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Vietnamese poets

11 famous Vietnamese poets that left a significant mark on literature

22/11/2023 2.018 views

Vietnamese poets, through their eloquent verses, have captured the essence of their culture and emotions, creating a poetic legacy that transcends time. Their verses continue to resonate and inspire generations, making them revered figures in the world of Vietnamese poetry.
Vietnamese poets are eloquent architects of the nation's narrative

Vietnamese poets are eloquent architects of the nation’s narrative (Source: Collected)

Vietnamese poets have left an indelible mark on Vietnamese literature with their eloquent words and captivating verses. From ancient luminaries to modern wordsmiths, these poets have contributed to the rich tapestry of Vietnamese literature, offering profound insights into the culture, history, and human experiences of Vietnam. Down below are the top 11 opulent representatives of Vietnamese poetry of all time.

1. Nguyen Du (1765 – 1820) – Among the greatest Vietnamese poets of all time

Nguyen Du is among the most revered Vietnamese poets in history. Hailing from a prestigious and educated family, he began his career in the Le Dynasty and held various government posts, following in the footsteps of his father who had served as a prime minister. When the Le Dynasty fell, he briefly participated in restoration efforts, only to retreat from the public as he realized the futility of his endeavors. When the new Nguyen Dynasty came to power, Nguyen Du was asked to serve the country again.

Nguyen Du’s poetry was a reflection of the intricate tapestry of his era, allowing for subtle commentary on the socio-political conditions of the time. His magnum opus, “Truyen Kieu,” is a cornerstone of Vietnamese literature, captivating readers with its portrayal of love and sacrifice. This epic narrative poem, written in the traditional “lục bát” (six-eight) verse structure, solidified his legacy as one of the most celebrated poets in the history of Vietnam.

The Tale of Kieu - an epic poem written by Nguyen Du

The Tale of Kieu – an epic poem written by Nguyen Du (Source: Collected)

2. Ho Xuan Huong (1772 – 1822)

Ho Xuan Huong, a celebrated poetess of the late 18th century, was a captivating anomaly in her time. Her verses, filled with innuendos, raised eyebrows and made many blush with their risqué themes. She was a fearless provocateur, challenging the rigid norms of her Confucian society with sharp satire and clever wordplay.

Living under the influence of a deeply Confucian culture, Ho Xuan Huong’s 50-year existence was marked by societal upheaval. Her poems, mostly composed in the intricate Nôm script, demonstrated her mastery of language and her ability to convey unapologetic views. Her works, such as “Banh troi nuoc,” “Qua mit,” and “Khong chong ma chua,” continue to be celebrated for their audacious exploration of themes like love, desire, and gender roles, making Ho Xuan Huong an enduring figure among Vietnamese poets.

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3. Nguyen Dinh Chieu (1822 – 1888)

Nguyen Dinh Chieu, a revered Vietnamese poet, is celebrated for his nationalist and anti-colonial works, which depicted a vision of a just and united society. Born into a Confucian family, he initially followed the principles of serving the emperor and the common people. Despite losing his sight due to an eye infection, Chieu remained committed to helping others. He ran a school teaching moral values, practiced medicine, and composed poetry, including “Luc Van Tien,” which celebrated the traditional virtues of southern Vietnamese people.

During the French invasion of the South, Chieu, despite his blindness, played a significant role in the resistance through his literary works. “Van te nghia si Can Giuoc” paid tribute to the farmer and soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s independence. His poems endure as powerful expressions of the Vietnamese spirit, and he remains a key figure in Vietnamese war poetry and nationalist literature.

Nguyen Dinh Chieu underwent many hardships in life

Nguyen Dinh Chieu underwent many hardships in life (Source: Collected)

4. Tan Da (1889 – 1939) – A notable Vietnamese poet in the early 20th century

Tan Da, born Nguyen Khac Hieu, was an outstanding name among prolific Vietnamese poets. He was known for his diverse contributions in poetry, drama, and translations of Chinese literature. Raised in a mixed heritage family, he encountered Western literature early through Chinese translations and performing arts.

Tan Da is revered as the founding figure of modern Vietnamese poetry. His writings deeply empathized with the suffering of his fellow countrymen living under colonial oppression. His prose departed from academic conventions, offering a fresh perspective on contemporary society. Notable works such as “The non nuoc,” “Tong biet,” “Cam thu,” and “Giac mong con” reflect his distinct creative style.

5. Nguyen Khuyen (1835 – 1909)

Nguyen Khuyen is one of the most famous Vietnamese poets of the 19th century. This poet excelled in both lyric and satirical poetry, reaching the zenith of Nôm literature. Distinguished by his fusion of classical forms with contemporary commentary, Khuyen fearlessly satirized corrupt officials while empathizing with the struggles of the impoverished. Notable works like “Tien si giay,” “Ong phong da,” and “Vinh mua thu” showcased his versatility and social critique. Serving as a bridge between traditional Confucian poetry and evolving styles, Khuyen has left an indelible mark on Vietnamese culture.

Nguyen Khuyen was the hyphen between classical and modern literature

Nguyen Khuyen was the hyphen between classical and modern literature (Source: Collected)

6. Phan Boi Chau (1867 – 1940)

Phan Boi Chau, a revered Vietnamese patriot and leader in early resistance movements, also made significant contributions to Vietnamese war poetry. He founded Duy Tan Hoi in 1904 to combat French colonialism and initiated the Dong Du movement, encouraging Vietnamese to study abroad for knowledge to support their homeland. His poetic legacy, consisting of hundreds of literary works, serves as a poignant testament to the resilience of Vietnamese people. Notable works such as “Xuat duong luu biet,” “Bai ca chuc tet thanh nien,” and “Viet Nam vong quoc su” underscored his enduring impact as a patriot and a prolific poet in the landscape of Vietnamese poetry.

7. Xuan Quynh (1942 – 1988) – The writer of many famous Vietnamese poems about love

Xuan Quynh, one of the prominent Vietnamese poets of the second half of the 20th century, began her artistic journey as a dancer before transitioning into a professional poet. Her work is characterized by its introspective nature, brimming with personal emotions that remain deeply rooted in the context of her time. Amidst the backdrop of a war-torn country, her poetry reflects the harsh realities of life, from poverty to the anxieties faced by women in a conflict-ridden society.

Xuan Quynh’s love poems are especially noteworthy; some are even set to music. Her verses, such as “Song,” “Thuyen va bien,” and “Tho tinh cuoi mua thu” are cherished examples of Vietnamese love poetry. Through her evocative words, she captured not only the essence of personal emotions but also the enduring spirit of a nation grappling with the challenges of war and division.

Xuan Quynh and her husband, Luu Quang Vu - a famous Vietnamese playwright

Xuan Quynh and her husband, Luu Quang Vu – a famous Vietnamese playwright (Source: Collected)

8. Han Mac Tu (1912 – 1940)

Han Mac Tu, also known as Francis Nguyen Trong Tri, stood as the most celebrated Vietnamese Catholic literary figure in the colonial era. His poetic talent, recognized from a young age, gained prominence after receiving encouragement from Phan Boi Chau. Han Mac Tu was said to be the founder of the ‘Chaos’ or ‘Mad’ school of poetry, a significant movement in Vietnam from 1936 to 1946.

Han Mac Tu’s contribution to Vietnamese literature lies not only in famous Vietnamese poems like “Day thon Vi Da,” “Mua xuan chin,” “Da Lat trang mo,” and “Nang vang” but also in his role as a modernist poet who revitalized classical verses with French influences. Despite his tragically short life, he left an enduring legacy as one of the most influential Vietnamese poets of his time.

9. Xuan Dieu (1916 – 1985) – One of the most renowned Vietnamese modern poets

Xuan Dieu stands as one of the 20th century’s finest Vietnamese poets. Recognized as “the king of modern love poems,” Xuan Dieu’s contributions to Vietnamese modern literature and New Poetry movement are significant. His verses, marked by vivid emotions, glorify love, happiness, and the fervor of life. Themes of love in his poetry were expressed with musicality, powerful imagery, and at times, poignant bitterness.

Embracing youth, spring, and nature as symbols of love, Xuan Dieu’s enduring legacy lies in the freshness of his poetic imagery, intensely personal tone, and the authenticity of his emotions, making him a key figure in Vietnamese love poetry. Notable works like “Tho tho,” “Gui huong cho gio,” and “Phan thong vang” exemplify his lasting influence.

Xuan Dieu is one of the most opulent Vietnamese poets in the New Poetry movement

Xuan Dieu is one of the most opulent Vietnamese poets in the New Poetry movement (Source: Collected)

10. Che Lan Vien (1920 – 1989)

Che Lan Vien, a significant figure in Vietnamese literature, navigated a dynamic literary journey. His wartime poetry, marked by journalistic flair and fervent nationalism, reflected turbulent times. Post-conflict, his writing transformed, capturing normalcy, memories, and the nuances of daily life. Leaving a diverse legacy, Vien’s contributions include poetry collections like “Dieu tan,” “Hoa ngay thuong – chim ngay bao,” “Doi thoai moi,” and “Anh sang va phu sa.” His work spanned poetry, prose, and critical essays, showcasing a multifaceted literary imprint on the nation’s cultural canvas.

11. To Huu (1920 – 2002) – Among influential writers of Vietnamese revolutionary poetry

To Huu, a preeminent figure among Vietnamese poets, epitomizes the essence of Vietnamese revolutionary poetry. Serving on the Executive Committee of the Vietnam Arts Association since 1948, To Huu played a key role in ideological and cultural leadership. His poetic journey mirrored the nation’s struggle for independence, with each collection portraying a distinct period in history.

Each of his collections has become a poetic embodiment of a distinct period in the nation’s history, resonating with the cadence of revolutionary fervor. To Huu’s verses, a beacon in the realm of Vietnamese war poetry, consistently inspired Vietnamese people to rise and fight. His works also delved into the plight of the working class, condemning unjust feudal societies and foreign invaders that imposed poverty and misery. Notable collections like “Tu ay,” “Viet Bac,” “Ra tran,” and “Mau va hoa” have etched To Huu’s indelible mark on Vietnamese literature, encapsulating the resilience and aspiration of a nation in transformation.

To Huu is renowned for his excellent revolutionary poetry

To Huu is renowned for his excellent revolutionary poetry (Source: Collected)

As you read famous Vietnamese poems in English and immerse yourself in the literary world of Vietnamese poets, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the enchanting landscapes that inspired their verses. Hanoi, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc are some appealing destinations to visit during your Vietnam travel. 

In these destinations, you can enhance your Vietnamese journey with a visit to VinWonders – the country’s leading chain of entertainment complexes. With footprints throughout Vietnam like VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium, VinWonders Nam Hoi An, VinWonders Nha Trang, and VinWonders Phu Quoc, VinWonders offer a delightful blend of leisure and adventure, promising to add a touch of excitement to your cultural journey. 

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>>> Book tickets to VinWonders Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Nam Hoi An, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium and VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park for a unique blend of amusement and relaxation!

Weaving verses through the tapestry of history, these Vietnamese poets have left an indelible mark on the nation’s cultural legacy. Their words resonated with the echoes of resilience, love, and the quest for freedom. Exploring their poetry is not just a literary journey but a profound immersion into the heart and soul of Vietnam’s vibrant narrative.

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