1. Reference Essay 4
Undoubtedly, each of us has experienced the soothing lullabies of our grandmothers, sisters, or mothers. These lullabies could be folk songs or sweet, heartfelt proverbs. They are a gentle, nurturing source that helps us grow emotionally each day. Poet Xuân Quỳnh beautifully captured the essence of a mother's lullaby in her poem.
Where does the lullaby hide?
Amidst the vastness of the sky and earth
When the child is born
The lullaby of the mother sings
As the child lies peacefully
/.../
As the child ventures into the vast ocean
The lullaby becomes endless.
A mother's lullaby is not just a melody to lull a child to sleep, but also a reflection of the singer's heart and soul. The lullaby expresses love, hope, and the emotions a mother wishes to share with her child. It embodies a world of feelings the mother has and wants to nurture for her child. It is a song of love, containing a mother's boundless affection for her child.
In this love, the child is the greatest treasure, the most beautiful source of pride, the entire life of the mother. The lullaby conveys the mother's hopes for the child’s future, wishing for their physical and emotional growth, and success in life.
The lullaby also contains advice, lessons, and teachings—experiences from the mother's life, wisdom, and insights she wants to pass on. It teaches the values of life, the boundaries one must respect, and the dangers one should avoid. It prepares the child for the journey ahead...
Whether a song of love, a prayer, or guidance, the lullaby is the mother's preparation for her child's current and future path, a preparation filled not just with knowledge, but also with her heart and love.
Naturally, every mother embodies both an educator and a method of teaching driven by love. It is impossible to fully comprehend or use every word, feeling, or lesson contained in the lullaby. Yet, it is the boundless compassion of the mother that stays with us.
The protection, support, and lifelong guidance of a mother through her lullaby. It is the poignant realization a child experiences in later life when reflecting on the lullaby and the love it carries. A child’s gratitude towards their mother is a song celebrating the invaluable, infinite love a mother has for her child. These simple, heartfelt verses invite us to pause and reflect deeply.
How fortunate are those who grow up listening to their mother’s song, surrounded by tender melodies and words filled with warmth and humaneness. The lullaby takes us back to our childhood. The joy of a child is lying in the embrace of their mother on a rocking cradle.
The sweet, fragrant milk from a warm breast, the gentle caress of a mother’s hand on the head, and the most wonderful of all—a soothing lullaby that guides the child into a peaceful sleep. From a mother's lullaby, the child grows and develops character, learning to live with kindness and compassion.

2. Reference Example 5
A mother's lullaby plays a crucial role in shaping every individual's life. These tender verses and songs contribute to nurturing the soul and emotions. Within each lullaby lies a spiritual world that a mother, with all her experiences, wishes to build for her child. It starts with love—the boundless affection that a mother has for her child, a love immeasurable and incomparable. Xuân Quỳnh, a renowned female poet, also explored the theme of lullabies in her works:
“Where does the lullaby hide?”
“Amidst the vast expanse of sky and earth”
“When the child is born”
The lullaby of the mother sings
“As the child lies warm”
/…/
“When the child sets forth to the open sea”
The lullaby becomes boundless.
Growing up with the sweet lullabies of a loving mother, the child develops a heart full of empathy and understanding. It is also a message—a subtle yet meaningful lesson that a mother imparts to her little one. In these lullabies, the mother shares her life experiences, wisdom, and lessons about human conduct and how to interact with others.
Through the lullaby, the child matures and cultivates their character, learning how to live with kindness and compassion. These lullabies are like a gentle stream that nurtures the emotions, helping the child grow day by day. Therefore, it is evident that lullabies hold immense significance in shaping the emotional life and character of an individual.

3. Reference Example 6
Ai cũng có một quê hương để từ đó ta lớn thành người. Quê nội và quê ngoại của Xuân Quỳnh nằm ở hai bên bờ sông Nhuệ hiền hòa, một vùng đất nổi tiếng với nghề ươm tơ, dệt lụa. Đấy là một làng quê cổ truyền với những vườn cây, sân gạch, những mái chùa cong cong, cổ kính, những con đường lát gạch nghiêng nghiêng bên những bờ ao và những luỹ tre già bao bọc.
Cũng như bao đứa trẻ, Xuân Quỳnh lớn lên trong những tiếng ru hời nhưng không phải tiếng ru hời của mẹ, mà đó là tiếng ru được tạo ra bởi tiếng lách cách thoi đưa, bởi tiếng hát của những người thợ dệt và những tiếng dế đêm như những khúc dương cầm, … “và chúng đã in mãi trong tâm hồn Xuân Quỳnh như một bản nhạc dạo đầu của những ngày thơ ấu”.
Tất cả những không gian ấy, như nhuốm mùi phây phẩy của những nong tằm, mùi khăm khắm của phân trâu và cả những cây rơm khô cháy muộn. Cái vùng đất ấy, dù quê mùa lam lũ, nhưng cũng vô cùng đầm ấm đã che chở cho tâm hồn ngây thơ, trong trẻo và bất hạnh của Quỳnh từ thuở nhỏ.
Thật vậy, người mẹ là kì quan đẹp nhất trong cuộc đời này, mẹ đã vực dậy những yêu thương trìu mến mang đem đến cho con bao nhiêu hạnh phúc. Ngay tiếng ru hời kia, sẽ mãi mãi không bao giờ xuất hiện nếu không có mẹ, và nó sẽ im lặng khi con không cất tiếng giữa cuộc đời – của mẹ…
Lời ru ẩn nơi nào
Giữa mênh mang trời đất
Khi con vừa ra đời
Lời ru về mẹ hát
Lúc con nằm ấm áp
/…/
Khi con ra biển rộng
Lời ru thành mênh mông.
Tiếng ru là sự mềm mại, là một thức mùi vi diệu mà tạo hóa đã để mẹ ban tặng cho con. Giữa cái mênh mang đến vô tận vô cũng của vũ trụ, khi con trở về – như một sự hồi sinh trong mẹ, con đến với mẹ – và lời ru cũng văng vẳng chao nghiêng theo cánh võng nhịp nhàng, yên ả.
Với trẻ thơ, gần gũi nhất và thân thiết nhất là người mẹ. Mẹ là nơi chúng ta trở về sau một ngày thơ thẩn, vui chơi, là nguồn kiến thức vô tận, thỏa mãn những điều chúng thắc mắc…Xuân Quỳnh yêu trẻ bằng tình yêu của một người mẹ và hiểu trẻ thơ bằng tâm lí của người nghệ sĩ. Với sự thúc giục của trái tim phụ nữ, chị truyền vào tâm hồn các em tình mẫu tử thiêng liêng bằng ý thơ qua sự so sánh rất sáng tạo.

4. Bài tham khảo số 7
Xuân Quỳnh (1942-1988), quê ở làng La Khê, xã Văn Khê, thị xã Hà Đông, tỉnh Hà Tây (nay là quận Hà Đông, Hà Nội), là một nhà thơ nữ Việt Nam. Bà được xem là nữ thi sĩ nổi tiếng với nhiều bài thơ được nhiều người biết đến như Thuyền và Biển, Sóng, Thơ tình cuối mùa thu, Tiếng gà trưa… Bà được nhà nước Việt Nam truy tặng Giải thưởng Nhà nước và Giải thưởng Hồ Chí Minh vì những thành tựu cho nền văn học nước nhà.
”Lời ru ẩn nơi nào
Giữa mênh mang trời đất
/…/
Lời ru thành mênh mông”
Hai khổ thơ đã thể hiện tình yêu thương con tha thiết của người mẹ qua lời ru ngọt ngào, trìu mến. Lời ru ngọt ngào ấy nuôi dưỡng con từ thuở con còn nằm trong nôi cùng với sự âp ủ, che chở của mẹ và lời ru ấy đã vỗ về, nâng giấc con trong những năm tháng tuổi thơ. Lời ru của mẹ theo con suốt của đời, ở mọi nơi, mọi lúc, đi cùng con khi con trưởng thành: làm dịu mát tâm hồn con trong những ngày hè, nâng đỡ con khi con lên núi cao, ra biển rộng.
Hình ảnh so sánh và điệp ngữ “lời ru” góp phần khẳng định: lời ru ấy chính là tình yêu thương tha thiết mẹ dành cho con trong suốt cuộc đời, là khát vọng mong ước con khôn lớn, có thể vượt mọi khó khăn để hướng tới tương lai rộng mở.
Cùng với thể thơ năm chữ, ngôn ngữ bình dị, nhịp điệu thiết tha, trìu mến. Hai khổ thơ đã bày tỏ khát vọng của một người mẹ mong muốn những điều tốt đẹp nhất cho con. Lời ru ấy làm đẹp thêm tình cảm gia đình, tình mẹ con, làm đẹp thêm tình cảm thiêng liêng nhưng cũng rất thân thuộc và gần gũi ấy.

5. What is the poetic style of Xuân Quỳnh?
Xuân Quỳnh, a renowned poet of Vietnam, has a distinctive and unique writing style. Key characteristics of her style include:
- Sincere and simple language: Xuân Quỳnh uses simple, straightforward words to express deep, honest emotions, making her poems accessible and relatable to readers.
- Intense and sensitive emotions: Her poems convey powerful and subtle emotions, covering themes of love, joy, sorrow, and life's reflections. She isn't afraid to express personal and sensitive feelings, making her work both close to the heart and easily relatable.
- Themes of love and life: Xuân Quỳnh often writes about love, especially romantic love, with a sensitive and poetic approach. She also explores themes related to life and personal relationships, presenting them with vivid imagery and heartfelt emotions.
- Use of imagery and symbolism: Xuân Quỳnh skillfully incorporates images and symbols to clarify the themes and emotions in her poetry. These images are expressive and evoke strong feelings in the reader.
- Rhythm and melody: Her poetry often features a gentle rhythm and harmonious melody, fitting the emotions and message of the poem. This makes her work easy to read, memorable, and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
These features combine to form a distinctive literary style for Xuân Quỳnh, making her poems beloved and highly regarded in Vietnamese literature.
6. What should a detailed analysis of a poem include?
The poem "Lullaby of the Mother" by Xuân Quỳnh is a remarkable work that expresses the deep love a mother has for her child through gentle lullabies. It carries profound meanings about maternal love, affection, and care. Below is a detailed analysis of this poem:
- 1. Overview:
- "Lullaby of the Mother" is not just a poem about maternal love but also a work filled with heartfelt emotions about the care and affection a mother has for her children. The poem deeply explores the emotions and mindset of a mother through the imagery of lullabies.
- 2. Structure and Form:
- Form:
- The poem follows a free verse structure, with lines of varying lengths, creating a natural flow that mimics a mother’s lullaby. This structure conveys the emotions and meaning of the poem in a true and comforting way.
- Rhythm:
- The poem's rhythm is typically gentle and smooth, reflecting the softness and sincere affection found in a mother's lullaby.
- Form:
- 3. Content Analysis:
- Introduction:
- The poem begins with the image of a mother's lullaby, establishing a warm and peaceful atmosphere. These lullabies become symbols of a mother's love and care for her child.
- Lullaby Imagery:
- Xuân Quỳnh uses the imagery of a lullaby to express a mother's love and care. The verses describe the lullaby as a gentle wave, spreading warmth and safety to the child.
- Character's Emotions:
- The mother's feelings in the poem are of tenderness, care, and unconditional love. Her emotions are expressed through soft, loving lines that reflect her concern for the child's growth and happiness.
- Message:
- The poem conveys the message of appreciating and valuing maternal love. It encourages readers to recognize and cherish the unconditional affection from their mothers while reminding them of the simple yet invaluable bonds between mother and child.
- Introduction:
- 4. Artistry and Refinement:
- Language:
- The language in Xuân Quỳnh's poem is warm and sincere, using simple yet emotionally charged words. Words like "lullaby," "mother," and "love" are repeated to create a sense of unity and connection.
- Expression:
- The expression in the poem is natural and profound. Xuân Quỳnh not only depicts the image of the lullaby but also infuses her personal emotions into the work, creating a piece that is both artistically high and close to reality.
- Language:
- 5. Conclusion:
- "Lullaby of the Mother" by Xuân Quỳnh is a poem that celebrates the love and reverence for motherhood. It brings a sense of peace and warmth, encouraging readers to appreciate the simple yet priceless values found in family relationships. The work highlights the loving devotion of mothers while evoking gratitude and appreciation from children towards their parents.
7. Reference Poem 1
Is there any love greater than a mother's love? Is there any lullaby sweeter and more heartfelt than a mother's lullaby? Throughout the rich history of Vietnamese poetry, hundreds, even thousands, of poems have been written about mothers and lullabies. The poem “Mother’s Lullaby” by the poet Xuân Quỳnh is a part of this rich tradition, yet it stands out due to its natural and sincere emotion, woven with a unique and captivating poetic idea.
This quality adds to the poem’s charm, evoking feelings of freshness, innocence, and purity, which immediately draw the reader’s attention. As we read “Mother’s Lullaby,” we are transported back to the carefree days of childhood, like in a magical fairy tale, where all begins with the boundless love of a mother.
Indeed, throughout a child’s life, a mother’s lullaby never fades. From the moment the child is born, the lullaby is there, hidden between the earth and the sky, waiting to cradle the child. Xuân Quỳnh’s poetry captivates readers of all ages, from children to adults, because of this genuine emotional quality. The opening verse reflects this innocent beauty: “Where does the lullaby hide?/ Between the endless skies and earth/ When the child was born/ The lullaby sings to the mother.”
A lullaby exists because a child is born, and it is the universe’s gift to nurture and soothe the child. The lines remind us of a famous verse from Xuân Quỳnh’s poem “A Fairy Tale of Mankind,” where she wrote: “But children need/ Love and a lullaby/ That is why mothers are born/ To cradle and care for them.” A lullaby is truly magical, like a fairy’s spell, which the poet weaves through the entire poem.
First and foremost, the lullaby is tied to childhood, a time of innocence and wonder. The younger the child, the more sincere and passionate the lullaby is. The lullaby is not bound to a specific place in the world, it exists the moment the child is born, and from that moment onward, it follows the child. While the child sleeps in comfort, the lullaby becomes a soft, cozy blanket. And when the child dreams, the lullaby becomes a peaceful, sweet dream: “When the child lies warm/ The lullaby is a blanket/ In a peaceful sleep/ The lullaby turns into a dream.”
The most intriguing part of the third stanza lies in the surprise within the poet’s emotions. Traditionally, poems about lullabies or mothers often connect them with a child’s sleep: “Sleep, child, sleep/ While your mother works the deep rice fields…” or “Autumn winds, mother lulls the child to sleep/ Throughout the night, waking only when it’s dawn.” However, Xuân Quỳnh transforms the lullaby, making it a living, active force—she has it “go out” when the child is awake, even taking the child to the potato fields or the water garden: “When the child wakes/ The lullaby goes out to play/ It goes down to the potato fields/ Or by the water garden.”
Here, the lullaby is personified, tying into the image of a hardworking, humble mother living behind the green bamboo fence. Thanks to this, the mother appears as both loving and kind-hearted, as well as embodying the simple beauty of a hardworking, struggling woman: “When the child wakes/ The lullaby goes out to play/ It goes down to the potato fields/ Or by the water garden.”
Not only does the lullaby accompany the child in their peaceful slumber, it also follows them to school each day. Throughout childhood, there is never a moment without the lullaby. When the child comes home from school, the mother is there to greet them, and the lullaby echoes through every word of love, every gentle gesture. The lullaby becomes a comforting embrace, a soft patch of grass welcoming the child’s footsteps: “And when the child goes to school/ The lullaby stands at the school gate/ The lullaby is a patch of grass/ Greeting the child’s tiny steps.”
The carefree days of childhood come to an end with the gentle, protective lullaby of the mother. As the child grows, life will surely change, but Xuân Quỳnh concludes the poem with six lines that capture all the emotions and experiences of growing up. The tone of the poem shifts, expanding as it plays with various consonant stresses, before ending with a line of perfect harmony, where the lullaby becomes vast like life itself: “The lullaby becomes vast/ Like the journey through hardships to success.”
As the child grows, the lullaby never fades—it remains by their side, offering solace and guidance. The lullaby becomes a cool shade on a scorching journey, it travels with the child through life’s ups and downs. It becomes immense when the child achieves greatness, stepping out into the wide world. Oh, the magic of a mother’s lullaby—how it remains kind and boundless: “One day, as you grow up/ On your journey through the heat/ The lullaby is the shade/ As you climb the steep mountain/ The lullaby is the path/ When you venture into the vast ocean/ The lullaby becomes immense.”
“Mother’s Lullaby” explores the timeless bond between mother and child. With its natural language, sincere emotions, and the distinctive poetic idea created by Xuân Quỳnh, the poem remains etched in the hearts of readers. Indeed, the sweet lullaby of a mother’s love follows a child throughout their life, from the innocence of childhood to the challenges of adulthood. It is just as poet Nguyễn Duy said about lullabies and a mother’s boundless love: “Even as you walk through life/ You’ll never walk far from a mother’s lullaby” (Sitting and longing for the mother we once had).

8. Reference Example 2

9. Sample 3

