Top 6 lesson plans for "After the Farewell" by Đoàn Thị Điểm for grade 7

General Introduction to the Work

1. Author, Translator:

Chinese version: Đặng Trần Côn – from Nhân Mục village, now part of Thanh Xuân, Hanoi.
Nom version: Đoàn Thị Điểm (1705 – 1748), a talented and beautiful woman from Bắc Kinh, now Yên Mỹ district, Hưng Yên province.

2. The Work:

a. Context of Creation:

In the early 18th century, peasant uprisings began to occur.
The feudal court relentlessly suppressed them, causing the people’s lives to become extremely difficult, society was in chaos, and the capital was in turmoil.
b. Poetic Form: Song thất lục bát (seven-six-eight).

c. Position of the Excerpt: The first part, from line 53 to line 64, portrays the sorrow of the woman as she bids farewell to her husband going to war.

d. Structure: 3 parts

The first four lines: The emptiness of the heart before the harsh reality of separation.
The next four lines: The deep sorrow due to the vast physical separation.
The last four lines: The sorrow in the face of the boundless world.

Answer to Question 1: Based on the brief introduction to the poetic form of song thất lục bát in the footnote, please identify the structure of the poem in terms of the number of lines, the number of words in each line, and the rhyme scheme of a stanza.

Answer:

The song thất lục bát form does not have a fixed number of lines. Every four lines form a stanza, with two lines containing seven words (song thất) and two lines with six and eight words (lục bát).

Rhyme scheme:

The last word of the upper seven-line rhymes with the fifth word of the lower seven-line.
The last word of the six-line rhymes with the sixth word of the eight-line.
The last word of the eight-line rhymes with the fifth word of the seven-line in the next stanza.

Answer to Question 2: Through the first four lines, how is the sorrow of separation expressed? How do the use of the couplet “Chàng thì đi - Thiếp thì về” (He goes – I return) and the imagery of the flowing blue clouds and endless green mountains contribute to expressing this sorrow of separation?

Answer:

In the first stanza, the author not only uses a couplet (“chàng – thiếp”, “đi – về”), but also emphasizes the separation through the repeated use of the word “thì” in each line, highlighting the wife’s sorrow of parting with her husband. Moreover, the imagery of “Tuôn màu mây biếc, trải ngàn núi xanh” (The flowing blue clouds and endless green mountains) further amplifies the vastness of the separation, making the physical distance seem endless. The poet creates a powerful contrast between the small, fragile figure of the woman and the immense world around her, where her sorrow feels all-encompassing and overwhelming.

The poet paints a harsh reality of separation and the immense pain of the couple being torn apart by an unjust war.

Answer to Question 3: In the second stanza, how is this sorrow further expressed? What is the significance of the use of the rhetorical contrast “còn ngoảnh lại – hãy trông sang” (still look back – look ahead) in the two seven-line verses and the shifting positions of the places Hàm Dương and Tiêu Tương in deepening the sorrow?

Answer:

Through the first four lines, the sorrow of separation intensifies: from “cách ngăn” (separated) to “mấy trùng” (separated by many layers) — showing the growing physical distance, yet the emotional bond between the husband and wife remains strong.

The contrast “còn ngoảnh lại – hãy trông sang” (still look back – look ahead) expresses the yearning, longing, and sorrow between the separated couple. Hàm Dương, located in Shaanxi, and Tiêu Tương in Hunan, are vast distances apart, yet the couple still “looks back” and “looks ahead,” hoping for a glimpse of each other.

This illustrates the deep sorrow of the wife, separated from her husband by vast physical and emotional distances.

Answer to Question 4: In the last four lines, how is the sorrow further portrayed? How do the repeated words “cùng” (together) and “thấy” (see) in the two seven-line verses and the reference to the endless mulberry fields and the color of the mulberry leaves contribute to depicting the sorrow of separation?

Answer:

In the final stanza, the sorrow reaches its peak.

From “Đoái trông theo” (glancing back) to “cách ngăn” (separated); from “ngảnh lại, trông sang” (look back, look ahead) to “mấy trùng” (separated by many layers); from “trông lại” (look again) to “chẳng thấy” (cannot see).

The repeated words “cùng trông” (look together), “cùng chẳng thấy” (cannot see together) express the hopelessness and despair of waiting. Along with the description of the endless mulberry fields and the infinite green color of the leaves, the poet evokes an immense, boundless space that deepens the sorrow and emphasizes the hopelessness of separation.

Answer to Question 5: Identify the different types of repetition in the excerpt and explain their emotional impact.

Answer:

There are two main types of repetition in the poem: Repetition of intervals and end-to-end repetition.

Repetition of intervals is found in the two lines:
Bến Tiêu Tương cách Hàm Dương
Cây Hàm Dương cách Tiêu Tương mấy trùng.
→ It evokes the sense of vast spatial separation.

End-to-end repetition is seen in:
Thấy xanh xanh những mấy ngàn dâu
Ngàn dâu xanh ngắt một màu
→ This repetition conveys the sense of endlessness, reflecting the interminable sorrow of separation.

Answer to Question 6: Based on the analyses above, what is the dominant emotion, and what is the style and tone of the poem?

Answer:

The dominant emotion in the text is the endless sorrow of separation that the wife feels as she bids her husband farewell.

→ The poem denounces the unjust war while also portraying the woman’s yearning for marital happiness in the past.

The rhetorical question “lòng chàng ý thiếp ai sầu hơn ai?” (Whose sorrow is greater, his heart or hers?) reveals that the sorrow overwhelms both the man and the woman, transcending any comparison.

Practice

Question 1: Analyze the color green in the excerpt by: a. Listing all the words that describe the color green / b. Differentiating the various shades of green / c. Explaining how the use of green conveys the sorrow of separation in the poem.

Answer:

a. Mây biếc (blue cloud), núi xanh (green mountain), xanh xanh ngàn dâu (green mulberry fields), ngàn dâu xanh ngắt (dark green mulberry fields).

b. The words describing green refer to different natural elements and vary in intensity, which carries different meanings and intensities of emotion.

c. The use of green helps to depict the color of nature: clouds, mountains, and mulberry fields. It represents the separation and the infinite distance between the lovers, amplifying the sorrow of the woman and permeating the entire landscape.

I. Author
- The original Chinese text of "Chinh Phu Ngam Khuc" was written by Dang Tran Con.
- He was from the village of Nhan Muc, now part of Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi, and lived in the early half of the 18th century.
- The Nôm version of the work was once attributed to Doan Thi Diem (1705-1748), a talented and beautiful woman from Gia Pham, Van Giang County, Kinh Bac region, now Yen My District, Hung Yen Province. However, some believe it was actually written by Phan Huy Ich.

II. The Work
- "Chinh Phu Ngam Khuc" is a lament in verse expressing the sorrow and longing of a wife whose husband has gone to war.
- The excerpt "After the Moment of Parting" describes the wife's emotions immediately after bidding her husband farewell as he heads to the battlefield.
- Poetic Form: The Nôm version is written in the Song That Luc Bat form (consisting of two seven-syllable lines, followed by two six- and eight-syllable lines). Four lines form a stanza, and there is no fixed number of stanzas.

III. Reading and Understanding the Text

Question 1: Based on the brief introduction of the Song That Luc Bat poetic form in the footnote, identify the form of the translated poem in terms of the number of lines, number of syllables in each line, and the rhyme scheme in a stanza.
Answer: The translated excerpt is written in the Song That Luc Bat form.
- Number of lines and syllables: It consists of two seven-syllable lines (Song That), followed by two six- and eight-syllable lines (Luc Bat). Four lines make up a stanza, and there is no limit on the number of stanzas.
- Rhyme scheme:
+ The last syllable of the first seven-syllable line rhymes with the fifth syllable of the second seven-syllable line.
+ The last syllable of the first six-syllable line rhymes with the sixth syllable of the eighth syllable line.
+ The last syllable of the eighth line rhymes with the fifth syllable of the seventh line in the following stanza.

Question 2: In the first four stanzas, how is the wife’s sorrow of parting expressed? What is the effect of the antithetical phrase "He goes, and I return" and the imagery of the blue clouds and the vast green mountains in conveying that sorrow?
Answer: The wife’s sorrow of parting is expressed through the contrast between "He goes" and "I return," emphasizing the separation between the couple, with the husband heading off to distant and difficult lands, while the wife returns to a lonely, desolate life. The separation feels immense, as if it has spread over the blue clouds and the endless green mountains. The imagery of the blue clouds and the green mountains amplifies the vast, universal scale of her sorrow.

Question 3: In the second stanza, how is the sorrow further deepened? What is the significance of the use of the antithetical phrase "look back – look ahead" in the two seven-syllable lines and the shifting positions of the two place names, Ham Duong and Tieu Tương, in intensifying the sorrow?
Answer: In the second stanza, the sorrow of separation is deepened, made more intense, and focused. The use of the antithetical phrase "look back – look ahead" conveys the sense of longing, waiting, and yearning between the husband and wife separated by distance. Ham Duong, located in Shaanxi, China, and Tieu Tương in Hunan are both very far apart, yet the couple still "look back – look ahead" hoping to see one another again. The inversion of the two place names increases the feeling of separation, emphasizing the infinite distance between the two, heightening the sorrow of parting.

Question 4: In the final four lines, how is the sorrow conveyed and intensified further? What is the effect of the repetition of the words "together" and "see" in the two seven-syllable lines, and the reference to the mulberry fields and the deep green of the fields in expressing the sorrow of separation?
Answer: The sorrow seems to grow endlessly in the final four lines, as the repeated use of "together" (cùng) emphasizes the hopelessness of seeing each other again. The imagery of "blue clouds" and "endless green mountains" previously mentioned has now evolved into "seeing green mulberry fields"—indicating a sense of hopelessness, with the repeated words reinforcing the futility of the longing. The fields of mulberry and their deep green color symbolize irreversible change and the impossibility of reconnection, adding to the depth of sorrow felt by the wife.

Question 5: Identify and explain the rhetorical devices used in the excerpt and discuss their emotional effect?
Answer: The rhetorical devices in the excerpt include:
+ Repetition of words like "he" and "she" (used in contrasting phrases like "he goes... she returns" or in the phrase "the heart of the husband and the thoughts of the wife").
+ Repetition of place names such as Tieu Tương – Ham Duong, "together" – "together", mulberry field – mulberry field, "deep green" – "deep green".
- These repetitions create a rhythmic melancholy that matches the sorrow of separation. They highlight the two-fold nature of the sorrow: the love and the separation.

Question 6: Based on the analysis above, express the dominant emotion, language, and tone of the poem.
Answer: The entire excerpt expresses the deep sorrow of separation experienced by the wife as she bids her husband farewell. This sorrow is unending and profound.
- The sorrow is most poignantly expressed in the final line, where a rhetorical question answers itself, reinforcing the overwhelming sadness shared by both the husband and the wife.
- The word "sorrow" crystallizes into a heavy, suffocating weight in the heart of the wife.
- The tone of the poem conveys a deep, sorrowful, and reflective melancholy.

IV. Reading Comprehension and Practice Exercises

Question 1: Analyze the color green in the excerpt
Answer: a. The color green is used quite often in the excerpt: blue clouds, green mountains, green mulberry fields, deep green.
b. The differences between these green words reflect varying phenomena, with each having different meanings. They also describe different intensities of the color green.
c. Effect: The terms "blue clouds" and "green mountains" evoke vastness and an expansive space that corresponds to the unspoken, boundless sorrow of the wife.
- The other green terms describe the green mulberry fields, symbolizing a significant, irreversible change, implying a sense of distance and sorrow that grows deeper and further apart as the husband departs.

A. KEY CONCEPTS

Context of Creation: "Chinh Phu Ngam Khuc" (The Song of the Woman Left Behind) is written in Classical Chinese by the author Dang Tran Con in the early 18th century. This was a period of extreme turmoil in the feudal society. Continuous wars ravaged the land, the country was divided in two, the throne of the Le Dynasty was collapsing, and peasants rose up in numerous uprisings. The people lived in a state of confusion and suffering, with families torn apart, parents separated from children, and wives from husbands. The literature of this era reflected the brutality and reactionary nature of the ruling class, as well as the deep suffering of those oppressed by the decaying system. Dang Tran Con's work resonated deeply with the Confucian scholars of the time. Many translations emerged, among which the Nôm version by Doan Thi Diem is considered the most perfect, successfully preserving both the original content and artistic value.

Content: "Chinh Phu Ngam Khuc" expresses a strong aversion to the unjust feudal wars, particularly emphasizing the right to life and the longing for love and happiness that all individuals share. These themes were rarely addressed in earlier literature. The excerpt from "After the Moment of Parting" uses exceptionally skillful language, especially with its use of repetitive, emotive phrases, to express the sorrow of a woman left behind as her husband departs for war. This sorrow both condemns the senselessness of war and expresses the woman's yearning for happiness and companionship.

B. EXERCISES AND SOLUTIONS

Question 1: (Page 92 - Grade 7 Literature Textbook) Based on the brief introduction to the song-thrust-six-eight meter in the annotations, identify the poetic form of the translated excerpt in terms of the number of lines, number of characters per line, and the rhyme scheme in each stanza.

Answer:
The excerpt follows the song-thrust-six-eight meter, characterized by:
Created by the Vietnamese people
Each stanza consists of four lines: two lines in the seven-syllable song-thrust meter and two lines in the six-eight meter (6 - 8 syllables).
The number of stanzas is unlimited.
Rhyme scheme:
The final character of the seventh line rhymes with the fifth character of the seventh line below.
The final character of the sixth line rhymes with the sixth character of the eighth line.
The final character of the eighth line rhymes with the fifth character of the seventh line in the next stanza.

Question 2: (Page 92- Grade 7 Literature Textbook) How is the sorrow of parting expressed in the first four lines of the poem? What effect do the antithetical phrases 'He goes - I stay' and the imagery of 'flowing azure clouds' and 'endless green mountains' have on conveying the sorrow of separation?
Answer:
In the first stanza, the poet not only uses the antithetical structure ('he goes - I stay') but also repeats the word 'thì' (then) in every line, which highlights the separation and distance between the couple. Furthermore, the images 'flowing azure clouds' and 'endless green mountains' make the distance between them feel even more vast. Within this scene, the image of the woman left behind is small and fragile, with her sorrow of parting growing deeper and enveloping the surroundings.
The poet evokes the harsh reality of separation and the deep sadness of the couple being torn apart by a senseless war.

Question 3: (Page 92 - Grade 7 Literature Textbook) How is the sorrow further depicted in the second stanza? What is the significance of the reversal of the two places, 'Ham Duong' and 'Tieu Tuong', and the use of repetition in this section?

Answer:
In the second stanza, the sorrow of parting is deepened and accentuated. The wife's longing intensifies, becoming more poignant.
The antithetical use of 'still look back' – 'look ahead' emphasizes her waiting, her longing for her husband's return. The repetition and inversion of the place names 'Ham Duong' (Shaanxi) and 'Tieu Tuong' (Hunan) serve to underline the vast distance between them, intensifying the emotional distance and illustrating the prolonged separation.
This poetic device heightens the sense of the unrelenting ache of waiting and longing for the loved one, trapped in the endless space between them.

Question 4: (Page 93 - Grade 7 Literature Textbook) In the last four lines, how is the sorrow elevated? What is the effect of the repeated phrases 'together' and 'cannot see' and the use of 'thousand mulberry trees' in expressing the sorrow of separation?

Answer:
In the fourth stanza, the sorrow reaches its peak, stretching across the vast expanse of the universe. The repetition of 'together' and 'cannot see' conveys the bitterness of the situation, the despair of waiting in vain.
Along with the description of the endless rows of mulberry trees, which are 'green' and then 'completely green', the poet evokes an overwhelming sense of space, amplifying the feeling of separation. The sorrow grows stronger and more pronounced, with hope for the husband's return fading into hopelessness.

Question 5: (Page 93 - Grade 7 Literature Textbook) Identify and explain the different types of repetition used in the poem and their expressive effects.

Answer:
Repetition of the words 'he' and 'she' (in the phrases 'he goes... she stays' or 'his heart, her thoughts').
Repetition at intervals: 'Tieu Tuong near Ham Duong, Ham Duong near Tieu Tuong'.
Repetition at the beginning and end (circular): the last part of one line is used as the start of the next:
'Seeing the green, green mulberry trees'
'The green mulberry trees stretch endlessly'.
Effect: The repetition creates a slow, melancholic rhythm in the poem, fitting the sorrow of separation. It intensifies the sense of distance, both physical and emotional, as the poem depicts a never-ending separation between the couple.

Question 6: (Page 93 - Grade 7 Literature Textbook) Based on the analysis above, describe the main emotional tone, language, and rhythm of the poem.

Answer:
The main emotion expressed in the text is the deep sorrow of the woman left behind after sending her husband to war. This is a profound and endless sadness. This sorrow not only denounces the unjust war but also reflects the woman's longing for happiness in a traditional society.
This sorrow culminates in the final question, 'Whose sorrow is greater, his heart or hers?' which does not aim to compare, but to show that the sorrow pervades both of them.
The poet achieves this emotional depth through the use of exquisite language, especially the clever application of repetition. The rhythm of the poem conveys a deep, lingering sadness, evoking strong empathy from the reader.

Practice: (Page 93 - Grade 7 Literature Textbook) Analyze the color green in the poem: a) List all the words associated with the color green. b) Distinguish the different shades of green. c) Explain the role of the color green in conveying the sorrow of separation.

Answer:
There are numerous words associated with green: 'azure clouds', 'green mountains', 'green mulberry trees', 'completely green'.
However, these words differ in meaning: 'azure clouds' and 'green mountains' refer to the natural world, while 'completely green' suggests a pure, overwhelming green across the vast land.
When referring to 'green mulberry trees' and 'endless green', the green represents not just the color of nature, but also the poignant sadness and hopelessness of the woman as she watches her husband leave for war. In classical literature, the phrase 'The sea turns to mulberry fields' implies a monumental change, evoking both the vast distance between them and the increasingly bitter sorrow of the wife as her husband leaves.

Additional Reference
Question 1: The content and artistic aspects of the excerpt from "After the Moment of Parting".
Answer:
Content: The excerpt portrays the sorrow of the woman left behind after sending her husband to war. It condemns the unjust war of the feudal regime that separates a happy couple. The excerpt also reflects a deep sympathy for the woman's longing for happiness.
Artistic Features:
The clever use of repetition and antithesis.
The elegant use of language.
The use of symbolic and allegorical images.

I. Brief Introduction to the Author Đặng Trần Côn and the Translator

- The exact birth and death dates of Đặng Trần Côn remain unknown, but he was from Nhân Mục village, now part of Thanh Xuân district, Hanoi. He lived in the first half of the 18th century.- Apart from his main work, Chinh Phụ Ngâm, he also wrote Chinese poetry and some prose in classical Chinese.- After its creation, Chinh Phụ Ngâm was performed in the Nôm script, with one version commonly attributed to Đoàn Thị Điểm (1705-1748), a talented and beautiful woman from Giai Phạm village, Văn Giang district, Kinh Bắc region, now Yên Mĩ, Hưng Yên province. However, some believe it was actually written by Phan Huy Ích.II. Overview of the Work 'After the Moment of Farewell'

1. The Context of Creation
- Chinh Phụ Ngâm Khúc is a lament that conveys the sorrow and longing of a wife whose husband has gone to war. Both the original Chinese version and the Nôm adaptation are considered masterpieces in Vietnamese literary history.
- The excerpt reflects the wife's feelings immediately after parting from her husband. The title was given by the editor.
2. Structure (3 parts)
- Part 1 (first 4 lines): The profound sadness experienced by the individual during separation.
- Part 2 (next 4 lines): The heart-wrenching sorrow and attachment.
- Part 3 (remaining lines): The deep sadness in the vastness of nature.
3. The Content Value
The lament reveals the sorrow of the chinh phụ (wife of a soldier) after seeing her husband off to war. This sorrow criticizes the futility of war and expresses the woman’s yearning for marital happiness.
4. Artistic Value
- The language is exceptionally refined.
- Skillful use of contrast.
- Frequent use of symbolic and allegorical imagery.
- Repetition for emphasis.

III. Answering the Questions

Question 1 (page 92, Vietnamese Literature 7, volume 1)

The song-thất-lục-bát poetic form is a Vietnamese creation.

- Four lines make up one stanza: two 7-syllable lines (song thất), followed by two 6- or 8-syllable lines (lục bát).

- There is no set limit for the length of a poem.

Rhyme scheme: The final syllable of the first 7-syllable line rhymes with the 5th syllable of the second 7-syllable line.

+ The final syllable of the 6th line rhymes with the 6th syllable of the 8th line.

+ The final syllable of the 8th line rhymes with the 5th syllable of the 7th line in the next stanza.

Question 2 (page 92, Vietnamese Literature 7, volume 1)

The first four lines: The scene of parting between the soldier and his wife.

+ The woman bids farewell to her husband with a sorrow that stretches over a thousand miles.

+ Use of contrast: he goes – she stays.

→ The separation becomes an unchangeable, harsh reality.

+ Imagery: the blue clouds, the green mountains – symbolizing the vast distance between the two.

Question 3 (page 92, Vietnamese Literature 7, volume 1)

Places like Hàm Dương and Tiêu Dương in the poem are symbolic.

+ The chinh phụ wonders, 'How far is Hàm Dương from Tiêu Tương?'

→ The distance is unclear, immeasurable.

- The use of contrast, repetition, and inversion effectively conveys the chinh phụ's pain and longing for her husband.

+ The chinh phụ's intense longing is captured through just two place names: Hàm Dương and Tiêu Tương.

+ The wife envisions the yearning of her husband, anticipating his return: he looks back – she gazes forward.

→ The physical distance between them amplifies the sorrow of their separation.

Question 4 (page 93, Vietnamese Literature 7, volume 1)

The last four lines: Depict the vast space between the two (thousands of mulberry trees).

- The repeated imagery of thousands of mulberry trees is a masterful expression.

Green… thousands of mulberry trees.

Endlessly green mulberry trees.

- The chinh phu (husband) is depicted as being separated by an infinite distance, and when he looks back, all he sees is 'thousands of green mulberry trees.'

- As he turns, she gazes, and all she sees is an ethereal green.

The deep sorrow of the chinh phụ, the overwhelming sadness expressed in 'Who is more sorrowful, my heart or his?'

→ The wife’s constant longing transforms the green color into an all-encompassing, overwhelming presence.

Question 5 (page 93, Vietnamese Literature 7, volume 1)

The repetition of words in the poem: Tiêu Tương – Hàm Dương, thousands of mulberry trees – thousands of mulberry trees, green – deep green – depicts the immeasurable distance between the two.

- It creates a mournful rhythm, matching the sorrow of the chinh phụ.

- It conveys the intense pain, the yearning that stretches across vast distances between them.

Question 6 (page 93, Vietnamese Literature 7, volume 1)

The passage features masterful use of language, especially in word choice.

→ The words skillfully convey the poignant, heartfelt sadness of the chinh phụ, whose sorrow at being apart from her husband is intense and vivid.

- It condemns the unjust wars that force the people into suffering and hardship.

- It expresses the longing for marital happiness, so deeply cherished by women of the past.

Practice

Exercise 1 (page 93, Vietnamese Literature 7, volume 1)

a, Words representing the color green: blue clouds, green mountains, deep green, emerald green.

b, The meaning of the green words used in the poem varies in intensity and nature:

+ 'Blue': A pleasant, soft blue, a mix of blue and green.

+ 'Deep green': A term used to describe a medium green, covering a large area.

+ 'Emerald green': A pure green over a wide expanse.

c, The progression of the green color indicates:

- The vast, boundless sky, a symbol of the endless sorrow of separation.

- The increasing distance between the separated couple.

- The growing sadness of the chinh phụ as she is further separated from her husband.

Answer to Question 1 (Page 92, Vietnamese Literature 7, Volume 1):

Based on the brief introduction to the song thất lục bát poetry form in the footnotes, identify the poetic form of the translated excerpt in terms of the number of lines, the number of syllables in each line, and the rhyme scheme within a stanza.

Detailed solution:

The translated excerpt is written in the song thất lục bát form.

- Number of lines and syllables: It consists of two seven-syllable lines (song thất), followed by two six- and eight-syllable lines (lục bát). Four lines form a stanza, with no limit to the number of stanzas.

- Rhyme scheme: The last syllable of the first seven-syllable line rhymes with the fifth syllable of the second seven-syllable line, both rhyming with a sharp tone. The last syllable of the second seven-syllable line rhymes with the last syllable of the six-syllable line, both rhyming with a flat tone. The last syllable of the six-syllable line rhymes with the sixth syllable of the eight-syllable line, both rhyming with a flat tone. The last syllable of the eight-syllable line rhymes with the fifth syllable of the first seven-syllable line in the next stanza, again with a flat tone.

Answer to Question 2 (Page 92, Vietnamese Literature 7, Volume 1):

In the first four stanzas, how is the sorrow of separation expressed by the wife? What is the effect of the use of the antithesis "He leaves - I stay" and the imagery of "the blue sky, the vast green mountains" in conveying this sorrow?

Detailed solution:

The wife’s sorrow of separation is expressed through contrasting phrases, such as "He leaves... I stay...", illustrating the painful reality of parting. While he ventures into distant, harsh lands, she is left alone, returning to a lonely and desolate life. The separation, the sorrow, seems to spread over the blue sky and the vast green mountains. The imagery of the blue sky and the vast mountains helps evoke the immense, cosmic scale of the sorrow of separation.

Answer to Question 3 (Page 92, Vietnamese Literature 7, Volume 1):

In the second stanza, how is this sorrow further expressed? What is the effect of the antithesis "He looks back - I turn to gaze" in the two seven-syllable lines, as well as the use of repetition and the reversal of the two place names Hàm Dương and Tiêu Tương?

Detailed solution:

The sorrow of separation in the second stanza is further conveyed through contrasting phrases: "He looks back - I turn to gaze" and the repetition of place names Hàm Dương and Tiêu Tương. This technique intensifies the sorrow, making the feeling of longing even more painful and poignant.

Answer to Question 4 (Page 93, Vietnamese Literature 7, Volume 1):

How is this sorrow further expressed and heightened in the last four lines? What effect do the repeated words "together" and "see" in the two seven-syllable lines, as well as the mention of the "thousands of mulberry trees" and their "green" color, have on expressing the sorrow of separation?

Detailed solution:

The sorrow seems to multiply endlessly in the last four lines, with the repeated word "together" appearing in a parallel structure ("not seen"). The imagery of "blue sky", "vast mountains" previously mentioned now reappears as "seen in green". The repetitive and inverted structure of the phrase "Thousands of mulberry trees, green and lush" expresses a sense of hopelessness. Finally, the rhetorical question implicitly answers the overwhelming sorrow that fills both the husband's and wife's hearts.

Answer to Question 5 (Page 93, Vietnamese Literature 7, Volume 1):

Identify the different forms of repetition in this excerpt and analyze their emotional impact.

Detailed solution:

- Forms of repetition in the excerpt "After the Moment of Separation":

+ The repetition of "he" and "she" (often used in contrasting forms in the phrase "he leaves... she stays" or in a chiasmic form in "his heart, her mind").

+ Repetitions of place names Tiêu Tương – Hàm Dương, "together – together", "thousands of mulberry trees – thousands of mulberry trees", "green and lush – green and lush".

- The emotional effects of these repetitions are:

+ They create a melancholic rhythm, fitting the sorrow of separation that the female protagonist experiences.

+ They highlight the dual nature of sorrow: the attachment that must be torn apart.

Answer to Question 6 (Page 93, Vietnamese Literature 7, Volume 1):

Based on the analysis, describe the main emotions, language, and tone of the poem.

Detailed solution:

- The entire excerpt focuses on the sorrow of separation felt by the woman after bidding farewell to her husband. This sorrow is deep and endless.

- The sorrow is most powerfully expressed in the final line. The rhetorical question, which is both a question and an answer, speaks to the overwhelming grief that fills both the husband's and the wife's hearts, without comparing whose sorrow is greater.

- The word "sorrow" in the final line crystallizes into a heavy, emotional weight in the woman's heart.

- The tone of the poem expresses a deep, lingering sadness.

⟹ The poem condemns the unjust war that has torn apart the happiness of the couple.

Practice

Analyze the color green in the excerpt.

Detailed solution:

a. The color green is mentioned several times in the excerpt: "blue sky", "green mountains", "green" (thousands of mulberry trees), "deep green" (thousands of mulberry trees).

b. The difference between the uses of the word green lies in the different things it describes, each carrying a distinct implication. The words also describe varying intensities of green.

c. The effects of the color green:

- The words "blue sky" and "green mountains" evoke a vast, boundless space, matching the unspoken, immeasurable sorrow of the woman left behind.

- The two other words describing the green of the mulberry trees increase in intensity (green, deep green), symbolizing not only the immense, unbridgeable distance but also the deepening sorrow of the woman as she watches her husband depart.

Structure: 3 parts

- Part 1 (first 4 lines): Discusses the emptiness the woman feels when facing the painful reality of separation.

- Part 2 (next 4 lines): Expresses the sorrow brought about by the geographical distance between them.

- Part 3 (last 4 lines): Describes the deep sorrow in the face of overwhelming natural surroundings.

Main Idea

The excerpt "After the Moment of Separation" poignantly portrays the deep grief of a woman whose husband has gone off to war, awaiting his return in a state of isolation and loneliness. It critiques the unjust war and reflects the yearning for the happiness of married life.

I. Author and Work

1. The Author

The poem "Chinh Phu Ngam Khuc" in its original Chinese characters was written by Dang Tran Con. However, after its creation, the poem was translated into Vietnamese using the popular seven-syllable and six-eight verse structure by various authors such as Doan Thi Diem, Phan Huy Ich, Nguyen Gia Thieu, Cao Ba Nha, etc., from the mid-18th century to the mid-19th century.

2. The Work

* Origin: The excerpt "After the Moment of Farewell" is taken from the poem Chinh Phu Ngam Khuc (12 lines, from line 53 to line 64), which reflects the emotional state of a wife bidding farewell to her husband as he departs for war.

* Poetic Form:

The poem is written in the seven-six-eight verse structure, a form invented by the Vietnamese, consisting of two seven-syllable lines (song that) followed by two six-syllable and eight-syllable lines (luc bat). These four lines form a stanza, and the number of stanzas is unlimited.

Rhyme scheme: The final word of the first seven-syllable line rhymes with the fifth word of the second seven-syllable line, both being checked tones. The final word of the second seven-syllable line rhymes with the final word of the six-syllable line, both in level tones. The final word of the six-syllable line rhymes with the sixth word of the eight-syllable line, both in level tones. Finally, the final word of the eight-syllable line rhymes with the fifth word of the first seven-syllable line in the next stanza, also in level tones.

II. Study Guide

Question 1:

Based on the brief introduction to the seven-six-eight verse form in the notes section, the excerpt "After the Moment of Farewell" is written in the seven-six-eight verse form.

Regarding the rhyme scheme in the poem: The excerpt contains three stanzas, but only the last stanza follows the correct rhyme pattern of the seven-six-eight form, while the other stanzas exhibit some inconsistencies in one or more rhyme positions.

Question 2:

In the first stanza, the sorrow of separation is depicted through contrastive, opposing phrases: "He goes.../ I return..."

Additionally, the image of "flowing azure clouds, spreading over the vast green mountains" emphasizes the separation. He departs for distant, harsh, and dangerous lands, while she returns to a lonely, desolate existence. This separation feels so profound that it seems to permeate the azure sky and the expansive green mountains. The imagery of the azure clouds and vast mountains evokes the immense, boundless nature of the universe, thereby intensifying the loneliness and sorrow of parting.

Question 3:

In the second stanza, the sorrow of separation is further deepened and intensified.

The use of opposites “turning back” – “looking ahead” in the two seven-syllable lines conveys the longing and anticipation between the husband and wife amidst their separation.

The repetition and inversion of the place names Ham Duong – Tieu Duong symbolize the vast distance between them, further amplifying the sorrow and the aching sense of separation.

Question 4:

In the final stanza, the sorrow is further expressed through contrasting phrases and repetition (together, see, thousand mulberry trees, dark green, together, green). The word “together” is used in a parallel form (not seen). The once vast and azure “clouds” and “green mountains” now appear only as "green, green"—a faint, almost invisible green. The imagery implies a sense of hopelessness, as the repetition emphasizes the futility of what’s being observed. Furthermore, the final rhetorical question, "Who feels more sorrow—him or her?" highlights the overwhelming sorrow and isolation of the woman as she reaches the peak of her emotional despair.

Question 5:

The types of repetition in the poem "After the Moment of Farewell" include:

The repetition of "he" and "she" is contrasted in the line "He goes.../ I return..." or intertwined in the phrase "his heart, her thoughts".
Other repeated elements: Tieu Duong, Ham Duong, together, thousand mulberry trees, dark green.
The purpose of these repeated elements is to create a melancholic, mournful rhythm in the poem, which aligns with the deep sorrow of the wife separated from her husband. These repetitions also reflect the duality of the sorrow: the bond yet inevitable separation.

Question 6:

* The main emotion expressed in the excerpt is the sorrow of separation experienced by the wife after sending her husband off to war. At the same time, the poem condemns the senselessness of war and expresses the longing for marital happiness in the context of an oppressive society.

* The language in the poem is skillfully crafted, with masterful use of repetition and a slow, somber tone that conveys a deep, aching sadness.

PRACTICE
1. Analyze the color green in the excerpt
Answer:
a. Words denoting green appear frequently in the excerpt: azure clouds, green mountains, green, green (thousand mulberry trees), dark green (thousand mulberry trees).
b. The difference in the words for green lies in the fact that they refer to different objects or phenomena, which imbue them with distinct meanings. These words also describe varying degrees of the color green.
c. The effect:
- The terms azure clouds and green mountains evoke the vastness and infinity of the space, corresponding to the immeasurable sorrow of the wife, which no words can fully express.
- The other two terms depict the color of the thousand mulberry trees with an intensifying progression (green, dark green). This symbolizes the irreversible separation and the distant sorrow of the wife as her husband departs.