Top 7 Best Essays Analyzing Stanza 3 of the Poem 'Bếp Lửa' by Bằng Việt (Literature 9)

Bằng Việt, a poet who emerged during the resistance against American invasion, is renowned for his narrative and lyrical voice. His poetry collections, such as *Hương cây - Bếp lửa*, *Những gương mặt những khoảng trời*, and *Đất sau mưa*, have left a lasting mark on readers. The poem 'Bếp lửa', from the collection *Hương cây - Bếp lửa*, stands out as one of his most exceptional works, capturing the poet's memories of his grandmother while he was away from home. The poem evokes memories of his grandmother, particularly when recalling the warmth of the fire, which serves as a symbol of affection in his childhood.

Back then, his childhood was intertwined with eight challenging years of war against the French colonizers.

'For eight long years, I lit the fire with my grandmother,
The cuckoo calls across the distant fields.
When the cuckoo calls, do you remember, grandmother?
You often told stories of the days in Huế.
The cuckoo's call is so heartfelt.'

Throughout these years, the poet shared many moments with his grandmother, living beside the fields and keeping the love alive around the warm hearth. 'Eight years' is a long enough time for the poet to engrave his grandmother's teachings and stories from Huế in his heart. The cuckoo’s song resonates in the poem, calling back the past and evoking the memories of those old stories. The lines are filled with deep affection and heartfelt emotion:

'With mother and father busy with work far away,
I stayed with grandmother, and she told me to listen.
She taught me how to do things, she helped me study,
Lighting the fire, thinking of grandmother's hardships.
Cuckoo, why don’t you come and stay with grandmother,
Why do you keep calling from the faraway fields?'

There were times when 'the enemy burned down the village, leaving it in ruins' while the parents were away. The young child could only find comfort and protection in his grandmother's care. 'Grandmother told me to listen' to the stories of their homeland, 'Grandmother taught me how to work' in the house, and 'Grandmother helped me with my studies' during the lonely nights when bombs fell on the village. Every little task, every tiny detail, was placed on grandmother’s shoulders, making her stronger than ever. Perhaps being separated from his parents at such a young age, the affection the poet felt for his grandmother grew immensely. He always cherished her teachings and the times when she would patiently help him learn. Despite all the hardships, grandmother never complained. The cuckoo's distant cry symbolizes the poet’s yearning for his grandmother. He can only express his longing through poetry, wishing he could return to her side.

Grandmother’s image is always warm, filled with love, and the bond between them is deep and unforgettable. Through gentle and reflective verses, combining narrative, lyricism, and emotional expression, the poet has created a moving piece of art. Reading this poem, one can better understand the feeling of children longing to reunite with their families, cherish the moments of labor, and deeply appreciate their homeland, which nurtured their souls through the passage of time.

At two in the morning, lost in a dream of remembering my beloved Quang Ninh, my roommate's sleepy murmurs suddenly broke the silence, waking me up. I couldn’t fall back asleep. As I lay there, I reflected on my dream, tracing memories of my grandmother—who had passed away many years ago but still seemed to sing me to sleep every night. I missed her deeply, and for a moment, tears blurred my vision, as the only way I could see her now was through a photograph. In that moment, I realized that there were others who loved her just as I did, who could understand my feelings—like the poet Bang Viet. In his poem “The Fireplace,” he also expressed a grandchild’s beautiful nostalgia for their childhood spent with their grandmother:

“For eight years, I gathered firewood with Grandma
The cuckoo called across the distant fields
When the cuckoo called, did you remember, Grandma?
You often told stories of your days in Hue
How the cuckoo’s cry was so wistful
Mother and father were busy with work and could not come back
I stayed with you, Grandma told me to listen
You taught me how to work, you cared for my studies
We gathered firewood, thinking of your hardships,
Oh cuckoo, don’t cry so far away, living with Grandma.

For those who admire Bang Viet, mentioning his name immediately brings to mind poems filled with intimate, tender, and transparent feelings—poems that are not only profound but also contemplative and reflective. Specializing in exploring the emotional depth of memories, nostalgia, and youthful dreams, Bang Viet has left a significant mark on Vietnamese literature, touching the hearts of countless readers. His first poem, “The Fireplace,” has brought new life to many, evoking cherished memories of childhood for millions. During his time studying in the Soviet Union, he once shared, “The first few years studying law here, I missed home terribly. September in this place is chilly, with fog often hanging low over the ground, drifting over tree branches—reminding me of the winters back home. Every morning, walking to class, I would think of the familiar image of a fireplace, and my grandmother waking up early to cook porridge and boil sweet potatoes for the family.” And that’s how the lines of “The Fireplace” were born. This heartfelt poem rekindles memories of a grandchild’s love for their grandmother, expressing deep respect and gratitude toward her, as well as toward family, homeland, and country.

With just eleven lines, Bang Viet beautifully encapsulates his fond memories of growing up with his grandmother. The poem evokes emotions of warmth, affection, and love, recalling the simplicity of childhood and the hardships of the past. “For eight years, I gathered firewood with Grandma”—those eight years represent not only love and care but also the nurturing of a child’s soul. Though eight years may seem brief, they are enough for a child to feel the depth of their grandmother’s love. Despite the struggles, the child’s life was full of affection and warmth from Grandma. And for the child, being with Grandma, playing with her, and confiding in her was the life they longed for. The image of the grandmother remains a constant in Vietnamese literature. In his poem “The Boat’s Edge,” poet Nguyen Duy also describes the hardworking, selfless grandmother:

“I never knew my grandmother struggled so
She caught crabs and shrimp in Dong Quan
She carried green tea in Ba Trai
And sold porridge in Dong Giao late at night.”

Throughout the years living with his grandmother, the cuckoo became a silent witness to the memories shared between them. The sound of the cuckoo’s call, distant and faint, travels through vast, quiet spaces. Rather than brightening the surroundings, it deepens the feeling of emptiness and solitude. The poet seems to break away from his reflections, addressing his grandmother directly: “Do you still remember, Grandma?” Only a grandmother and her grandchild could truly understand the significance of that sound. The cuckoo’s call was filled with longing, and it left a lasting impression on the child’s heart, making them deeply nostalgic. Perhaps, when the cuckoo cried out, it was the moment when both grandmother and grandchild felt the most intense sense of absence in their home. What child doesn’t long for the voice of their parents, the warmth of their mother’s embrace? What grandmother doesn’t wish for the company of her children and grandchildren in her old age? Due to the war, the child’s parents couldn’t return, and the grandmother raised the child in solitude. Poet Anh Thu expressed similar emotions in her poem:

“When I left, I missed home so much
Ten years without returning to the homeland
Oh cuckoo, why do you cry in the green garden?”

The cuckoo’s cries of longing for its home mirror the deep yearning of the child for their grandmother. The sound stirs up intense memories of longing and nostalgia, resonating deeply with the reader. The memories float like a gentle melody, evoking the bond between the poet and his grandmother, reminding us of a time long past.

When the war began, with both parents absent, Bang Viet painted a vivid image of his grandmother—the loving and admirable woman who raised and nurtured him:

“Mother and father were busy with work and couldn’t return
I stayed with Grandma, and she told me to listen
She taught me how to work, she cared for my studies.”

The lines are balanced and rhythmically harmonious, reflecting the close relationship between the grandmother and her grandchild. The repetition of “Grandma” and “Grandchild” conveys a deep connection between the two, symbolizing the love and affection they shared. Through the nurturing hands of his grandmother, the child grew up and became a better person. The grandmother was not only a caregiver but also a father, a mother, and a close friend—a steadfast support in times of need. The words “She told me,” “She taught,” “She cared” express both the deep love and the gratitude the grandchild feels for her. She was the one who provided comfort and security, making the child’s life warmer, even in the absence of their parents. She taught the child about their heritage, the importance of family traditions, and the values that would carry them through life.

Nguyen Duy, in his depiction of the grandmother, wrote:

“I stood between the realms of the real and the ethereal
Between my grandmother and the spirits of gods
In that year of hunger, when we ate half-boiled root vegetables
I always smelled the subtle fragrance of white lilies.”

Both Bang Viet and Nguyen Duy deeply respect and cherish their hardworking grandmothers, always obedient and grateful for the lessons they imparted. The love and respect for the grandmother continues to linger in their hearts long after her passing. In Bang Viet’s poem, the memory of his grandmother and the fire she tended becomes a spiritual anchor, representing her care and protection. The image of the fire, symbolizing warmth and love, intertwined with the cuckoo’s call, evokes a sense of longing and nostalgia. These elements, combined with vivid poetic techniques, create a masterpiece that reflects both personal memories and universal emotions of family love and gratitude.

As the book closes, one cannot forget the image of the grandmother, the sound of the cuckoo, and the smell of smoke from the evening fires in the countryside. Bang Viet’s excerpt reads like a lullaby from a mother, a tale from a grandmother—a reflection of the cherished moments from childhood. These heartfelt emotions are conveyed with sincerity through the poet’s words. And for me, as I reflect on my own memories, I will never forget those playful days spent with my grandmother beneath the house’s porch. Grandma, you will always be my dearest, and I will never forget you. For those of us who are fortunate to live in a complete family, let us cherish and care for our parents and grandparents, so that we don’t regret the moments lost in the future.

Each of us holds dear the sounds and sights of our hometowns—the cherished memories of our grandparents, their silver hair, and gentle eyes. Bằng Việt’s poem is like a lullaby from a mother, a story passed down by a grandmother...

Bằng Việt, a poet shaped by the resistance during the Vietnam War, started writing as a student. His poem 'The Firewood' was written in 1963, while he was studying abroad. It is considered his most iconic work, filled with rich emotion and a deep sense of gratitude. The poem contains lines such as:

'For eight long years, I lit the fire with my grandmother'

....

'Why do you cry out over those distant fields?'

This moving verse evokes the enduring memories of hardship, where 'eight long years I lit the fire with my grandmother.' The fire they kindled together became a symbol of their love, built out of necessity but also out of deep affection. That fire, the warmth of it, nurtured the poet’s soul since he was a child. The mournful call of the cuckoo bird from faraway fields brings back vivid memories for the poet, reminding him of those cherished moments with his grandmother.

... When the cuckoo calls, do you still remember, grandmother?

She would tell stories of the days in Huế

How tender is the cuckoo’s song!

The imagery of the fire and the call of the cuckoo intertwine, creating a powerful emotional resonance that lingers in the heart.

In the next verses, Bằng Việt paints a tender portrait of his grandmother, a loving figure who cared for him during the difficult years when his parents were away:

When my parents were occupied with work,

I stayed with my grandmother, who would teach me

She guided me in work and cared for my education...

The balanced structure of these lines, repeating 'grandmother' and 'grandchild,' creates a sense of harmony and emphasizes the emotional bond between them. Through her unwavering love, the poet grew and found warmth in her care. In her embrace, he learned and matured, comforted by the fire she kept burning, a fire that made him feel connected even in the absence of his parents.

Grateful for the sacrifices she made, the poet’s soul holds her image, vivid and unyielding. The cuckoo’s cry, intertwined with memories of his grandmother, is a symbol of longing and love that will never fade.

Cuckoo, why don’t you come and stay with her?

Why do you cry out over those distant fields?

The gentle rhythm of the poem, filled with longing, stirs deep emotions. The cuckoo’s call reverberates through time, echoing the memories of a lost but never forgotten love.

The image of 'The Firewood' is intertwined with the warmth of home, just as the cuckoo’s song is tied to the fields. Through these symbols, Bằng Việt expresses his deep love and gratitude for his grandmother and homeland. The fire and the cuckoo become enduring symbols of affection, representing the sweet, nostalgic memories of childhood.

We all carry within us the sounds and sights of home—the silver hair, the kind eyes of our grandparents, and the warmth of their love. Bằng Việt’s poem, like a lullaby from a mother or a tale from a grandmother, reflects these enduring emotions, drawing us back to our roots and the innocence of childhood.

Everyone has their own childhood memories. There were moments of happiness, sadness, and hardship. For poet Bằng Việt, his childhood was filled with unforgettable memories, particularly with his beloved grandmother, which led to the creation of the poem 'The Hearth'. The hearth doesn’t just symbolize warmth between grandmother and grandchild; it represents a life filled with care and devotion. Even from a distant land, the memories of his grandmother’s enduring love and sacrifice are vivid and alive.

The lines of the poem, such as:

“Eight long years I sat by the fire with Grandma”

and

“The cuckoo’s call is so plaintive!”

The whispering tone of the poem reads like an old folk tale. It reflects the hardships of the past when the poet, as a child, grew up under the protective care of his grandmother. Eight years during the war, eight years of struggle, eight years filled with poignant moments by the hearth.

Where the poet recalls the scent of smoke from his childhood memories, now, he remembers the call of the cuckoo. The sound of the cuckoo stirs up nostalgic feelings, reminding him of home, of his grandmother, and the hearth where they shared quiet mornings.

The cuckoo’s cry echoes through vast, desolate spaces, then fades as if yearning for something, bringing to mind the poet’s longing for his home and the love his grandmother gave him. The poet begins a conversation with his grandmother, as though she were sitting beside him: “Do you remember, Grandma?” He recalls those nights under the moonlight when he sat in her lap listening to stories of brave soldiers and loving memories.

He remembers how his grandmother cared for him, especially when his parents were away:

“While Mom and Dad were busy working,”

“I stayed with Grandma, who taught me well,”

“She cooked for me, she taught me to study,”

“And by the fire, she endured her hardships.”

The love his grandmother gave him was more than just care—it was a lifelong education. To the poet, she was both mother and father, teacher and guide. Her nurturing helped shape him into the person he is today. No matter where he goes, her love is a solid foundation for his heart, even when facing hardships abroad.

Now, even while studying far away, the warmth of her love and care still touches him deeply. He yearns for her and is filled with sympathy for her solitude:

“Cuckoo, why don’t you stay with Grandma?”

The poet asks the cuckoo, as if to express his own deep regrets for not being able to stay with his grandmother. The repetitive call of the cuckoo echoes in his soul, filling him with a longing that never fades. The sorrowful, plaintive tones of the poem mirror his deep nostalgia for home and the love of his grandmother.

Bằng Việt holds a cherished memory of his childhood spent with his grandmother, where they would light the comforting flame of the family hearth together. For him, the bond with his grandmother is etched deeply in his heart. This can be felt through his poem “The Hearth.” Born into a generation of poets shaped by the Vietnamese resistance against American forces, Bằng Việt wrote this poem in 1963 at the age of 19, while studying abroad in the Soviet Union.

The poem brings forth nostalgic memories of his grandmother and the affection between them, highlighting his deep admiration and gratitude towards her, his family, and his homeland. The imagery of the hearth brings his memories of his grandmother alive. Far from home, when the poet encounters the image of a fire, his thoughts naturally return to her. His childhood was shaped by the stories she told, the lessons she imparted, and the wisdom she shared. Everything feels as though it’s right before his eyes again.

“Eight years in a row, my grandmother and I lit the fire

The cuckoo sings over distant fields

Do you remember, Grandma, when the cuckoo sang?

Do you remember the stories you told me about Hue?”

Lighting the fire with his grandmother symbolizes the warmth of life and the burning love of a pure, innocent child. The image of the hearth, a symbol of both home and familial love, evokes another memory—the sound of the cuckoo’s call. The cuckoo’s song reminds the child to cherish time with his grandmother, to share the stories of old. The repetition of the word “cuckoo” in the poem amplifies the emotions, making the reader feel as though the sound is reverberating in the poet’s memory, far away from home. The sound of the cuckoo echoes from the distant fields, deeply stirring the poet’s soul. It represents the longing and connection to his roots, to his grandmother, and the warmth of her love.

In those years of war and suffering, Bằng Việt’s grandmother was his constant companion, giving him the love and care that shaped his youth:

“With my parents away on duty

........

The cuckoo calls endlessly over distant fields”

During those eight years, with the war raging on, the poet’s family had to evacuate. While his parents were occupied with their duties, the poet found solace in the company of his grandmother. Despite the hardships, being with her felt like an immense happiness. Together, they would light the fire every day, and in the flickering smoke, his grandmother would appear like a fairy tale figure. To the poet, his grandmother was both a father and mother, a guide, and a comforting presence. She not only provided for him physically but also educated him, imparting invaluable lessons about life and humanity.

Those lessons became the foundation of his life, and his grandmother’s love was both a material and emotional support for him. Now, as the poet reflects on those memories, he realizes how much he misses her. Far from home, he wonders: “Cuckoo, why don’t you go stay with Grandma?” His lament reveals the deep longing he feels for her. The repeated references to “Grandmother” and “Grandchild” in the poem emphasize the inseparable bond between them, a relationship of unwavering devotion.

This stanza paints the picture of a desolate house in the middle of the fields, where only an old woman and a child remain. The child, carefree and naive, while the grandmother, fragile and worn, strives to care for them both. Yet, she still finds the strength to teach and nurture her grandchild beside the warmth of the hearth. Here, the hearth no longer symbolizes hardship but rather an image of warmth and refuge for the two of them to live in peace.