Top 14 Best Opening Paragraphs for Literary Analysis of Literary Works in the High School Graduation Exam

Opening Paragraph #01:

'At the age of twenty, when life’s path is set,

Even the farthest places call, urging one to move.'

'Living in the capital, but the heart reaches to all directions.'

'Countless desires, dreams piled up high.'

(The Song of the Boat – Che Lan Vien)

In harmony with the nationwide excitement of the North’s advance toward socialism and its focus on economic restoration in the highlands, Nguyen Tuan chose the mountainous Northwest as the setting for his masterpiece. He avoided following the melancholic style of other writers like Huy Can and Che Lan Vien, whose works often reflect a lonely 'I' that struggles against the vastness of the universe. Instead, Nguyen Tuan blended his personal voice with the collective spirit, creating a new literary movement that culminated in his collection 'The Sketches of Song Da', with the soul of the work being 'The Boatman of Song Da'. As a lifelong admirer of beauty, Nguyen Tuan found art in everything, especially in the people of the Northwest, whose resilience in building the nation reflected a type of 'golden beauty.' Through his vivid prose, he portrayed the boatman of Song Da not only as a hero but also as a masterful artist of his craft.

Opening Paragraph #02:

'Northwest? What’s special about the Northwest,

When my heart has become one with the boats.'

(The Song of the Boat – Che Lan Vien)

The Northwest became the artistic haven for poets and writers in the 1950s and 60s when the North was advancing socialism. Writers like To Hoai, known for his 'Northwest Stories,' and Nguyen Khai, with 'The Season of Lac,' were inspired by the region. Yet, it was Nguyen Tuan who truly flourished in this environment, with his collection 'Sketches of Song Da' and its heart—the essay 'The Boatman of Song Da.' As a writer who traveled extensively, Nguyen Tuan chose the Northwest to craft his literary masterpiece, for only there could he find the perfect inspiration for his keen artistic eye. 'The Sketches of Song Da' combines skillful language with vivid descriptions of towering mountain passes, deep ravines, and thundering waterfalls, all set against the backdrop of the majestic yet poetic Song Da river.

Opening Paragraph #03:

Nguyen Tuan was a master of the essay form, with a literary career that spanned both the pre-and post-August Revolution periods. His work evolved over time, reflecting the changes of the historical landscape, yet his core identity as a talented, erudite, and thrill-seeking individual remained constant. Throughout his career, he was devoted to the pursuit and expression of beauty. 'The Boatman of Song Da,' part of his 'Sketches of Song Da' collection, is one of his most significant post-revolutionary works, showcasing his literary prowess.

Opening Paragraph #01:

'The mountains and rivers of the Southern Kingdom belong to its King,

Destiny is fixed by heaven's decree,

How dare anyone challenge or invade?

Those who do will meet certain defeat.'

These are the heroic words of General Ly Thuong Kiet, echoing across the river Như Nguyệt as he led the resistance against the invading Song Dynasty, asserting the independence of Vietnam under the Ly Dynasty. After centuries of living under monarchies, followed by over a hundred years of French colonial rule and five years of fascist occupation, the French colonialists again sought to reclaim Vietnam under the guise of 'protectorate' and 'civilization.' To reaffirm the nation's sovereignty and expose the French colonialists, President Ho Chi Minh penned the 'Declaration of Independence.' This masterpiece of political literature encapsulates the essence of Vietnamese nationalism, embodying the spirit of the nation with legal, historical, and artistic value. Delivered before over 500,000 citizens in the historic Ba Dinh Square, its logical arguments, powerful rhetoric, and Ho Chi Minh’s unique voice sparked profound patriotism and resonated deeply in the hearts and minds of the Vietnamese people.

Opening Paragraph #02:

President Ho Chi Minh was not only a revolutionary leader but also a gifted literary figure whose works blended classical and modern elements, with a deep creativity and high philosophical value. His poetry, full of optimism and free-spiritedness, contrasts with his political writing, which is characterized by sharp logic, tight structure, and powerful emotional appeal. The 'Declaration of Independence' is a prime example of his eloquence in political discourse, encapsulating heartfelt sentiments, revolutionary ideals, and the deep beauty of Vietnamese culture.

Opening Paragraph #01:

One time, he visited Hue,

And met a beautiful girl lost in a dream,
The Perfume River, enchantingly alluring,
She awoke, shyly gazing at me.

The Perfume River has been a source of endless inspiration in literature and art, always portrayed as gentle and captivating, enchanting anyone who encounters it. Perhaps Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong fell in love with the river and Hue itself, as though it were a fateful meeting, and thus he has remained attached to this land for over 40 years. In his writing, much like the characters in *The Tale of Kieu*, he devoted a special piece to the Perfume River, trying to answer the question: *Who named the river?* The search for the answer was not just about exploring the river's physical beauty, but also about uncovering the depth of its soul and emotional resonance. For Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong, the river was not just a geographical feature but a living entity, much like the character *Kieu*—beautiful, talented, and intertwined with the region’s history and culture.

Opening Paragraph #02:

The work *Who Named the River* is a renowned piece of creative nonfiction by Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong, a writer who held deep affection for Hue. Through his words, he captures not only the visual beauty of the Perfume River but also its essence, a river that is an inseparable part of the dreamy landscape of Hue.

Opening Paragraph #03:

'The road to Nghe An winds,

The green mountains and clear waters like a picturesque painting.'

Has anyone ever visited Hue and not experienced a boat ride on the Perfume River? The river is a symbol of Hue’s romantic charm, and through Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong's writing, the river takes on a feminine, tender beauty. The author paints a vivid picture of the river and its surroundings in his essay *Who Named the River?* that captures the spirit of his homeland.

Introduction 01:

The winds and love blow across my land

Like a call from eternity, unyielding

The land is like a boat navigating through fierce winds

Love finds each other in the storm.

(The winds and love blow across my land... – Lưu Quang Vũ)

Since the 1960s, Lưu Quang Vũ has made a name for himself through poetry, capturing the deep affection for his homeland and nation. His writing has been noted for its poetic beauty and emotional depth, as Hoài Thanh once described, "His poetry is a soft yet profound voice." In 1978, he ventured into theatre, where he truly found his calling. His works, especially the play "The Soul of Trương Ba – The Flesh of a Butcher," explore the eternal battle between good and evil, a conflict that continues as long as humanity exists. It is said that "Lưu Quang Vũ's theatre works are timeless."

Introduction 02:

Among his many works, the most outstanding is the play "The Soul of Trương Ba – The Flesh of a Butcher." In this play, Lưu Quang Vũ masterfully portrays the inner turmoil of his characters, highlighting the artificial nature of those who do not live as their true selves. The play concludes with a powerful message urging us to live authentically, to be true to ourselves, and not to become someone we are not.

Introduction 03:

A German philosopher once said: “You must return to what is truly yours.” This profound statement calls us to live as our true selves in order to become whole. It brings to mind the play “The Soul of Trương Ba – The Flesh of a Butcher” by Lưu Quang Vũ, where the character Trương Ba, in his desperate cry, expresses the pain of living a life split between what he truly is inside and the false identity imposed on him. “I cannot live in contradiction; I want to be me, entirely.” This simple yet powerful line captures the heart-wrenching dilemma and the profound longing of the character to reclaim his true self.

Introduction 01:

The concept of the land has long been a recurring theme in poetry and art, serving as a meeting point for the souls of many artists. Xuân Diệu once wrote:

My homeland is like a ship

The bow of our boat points towards Cape Ca Mau

Or Chế Lan Viên couldn't contain his feelings, expressing:

Then Nguyễn Khoa Điềm, a poet shaped by the struggle against American imperialism, addressed this theme in his epic poem *The Road of Desire*. The fifth chapter stands as the central pillar, where the metaphor of the Land comes to life. Nguyễn Khoa Điềm's lyrical political style invites readers into a world full of deep reflections, encapsulating the thoughts of an intellectual immersed in the national resistance. He approaches the concept of the Land from a familiar, intimate perspective, quite different from his contemporaries, in order to convey his fresh and profound view:

"This land belongs to the people"

"The land of the people, the land of folk songs, and legends".

Introduction 02:

The Land is a vast and stirring subject for poets, particularly when the nation’s independence faces critical challenges. The excerpt from *The Road of Desire* by Nguyễn Khoa Điềm, written in the heat of the anti-American struggle, reflects a moment in history when the individual’s fate was tightly interwoven with the destiny of the nation. Through this epic, Nguyễn Khoa Điềm aimed to awaken the youth of southern Vietnam, those living under occupation. The excerpt from the fifth chapter remains the most powerful section of the poem, expressing a generation’s deep connection with the land and their role in shaping its future. This reflection became a foundation for individuals to consider their own duties toward the country.

Introduction 03:

The concept of the Land is a monumental and poetic symbol, cherished by generations of Vietnamese poets. Each time the country faces trials, the image of the Land emerges brighter in literature, revealing new and unique insights. The epic *The Road of Desire* and the *Land* excerpt serve as a testament to this cycle. In this passage, Nguyễn Khoa Điềm’s interpretation of the Land reaches a profound philosophical level. Firstly, the Land appears in the context of time. Time in this excerpt is rich with mythical symbols drawn from legends and folk customs, bringing the Land into the sacred depths of time and ancestry, imbued with respect and reverence.

Introduction 01:

"The spirit and unyielding strength of the entire nation are nurtured and developed in the vast forests of the Northwestern mountains. Living with the powerful waterfalls, towering mountains, and dense forests are the various ethnic minorities. Their lifestyles may differ, but their shared spirit of resistance against French colonialism is the same." These reflections, shared by Tô Hoài during his time in the Northwest, left a deep impression, leading him to write the collection 'Tales from the Northwest,' with the short story 'Husband and Wife A Phu' standing out. The story is well-structured, vivid, and natural, drawing readers in with its sharp, realistic portrayal. The Russian writer Anton Chekhov once said: 'A true artist must be a humanitarian at heart.' Through a lens of compassion and love, the author conveys a positive, unprecedented form of humanitarianism in Vietnamese literature, expressed through the lives and fates of Mị and A Phu. These two central characters, from the shadows of suffering and shame, emerge into the light of happiness and freedom.

Introduction 02:

A literary work only truly holds value when it speaks up for humanity, praising and protecting human beings. As Nam Cao once said, 'Art does not need to be a deceiving moonlight; art can only be the sound of suffering, coming from lives full of hardships' (The Bright Moon). We especially cherish works that mark the development of literature, and one of the finest examples of this is 'Husband and Wife A Phu' by Tô Hoài.

Introduction 03:

Tô Hoài is one of the greatest modern Vietnamese writers, with a deep understanding of the customs and traditions of various regions across the country. His most notable achievement is his writings on the harsh realities of life and the people in the Northwest. 'Husband and Wife A Phu' is a powerful story that portrays the tragic fate of the impoverished mountain people under feudal and colonial oppression, while also celebrating the resilience and yearning for freedom and happiness. The beauty of this story is captured fully in the emotional evolution of Mị, as well as her inner strength that emerges during a spring night in Hồng Ngài.

Introduction 01:

Literature is life. The stories in literature reflect the struggles of life. Through the circumstances, situations, and emotions of the characters, the author brings forth the profound truths of human existence. Kim Lân's 'The Picked Wife' is one such work. Everything the author wishes to convey shines brightly through the character of Tràng, a poor, rough, but compassionate farmer full of the will to live.

Introduction 02:

Reflecting on the famine of 1945, Kim Lân once said: 'Hunger is both bitter and painful, yet in some ways, it reveals a flash of light about morality and honor.' His short story 'The Picked Wife' delves into the bright aspect of the dark tragedy that was the famine. Through Tràng's story of 'picking' a wife, the author not only depicts the fragility of human life in the face of famine, but more importantly, he shows that even on the edge of life and death, the beauty of humanity still shines through. Despite extreme hardship and deprivation, people still share precious, heartfelt emotions with one another.

Introduction 03:

Kim Lân is a prominent writer of modern Vietnamese literature, known for his poignant depictions of rural life and the struggles of farmers. His works often highlight the poor, suffering peasants caught in difficult circumstances, but even in their despair, there is a brilliance in their noble qualities. This is true for characters like Ông Hai, a man who loves his village and country but faces the tragedy of betrayal in 'The Village,' and Tràng, a poor, unattractive man who still takes in a stranger during the famine in 'The Picked Wife.' In 'The Picked Wife,' Kim Lân's compassionate writing uncovers the beautiful qualities in the human soul, such as love and the unyielding will to live.

Introduction 01:

In literature, we often encounter the theme of patriotism and the passing of the torch between generations in the fight for freedom. Tố Hữu once captured this image in his poetry with the line:

'Fathers first, then sons, side by side'

'Bound by the same military song'

(Song of Spring)

Similarly, Nguyễn Quang Sáng's 'The Ivory Comb' presents Thu, a young messenger, brave and intelligent, who enters the battlefield to avenge her father and fight for the nation’s freedom. In Nguyễn Thi’s 'The Children of the Family,' the author writes about a large family, each member with unique characteristics, yet united by a powerful, shared ideal:

'Oh, our beloved homeland, as dear as our blood and flesh'

'Like our parents, like husband and wife'

Through the masterful character development and vivid descriptions, Nguyễn Thi presents the rural farmers of Southern Vietnam – direct, sincere, and deeply patriotic. They are people filled with a fierce hatred for the enemy, and their beauty shines both in battle and in daily life, like the shimmering canals of their homeland. This beauty is most fully embodied in the characters Chiến and Việt.

Introduction 02:

Nguyễn Thi, a writer from the North, became most famous for his works on the Southern resistance movements. His stories are deeply rooted in the harsh realities of war, and through sharp psychological insights and a rich, evocative language, he crafts characters whose emotions and actions resonate with readers. 'The Children of the Family' is one of his finest works, capturing the pain of war and the deep, unwavering love for the country.

Introduction 03:

A true artist is someone who can take familiar subjects and transform them into something uniquely their own. Nguyễn Thi is such an artist. During the resistance years, the theme of revolutionary struggle became a well-worn subject for many authors. But Nguyễn Thi found a fresh way to approach this theme, giving it new life in 'The Children of the Family.' His innovative approach to a familiar subject is what sets his work apart and gives it lasting significance.

Introduction 01:

Nguyễn Minh Châu was a writer shaped by both the French and American wars, and his writing reflects the shifting tides of history. His literary career truly flourished during the American war, when he chronicled the extraordinary lives of the Vietnamese people – brave and selfless individuals willing to sacrifice their dreams for national independence. Characters like Nguyệt and Lãm in his short story “The Last Moon in the Forest” are clear representations of this spirit. However, in the 1980s, Nguyễn Minh Châu began a new phase in his career, pioneering the renewal of Vietnamese literature. He shifted his perspective, seeing the world through a more complex lens, and began exploring deeper themes of ethics and humanity through his characters. In his short story 'The Distant Boat,' Nguyễn Minh Châu continues to explore these themes, illustrating the struggles of individuals and the complex realities of life. In his work, the human experience is always viewed through a lens of empathy and deep concern for others, as exemplified in his famous quote from 'Moonlight': 'The writer must understand that beneath the moonlit sky, countless lives are struggling.' 'The Distant Boat' serves as a continuation of this artistic philosophy.

Introduction 02: After the flames of war, one would expect people to live in peace and happiness. Yet, in the aftermath, the poor and vulnerable continue to struggle with the harsh realities of life, from survival to the paradoxes and tragedies born of poverty. Nguyễn Minh Châu captures this complex and multi-faceted reality with great subtlety in his short story 'The Distant Boat.' The story not only conveys the sadness and frustration that arise from life’s contradictions but also asks the deeper question of the role of art: Art must engage with life, and the artist must feel a deep empathy for human suffering.

Introduction 03: Russian critic NIKULIN once remarked, “Belief in the invincibility of beauty and goodness is reflected in the purity of his characters, as though they are enveloped in a sterile atmosphere.” This perfectly describes the characters in Nguyễn Minh Châu's wartime works. However, after 1975, as if a new wind blew into his soul, he sought to uncover the hidden gems within the depths of human nature. This search culminated in his 1983 short story 'The Distant Boat,' which reflects his literary evolution and renewed sensitivity toward the human condition.

Introduction 01:

Thanh Thảo is a poet who rose to prominence during the American War. Known for his innovative approach to Vietnamese poetry, he crafted a unique voice. He once said, 'For a poet, creating great poems requires both physical and spiritual dedication... the process of gathering energy and experiences is long, but creativity comes in a sudden, transformative moment. The more sudden the inspiration, the better.' His poem 'Lorca's Guitar' is a brilliant product of this process. It captures the beauty of the great Spanish poet Lorca, showcasing the profound reflections on the pain and joy experienced by those who dedicate their lives to art. Through this piece, Thanh Thảo delves into the essence of personal expression, blending new artistic forms in the surreal, symbolist style of the 1980s.

Introduction 02:

In 'Lorca's Guitar,' Thanh Thảo expresses his deep respect, admiration, and reverence for the great Spanish poet, Lorca, famously known as the 'nightingale' of Spain. Through his verses, Thanh Thảo paints a vivid portrait of Lorca’s talent, character, and his invaluable contributions to the arts and politics in Spain. The poem not only celebrates Lorca’s human qualities but also expresses gratitude for his invaluable poetic legacy, which continues to live on and inspire, like 'wild grass' growing in the spiritual lives of the people of Spain and poetry lovers around the world.

Introduction 03:

When two artistic souls resonate with each other, geographic distance and cultural differences no longer matter. Thanh Thảo, a leading Vietnamese poet, held deep admiration for the genius of Lorca, the 'nightingale' of Spain. This is beautifully reflected in 'Lorca's Guitar,' a poem that plays like a haunting melody, bidding farewell to a multi-talented artist whose life was marred by societal injustice. The poem highlights Thanh Thảo's own poetic style, which speaks as the voice of the intellectual, contemplating and questioning the social and political issues of his time.

Introduction 01: 'The guns roared, shaking the sky with fury'

'People surged like waves breaking on the shore'

'Vietnam, born from blood and fire'

'Shakes off the mud and rises, shining brightly'

There were days like this, days when the nation burned with the fervor of a heroic struggle. The Central Highlands of Vietnam became a legendary landscape, inhabited by people whose beauty and vitality were as indomitable as the towering Xà Nu trees, standing firm against the enemy to protect their homeland. Nguyễn Trung Thành masterfully portrays this epic beauty in his short story 'The Xà Nu Forest,' published in the collection 'On the Homeland of the Heroes of Điện Ngọc.' The story takes readers by surprise, capturing not only the essence of a personal struggle but also the larger epic battle of the Vietnamese people against foreign invaders. The epic quality of the work is further accentuated through the characters, the symbolic Xà Nu tree, and the language of the piece.

Introduction 02:

Every writer has a land that resonates deeply with their spirit. Tô Hoài cherishes the beauty of the northern mountains, while Nguyễn Quang Sáng spent his life in the southern countryside. Nguyễn Trung Thành, however, is profoundly connected to the Central Highlands, a land of majestic Xà Nu forests and courageous, resilient people. 'The Xà Nu Forest' is a remarkable story that honors this land and its heroic inhabitants. Through his remarkable storytelling, infused with love and admiration, the author crafts a rich tapestry of characters, representing the indomitable spirit of the Central Highlands people who fought fiercely against foreign invaders. Tnú, the protagonist, embodies this spirit in the most striking way.

Introduction 03:

'The Xà Nu Forest' is a signature work by Nguyễn Trung Thành, highlighting the nature and people of the Central Highlands – a people proud, unwavering, and unyielding in their struggle for independence. It portrays generations of revolutionaries, full of patriotism and courage, fighting to uphold their revolutionary ideals. Tnú, the central character, stands as the quintessential hero of the epic, representing all the noble qualities of the people of the Highlands.

Introduction 01:

'Nine years of struggles at Điện Biên,

Leading to the red flower wreath, to golden history'

(Hail to the soldiers of Điện Biên – Tố Hữu)

The land of Tây Bắc, particularly Điện Biên, has long been known as the birthplace of the resistance and the homeland of heroes. It is a region marked by hardship but full of profound emotional ties, stirring the hearts of all who visit. Those who have been to this land often carry it with them, forever etched in their memories. As the saying goes, 'Poetry emerges when the heart is overflowing.' These emotions—nostalgia, affection—gave rise to the powerful feelings that inspired Tố Hữu, a soldier deeply connected to this land, to write 'Việt Bắc,' a masterpiece of his life. The work is both a love song and a heroic anthem, celebrating the resistance and the people who fought in it. Written as a heartfelt farewell between the revolutionary soldiers and the people of Việt Bắc, it captures both political and emotional depth, rich with national sentiment and the poet's deep emotion.

Introduction 02:

Tố Hữu’s greatest poems were often written at significant historical junctures for Vietnam. His poem 'Việt Bắc' was crafted at one of the nation’s most important moments. In 1954, after the victory over French colonial forces, peace was restored. President Hồ Chí Minh, the Central Party leaders, and revolutionary soldiers departed from Việt Bắc to return to Hanoi. Amid this emotional farewell between the people of Việt Bắc and the revolutionaries, Tố Hữu composed 'Việt Bắc.' As a revolutionary poet and thinker, Tố Hữu reflected deeply on the fifteen years of resistance in Việt Bắc, and foretold the evolving thoughts and emotions of the nation in the peace that followed. The excerpt from 'Việt Bắc' evokes the bittersweet separation between the soldiers and the people, highlighting the heroic and heartfelt memories of the war years. The poet used the traditional six-eight verse and a responsive song style to depict the people of Việt Bắc and the revolutionaries as 'I' and 'We,' drawing on folk music traditions to make the parting feel intimate and full of longing.

Introduction 03:

Tố Hữu’s poetry is a voice for the nation, deeply intertwined with the revolutionary cause and the love for his homeland. His poems capture profound emotions of affection and sentiment, originating from a heart devoted to the people and the nation. Among these works, 'Việt Bắc' stands out as one of Tố Hữu’s finest, echoing the spirit of the people and their undying commitment to the revolutionary struggle.

Introduction 04:

Tố Hữu is regarded as the leading figure in the revolutionary poetry movement. His poetry became a weapon of propaganda, inspiring the people’s fighting spirit and reinforcing the love and patriotism of the Vietnamese people. While his poetry often focuses on politics, it never lacks warmth or emotion. 'Việt Bắc,' written after the victory over French colonialism, captures the deep bonds between the soldiers and the people during the resistance. The poem, written in a dialogue form, brings a sense of closeness and intimacy, beautifully reflecting the emotions of farewell and love.

Introduction 01:

"It was a farewell bathed in brilliant red,

As vibrant as the wings of a returning swallow...

When the Fatherland calls, they know how to live apart"

(The Farewell of Red – Nguyễn Mỹ)

War leaves behind memories of unforgettable years, a time when individuals realize their purpose—to fight and seek revenge. These are the people who willingly set aside their youth, education, and personal feelings to heed the call of the Fatherland. These individuals have become legends of the 20th century, immortalized in poetry and art. The poet Quang Dũng beautifully captured this spirit through his romantic yet realistic lens in his poem 'Tây Tiến.' The work successfully portrays the iconic image of the Tây Tiến soldiers during the early years of the arduous resistance against the French colonial forces.

Introduction 02:

The natural beauty of the Tây Bắc mountains is picturesque and poetic, yet beneath it lies a rugged wilderness filled with lurking dangers. Against the majestic backdrop of nature, the image of the Tây Tiến soldiers, as described by Quang Dũng, stands as an eternal monument, embodying both the heroic and artistic spirit of the soldiers, who hail from Hanoi. 'Tây Tiến' not only depicts the harsh realities of war but also showcases the resilience and courage of the soldiers who never wavered in the face of adversity. Despite the immense struggles they faced during the resistance, they remained optimistic, spirited, and fiercely brave.

Introduction 01:

Throughout history, love has always been an indispensable part of human life. Xuân Diệu once wrote:

"How can one live without love,

Without remembering or caring for anyone?"

(The Poem of Childhood – Xuân Diệu)

This is why love has been so frequently featured in poetry and art, serving as an endless source of inspiration for many poets. Among those who have written about love, two of Vietnam's most outstanding romantic poets stand out—Xuân Diệu and Xuân Quỳnh. While Xuân Diệu created lasting impressions with his passionate poems like "The Sea," Xuân Quỳnh—who emerged from the resistance against American forces—expressed the emotions of a woman through the metaphor of "Waves." When one hears the name Xuân Quỳnh, those who love literature immediately recognize her poetry as being filled with tenderness, loyalty, and a deep desire for the simple happiness of life. One of Xuân Quỳnh's most iconic works is the collection "Flowers Along the Trenches," with its soul embodied in the poem "Waves," written during a visit to Diêm Điền beach in 1967.

Introduction 02:

Xuân Quỳnh is a poet of everyday happiness. Her poetry expresses the heartfelt longing of a soul deeply in search of love, fully immersed in daily life, cherishing and nurturing the simple joys of existence. Among the female poets of Vietnam, Xuân Quỳnh is undoubtedly the poet of love. She has written extensively and beautifully about love, and perhaps the poem "Waves" stands out as the most remarkable of her works. It speaks of a longing for love, a passion that is both innocent and intense, a vibrant love from a woman's heart.

Love is a timeless theme in poetry. Many famous poets have written about love with the fervor of a youthful heart. We find Xuân Diệu, ardent and passionate, surrendering to love; Nguyễn Bính, dreamy and nostalgic for rural love; Anh Thơ, tender yet shy in her youthful charm. But it is Xuân Quỳnh who gives voice to the most relatable, everyday longing for love, expressed with sincerity and depth, reflecting the complexity and burning desire of a woman's heart for affection.

The waves in her poem stand as a metaphor. They embody the poet's romantic soul, constantly shifting and merging. The waves and the speaker, though separate, sometimes reflect and enhance each other, and at other times, blend harmoniously. Through this metaphor, Xuân Quỳnh reveals a profound, boundless love and an eternal longing for romantic connection.

Introduction 03:

Xuân Quỳnh is one of the leading poets of the young generation during the anti-American war. Her poetry resonates with readers through its simplicity and warmth. Her works express the emotions and reflections of a woman who longs to be loved. Among her many poems, "Waves" is perhaps the most celebrated. Particularly memorable are the opening lines: "Fierce and gentle...When will we love each other?"