Top 8 Best Introductions to a Poem or Song of Your Choice (Literature 11)

Hello teachers and friends, I am ..... a student of class ..... at ..... school.

This introduction discusses the value of 'The Story of the Girl from Nam Xuong' by Nguyen Du:

- Content Value: The work presents profound social and humanitarian values.

- Social Value:

• It reflects the unjust feudal society under male-dominant systems that oppress women (represented by the character Truong Sinh).
• It portrays the tragic fate of women, who suffer from unfairness and limitations, often ending their struggles with death.
• It depicts a feudal society involved in senseless wars, leading the common people to a state of despair.

- Humanitarian Value:

• It praises the noble qualities of Vietnamese women through the character Vu Nuong: gentle, modest, always maintaining propriety, and devoted to her husband.
• It condemns the feudal society that values the power of the rich and the man of the house, while showing the author's deep sympathy for the tragic fate of women.

- Artistic Value:

• The story creates a unique narrative situation, especially with the symbolic detail of the shadow, which brings an element of surprise while enhancing the tragic nature of the tale.
• The character development is skillfully executed, with characters depicted through dialogue and actions. The narrator's and characters' speech uses many symbolic images but still conveys their deep and realistic emotions.
• The use of magical elements emphasizes the humanitarian values of the story.

Hello teachers and friends, I am ..... a student from class ..... at ..... school.

This introduction discusses the reality depicted in Nguyen Du's *The Tale of Kieu*, which reflects the brutal feudal society and the inhumanity of its ruling class. The power of wealth and social status turns suffering women into commodities for the exploitative trades of society. The Vương family, once peaceful and content, is unjustly accused by a silk merchant, resulting in the destruction of their happy life and their entanglement in legal struggles. After the family’s downfall, corrupt officials seized the family’s wealth, exploiting the situation further. The judge overseeing Kieu's father’s case was also on the take, abusing his power for personal gain.

The overwhelming power of money, heavy as a thousand pounds, lies in the hands of the ruthless, becoming a force that can distort all human values, stripping away moral conscience. Those entrusted with upholding justice are corrupted by wealth, bending justice for personal gain. The story of Thúy Kiều, a woman of extraordinary beauty and talent, takes a tragic turn, where she uses power and influence to acquire ill-gotten money. *The Tale of Kieu* showcases the humanitarian values promoted by Nguyen Du, emphasizing human dignity, talent, appearance, and sincere dreams. Thúy Vân is portrayed with grace, composure, and kindness, leading a peaceful and happy life, while Thúy Kiều's striking beauty symbolizes both elegance and sorrow. Kiều also possesses exceptional talent, challenging the stereotype that beauty and intelligence do not go together. Kiều excels in many arts, including music, poetry, and painting.

The story’s content value is evident in its depiction of the harsh realities of feudal society, where the ruling class is depicted as cruel and oppressive.

The Vương family lived peacefully until a false accusation by a silk merchant shattered their life, bringing disaster upon them. This incident forced Kieu’s life onto a painful, humiliating, and tragic path. The tale condemns the brutal forces that trample on human rights and emphasizes the importance of freedom and justice. Kieu, as a symbol of women’s suffering in ancient society, endures 15 years of hardship. During this time, she is sold, manipulated, exploited, and even forced into a brothel, where she is subjected to physical abuse, humiliation, and wrongful punishment. Her tragic fate is a powerful indictment of the inhuman feudal system. Through the character of Thúy Kiều, Nguyen Du critiques a system that crushes the lives of talented, virtuous women.

Greetings, teachers and friends, I am… a student of… class… at… school.

Researchers agree that, alongside the renowned works of Nguyen Dinh Chieu, such as "Ngư tiều y thuật vấn đáp," "Văn tế nghĩa sĩ Cần Giuộc," and "Văn tế nghĩa sĩ trận vong Lục tỉnh," the epic poem "Lục Vân Tiên" stands as a cornerstone of Vietnamese literature. It has had a profound impact on the folk culture of southern Vietnam.

This work was composed by the author before the French colonization of Vietnam. It contains 2,075 verses, written in rhymed narrative poetry (also known as poetic storytelling), rich in beautiful literary imagery that has resonated deeply with the people. The protagonist, Lục Vân Tiên, embodies great filial piety, high ideals, and bravery as he defends the people and the country. The female protagonist, Kiều Nguyệt Nga, is a devoted woman who holds virtue and integrity as core values. Scholars note the immense spiritual influence of the poem, particularly among the southern Vietnamese people.

The work conveys the philosophies of its author, Nguyen Dinh Chieu. Each character not only reflects the author's ideals and life goals but also embodies his personal experiences. Through the characters, the poem powerfully critiques the social injustices of the time. Famous verses such as: “Trước đèn xem chuyện Tây Minh / Gẫm cười hai chữ “nhơn tình” éo le / Hỡi ai, lẳng lặng mà nghe / Giữ răn việc trước, lành dè thân sau / Trai thì trung hiếu làm đầu / Gái thì tiết hạnh làm câu trau mình…” have left a lasting impression on generations.

"Lục Vân Tiên" is a unique work, unmatched in Vietnamese literature. The author masterfully incorporated the essence of folk culture—from emotions to language—into the poem, making it highly relatable and beloved by the people. It quickly became a vital source for folk songs and storytelling traditions.

The poem was not only published in various stages but was also adapted into "Đờn ca tài tử" (Southern folk music), marking the beginning of the "ca ra bộ" performance style, which later played a role in the development of cải lương, a Vietnamese opera art form. The work also gave rise to the performance genre known as "Nói thơ Vân Tiên" (reciting Vân Tiên poetry).

The "Nói thơ Vân Tiên" tradition spread from Bến Tre and has been embraced in a wider context, showing the deep cultural value of the work. This tradition is still remembered by older generations and is passed down to the younger generations as an essential part of the culture.

Future generations will continue to preserve and promote the cultural traditions of Bến Tre, including adapting "Nói thơ Vân Tiên" for modern settings such as community events, competitions, and performances. To raise awareness of Nguyen Dinh Chieu's works, especially "Lục Vân Tiên," cultural centers across the country have organized annual Đờn ca tài tử festivals and performances of Lục Vân Tiên. Local cultural departments also offer guidance and plan training sessions for various audiences, including students, workers, and tourism professionals.

The poem remains a beloved work among people of all generations, with iconic characters like Lục Vân Tiên and Kiều Nguyệt Nga etched in the collective memory. Many still recall verses like: “Nhớ câu kiến nghĩa bất vi / Làm người thế ấy cũng phi anh hùng...”

Hello, teachers and friends. I am … a student from … class at … school.

In the history of Vietnamese classical literature, every writer and poet has contributed to shaping the face of our national literary heritage through their outstanding works in various genres. When mentioning the great national poet Nguyen Du, readers from all generations cannot overlook his masterpiece, 'The Tale of Kiều.' Reading Kiều's verses, one cannot help but feel the pain she endures, but beneath that lies the beauty of her soul and character. Perhaps the excerpt from 'When the wine has worn off, and the night ends' to 'Who understands me, and is devoted to me?' is a perfect example of this.

Amid the cruel circumstances of the brothel, Thúy Kiều constantly faces deep pain and sorrow for her own fate and life.

When the wine has worn off, and the night ends,

I startle, feeling sorrow for myself.

The line 'When the wine has worn off, and the night ends' marks the rare quiet of the night, when the festivities are over and Kiều is left alone to confront herself. In this brief moment, she is jolted awake, filled with a sense of disillusionment and regret about her life. After this shock, she feels sorrow for herself, a sorrow that ultimately reflects her self-awareness as a person of dignity. In this loneliness and despair, Kiều searches for the cause of her suffering.

Once bathed in fine silk,

Now scattered, like a flower in the street.

Why does the face bear scars from wind and rain?

Why does my body resemble a butterfly tired of the bee’s touch?

The poet masterfully uses contrast to show the stark difference between Kiều's past and present. 'Bathed in fine silk' evokes images of happier times, while 'scattered' and 'a flower in the street' paint a picture of her current misery. The phrases 'wind and rain' and 'a butterfly tired of the bee' convey the harshness of her life now. This contrast emphasizes her suffering and sense of degradation. The repeated rhetorical questions—'Why?'—illustrate Kiều's inner torment, as she chastises herself, wrestling with the painful reality of her situation.

While others dance in the rain of Sở, or gaze at the Tần clouds,

How could I, alone, know what spring truly is?

Not only does the poet contrast the past and present, but also the external world and Kiều’s internal state. This profound tragedy within Kiều is clearly expressed in the final eight lines of this passage.

The boat sways with the wind, flowers close to the shore,

The half-curtain of snow holds the moon’s rays.

What scene is not filled with sorrow?

Can joy exist when the heart is burdened with grief?

In every scene, the author evokes an image of delicate beauty—'the wind near flowers,' 'snow holding the moon,' 'the soft curve of the moonlight'—but these beautiful images are tainted with the harsh truth of Kiều's life. The setting itself becomes a facade, masking the true bitterness that Kiều feels. Through these rich metaphors, the poet reveals Kiều’s resignation and self-pity. Her emotions are reflected in the environment, making her pain even more profound. Through artful descriptions and rhetorical questions, Nguyen Du brings out Kiều’s deep suffering and the tragic awareness of her situation.

In conclusion, this excerpt, with its masterful use of contrast and vivid imagery, powerfully conveys Kiều’s deep emotional turmoil and sorrow over her fate. Beneath these feelings of despair, the reader can also sense the enduring beauty of her character.

Hello teachers and classmates, I am ….. a student from ….. school.

Surely, each of us has listened to the song “Em ơi, Hà Nội phố” (lyrics by Phan Vũ, music by Phú Quang). This song is truly a nostalgic melody that captures the heart of anyone who has ever loved.

The song, based on the poem by Phan Vũ, evokes a sense of longing, remembering the romantic yet sorrowful capital city of Hanoi.

The music, composed by Phú Quang in 1986, was inspired by Phan Vũ's poem. The composer shared that after living in Saigon for six months, he began to miss Hanoi. One afternoon, while having tea, Phan Vũ read his poem “Em ơi, Hà Nội phố” – a long narrative poem with 443 lines, divided into 24 stanzas. After hearing it, Phú Quang was deeply moved and said to Phan Vũ, “I’m sure this will become a beautiful song.”

“I know a song is just a small way to repay the memories of leaving, but once the song was written, I felt somewhat liberated. And even though it’s only a little, I have built something to remember Hanoi, a city that has witnessed both my joy and sorrow throughout half my life,” the composer revealed. He selected 21 lines from Phan Vũ’s poem and blended his own emotions to create the song “Em ơi, Hà Nội phố.”

The verses chosen by Phú Quang are closely tied to the iconic imagery of Hanoi. As soon as the song begins, it invites listeners to empathize. Phú Quang left Hanoi at the age of 37 to seek new experiences and to escape some of his worries. After three months in Saigon, he longed to return. However, it took 25 years before he finally did. “Hanoi may not be as luxurious as some hotels, nor as grand as other capitals, but I love Hanoi. My love is so extreme that, on a whim, I once thought the leaves in Hanoi are greener than anywhere else,” Phú Quang admitted.

Em ơi Hà Nội phố

I still have the scent of hoàng lan

I still have the scent of hoa sữa

The empty street hums with a gentle rain

Someone waits, their hair cascading softly over their shoulders

The lyrics are filled with a gentle, romantic sentiment. The protagonist, “em” (you), represents Hanoi, affectionately personified. Hanoi is portrayed as a lover, a confidante that holds Phú Quang's heart. Hanoi is dreamy, fragile, and elegant. The scents of hoàng lan and hoa sữa feel almost alive, lingering in the memory and deep within the subconscious. The old path is faintly shadowed by a woman’s figure.

I still have the lonely bàng tree in winter

I still have the lonely rooftops in winter

The lonely moon in winter

That winter, the sound of a piano in a collapsed house

The afternoon’s bell lingers

During the winter of 1972, Hanoi was devastated by bombings from the U.S. military. The sorrow of loss is embedded in the song “Em ơi, Hà Nội phố.” The plain words depict a desolate scene of the city, haunted by memories of tragedy. Hanoi, lonely and cold in the winter, is stripped bare, with life scarce but holding on in the ruins. The sound of a piano echoes, bringing a deep, mournful feeling. These images reflect the poet Phan Vũ’s memories of a woman named Trịnh Thị Nhàn, whom he loved quietly. Nhàn’s house was on Chân Cầm Street. Phan Vũ was enchanted by the melody of a distant piano and fond of her.

“Em ơi, Hà Nội phố” is not just a tender whisper of love; it also carries a hidden sorrow. Phan Vũ shared, “The phrase ‘I still have you’ in each stanza represents my fond memories of Hanoi, and whenever I need comfort or solace, I return to them.”

I still have you, a green time

An afternoon, your hair flying

Faintly blurry, faintly present

The wandering artist walks down the street

Suddenly, he realizes he cannot even remember a single street

I still have you, the old street covered with moss

And the rooftops, tilting sideways

Haunted by memories

The shores of Hồ Tây are restless with the waves

Suddenly, the sunset arrives, though I don’t know when

Hanoi is still filled with hopes, dreams, and aspirations. Yet, the artist cannot escape feelings of loneliness and melancholy. The image of the young woman appears and disappears, vague and elusive, creating a dreamlike sensation that captures the heart of anyone in love. Walking alone on an empty street, the poet recalls the quiet old houses, the tranquil beauty of the 36 streets of Hanoi, and the golden sunset over Hồ Tây’s waves.

“Em ơi, Hà Nội phố” blends literature and painting, with words shaping colors and forms, like brush strokes on a canvas. The subtle touches create a space of reflection for the audience. The song expresses the deep, sincere love shared between the two artists, Phan Vũ and Phú Quang.

Phan Vũ wrote “Em ơi, Hà Nội phố” in the fourth-floor attic of his house on Hàng Bún after the bombings. Now, in his 90s, he longs to return to Hanoi, where the scents of hoàng lan, hoa sữa, and memories of beautiful women still linger. As for Phú Quang, “Whenever I feel weary, I quickly return to Hanoi.”

This is a brief introduction to the song “Em ơi, Hà Nội phố.” Thank you, teachers and classmates, for listening. I look forward to your feedback.

Hello teachers and classmates, I am ….. a student from ….. school.

Nguyễn Đình Chiểu lived during a time of turmoil. Though he passed his exams early, he became blind at the age of 26. He returned home to become a healer and a poet. Through his extraordinary talent and virtue, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu earned the admiration of many. His literary works, especially his poetry, were often used to encourage a fighting spirit and convey moral lessons. One of his most remarkable works is *Lục Vân Tiên*.

*Lục Vân Tiên* was written in the 1850s and reflects the author's desire to help others while also depicting two admirable characters: Lục Vân Tiên, who is brave, talented, and values righteousness over fame, and Kiều Nguyệt Nga, who is gentle and full of gratitude. The story follows Lục Vân Tiên as he hears of an imperial examination and quickly sets off to take part in it.

On his journey, he encounters Kiều Nguyệt Nga, who is being attacked by bandits. Lục Vân Tiên heroically intervenes to save her. This episode highlights the noble qualities of both characters, especially Lục Vân Tiên and Kiều Nguyệt Nga.

Lục Vân Tiên’s character is built upon familiar motifs from folk tales: righteousness, bravery, and the act of rescuing those in distress. He represents the ideal hero of traditional literature, embodying the hopes and dreams of the common people. With grand ambitions, he strives to do good in the world. When faced with injustice, he immediately acts, even when alone and armed only with a stick:

Vân Tiên paused by the road,

Breaks a branch to use as a staff and rushes into the village

Even though he is alone and armed with only a stick, Vân Tiên dares to face the large and ruthless bandits. This shows his heroic spirit, skill, and sense of duty. In the face of threats from the bandits, Vân Tiên stands firm: “Vân Tiên bursts forth, striking from left and right / Just like Triệu Tử breaking through the Đương Dang circle.”

He is not only courageous but also polite and respectful towards women. After chasing the bandits away, Vân Tiên approaches the victims to offer comfort and assurance. When they express a desire to thank him, Vân Tiên quickly declines:

“Hold on, don’t rush to bow,”

“You are a lady, and I am a man”

For Lục Vân Tiên, doing good deeds is a natural duty, not something to be regarded as a favor or merit. This is the behavior of a true hero, a righteous man who does not seek personal glory. His philosophy is captured in the line:

“Remember the words: if you see injustice and do not act,

You are not a true hero.”

Vân Tiên embodies the ideal of a hero, and through this character, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu conveys many of his own hopes, dreams, and beliefs.

Alongside Lục Vân Tiên is the character of Kiều Nguyệt Nga, who is modest, elegant, and filial. She speaks humbly, calling herself “this humble girl,” and her words are respectful and gentle: “As a daughter, I dare not disobey my father / Even if the distance is thousands of miles, I will comply.” Her speech is clear and heartfelt, expressing gratitude to the one who saved her.

Kiều Nguyệt Nga is also portrayed as a person with respect and consideration for others. When Lục Vân Tiên saves her, he not only saves her life but also preserves her reputation. This increases her gratitude toward him. She is unsure how to repay his great kindness:

“What can I offer to match your noble heart?”

In the end, she decides to dedicate her life to Lục Vân Tiên, faithfully serving him as a way to repay his kindness. The qualities of Kiều Nguyệt Nga — her modesty, grace, and sense of duty — have earned her the admiration of the people.

The excerpt from *Lục Vân Tiên* in which he saves Kiều Nguyệt Nga may be brief, but it beautifully showcases the noble qualities of both Lục Vân Tiên, who values righteousness over fame, and Kiều Nguyệt Nga, who is virtuous and humble. Together, these two characters represent the ideals of the Vietnamese people, and through them, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu conveys profound messages of honor and virtue.

Hello teachers and classmates, I am ….. a student from ….. school.

This presentation is about the value of the *Lục Vân Tiên* story by Nguyễn Đình Chiểu.

Content Value: *Lục Vân Tiên* is a Nôm poem created around the 19th century, consisting of 2,082 lines written in a lục bát form. It was crafted to criticize social injustices and to teach moral principles for humanity.

Realistic Value: The work condemns evil and corruption in society. It denounces treacherous and unfaithful figures, such as Võ Công and his son, the heartless Trịnh Hâm and Bùi Kiệm, and those who deceive and exploit the common people like fake doctors, charlatans, and fortune tellers.

Humanitarian Value: The story emphasizes the importance of human ethics:

• Respect for human relationships in society: parental love, filial piety, marital loyalty, friendships, and compassion for those in distress.
  It highlights the spirit of heroism, the willingness to rescue others in need.
• It conveys the people's longing for justice and their belief in the goodness of life (the story's happy ending, where good triumphs over evil and righteousness prevails over wickedness).

Artistic Value:

• The characters are developed through three methods: actions, gestures, and speech. There is little focus on physical appearance or inner thoughts. The author allows the characters to reveal their personalities through their actions. The work successfully portrays the noble qualities of both Lục Vân Tiên and Kiều Nguyệt Nga.
• The language of the poem is simple, unadorned, and closely resembles everyday speech with a distinctive Southern Vietnamese flavor. Although it may lack elegance and sophistication, it suits the storytelling style, making it accessible to the masses.
• The story reflects Southern Vietnamese culture both in the characters' personalities and in the local dialect used.

Hello teachers and classmates, I am ….. a student from ….. school.

The song *Tình Ca* was composed by Phạm Duy in 1958 and remains one of his most famous works. Many singers have performed it, and it is beloved by many. The song expresses the heartfelt thoughts of a man about his love for a woman, praising her beauty, character, and emotions.

*Tình Ca* holds both content and artistic value. In terms of content, the song portrays sincere, deep, and romantic love. It not only expresses the feelings of the lover but also reflects the emotions of the one being loved. The song conveys a message of respect for love, sacrifice, and loyalty within a relationship.

From an artistic perspective, the song's lyrics are poetic, rich in imagery, and emotionally expressive. It uses many comparisons, metaphors, and repetitions to create appeal and emphasize its meaning. The melody is gentle, flowing, and captivating, perfectly complementing the song's mood and message.

I personally adore *Tình Ca* by Phạm Duy. It allows me to feel the beauty and vitality of love. It also evokes memories and desires related to love. I chose this song because I find it deeply relatable and true to the life and people of Vietnam.