Poetry: The Art of Words and Emotions

Concept and History of Poetry

Poetry, an ancient art form of language, has accompanied humanity through generations. From folk songs passed down orally to modern poetic works, poetry always holds a special place in the spiritual life of people. It is the crystallization of language, imagery, sound, and emotion, creating a multi-dimensional, evocative art world.

The history of Vietnamese poetry is incredibly rich, ranging from folk poetry with courtship songs, cheo and quan ho operas to Nom poetry, Tang poetry, and modern poetry… Each historical period has left its unique mark on the treasure trove of Vietnamese poetry.

Types of Poetry

Poetry is diverse in genre, each genre having its own distinct characteristics in form, structure, and content. Some common poetic genres include:

Tang Poetry:

With strict rules of tone, rhyme, and parallelism, Tang poetry requires subtlety and skill in choosing words and arranging sentences. This is a poetic genre that is heavily traditional and intellectual.

Free Verse:

Unlike Tang poetry, free verse is not bound by rules of tone, allowing poets to freely create and express emotions in a spontaneous manner. Free verse often leans towards naturalness and closeness to life.

Luc Bat Poetry:

With the structure of alternating six-character (luc) and eight-character (bat) lines, Luc Bat poetry is widely used in folk songs and ballads, creating smooth, memorable melodies.

The Value of Poetry

Poetry is not merely verses and words, but it also carries immense values:

• Aesthetic value: Poetry enriches spiritual life and enhances artistic appreciation.
• Educational value: Poetry conveys lessons about ethics, lifestyles, and human emotions.
• Historical value: Poetry authentically reflects the history, society, and people of each era.
• Humanistic value: Poetry expresses love, compassion, and sharing among people.

In conclusion, poetry is an important part of literature, the voice of the soul, and the crystallization of intellect and emotion. Exploring and appreciating poetry will help us better understand the life, people, and culture of our nation.