Poetry: A Journey Through History and Timeless Power

Origins and Development of Poetry

Poetry, one of humanity’s oldest art forms, has accompanied the history and culture of countless nations. From folk songs passed down through generations to philosophical poems, poetry has always held a special place in the spiritual lives of people. The advent of writing helped preserve and develop poetry, creating immortal verses.

Vietnamese poetry, with its rich and diverse traditions, has gone through many historical periods, from classical Đường luật poetry to modern poetry and socialist realism, reflecting the true picture of Vietnamese society and people’s thoughts throughout the ages. Each period has its own characteristics in form, language, and content.

Poetic Forms and Styles

Đường Luật Poetry:

Đường luật poetry, with its strict rules, created sophisticated and concise works, imbued with philosophy and humanism. Famous Đường luật poems have become valuable literary heritage of the nation.

Modern Poetry (Thơ Mới):

Modern poetry marked a major turning point in the history of Vietnamese poetry, with the emergence of talented poets such as Xuân Diệu, Huy Cận, Thế Lữ… Modern poetry focused on human emotions and feelings, with freer and more open language, opening up new directions for Vietnamese poetry.

Contemporary Poetry:

Contemporary Vietnamese poetry continues to inherit and develop the achievements of Modern poetry, while also being influenced by many global poetry trends. The diversity of styles, languages, and themes in contemporary poetry reflects the dynamism and innovation of modern society.

The Value and Importance of Poetry

Poetry is not only an art form but also a means for people to express their feelings, thoughts, and perspectives on life. Poetry helps us understand history, culture, people, and society better. Poetry is also an endless source of inspiration for other arts such as music and painting…

The value of poetry lies in its ability to move the soul, evoke emotions, help people sublimate and find empathy in life. Reading poetry, we seem to relive moments, different emotional levels, understand more about ourselves and the world around us.

Famous Poems

Vietnam has a vast treasure trove of poetry, with thousands of famous poems. From deeply lyrical poems to heroic poems, each poem has its own beauty, contributing to the rich and diverse picture of Vietnamese literature.

Some famous poems include: “Truyện Kiều” by Nguyễn Du, “Chinh phụ ngâm” by Đặng Trần Côn, “Đây thôn Vĩ Dạ” by Hàn Mặc Tử, “Tự tình” by Hồ Xuân Hương…