Top 6 Best Analyses of "The Old Scholar" by Vũ Đình Liên (Grade 8)

I - ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE TO UNDERSTAND

1. Poet Vũ Đình Liên (1913 - 1996) was born in Châu Khê, Bình Giang, Hải Dương.

Vũ Đình Liên is famous for his poem "The Old Scholar" from the New Poetry Movement. He spent many years teaching and was once the Head of the French Department at the Foreign Language Pedagogy University. He was also a member of the Lê Quý Đôn literary group (which included Lê Thước, Trương Chính, Lê Trí Viễn, and others).

2. "The Old Scholar" is the most representative poem reflecting the compassionate soul of Vũ Đình Liên. Although he did not write many poems, his one work, "The Old Scholar," secured his place in the New Poetry Movement.

Using a simple five-line verse, straightforward structure, and clear, evocative language, "The Old Scholar" poignantly depicts the sorrowful state of the old scholar, evoking deep empathy for a generation pushed to the margins of life, and reflecting nostalgia for a historical era of the country.

II - READING COMPREHENSION GUIDELINES

Question 1: In the first two stanzas, the image of the old scholar writing Chinese calligraphy during Tết is a beautiful sight. This is the peak of his career. He appears with peach blossoms, red ink, and paper. He brings joy to everyone when writing Tết couplets. Many people seek his services. His writing is praised and admired by all. His calligraphy seems like a performance: graceful strokes that resemble phoenixes dancing and dragons flying.

Stanzas 3 and 4 continue to describe this space and time, but with a different atmosphere: As each year passes, the scholar becomes increasingly isolated. It is not an immediate disappearance, but a gradual one. The number of people seeking him out dwindles. Now, almost no one visits him. The paper and ink are left unused, bringing sadness to them as well. The scholar still exists, but people no longer recognize him. They no longer pay attention to him. He has faded into the background, blending with the falling yellow leaves and the drifting misty rain. The main difference between these two images of the old scholar lies in his relationship with the public. Previously, he was the center of attention. Now, he is on the outskirts, almost forgotten.

This contrast evokes deep sympathy for the old scholar, who has been pushed out of life and forgotten, along with the once-popular art of Chinese calligraphy and the fascination with Tết couplets. The lines "Yellow leaves fall on the paper" and "Outside, the misty rain falls" not only describe the scene but also convey the old scholar's emotional state. The falling leaves symbolize decay, while the misty rain adds a feeling of coldness and sadness.

Question 2: The poet's emotions are subtly expressed throughout the poem. He contrasts two opposing scenes to evoke empathy for the old scholar in an indirect way. Only at the end of the poem, when the scholar is no longer visible, does the poet express his sorrow:

Where have those old souls gone?

Where are they now?

The poet not only feels sorrow for the old scholar but also for a generation that has become a part of history. Moreover, his nostalgia reflects a longing for a cultural beauty tied to traditional spiritual values. This is why the poem resonates so deeply. It is not just the nostalgic content that makes the poem powerful, but also the artistry. First, the contrasting scenes: one lively and bustling, the other sad and desolate. One with calligraphy flying gracefully like phoenixes and dragons; the other with paper and ink both sorrowful, accompanied by yellow leaves and misty rain.

The structure of the poem is symmetric. Both the beginning and the end are set during the days leading up to Tết, in the spring season, with blooming peach flowers. But the image of the old scholar gradually fades. In the end, he becomes the "old scholar" of the past—not just old, but as if no longer existing. The poem follows a five-character verse form, simple in language but rich in evocative imagery. Phrases like "Graceful strokes like phoenixes and dragons" and "The red paper, sad and fading" bring the poem to life. The images:

Sad red paper, no longer vibrant

- Ink stagnates, filled with sorrow

- Yellow leaves fall on paper

- Outside, the misty rain falls

are not merely descriptions of nature but reflect the mood of the poet.

Question 4: These lines:

Sad red paper, no longer vibrant

- Ink stagnates, filled with sorrow;

Yellow leaves fall on paper

- Outside, the misty rain falls

are more than just descriptive. The poet employs personification to imbue the paper and ink—lifeless objects—with sadness. Could it be that the sorrow of the old scholar has spread to the objects around him? The falling leaves and misty rain convey a feeling of melancholy. The yellow leaves fall on faded paper, and the misty rain makes the surroundings appear blurred. The scholar has been forgotten, further obscured. These lines create a deep and lasting impression on the reader.

Question 1: Describe what you know about "the old scholar" and the practice of "hiring someone to write" calligraphy in the past.

Answer:

To appreciate Vũ Đình Liên's poem "The Old Scholar," one must first understand the cultural context of the "old scholar" and the art of calligraphy. This knowledge is essential for fully grasping the poem.

The old scholar refers to someone who taught classical Chinese characters in the past. During the peak of Confucianism, even if the scholar did not pass exams or become an official, they were still highly respected in society for their role as educators.

Chinese characters are pictorial, written with soft brushes, creating a unique beauty. The personality and character of the writer are often reflected in their handwriting. Calligraphy, the art of beautiful handwriting, was highly esteemed.

During the Tet festival, people would buy or ask for calligraphy as a form of decoration, written on paper, silk, or wooden boards. The calligraphy had to be not only beautiful but also meaningful. Writing in this style became a respected art form known as calligraphy, and those skilled in it, such as the famous Cao Bá Quát, were deeply admired.

Question 2: What are the similarities and differences between the first two stanzas and the last three stanzas of the poem "The Old Scholar"? Provide your analysis through a comparison of the verses.

Answer:

Both sets of stanzas depict the old scholar during the Tet festival, but they evoke different emotions and contexts.

The first two stanzas describe the scholar when Confucianism was thriving. During Tet, he became a central figure, his calligraphy admired and highly sought after in vibrant surroundings, with bright colors and festive sounds. The mood is cheerful, and the verses have a lively rhythm.

In contrast, the last three stanzas depict the scholar during the decline of Confucianism. As people turned to Western education, the scholar became marginalized, with fewer people hiring him. His once-bright surroundings now seemed dull and sorrowful. The calligraphy was no longer in demand, and the scholar faded into obscurity, symbolizing the loss of a former era.

The poem ends with the melancholy question: "Where are the people of the past now?" This lingering question leaves a deep impression, reflecting the sense of loss and nostalgia.

Question 3: What are the artistic features of the poem "The Old Scholar"?

Answer:

The poem "The Old Scholar" is a remarkable work. Its language is simple and clear, yet deeply meaningful, with a subtle beauty that conveys much beyond the words. The imagery is simple but vivid, evoking a sense of nostalgia and longing. For example, the image of "yellow leaves falling on the paper" and "light rain falling outside" is both poignant and evocative. The poem is structured with a clear progression from beginning to end, highlighting the theme of nostalgia and the passing of time. The use of the five-character line structure is highly effective in expressing the poet's deep emotions.

A. Key Knowledge 1. Author Vu Dinh Lien (1913-1996) originally from Hai Duong but spent most of his life in Hanoi. He was one of the early poets of the New Poetry movement. His poetry often expresses deep empathy and a sense of nostalgia. 2. Work 'Ông đồ' is the most representative poem of Vu Dinh Lien, showcasing his rich emotional poetry. The poem is simple yet deeply evocative, highlighting the unfortunate fate of 'Ông đồ' and the poet's nostalgic longing for a time gone by. B. Exercises and Solutions Question 1: (Textbook, Vietnamese Literature 8, Volume 2, page 10) Analyze the image of Ông đồ writing calligraphy on Tet day in the first two verses and compare it with the image of Ông đồ in verses 3 and 4. What emotional difference does the contrast between these two images evoke? Answer: In the first two verses, Ông đồ sits at a bustling street corner during Tet, displaying his ink and red paper, with people coming by to hire him to write. The scene is lively with admiration for his beautiful handwriting: 'many people hire him, praising his skill and graceful strokes'. In the later verses, Ông đồ still sits in the same spot, but now the street is empty, with no one coming to hire him. The atmosphere is desolate, with the ink and red paper lying unused, and the poet evokes a feeling of sadness and decay: 'each year it gets emptier, no one hires him, the red paper looks sad, ink stays untouched, Ông đồ remains there, unnoticed, leaves fall, misty rain blows'. These contrasting images reflect Ông đồ's solitude and the fading of traditional values. Question 2: (Textbook, Vietnamese Literature 8, Volume 2, page 10) How does the poet's mood shift throughout the poem? Answer: In the first two verses, the poet reminisces about the lively scene of Ông đồ writing calligraphy during Tet, with the streets bustling with activity and the cheerful atmosphere of the time. In the next verses, the poet describes the emptiness that has replaced the former vibrancy, as Ông đồ now sits alone, observing the falling leaves and the rain, without anyone paying attention to him. The final verse reflects the poet's sadness at the disappearance of Ông đồ and the loss of those simpler times. The poet's mood shifts from joy to melancholy, reflecting his deep sorrow for the fading of traditional customs and the passing of time. Question 3: (Textbook, Vietnamese Literature 8, Volume 2, page 10) What makes this poem memorable? Answer: The poet describes Ông đồ writing calligraphy during Tet, but in contrasting ways that evoke deeper reflections. In the first two verses, during the blooming of the peach blossoms, Ông đồ sets up his writing tools on a busy street, with many people admiring his work and praising his skill. However, in the next verses, despite the peach blossoms still blooming, Ông đồ remains alone, with no one coming to hire him to write. The poem uses simple, evocative language to highlight the contrast between the bustling joy of the past and the desolate loneliness of the present. Question 4: (Textbook, Vietnamese Literature 8, Volume 2, page 10) Analyze the beauty of the following verses: 'The red paper is dull, no longer vibrant; Ink stagnates in the sorrowful inkstone...' 'Yellow leaves fall on the paper, The rain and dust blow outside'. Which do you think the poet is describing— the scene or the emotions? Answer: These verses simultaneously describe both the scene and the emotions. The red paper lies unused, and the ink remains still in the inkstone, symbolizing the neglect and sadness of Ông đồ's situation. The falling yellow leaves and the misty rain outside are part of the scene, but they also contribute to the melancholic atmosphere, symbolizing the loneliness and abandonment that Ông đồ feels. The emotions are deeply intertwined with the setting, creating a poignant image of loss and fading tradition. Additional Information on the Artistry of the Poem The poem 'Ông đồ' captures the deep sorrow of Ông đồ's fate and the poet's nostalgic longing for the past. It not only succeeds in conveying its emotional depth but also stands out for its remarkable artistic qualities: The poem uses a five-character line format, combined with simple yet expressive language. The tone is somber and full of lament, effectively conveying the poet's emotions about the decline of a once-respected figure in society. The structure of the poem is unique, with a symmetrical opening and closing. The poem begins with 'Every year when the peach blossoms bloom, We see the old calligrapher' and ends with 'This year, the peach blossoms bloom again, but the old calligrapher is gone'. This structure reinforces the contrast between the past and present, heightening the emotional impact of the poem. The poet employs personification and carefully selected imagery to express his emotions: the red paper and the inkstone—once vital to Ông đồ—now appear 'dull' and 'sorrowful' in response to the changing times. The imagery is simple yet symbolic, with the falling yellow leaves on the paper representing the decay and sadness of tradition, and the poet’s reflective feelings about the loss of a bygone era. In summary, Vu Dinh Lien uses skillful imagery and language to poignantly express his thoughts and emotions about the decline of traditional culture and the passing of time.

Structure:

Divided into three sections:

- Part 1 (first two stanzas): The image of the talented, dedicated scholar admired by everyone.

- Part 2 (stanzas 3 and 4): The scholar’s feelings as he fades into obscurity.

- Part 3 (final stanza): The author’s regret and sorrow for the passing of the old ways.

Question 1 (page 10, Literature Textbook 8, Volume 2):

- The image of the scholar writing calligraphy during Tết in the first two stanzas: A beautiful, symbolic representation of traditional values.

+ Associated with Tết and spring (cherry blossoms blooming).

+ Imagery of ink, red paper, bustling streets.

+ The skill and heart of the calligrapher.

+ Many people hiring him, praising his craft.

→ The scholar is skilled and passionate, bringing joy to others with his art and heart.

- The image of the scholar forgotten and isolated in stanzas 3 and 4.

+ Each year, he becomes more invisible: he is gradually overlooked.

+ The red paper and ink become symbols of his sorrow.

+ He is forgotten by everyone (the scholar remains seated, unnoticed by passersby).

+ The imagery of falling leaves and misty rain reflects his loneliness and sadness.

- The contrast between the first two stanzas and the next two symbolizes the change in the scholar’s situation, evoking a sense of loss and nostalgia.

→ The scholar, once at the center of attention, is now forgotten, highlighting his sorrow as people no longer recognize his worth.

Question 2 (page 10, Literature Textbook 8, Volume 2):

- The author’s sorrow is subtly conveyed through the use of symbolic and metaphorical imagery.

+ The contrasting images of the scholar serve to evoke sympathy for his diminishing place in society.

- The author directly expresses their sorrow at the end of the poem (Where are those from the past now?).

→ The author’s sympathy extends not only to the scholar but also to the older generations who have been forgotten, representing the erosion of traditional values.

Question 3 (page 10, Literature Textbook 8, Volume 2):

The poem is captivating due to its creation of contrasts in imagery, emotions, and structure.

- The author creates contrasting scenes:

+ Initially, a bustling scene of calligraphy.

+ Later, a sad, lonely atmosphere.

+ On one side, the brushstrokes are vibrant and flowing.

+ On the other, the red paper is sorrowful, and the surroundings are bleak.

- The opening and closing correspond to one another:

+ Both are set during Tết, with the presence of spring and cherry blossoms.

+ The scholar gradually fades from view, ultimately disappearing.

+ The "old scholar" no longer exists.

- The author reflects on the past golden age of Confucian scholars, which has now faded.

- The language is simple, pure, yet poignant and full of lingering emotions.

→ The author captures the beauty of the calligraphy scene and the scholar’s image, symbolizing the loss of traditional cultural values in modern life, accompanied by feelings of regret and nostalgia for the past.

Question 4 (page 10, Literature Textbook 8, Volume 2):

These verses depict both real and symbolic emotions:

+ Beautiful imagery that hints at decay and sorrow.

+ The scholar’s sorrowful mood mirrors the very objects associated with his profession (red paper, ink).

+ Personification brings the paper and ink to life, making them seem to share the scholar’s grief.

+ The natural imagery of falling leaves and misty rain intensifies the desolation of the scene, symbolizing society’s indifference and neglect of the scholar.

→ These beautiful, nostalgic verses leave a lasting impression, evoking a sense of the past and the cultural beauty that has been lost over time.

Author and Work Overview

1. Author

- Vũ Đình Liên (12/11/1913 - 18/01/1996), born in Châu Khê, Bình Giang, Hải Dương.

- He gained fame for his poem "The Scholar" as part of the New Poetry movement. For many years, he taught and was the head of the French Department at the University of Foreign Language Pedagogy. He was a member of the Lê Quý Đôn literary group, which included Lê Thước, Trương Chính, Lê Trí Viễn, and others.

Published works: *Đôi mắt* (poetry, 1957); *Sơ thảo lịch sử văn học Việt Nam* (literary history, 1957); *Nguyễn Đình Chiểu* (study, 1957); *Poems by Baudelaire* (translation, 1995).

The collection of Baudelaire’s poetry, a result of 40 years of translation and research, was awarded by the Vietnam Writers' Association (1996).

2. The Work

- The poem "The Scholar" is one of Vũ Đình Liên’s most famous works, and also a masterpiece of the New Poetry movement. Using five-character verse and vivid, evocative language, the poem describes the scholar writing calligraphy on the street during Tết, from his peak to his gradual disappearance amidst the springtime scene.

- Main theme: The poem deeply reflects the sorrowful fate of the scholar and the author's lament for the fading of a cultural tradition and the passing of a generation.

- Artistic techniques: A tightly-structured work with simple yet haunting, clear language full of vivid imagery.

Question 1
- The image of the scholar writing Chinese calligraphy during Tết in the first two stanzas:
+ Setting: A busy street filled with people
+ Time: Tết season, spring arriving
+ Brushstrokes: "like phoenix dancing, dragon soaring"
+ Public reaction: People crowded, requesting calligraphy, praising his work
- The scholar’s image in stanzas 3 and 4:
+ Setting: Gradually more deserted each year
+ Time: Tết season, spring still arriving
+ Brushstrokes: No longer vibrant, the paper "sadly dull, red paper losing its vibrancy/ Ink left to dry in a melancholy inkstone"
+ Public reaction: Empty, gradually fading
⇒ The scholar’s situation: Initially, the scholar and his calligraphy were the heart of Tết celebrations, admired by everyone. Over time, he and his art became forgotten, overshadowed by new trends.

Question 2
The poet's emotions expressed in the poem: A heartfelt sense of regret and sorrow for a generation fading away, along with a longing for the past traditions of the scholar and the old ways.

Question 3
The strengths of the poem:
- Contrasting scenes: The peak of success and the decline.
- The symmetry of beginning and ending: The same Tết setting, with blooming cherry blossoms and familiar streets. But gradually, the scholar fades into oblivion.
- The poem follows a five-character verse structure: Simple language that is succinct but carries deep emotional weight.

Question 4
These verses depict a scene full of emotions. The lines about the "red paper, ink" reflect the scholar’s companions during his prime, now as sorrowful as his own fate. The following lines evoke a desolate scene, highlighting the sorrowful past and the loss of a beautiful era.

Conclusion
The poem "The Scholar" by Vũ Đình Liên is a succinct, yet emotionally rich five-character verse that profoundly reflects the scholar’s sorrowful fate and the poet’s genuine nostalgia for a lost culture and a vanished generation.

I. Overview of the author Vũ Đình Liên

- Vũ Đình Liên (1913 - 1996)

- Hometown: Originally from Hải Dương, but primarily lived in Hanoi

- Life and career:

+ He was one of the pioneering poets of the New Poetry movement

+ In addition to writing poetry, he also conducted research, translated works, and taught literature

- Writing style: His poetry often reflects a nostalgic longing for the past

- Notable works: Lũy tre xanh, Mùa xuân cộng sản, Hạnh phúc…

II. Overview of the poem "Ông Đồ"

1. Creation context

- In the early 20th century, the Confucian education system and classical Chinese characters began to fade in Vietnamese culture, especially as Western education became more prominent. It is perhaps due to this shift that the figure of the scholar (Ông Đồ) was gradually forgotten and disappeared from society. Vũ Đình Liên wrote the poem "Ông Đồ" to express his sadness and longing for the past, lamenting the disappearance of this cultural figure.

2. Structure

The poem is divided into three parts:

- Part 1 (first two stanzas): The image of the scholar during the peak of Confucian education

- Part 2 (next two stanzas): The image of the scholar during the decline of Confucian education

- Part 3: The poet's hidden thoughts and sorrowful reflections

3. Content value

- The poem effectively portrays the tragic image of the scholar in a time when he has become forgotten, while also conveying the poet's heartfelt sympathy for a generation that is slowly fading into the past. It evokes deep emotions and reflections among readers.

4. Artistic value

- The poem is written in five-character verse with multiple stanzas

- The contrasting structure of the beginning and ending is tight and effective

- The language is simple, clear, and emotionally moving

Question 1:

* First two stanzas:

The image of the scholar writing calligraphy during the Tet holidays is a beautiful and meaningful one. He is seen with "peach blossoms", "Chinese ink", and "red paper". He brings joy to many by writing auspicious verses for the New Year. People admire his calligraphy skillfully.

* Stanzas 3 and 4:

The same image of the scholar is depicted, in the same space and time of the New Year, but with a noticeable difference: the atmosphere has grown increasingly desolate over the years, and fewer people come to ask for his calligraphy. The paper has become dull, and the ink sorrowful. Although the scholar remains in the same position, no one seems to notice him anymore; he is nearly forgotten.

* This contrast evokes feelings of pity for the scholar, as he appears to be sidelined in life, becoming increasingly irrelevant along with the once-popular tradition of writing calligraphy for Tet.

Especially the two lines:

Golden leaves fall on paper

Outside, the rain and dust fly.

These lines are not merely descriptive; they symbolize the scholar's fate and inner emotions. The falling yellow leaves represent decay, and the rain and dust enhance the sense of coldness and sadness.

Question 2:

The poet's thoughts are expressed through the poem:

This year, the peach blossoms bloom again

But I no longer see the old scholar.

Those who once were here long ago

Where are their spirits now?

With the structure mirroring the beginning and the end, the beautiful natural scene contrasts with the absence of the scholar. The rhetorical question at the end of the stanza reveals the author's sorrow for the lost scholar and the fading cultural values of the past, highlighting the poet's nostalgia for a forgotten generation.

Question 3:

The poem stands out in both content and artistry:

Content: The poem touches on timeless and universal themes: the fate of humans as time changes. Furthermore, this issue is tied to the poet's mourning for a cultural beauty of the nation, which deepens the poem's emotional impact.

Artistry: The poem's five-character verse, along with simple yet evocative language, avoids complex or obscure phrases, and uses vivid imagery that captures the mood. The beginning and ending mirror each other: the same setting, same time of year, same blossoming peach flowers, but the image of the scholar gradually fades, and by the end, he has vanished. The contrasting construction: one side is lively and bustling; the other side is sorrowful and desolate. On one side, the calligraphy is graceful, while on the other, the ink and paper are dull and sad.

Question 4:

The lines:

Red paper has lost its bright color

The ink remains stagnant in the inkwell...

Golden leaves fall on paper

Outside, the rain and dust fly.

These lines do more than describe the scene; the poet uses personification to bring lifeless objects (paper, ink, etc.) to life, making them seem to share the scholar's sorrow. Is it possible that the scholar's sadness has infected the surrounding scene? The falling leaves blur the dull paper, and the dust storm outside makes everything appear faded. The scholar, already forgotten, is now further obscured. These lines leave a deep impression on the reader and create an enduring sense of melancholy.