In the poem "Thoughts Of Hanoi," the central theme of reconciliation and the longing for peace amidst a backdrop of historical conflict is evident. The author conveys a sense of nostalgia for the past, a desire to bury the hatchet, and a fear of what the future may hold. This theme is emphasized through the imagery of childhood innocence, the beauty of Hanoi's landscapes, and the shared experiences of the narrator and his brother.
One literary element that enhances the theme of reconciliation in the poem is symbolism. For example, the raven-bill scarves worn by the girls represent a sense of tradition and cultural identity that is passed down through generations. This symbol of unity and continuity contrasts with the narrator's fear of being divided from his brother by hatred.
Another literary element used in the poem is imagery. The author paints vivid pictures of Hanoi's countryside, the bustling village life, and the peaceful routines of the people living there. This imagery serves to evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia in the narrator, as he remembers the simpler times before the conflicts that divided him and his brother.
A third literary element employed in the poem is characterization. The narrator and his brother are portrayed as individuals who are deeply connected by their shared memories and experiences. Despite the potential for conflict between them, their bond as friends and brothers is evident throughout the poem. This characterization adds depth to the theme of reconciliation and underscores the emotional complexity of their relationship.
In conclusion, "Thoughts Of Hanoi" uses symbolism, imagery, and characterization to explore the theme of reconciliation and the longing for peace in a divided world. The author's skillful use of these literary elements helps to convey the emotional depth of the narrator's struggle to come to terms with his past and his hopes for a peaceful future with his brother.
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 with 5 sentences each paragraph. Be sure to include all of the components of an informative/ expository essay.
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