Ông đồ

The poignant tale of "Ông đồ" by Vũ Đình Liên paints a vivid picture of the decline of a once-respected art form in the face of modernization. Through the lens of the calligrapher, the poem explores themes of tradition, change, and the bittersweet passage of time. The poem's evocative imagery and melancholic tone capture the essence of a fading era, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

<h2 style="font-weight: bold; margin: 12px 0;">The Vanishing Art of Calligraphy</h2>

The poem opens with a stark contrast between the bustling city and the solitary figure of the calligrapher. The "Ông đồ" sits alone, a relic of a bygone era, as the city around him transforms. The once-thriving art of calligraphy, once a symbol of elegance and refinement, is now relegated to the fringes of society. The poem's opening lines, "Năm nay đào lại nở cùng nhau/ Tháng giêng ngon như cái tháng hai," establish a sense of cyclical time, suggesting that while nature continues its course, the world of the calligrapher is in decline.

<h2 style="font-weight: bold; margin: 12px 0;">The Decline of Tradition</h2>

The poem's central theme is the decline of tradition in the face of modernization. The "Ông đồ" is a symbol of a fading way of life, his art no longer valued in the modern world. The poem's imagery of the "Ông đồ" sitting alone, his "giấy đỏ buồn không thắm" (red paper sad, not dyed), reflects the fading relevance of his art. The once-crowded streets where he would display his calligraphy are now deserted, a testament to the changing times.

<h2 style="font-weight: bold; margin: 12px 0;">The Bittersweet Passage of Time</h2>

The poem's melancholic tone underscores the bittersweet passage of time. The "Ông đồ" is a figure of nostalgia, a reminder of a simpler, more elegant era. The poem's imagery of the "Ông đồ" sitting alone, his "mực nhạt nhòa theo năm tháng" (ink faded with the years), evokes a sense of loss and regret. The poem's final lines, "Giấy đỏ buồn không thắm/ Mực đọng trong nghiên sầu" (Red paper sad, not dyed/ Ink stagnant in the inkstone, sorrowful), encapsulate the poem's theme of the bittersweet passage of time.

The poem "Ông đồ" is a poignant reflection on the decline of tradition in the face of modernization. Through the lens of the calligrapher, the poem explores themes of change, loss, and the bittersweet passage of time. The poem's evocative imagery and melancholic tone leave a lasting impression on the reader, reminding us of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage.