The World of Poetry: From Classical to Modern

A Journey Through Time and Emotion

Poetry, a delicate art of language, has existed and evolved for thousands of years, reflecting the soul and society of each era. From the elegant and profound Đường luật poems of the Nguyễn dynasty to the free and modern verses of the 20th and 21st centuries, poetry has always held a special place in literature and the spiritual life of humanity.

Classical Poetry: A Golden Legacy of the Nation

Vietnamese classical poetry, with its strict rules of rhythm, tone, and rhyme, has created immortal works, passed down through generations. The poems of Nguyễn Du, Nguyễn Trãi, Hồ Xuân Hương… are not only artistic masterpieces but also treasures of knowledge, reflecting the history, society, culture, and ideology of the nation. The subtlety in the use of language, imagery, and figures of speech has created the enduring vitality of these poems. For example, The Tale of Kieu by Nguyễn Du, a classic work not only in Vietnam but also known worldwide, is a clear testament to the power of classical poetry.

Modern Poetry: Innovation and the Aspiration for Freedom

Modern Vietnamese poetry marks a major turning point in the history of poetry. With the emergence of many different schools of poetry, from the new poetry, free verse to existential poetry, modern poetry has broken away from traditional frameworks, bringing a new breath, more freedom and spontaneity. Modern poets such as Xuân Diệu, Huy Cận, Tố Hữu, Chế Lan Viên… have left a deep mark with works expressing love, sadness, the aspiration for peace and the struggle for ideals. Modern poetry often focuses on expressing the poet’s personal emotions and worldview, creating a rich diversity in content and form.

Poetry Analysis: Expanding Knowledge of Poetic Art

Analyzing poetry not only helps us understand the content and message the author wants to convey, but also helps us discover the techniques and artistic methods they use. From analyzing words, images, to understanding structure and rhyme, we can assess the artistic value of the poem. Understanding the context of creation also helps us better understand the meaning of the poem in that era.

The Importance of Poetry in Life

Poetry is not only an art form, but also an indispensable part of the spiritual life of human beings. Poetry helps us feel more deeply about the beauty of life, about love, sadness, joy, loss… Poetry helps us sublime our emotions, broaden our horizons, and find empathy and sharing with others.