Both the French and American declarations highlight human rights, yet the leader adds the dimension of national rights. His words sparked a global movement for national liberation and place Vietnam's Declaration on equal footing with these historic documents.

The leader makes these arguments to indict French colonialism. He critiques their hypocrisy with the words from the French and American declarations, which have now become the legal basis for accusing French colonialism. 'Yet for more than 80 years... humanity and justice'—after summing up the atrocities of French colonialism, the Declaration then provides specific examples to expose the false pretense of French 'protection' before the world: 'Politically, they absolutely denied us... democratic rights.' The accusations are forceful and direct, repeated through phrases like 'They enacted...', 'They established...', 'They executed without mercy...'—showing the endless crimes committed by the French colonizers. The imagery used underscores the brutality of French rule: 'They slaughtered those who loved the country... they drenched the land in blood.'

Economically, the leader condemns the French colonizers for their exploitation, starting from generalities and moving to specifics: 'They stripped our people bare... impoverishing us.' He calls attention to the plight of the peasantry and merchants who were driven to destitution, and to the suppression of local capitalists. This argument also aims to rally support for national unity in defending independence. The passage uses 'they' to refer to the French but shifts verbs—'enacted', 'established', 'executed'—to illustrate the range of colonial crimes committed against the Vietnamese. The relentless pattern of accusation leaves no escape for the perpetrators of these crimes.

The most significant atrocity committed by the French was the devastating famine of 1945: 'In the autumn of 1940, the Japanese invaded Indochina to expand their war efforts, and the French, kneeling before them, opened the gates to welcome Japan. From that point, our people suffered under two oppressive forces: the French and the Japanese. As a result, by the end of the previous year, from Quảng Trị to Bắc Kì, over two million Vietnamese perished from starvation.' The leader also lists other crimes committed by the French, including their collaboration with the Japanese, their brutal repression of the Viet Minh, and their execution of political prisoners in Yên Bái and Cao Bằng. The leader's forceful indictment serves to expose the true nature of French colonialism and strip away its false image of 'civilizing' and 'protecting' the Vietnamese people, inciting a deep sense of hatred for the colonialists.

The leader praises the strength of the Vietnamese people in their struggle against imperialism and feudalism to reclaim independence: 'The French fled, the Japanese surrendered... and the monarchy fell.' In just nine words, the leader encapsulates an entire period of dramatic and heroic struggle. The passage celebrates the indomitable spirit of the nation, motivating the people to unite and fight back against French imperialism. Following this, the leader affirms the legitimacy of the newly established Democratic Republic of Vietnam. The Viet Minh, the revolutionary organization representing the entire Vietnamese nation, stood with the Allies against French colonialism and Japanese fascism, and seized power from the Japanese. The leader emphasizes the nation's independence with a powerful rhetorical device: 'The truth is...'

Based on this, the leader formally declares the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, cutting all ties with French colonialism and abolishing their control over Vietnamese territory: 'Finally, on behalf of the entire nation, which has just won its freedom and independence, the leader pledges: 'We will dedicate all our spirit, strength, life, and resources to safeguard this freedom and independence.' The Declaration of Independence is a masterpiece of Hồ Chí Minh, who, with passion and skill, embodied the spirit of a nation rising up to confront imperialism and colonialism, fighting for its independence. With this Declaration, Vietnam first appeared on the international stage as a free and independent country, and the world witnessed the Vietnamese people's resolve to protect their hard-won freedom.

The Declaration of Independence is primarily a historical document. It is the most significant text in our nation’s history. To achieve this Declaration, countless compatriots and comrades sacrificed themselves over 80 years of resistance against French colonialism. It marks a historic milestone that ends the period of national subjugation, a time when our people lived as slaves to foreign powers, and it ushers in a new era: the era of independence and freedom.

With its logically coherent arguments, sharp reasoning, and impassioned tone, the Declaration of Independence stands as a masterpiece on par with other world-renowned declarations and timeless epic works, such as Trần Quốc Tuấn’s 'Hịch tướng sĩ' and Nguyễn Trãi’s 'Bình Ngô đại cáo.'

Vietnam has undergone years of struggle and resistance to preserve its independence and freedom, with many individuals quietly contributing their spirit through poetry and writing. One of the most notable works is the poem 'Việt Bắc' by Tố Hữu, which reflects the heartfelt farewell between the people of Việt Bắc and revolutionary officials. This poem is a genuine expression of the strong bond between the two groups, full of emotion as they part ways.

Many of Tố Hữu's greatest poems were written during significant moments in Vietnam's revolutionary history. 'Việt Bắc' is one of his masterpieces, written at a pivotal time in the nation's history. Tố Hữu was born in Phù Lai village, now part of Quảng Thọ commune, Quảng Điền district, Thừa Thiên-Huế province. Raised in a poor family, he was introduced to poetry from a young age.

He was awarded the First Prize for Literature by the Vietnam Writers' Association (1954-1955) for his collection 'Việt Bắc'. In 1996, he received the ASEAN Literature Award and the Ho Chi Minh Prize for Literature and Art (1st batch, 1996). Tố Hữu was both a poet and a soldier. His poetry was primarily dedicated to the cause of the nation and the Party, embodying the great spirit, emotions, and joy of the Vietnamese people and their revolution.

The inspiration in Tố Hữu's poetry was drawn from the people, the revolution, and the heroic historical moments of the nation, not from the author's personal life. In 1954, after the victory in the war against French colonialism, peace was restored, and President Hồ Chí Minh, the Party Central Committee, and the military leaders returned from the revolutionary base in Việt Bắc to Hanoi.

During the farewell, full of emotions and longing, between the people of Việt Bắc and the revolutionary officials, Tố Hữu composed the poem 'Việt Bắc'. Written in December 1945, this poem was inspired by the historical event when the Party Central Committee and the Government left the war zone and returned to Hanoi.

'Việt Bắc' represents the pinnacle of Tố Hữu's poetry and stands as a significant contribution to the poetry of the anti-French resistance. Analyzing the poem reveals the deep affection and connection between the people staying behind and those departing, between the lowlands and the highlands, and between the revolutionary officials and the people of Việt Bắc.

The poem is both a love song and a heroic anthem about the love for the homeland and the national traditions that unite the people. Through the perspective of a revolutionary poet and thinker, Tố Hữu deeply reflected on the resistance against colonialism and foreshadowed the ideological transformations that would take place in peace.

The author presents Việt Bắc through its beautiful landscapes and its people. His love for nature and the country is evident in the way he describes his enduring connection to the forests and people of Việt Bắc, who fought alongside him for years. His attachment to the land and its people is profound, like the bond of blood and family.

The poet's nostalgia is that of a revolutionary official who must leave Việt Bắc and return to the lowlands. The simple yet poignant imagery of Việt Bắc encapsulates Tố Hữu's longing, such as 'The moon rises over the mountains, the evening sun sets behind the hills,' the misty villages, the glowing fires lighting the night, and the sounds of the distant river, all reflecting the warmth and affection of the people, whom Tố Hữu will miss the most.

We return, do you remember us?

We return, we remember the flowers and the people.

The green forests, the bright red banana flowers.

The high passes, where the sun glints off the sword belt.

In the spring, the trees bloom white in the forest.

We remember the women weaving hats with bamboo threads.

The cicadas call, the woods are golden with fall leaves.

We remember the girl picking bamboo shoots alone.

The autumn moon shines, the peace is restored.

We remember the songs of love, loyalty, and affection.

Tố Hữu skillfully uses the responsive 'we' and 'you' in the poem. 'We return, do you remember us?' The nostalgia is unforgettable, and the poet cannot bear to be separated from the place that has become home, where he lived and fought with the people. His impression of the people of Việt Bắc is one of hardworking, loyal individuals.

Through the poem, we also see the vast beauty of Việt Bắc, with its varied landscapes that change with the seasons. Accompanying this beauty are the simple people who toil in the fields, grow cassava, and contribute to the enduring strength of the long-lasting resistance.

In Tố Hữu's memory, Việt Bắc is filled with images of 'homes under the pale grass, rich with deep affection' and 'mothers carrying children to the fields, breaking corn cobs one by one.'

They share the cassava roots, the rice bowls are halved, and the blankets are shared.

The lyrical verses create a warm bond between comrades and the people. Through this poem, we also witness the heroic spirit of Việt Bắc during the fight for independence. The vivid descriptions of battle and the bustling spirit of the resistance echo in the epic-like verses of 'Việt Bắc.'

Our roads in Việt Bắc

Are busy at night, like the earth trembling.

The soldiers march in endless waves.

The stars shine above the rifles, with straw hats on their heads.

The volunteers march with torches, in groups.

Footsteps crush the rocks, sparks fly in the air.

A nation that has overcome immense sacrifices has achieved great victories in places like Phù Thông, Giàng Pass, the Lô River, Hòa Bình, the Tây Bắc region, and Điện Biên. Tố Hữu delves into the source of this strength, uniting the people to achieve these glorious victories. It is the strength of the people and the army in resistance, a bond between humanity and nature.

Remember when the enemy came to hunt us down?

The forest and the mountains, we fought back together.

The Tây Núi hills formed a strong iron defense.

The trees shielded the soldiers, the forest surrounded the enemy.

Through mist, the entire land stood united in resistance.

In Tố Hữu's eloquent and heartfelt poetry, he emphasizes the image and role of Việt Bắc in the revolution. It was the homeland and the heart of the revolutionary base, nurturing the strength of the resistance for the long struggle.

We return, do you remember the mountains?

Do you remember when we fought the Japanese, back in the days of the Việt Minh?

Do you remember, as we went our separate ways, Tân Trào, Hồng Thái, the temple roof, the banyan tree?

These verses are filled with deep emotions, like a folk song, expressing the enduring love and loyalty of the people to each other during the great resistance. It was a time when President Hồ Chí Minh illuminated the path, with the Party and the Government working together to shape the future, and the victory was inevitable.

In times of hardship, look to Việt Bắc for inspiration.

Fifteen years, who could forget?

The birthplace of the Revolution, which gave rise to the Republic.

From Tố Hữu's deep love for Việt Bắc, he places his unwavering trust in a bright future, in the strength of the people under the leadership of the Party and President Hồ Chí Minh. The poet paints a beautiful picture of the nation's future:

Tomorrow, the rivers will be bustling with life.

The trains will run, and nets will be cast in all directions.

Phấn Mễ's coal, Cao Bằng's tin.

Phường will grow like mushrooms under the sky.

These images are not only the hopes of revolutionary officials but also of the people, reflecting the longing for unity between the lowlands and the highlands.

We return to the far-off city.

In the tall buildings, will we still see the mountains?

In the crowded streets, will we still remember the villages?

In the glowing lights, will we remember the moon in the forest?

These lines reflect the poet's wish that we should never forget the bonds formed during the years of struggle, even as we return to the city. Tố Hữu's poetry continues to hold timeless value today.

The two lines create a contrast between darkness and light: the first evokes the darkness of oppression, representing the nation's suffering under foreign rule, while the second illuminates the light of hope for victory, the bright future ahead.

In fact, this contrast is evident throughout the poem: Tố Hữu uses a system of light-related words such as stars, torches, and sparks, in contrast to dark terms like night, endless nights, and deep shadows. This suggests the triumph of light over darkness, emphasizing the resilience of our nation in the face of enemies, and affirming that brighter, happier days will come.

Some works of literature only offer a glimpse into one aspect of life or focus on a specific individual, but through 'Việt Bắc,' we witness the collective spirit of the entire Vietnamese people. The poem flows like a melodic song, a heartfelt anthem written as both a love song and an epic for the resistance against French colonialism and the selfless people who fought for the nation's independence.

Through 'Việt Bắc,' the poet also conveys his sincere affection for the people of Việt Bắc and the revolutionary officials who dedicated their lives to the liberation of the nation. The poem also reminds the younger generation to remember the sacrifices of our heroes and the glorious history of our people.

Xuan Quynh is the poet of everyday happiness. Her poetry reflects the voice of a soul always yearning for love, deeply attached to daily life, cherishing, nurturing, and caring for the simple joys of life. Among Vietnamese female poets, Xuan Quynh is undoubtedly the poet of love. She writes often and beautifully about love, but perhaps her poem 'Waves' stands out the most. It reveals a soul eager for love, a love that is both innocent and sincere, yet passionate and fervent—a love that only a woman's heart can feel.

Love is the eternal theme of poetry. Many famous poets have written about love with the fervor of young hearts. We encounter Xuan Dieu, burning with desire, offering himself to love, Nguyen Binh, dreamily seeking the love of his homeland, and Anh Thu, shyly yearning for a girl's charm... But it is only in Xuan Quynh’s work that this common human longing is expressed so honestly, as if it were her own life: a love that is rich, complex, and as sincere and vibrant as the heart of a woman, fervently longing for love.

The waves in her poem embody a metaphorical image. They symbolize the poet's idealistic, dream-filled self. The waves and the 'I' are two but one; sometimes they separate to reflect each other, highlighting their similarities, and sometimes they merge, creating a harmonious resonance. Through the image of the waves, Xuan Quynh expresses a love that is vast, boundless, and a timeless desire for eternal love.

The poem begins with the special emotional state of a soul longing for love, seeking a greater love. Xuan Quynh vividly captures the extraordinary, rich, and complex state of a heart burning with desire for love. The temperament of a girl in love is like the waves, fluctuating between extreme states: 'Fierce and gentle, Noisy and silent'... And like the waves, the girl's heart in love cannot accept mediocrity or narrowness, it strives for something vast, something that resonates with her: 'The river does not understand me, the waves go all the way to the sea.' Even in the first stanza, we see a fresh perspective on love. The girl longs for love but is no longer patient or resigned. If 'the river does not understand me,' then the waves decisively leave that narrow place and 'go all the way to the sea,' embracing something vast and embracing. This is clear and resolute!

The longing for love, restless and eager in the human heart, in Xuan Quynh's view, is the eternal yearning of humanity, most intense in youth. It is like the waves, ever-present and eternal, lasting through time. From ancient times, people have turned to love, and they will continue to do so forever. For humans, love is always a yearning filled with excitement:

Oh, the waves of the past

And today, still the same

The longing for love

Thrills in a young heart

When love comes, as a natural and ordinary psychology, people have the urge to understand and analyze it. But love is an extraordinary psychological phenomenon, full of mystery, which cannot be explained by ordinary logic. How can one answer questions about the origin of love, or when love begins? What once puzzled Xuan Dieu—'How to capture the meaning of love?'—now, Xuan Quynh answers in a naive and charming way. Love is like the waves, like the wind; how can we ever fully understand it? It is as natural and innocent as nature itself, yet full of surprises, as mysterious as nature itself:

The waves begin with the wind

Where does the wind come from?

I don't know either

When will we fall in love?

Love is often associated with the feeling of longing when apart. The longing of a heart in love is expressed so powerfully by Xuan Quynh. It is a longing that persists both when awake and when asleep, engulfing everything around. This longing scratches and aches, never letting go, never easing. It swells and rises like the endless, infinite waves of the sea. The rhythm of the poem throughout mirrors the waves, but it is clearest, most abundant, eager, and intense in this part of the poem:

The wave beneath the deep

The wave on the surface of the water

Oh, the wave longing for the shore

Unable to sleep day and night

As mentioned earlier, the image of the waves and the 'I' complement each other, adding depth and intensity to the depiction of love and longing, along with the infinite faithfulness of a heart eager for love. The longing is expressed through the waves yearning for the shore: 'Unable to sleep day and night'—this is not enough, not fulfilling, so it is repeated through the poet's own longing: 'My heart longs for you, even in my dreams I am awake.' The longing fills the poet's heart. The longing exists in all spaces and times, not only in consciousness but also sneaking into dreams. The desires and yearnings for love are expressed powerfully and simply. The waves long for the shore, just as I long for you! The love of a girl here is passionate, intense, pure, simple, and faithful. Through the waves and the 'I,' Xuan Quynh honestly, boldly, and openly speaks about the fervent longing for love in a woman—a rare sentiment in Vietnamese literature.

Xuan Quynh wrote the poem 'Waves' in 1967, after having experienced the breakdown of love. Yet this passionate, loving woman still holds onto hope, still believes in the happiness of the future. As she comforts and encourages herself, she believes that a great love, like the waves, will 'reach the shore,' despite all obstacles. The future of happiness lies ahead. And thus, the awareness of time does not cause anxiety, but only strengthens her belief:

Though life is long

Years still pass

Like the vast sea

The clouds still fly far

Xuan Quynh reveals her thoughts directly and also uses the image of the waves to express and reflect on love. These thoughts may seem free and scattered, but from the depth of the poem, there remains a consistent movement. It is a journey that begins with the abandonment of the narrow and confined, seeking a vast love, ultimately yearning to live fully in love, wishing to merge eternally into the timeless sea of love:

How can I dissolve

Into a hundred small waves

In the vast sea of love

To forever echo.

The girl wishes to merge into the vast ocean of life, escaping from the constraints of worries and calculations, to immerse herself in the boundless sea of love. What kind of love must one have to possess such a noble wish? The longing for love is also the yearning to live intensely and fully. Life, with love, remains beautiful and worth living, and living in love is a great happiness. Xuan Quynh wishes to live forever in love, immortal in love.

'Waves' is a poem that beautifully represents Xuan Quynh's thought and poetic style in the early phase of her career. It is a poem that is both charming and delicate, as well as intense, energetic, innocent, pure, and deeply profound. Later, after experiencing many hardships in love, Xuan Quynh's poetry lost its youthful enthusiasm, but the longing for love still resided forever in the poet's heart, filled with love.