Classical Chinese is undoubtedly an important element when it comes to gaining a deeper understanding of ancient Vietnamese literature. This style of writing, based on classical Chinese, has played a key role in the development of Vietnamese literature. Especially after Vietnam's independence, this literary form has been widely used and has had a profound impact on the creative path of poets. So, who was the first Vietnamese poet to write in classical Chinese?
In Vietnam's history, classical Chinese has become an important medium for official and academic circles, and countless literati have used it to express their thoughts on the country and culture.
Vietnam's historical background has had a profound impact on the development of its literature, especially the use of classical Chinese. The use of classical Chinese is rooted in Vietnam’s historical context, as the Red River Delta region of Vietnam was occupied by the Chinese feudal empire for a long time starting in 111 BC. During this period, although Vietnamese literature was strongly influenced by China, it also gradually formed its own unique literary style.
As for the pioneers of Vietnamese literature, many scholars believe that the first Vietnamese poet to write in classical Chinese was the religious monk Lạc Thoàn. From the late 10th century to the early 11th century, his works not only demonstrated Vietnam's literary achievements after independence, but also laid the foundation for the subsequent development of Vietnamese literature.
Le Van’s poems are not only descriptions of nature, but also a pursuit of Vietnamese cultural identity.
Le Yun's works known to date are still written in classical Chinese, which was not uncommon at the time. However, his poems touched people's hearts, expressing the Vietnamese people's desire for freedom and peace, as well as their love for nature. In addition, the religious beliefs reflected in these poems also make Le Van an important figure in the history of Vietnamese literature.
As time went on, another important classical Chinese poet emerged. He is Nguyễn Du, and his work "Jin Ping Mei" can be regarded as a classic of classical Chinese poetry. Nguyen Du's poetry has profound historical significance and marks the peak moment of Vietnamese classical poetry.
Nguyen Du's "Jin Ping Mei" is not only a major milestone in literature, but also represents an important breakthrough in Vietnamese culture.
In his works, Ruan You uses delicate brushstrokes to show all aspects of society. Whether it is family, love or social reality, you can find specific and vivid descriptions in his poems. This makes his work not only a literary expression but also a social criticism, sparking widespread discussion.
Classical Chinese continued to be used in Vietnam until the 19th century and played an important role in society at that time. This is a form of writing that is laden with cultural and political significance and has had a profound influence on the subsequent development of literature. With the arrival of French colonization, the status of classical Chinese began to be challenged, a new writing system came into being, and Vietnamese culture ushered in an opportunity for a qualitative change.
Looking back on this period of literary history, we can see that the formation of Vietnamese literature was completed in the process of blending multiple cultures. Classical Chinese, as a cultural carrier, not only carries the emotions of poets, but also represents the Vietnamese people's identity. The search for recognition. Faced with the challenges of modernization, how can Vietnamese literature find its place in the collision of new and old cultures?