Top 8 Essays on the Character Lượm in Tố Hữu's "Lượm" for Grade 6, Most Insightful

The poem "Lượm" by Tố Hữu, written about Vietnam's heroic children, stands out as one of the most significant works in our wartime literature. It skillfully portrays a playful, innocent child who is also remarkably courageous and resilient. Closing the book, it's impossible not to remember the vivid image, personality, and admirable traits of this young boy.

After describing Lượm's endearing and pure appearance, the poet moves on to celebrate his heroic spirit, bravery, and his sacrifice as a young messenger during the war. The image of Lượm becomes almost superhuman:

Vụt qua mặt trận

Đạn bay vèo vèo

Thư đề: "Thượng khẩn"

Sợ chi hiểm nghèo?

Amidst a battlefield filled with whizzing bullets, Lượm, the young messenger, bravely charges forward, darting through it all. The phrase 'vụt qua' emphasizes his swift, fearless action. There is no time to hesitate when carrying such an urgent message. His question 'Sợ chi hiểm nghèo?' sounds like a challenge, almost a vow to face death with lightheartedness.

This young soldier is likened to a "heavenly child" playing carefree among the rice fields:

Đường quê vắng vẻ

Lúa trỗ đòng đòng

Ca lô chú bé

Nhấp nhô trên đồng....

The poet seems to be holding their breath, witnessing his every move. But Lượm falls. The lines, full of fire and blood, express deep sorrow and pain:

Bỗng lòe chớp đỏ

Thôi rồi, Lượm ơi!

Chú đồng chí nhỏ

Một dòng máu tươi!

Lượm sacrificed his life for the homeland. Even as he fell, his hand still grasped a rice stalk. Lượm's spirit remains alive, floating among the fragrant rice fields:

Cháu nằm trên lúa

Tay nắm chặt bông

Lúa thơm mùi sữa

Hồn bay giữa đồng.

This verse is one of the most poignant depictions of a soldier's sacrifice on the battlefield. Tố Hữu created a powerful artistic space, blending the fragrance of rice with the soul of a young warrior—a blend that is both familiar and sacred. The young messenger, though fallen, remains a hero, an eternal symbol of courage.

The closing lines of the poem recall the earlier verses. This structural symmetry, known as "circular correspondence" or circular composition, adds a unique aesthetic value to the poem. Though the young soldier has fallen on the battlefield, his spirit of patriotism, bravery, and youthful heroism lives on, immortal in the hearts of the people. Some deaths lead to immortality, just as Lượm's sacrifice did. His heroic example will shine forever.

The poet Tố Hữu wrote the poem "Lượm" in 1949, which was published in the poetry collection "Việt Bắc." The poem left a deep impression on readers with its depiction of Lượm, a young child who sacrificed his life for his mission during the resistance against French colonial forces.

"Lượm" is a narrative, lyrical poem that tells the short yet courageous life of a young messenger boy—innocent, cheerful, lively, brave—who fell in the line of duty to protect the peace of his homeland. The character of Lượm appears throughout the poem, starting with the first few stanzas, where the poet lovingly describes a lovable boy:

The little boy is tiny,

With a neat little pack,

His quick little feet,

And his proud little head.

Wearing his tilted cap,

Whistling cheerfully,

Like a sparrow,

Hopping along the golden road...

When we think of Lượm, these two stanzas come to mind, as they vividly capture the image of a small, lively, quick-witted, and cheerful messenger boy. The use of words like "tiny," "neat," "quick," and "proud" creates a vivid and evocative image, combined with the four-line verse form and quick rhythm, which gives a joyful and playful tone perfectly suited for a boy like Lượm. The simile likening him to a sparrow hopping on a golden road paints a picture of a carefree child, full of life. Interestingly, poet Lê Đức Thọ also wrote a poem titled "Em Bé Liên Lạc" (The Messenger Boy), where he also imagines the boy as a joyful little bird in the closing lines:

Tomorrow, on the white road,

A little boy will guide me by the hand.

Smiling and walking quickly,

Like a little bird on a cheerful branch.

Perhaps no image can replace that of a little bird, for it perfectly represents the youthful beauty of the messenger boy. Overarching all of this is the poet’s affection, his tender and loving gaze towards the boy. One must love Lượm deeply to describe him in such a way! The reader also adores his mischievous smile, his rosy cheeks, but even more, the joy Lượm finds in participating in the resistance:

"I’m a messenger,

It’s so much fun, uncle!"

"At Mang Cá camp,

I like it better than at home!"

The poet portrays Lượm’s happiness as that of a bird freed from its cage, eager to fulfill his mission as a messenger. This is the joy shared by a whole generation of youth after the August Revolution, not just Lượm.

Even more endearing is Lượm’s salute, which is both playful and serious—because he is participating in the resistance like everyone else, just like his uncle. Through this simple greeting, we hear the pride and joy of youth, which is truly heartwarming.

The encounter leaves an indelible, warm, joyful impression on the poet. However, the news of Lượm’s death soon follows. The four-line verse breaks into two parts, like a sob:

So that’s it...

Lượm, oh!

This is the shock and sorrow, a feeling so intense it is almost suffocating. The poet immediately imagines the moment of Lượm’s death while on a mission:

One day, like any other,

The little comrade

Puts the letter in the bag,

And darts past the frontlines,

With bullets flying by,

The letter marked "urgent",

Unfazed by danger.

And then, the poet mourns with another painful cry:

Suddenly, a flash of red,

It’s over, Lượm!

The little comrade

Bleeds a stream of red!

Lượm has heroically fallen, like a true soldier. Here, the poet, who had referred to him as "child" before, now addresses him with the formal title of "little comrade"—a sign of respect for the brave sacrifice of a young hero. Is this not the admiration of a revolutionary cadre for a young, heroic child?

But eventually, the poet returns to the tender affection of family, calling Lượm "child" again, as he describes the beautiful scene of his death on the rice fields of his homeland:

The child lies in the rice,

With his hand clutching a grain,

The rice smells sweet like milk,

His soul drifts among the fields...

The rice field, like a cradle, like a mother’s arms, gently welcomes him into its embrace. Even in death, his hand still holds onto a grain of rice, as his homeland and its fragrance envelop him, as if rocking him into a peaceful sleep. He dies, yet his spirit hovers above the field—both sacred and close to us! Only a deep love, sorrow, and respect could lead to such a depiction of a child’s death, innocent and romantic. This is the death of a small angel. That little angel has flown away, leaving behind a deep sense of loss, as Tố Hữu mournfully asks for the third time:

Lượm, are you still there?

This line stands alone as a stanza, like a question that digs deep into the reader’s heart. Without the deep affection for Lượm, how could the poet express such longing? This question resonates, seeming without an answer, yet the poet answers it through the final two stanzas, which close the poem:

The little boy is tiny,

With a neat little pack,

His quick little feet,

And his proud little head.

Wearing his tilted cap,

Whistling cheerfully,

Like a sparrow,

Hopping along the golden road.

The final two stanzas echo the second and third stanzas, like a refrain, reaffirming that Lượm lives on in the hearts of his people and in the poet’s memory. Though the poem ends, its meaning continues, as the image of this brave, lovable, and admirable little messenger boy lives on. Lượm’s legacy remains with us like an eternal song about the pure youth who sacrificed his life for the independence and freedom of the nation.

Using the four-line verse form, a traditional folk form suitable for quick-paced storytelling, along with the sudden breaks in the verses, the technique of isolating lines into their own stanzas, and rhetorical devices like rhetorical questions and exclamations, "Lượm" truly is a moving and beautiful poem about the sacrifice of a small hero in the resistance against French colonialism.

Tố Hữu is a renowned poet of our nation. He has left behind a monumental collection of works. For every age group, he wrote poems that resonated with them, and each generation encountered different poems of his. For us students, it is likely that no one is unfamiliar with the poem about Lượm, a character created by him. This poem left a deep impression on readers with the image of Lượm, a young child who sacrificed for the cause of the resistance during the war against French colonization.

The poem begins by depicting Lượm with great clarity and detail:

“The little boy, small and spry

With his cute, tiny satchel

Quick on his feet, always in motion

Head held high, with confidence so bold.

His cap sits askew

Whistling as he walks

A little bird flitting

On the golden road...”

The image of Lượm is truly beautiful. Lượm is described as a very small boy, carrying his charming satchel as he sets out on his mission to serve the war effort. He seems to take great pride and joy in his contribution, even as a little child. His movements are swift, and his head is held high, as he wears his military cap slightly tilted, which suggests his youthful mischief and playful spirit. Surely, he is skipping along a golden path, carefree and joyful.

These concise lines paint a vivid picture of Lượm, showing us a small, endearing child who is full of energy, yet ready to undertake the crucial task of supporting the resistance. His youthful enthusiasm contrasts with the dangers of war, and yet he remains happy, even proud, to serve the cause of independence. Through the lines, the poet captures both Lượm's innocence and his contribution to the revolutionary effort:

“I’m on the way, running errands

So happy, oh yes indeed

At Mang Cá station

Feels better than being at home!”

At this time, the hardships of the long resistance struggle had not yet come. People were still basking in the joyous atmosphere of independence and freedom following the August Revolution. Lượm’s happiness comes from this newfound national joy, and it fills his heart, his face, and every movement. His satchel seems to carry the same joy, bouncing with every step, just as Lượm himself moves with youthful exuberance. He wears the satchel proudly, a symbol of his role as a young soldier in the fight for independence. Like other children his age, Lượm is lively and full of energy, and he applies his liveliness to a useful cause: the war effort. When we see Lượm parting, the poet paints a picture of him filled with vitality and joy:

“His eyes squinting in a grin

With cheeks rosy and bright”

The words “Goodbye, comrade!” are also filled with joy. Lượm bids farewell playfully, yet sincerely, acknowledging his role in the war. The verse uses a rhythmic four-beat meter, with quick pacing and repeating sounds (like “small and spry,” “quick on his feet,” “held high”) to enhance the image of Lượm – a cheerful, spirited child messenger, passionately engaged in his task for the revolution, making him an endearing and lovable figure.

The story of Lượm’s final mission is told with deep emotion, full of sorrow, regret, and pride, conveyed directly through the narrator's perspective and descriptions. When the news of Lượm's sacrifice reaches the poet, the poet exclaims in grief:

“So this is it, Lượm…”

The memory of meeting the young messenger is still vivid in the poet’s mind, but suddenly, the news turns tragic. The simple line is broken, an interruption that mirrors the shock and sorrow of the poet upon hearing the devastating news. The abrupt pause and the exclamation mark convey the poet's deep emotional reaction. To honor the sacrifice of this young messenger, the image of Lượm reappears in the final stanza of the poem, capturing his youthful, playful spirit once again:

“The little boy, small and spry

With his cute, tiny satchel

Quick on his feet, always in motion

Head held high, with confidence so bold.

His cap sits askew

Whistling as he walks

A little bird flitting

On the golden road...”

The last two stanzas echo the second and third, like a refrain, reinforcing that Lượm’s spirit lives on in the heart of the nation, immortal in the poet's memory. The poem ends, but its message continues, preserving the image of Lượm, a young messenger full of courage and innocence, whose sacrifice for the nation remains forever cherished. This poem evokes deep reflections on the character of Lượm – a small, brave child who gave his life for the independence and freedom of his people, leaving behind memories of courage, sacrifice, and pure-hearted joy that will never be forgotten.

“Children’s work, however small, should be done according to their abilities,” this is a teaching from Uncle Ho to the children of Vietnam during the resistance against foreign invaders. Following Uncle Ho's wise words, Vietnamese children have shown bravery and heroism, never afraid of danger. The poem Lượm, by poet Tố Hữu, paints a vivid picture of a courageous and fearless young boy: Lượm.

Lượm was a real boy who worked as a messenger for the army during the French resistance. He became immortalized in poetry through the admiration of poet Tố Hữu. The author narrated Lượm's story in four-line verses, filled with childlike innocence, cheerfulness, and at times, sadness and pain.

The poem begins by recounting a memorable encounter during an urgent moment: “The day Huế shed blood.” This was the day when Huế city braced itself against the war, fighting back against the invasion of the enemy. Despite the grim circumstances, the small Lượm stands out as a hero. A hero, but his attire was incredibly simple:

“The tiny boy,

With a cute little bag,

Quick on his feet,

Head held high,

Wearing a tilted cap,

Whistling loudly,

Like a little bird,

Hopping along the golden road…”

Words like “tiny,” “cute,” and “high-headed” reflect the playful, mischievous, and energetic nature of the boy, along with the endearing qualities of childhood. At times, he smiles slyly, or gets shy with a “blushing face.” He resembled a small bird, hopping joyfully and energetically along the messenger route:

“I’m delivering messages,

It’s so fun, uncle,

At Mang Cá post,

Better than at home!”

How brave he was! Lượm's joy at Mang Cá post might have come from uncovering vital information or secrets about the enemy, contributing to the victory of the soldiers. The tale of Lượm might have continued with more lively and energetic verses. However:

“One day, like any other,

The little comrade,

Put the letter in the bag,

Rushed to the frontlines,

With bullets flying,

The letter marked urgent,

Not fearing danger.”

Even amidst the brutal battlefield, Lượm volunteered to carry out his mission, undaunted by the dangers. That fateful journey would be his last:

“A flash of red,

Goodbye, Lượm.”

Despite his speed, the young boy could not escape the hail of bullets from the enemy. The poet did not say that Lượm died, but used the words “Goodbye” to convey a deep, sorrowful sense of loss, admiration, and respect for the sacrifice of such a young soldier. Yet, Lượm did not die, his spirit lives on, intertwined with the earth:

“He rests on the rice fields,

Fingers clutching a grain,

The rice exudes a milky fragrance,

His soul floats among the fields…”

Lượm has transformed into the rice, into the scent of milk, and his soul has merged with the earth, the motherland. Though he departed, his journey seems to circle back. He left gently, as if to fall into a peaceful sleep, in the embrace of his mother. His image is reaffirmed in the final two lines, confirming that the small, energetic figure of the young soldier has forever remained in the hearts of all:

By telling Lượm’s story, Tố Hữu has expressed deep admiration and sorrow for a courageous, fearless soldier who faced difficulties without fear. He is a bright example, a beacon of patriotism, and an inspiration for the children of today to follow and learn from.

During the resistance against French colonialism, Vietnamese children eagerly followed Uncle Ho's teaching: "Young children do small tasks according to their abilities." Many sacrificed their innocent childhoods for the cause of protecting the nation's sovereignty and freedom. The image of the young, brave messenger boy in Tố Hữu's poem 'Lượm' has left a profound impression on me.

Lượm joined the army as a messenger at the start of the resistance (late 1946). At that time, the French had not yet expanded their attacks, and our forces were stationed at Mang Cá, an important stronghold in Huế. During an attack on the enemy's garrison, Lượm was killed. The author, deeply moved by the news, wrote this poem (1949).

By blending description, storytelling, and emotional expression, the poet vividly portrays Lượm as a cheerful, eager, and brave little boy. The use of a four-character verse structure and many reduplicative words with vivid imagery and rhythmic flow contributed to the success in building the character's image.

The poem opens with a memorable scene of a meeting between the two characters:

On the day blood was shed in Huế

Uncle from Hanoi came

By chance, the two met

In Hàng Bè street.

This meeting is unforgettable because it occurred during a special moment: the day Huế was drenched in blood, fighting fiercely to prevent the invading French from reclaiming the country. That day is etched in the memories of all people. The situation highlights the qualities of Lượm even more.

Lượm’s attire was like that of the soldiers in the Patriotic Guard, for he too was a true soldier. But Lượm was still very young, so his small satchel appeared cute and his beret, worn askew, added to his playful and energetic nature.

The poet lovingly describes Lượm:

The little boy, small and quick

With his tiny, neat satchel

His feet moving fast

His head tilted with a proud air

The beret askew

His whistle loud

Like a sparrow

Hopping on the golden road...

Lượm’s small, slender figure was quick and lively. His feet were light and fast, and his head tilted playfully from side to side. The quick rhythm of the poem evokes the image of a cheerful, lively, and carefree little boy. These physical characteristics reflect Lượm's inner personality. The beret, worn askew, and his constant whistling mirror his carefree nature. Lượm was like a little sparrow hopping along a golden road.

Lượm innocently shared his story:

- I’m a messenger

It’s so much fun, Uncle!

At Mang Cá post

I like it better than home!

At this time, the hardships of prolonged war had not yet arrived. People lived in the jubilant atmosphere of independence and freedom after the August Revolution. Lượm’s joy stemmed from the joy of the country, of the nation. Lượm was happy inside and out, in his expression, gestures, and words. It seemed as though his satchel too was joyfully hopping in rhythm with his steps. Carrying the satchel was a symbol of being a cadre, which made Lượm feel proud. Like other children his age, Lượm was very energetic, but his energy was channeled into useful work for the resistance. The image of Lượm as he bid farewell to the author is full of vitality:

He smiled with squinty eyes

His cheeks rosy with youth

The phrase: 'Goodbye, comrade!' carries the mark of joy. Lượm called Uncle 'comrade,' a playful, witty, yet serious term, as Lượm was part of the resistance and shared the revolutionary ideals. The poem’s use of the four-character verse form, quick rhythm, and reduplicative words (such as 'small and quick,' 'swift-footed,' 'tilted head,' etc.) contribute to depicting Lượm as an innocent, joyful, and enthusiastic messenger, a charming and endearing figure.

The story of Lượm’s final mission is told through the narrator’s direct emotional expression and the descriptive imagery. Upon hearing the news of Lượm’s death, the poet sorrowfully exclaimed:

So it’s true, Lượm, oh!

The memory of the meeting with the little messenger was still vivid in the poet’s heart when the tragic news came. The normal phrase is abruptly interrupted. The hesitant rhythm and exclamation mark convey shock and deep emotion. The poet imagines Lượm’s heroic death with great detail. Just like on any other mission, Lượm was brave, quick, eager, and determined, not fearing danger:

One day, like any other

The little comrade

Put the letter in the bag

Raced through the battlefront

Bullets flying fast

The letter marked 'Urgent'

Not afraid of danger

In the midst of the smoky battlefield, Lượm still bravely carried out his mission. Then a flash of red lightning appeared, and Lượm’s life was cut short. The poet seems to relive that moment of sorrow, unable to contain his pain, as if witnessing the painful event. The verse expresses the poet’s sorrow and admiration for Lượm’s sudden and heroic death. The little soldier died too young, full of life and promise. The poet does not dwell on the sorrow but instead sees Lượm’s sacrifice as sacred and noble. He is like a small angel resting in the fields of his homeland, merging with the earth:

He lay in the rice fields

His hand clutching a grain of rice

The rice smelled like mother's milk

His soul soared in the fields...

Surrounding Lượm is the vibrant life of the growing rice. The fragrance of the rice is like the scent of a mother’s milk. Lượm’s sacrifice was gentle and peaceful. The phrase 'His soul soared in the fields' affirms Lượm’s eternal spirit. He died for his homeland. The question 'Lượm, are you still here?' is a rhetorical question, placed in its own stanza to emphasize and express the deep sorrow and longing the poet feels. The last two stanzas repeat like a chorus, deeply embedding the image of Lượm in everyone’s hearts:

The little boy, small and quick

With his tiny, neat satchel

His feet moving fast

His head tilted with a proud air

The beret askew

His whistle loud

Like a sparrow

Hopping on the golden road...

'Lượm' is one of the most beautiful poems about the innocence and bravery of Vietnam’s youth. I believe Lượm is as worthy as heroes from the past such as Lí Tự Trọng, Kim Đồng, Lê Văn Tám, Vừ A Dính, and is a predecessor to the youthful heroes like Nguyễn Bá Ngọc, Kpa Klơng, and Nguyễn Văn Hoà during the American war.

The image of Lượm in the poem of the same name by poet Tố Hữu has left a profound and lasting impression on readers. He was a playful, lively child who loved life yet showed immense courage and resilience. Closing the book, no one can forget the portrait, character, and precious qualities of this little hero.

The image of Lượm is portrayed as innocent and mischievous through the eyes of a soldier, with that innocence being evident in his appearance, his clothes, and his actions. The playful nature of this young boy comes alive, hopping around in front of readers with his small, skinny frame, quick steps, carrying a satchel filled with letters, delivering messages across various battlefronts:

“The little boy, so spry

His satchel bright and small

His steps quick and light

His head held high”

His task was of utmost importance and fraught with danger, yet his face always carried the innocence of youth: a grin with squinting eyes, rosy cheeks; his playful spirit echoed in his whistle, “Like the little sparrow/ Hopping on the golden road.” The poet skillfully uses such a beautiful and accurate comparison to describe Lượm’s mischievousness. Perhaps no comparison fits better than that of small sparrows hopping from branch to branch.

Through this image, readers also recognize Lượm's zest for life. His message to the soldier was delivered with such purity: “I’m on a mission/ It’s so much fun, uncle!/ At Mang Cá post/ I like it better than home.” These sincere words not only show his dedication but also reveal the joy and enthusiasm he had for contributing to the revolution, for being part of the national resistance. This patriotism only deepens the affection and admiration readers feel for Lượm.

The final farewell between Lượm and the soldier is equally endearing: “Goodbye, comrade!” His words show not only his seriousness in his work but also the pride and joy of being part of the revolutionary movement.

Sadly, Lượm’s life was cut short by bombs and bullets while he was on a mission. Despite the many dangers ahead, nothing could stop Lượm’s brave steps. “He passed through the battlefield/ Bullets flying all around,” for delivering the letters was the most crucial task, and no threat seemed too great for him. Readers are stunned by his sudden death: “A flash of red lightning/ It’s over, Lượm!/ Our little comrade/ A stream of blood!” How could it be possible that such a lively, passionate, and responsible boy met such an end?

The line “It’s over, Lượm!” is broken in two, reflecting both the poet’s choking grief and the reader’s own overwhelming sorrow. This line touches the deepest emotions within every reader. Though Lượm has passed, his image, innocence, courage, and love for his country live on in the hearts of all who remember him.

Tố Hữu’s artistry is evident in his use of a four-character verse form, a flexible rhythm, and his mastery of onomatopoeic words, all of which serve to accentuate and bring to life Lượm’s noble qualities.

Closing the book, the memory of Lượm, the brave hero, lingers in the minds of readers. Lượm symbolizes the courageous generation of young heroes during the anti-French resistance, ready to sacrifice for the country’s independence and freedom. We, the younger generation, live in peace today because of the sacrifices of those like him. Therefore, we must live honorably and be worthy of those who came before us.

When the country faces foreign invasion, when the independence of the nation is threatened by the hooves of invading forces, the Vietnamese people rise up to fight fiercely, using their strength to defeat the evil intentions and cruel plots of the enemy. In these intense and challenging battles, the Vietnamese people unite to resist the invaders, with not only the young and strong men but even women, elderly people, and especially children, all standing up to fight. The image of these young messenger boys is vividly portrayed by poet Tố Hữu in his poem “Lượm”.

Although they are still young, these boys have a profound understanding of their country's situation, and this drives them to contribute to the struggle for liberation. Due to their age, they cannot directly confront the enemy with weapons, but they perform vital tasks such as being couriers, delivering messages across battlefields. This job is extremely dangerous, considering the confidentiality of the information and the constant surveillance by the enemy. Poet Tố Hữu recounts an unexpected encounter with one of these boys:

“On the day Hue bled

The boy from Hanoi arrived

By chance, we met

At Hàng Bè”

After telling the story of this chance meeting, Tố Hữu captures the lively and carefree nature of the boy with these words:

“A small boy, quick and spry

With a sharp and cute face

And swift feet

A head held high”

This is a young courier, not explicitly described in age by the poet, but from his lively and carefree appearance, we can infer that he is a child full of life, depicted by the words “quick and spry” and “feet swift on the road.” His innocence and carefree nature are further shown in the playful way he carries himself, with his head raised high in curiosity, not at all concerned about the dangers of the surrounding war:

“The cap tilted sideways

He whistles happily

Like a sparrow

Hopping on a golden road”

The boy’s mischievous nature is reflected in the way his cap is worn, not properly placed, possibly because of his playful spirit or because the wind knocked it off while he was busy running errands. In contrast to the seriousness of his task, this boy, Lượm, always seems full of life, whistling and running as if he were playing, not on a mission. In the harsh realities of war, the poet’s depiction of Lượm as a joyful and carefree child brings a powerful emotional response, making us feel as though he were simply playing, not performing a dangerous duty.

When meeting the poet, the boy smiles, his cheeks red, and greets him in a comradely yet childlike way: “Well, goodbye comrade.” Despite his mischievousness, Lượm never forgets his mission. He is playful but serious about his responsibility, saying, “I’m off to deliver this message.”

“He zooms past the battlefield

Bullets flying everywhere

The letter marked ‘Urgent’

Fearless in the face of danger”

Despite his innocent appearance, Lượm performs his duties with the courage of a seasoned soldier. Though the war rages on around him, with danger everywhere, Lượm shows no fear, driven by the urgency of the message he's carrying, as it bears the mark “Urgent,” signifying vital information. He bravely plunges into the line of fire, undeterred by the risk to his life. The actions of this young boy leave us in awe of his bravery, as despite his age, his resolve is not small.

“Suddenly, a red flash

Alas, Lượm, my boy!

The young comrade

Now a stream of blood”

In this stanza, the poet Tố Hữu expresses his shock and grief upon witnessing Lượm’s tragic death. The image of “a stream of fresh blood” is deeply haunting. It not only devastates the poet but also strikes a deep chord in the reader, evoking profound sorrow as we realize that this innocent, joyful child has given his life for his country. The scene of Lượm lying on the rice field, his young life cut short, is one of the most poignant moments in the poem:

“He lies on the rice field

Hands clutching the stalks

The rice sweet with milk

His spirit drifting across the field”

Thus, Lượm, the little messenger, has passed away. His carefree spirit and love for life live on in the memories of the poet and in the hearts of readers. The image of him lying on the rice field evokes tears, as we mourn the loss of such a young, precious life, sacrificed for the nation. Even in death, his soul lingers in the fragrant rice fields. Although he is gone, Lượm lives on in the minds and hearts of readers, an enduring and beautiful symbol of youthful sacrifice for the homeland.

Tố Hữu is a brilliant poet in Vietnamese literature. He left behind an extensive collection of works, including numerous poems. For students, one of the most well-known poems is 'Lượm,' which has left a lasting impression with its portrayal of a quick and courageous young messenger during the resistance against the French.

The poem begins with a vivid and realistic description of the young messenger Lượm:

“The little boy, so small

With a cute little bag

Quick on his feet

With his head held high.”

His appearance is charming, though small, carrying a small bag while performing his duties in the war. His job was to deliver messages, and it was clear that he felt pride and joy in serving the cause. His head was always held high, and his fast-moving legs, with a slightly tilted hat, gave him the appearance of a messenger. At such a young age, he displayed remarkable agility and energy.

When going to the front lines, although just a messenger, his job was crucial, requiring quickness and agility. Seeing him now, one can sense his joy and the sense of pride that comes with his responsibility, making him someone to admire and emulate.

“I’m going on a mission

And I’m very happy, uncle

At Mang Cá base

I like it better than home”

Lượm finds joy in his work, a joy that can be seen in his face and gestures. Even the little bag he carries seems to bounce along with his steps. Carrying that bag signifies his role as a messenger, and Lượm is proud of this. When he says goodbye to the author, his carefree and innocent image shines through:

“I smile with my eyes half-closed

My cheeks red with pride”

The story of Lượm’s final mission is shared through the narrator’s emotions of grief, sadness, and pride, conveyed both directly and through description. When the author learns of Lượm’s sacrifice, the shock and sorrow are palpable:

“So, this is how it is, Lượm!”

All of the author’s fond memories of Lượm are abruptly interrupted by the news of his death. The exclamation mark highlights the feeling of disbelief and profound sorrow. To honor this brave messenger, the final stanza of the poem brings the lively, innocent image of Lượm back to life:

The little boy, so small

“With a cute little bag

Quick on his feet

With his head held high.”

His cano hat slightly tilted

Whistling cheerfully

Like a little bird

Hopping along the golden path…”

This line seems to suggest that Lượm lives on in the hearts of his people and will forever remain in the author's memory. The poem leaves us with a sense of admiration for the courage and selflessness of this young messenger, who, despite his age, displayed remarkable bravery and sacrifice.

The poem evokes deep thoughts about the image of this young messenger, who, though small, displayed remarkable courage and fearlessness in the resistance. It’s a memory of Lượm that will never fade.