In "Thoughts of Hanoi," the author explores the themes of reconciliation, the passage of time, and the consequences of war. Through vivid imagery and personal reflection, the author delves into the complexities of human relationships and the lasting impact of historical events.
One central theme that the author implements in this poem is that of reconciliation. The speaker expresses a yearning to bury the past and burn the future, indicating a desire to move on from past conflicts and find peace. The imagery of the village graybeards strolling to the temple and grandmothers basking in the twilight sun conveys a sense of tranquility and the possibility of healing old wounds. Despite the fear of meeting as enemies in the future, the speaker ultimately hopes for a resolution that is not fueled by hatred.
The passage of time is another theme present in the poem. The speaker reminisces about the past, reflecting on the shared experiences of childhood and friendship with the brother in Hanoi. The imagery of the children flying kites and singing alternating songs captures a sense of innocence and nostalgia. However, the speaker also grapples with the reality of the present and the uncertainty of the future, highlighting the inevitability of change and the fluidity of relationships over time.
In terms of literary elements, the author utilizes imagery to vividly evoke the sights and sounds of Hanoi, painting a portrait of a place steeped in tradition and culture. The descriptions of the Co-ngu Road, the girls with bright eyes and ruddy cheeks, and the village graybeards strolling to the temple create a sense of place and atmosphere that immerses the reader in the setting of the poem.
Additionally, the use of symbolism is evident in the references to the frontier of hatred and the March-North Army, which represent the divisions and conflicts that have torn apart relationships and communities. The raven-bill scarves symbolize the interconnectedness of the characters and the ties that bind them together, despite the challenges they face.
Overall, "Thoughts of Hanoi" is a poignant exploration of forgiveness, memory, and the enduring bonds of friendship. Through its lyrical language and introspective tone, the poem invites readers to consider the complexities of human emotions and the power of reconciliation in the face of adversity.
Poem :Thoughts Of Hanoi
The night is deep and chill
as in early autumn. Pitchblack,
it thickens after each lightning flash.
I dream of Hanoi:
Co-ngu Road
ten years of separation
the way back sliced by a frontier of hatred.
I want to bury the past
to burn the future
still I yearn
still I fear
those endless nights
waiting for dawn.
Brother,
how is Hang Dao now?
How is Ngoc Son temple?
Do the trains still run
each day from Hanoi
to the neighboring towns?
To Bac-ninh, Cam-giang, Yen-bai,
East Asia & the Pacific Rim
Thoughts of Hanoi 561
the small villages, islands
of brown thatch in a lush green sea?
The girls
bright eyes
ruddy cheeks
four-piece dresses
raven-bill scarves1
sowing harvesting
spinning weaving
all year round,
the boys
ploughing
transplanting
in the fields
in their shops
running across
the meadow at evening
to fly kites
and sing alternating songs.
1 raven-bill scarves: head scarves folded into triangles, like the bill of a bird
Stainless blue sky,
jubilant voices of children
stumbling through the alphabet,
village graybeards strolling to the temple,
grandmothers basking in twilight sun,
chewing betel leaves
while the children run—
Brother,
how is all that now?
Or is it obsolete?
Are you like me,
reliving the past,
imagining the future?
Do you count me as a friend
or am I the enemy in your eyes?
Brother, I am afraid
that one day I’ll be with the March-North Army
meeting you on your way to the South.
I might be the one to shoot you then
or you me
but please
not with hatred.
For don’t you remember how it was,
you and I in school together,
plotting our lives together?
Those roots go deep!
Brother, we are men,
conscious of more
than material needs.
How can this happen to us
my friend
my foe?
Using this poem answer the following: Address a central theme the author implements as well as three literary elements in his/her literary work in the form of a literary analysis essay. Be sure to include all of the components of an informative/ expository essay.
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