Ông đồ

The poignant tale of "Ông đồ" (The Calligrapher), penned by Vũ Đình Liên, transcends the boundaries of time, offering a poignant reflection on the fading traditions and the changing tides of society. This evocative poem, steeped in the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam, paints a vivid picture of a once-revered figure, now relegated to the fringes of society, a poignant symbol of the erosion of traditional values. Through the lens of the calligrapher's diminishing fortunes, the poem explores themes of nostalgia, loss, and the enduring power of art.

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

The poem opens with a stark portrayal of the calligrapher's diminished status. Once a revered figure, sought after for his exquisite calligraphy during the festive season of Tết, he now finds himself relegated to a solitary existence, his skills no longer in demand. The once bustling streets, filled with eager patrons seeking his artistry, are now deserted, a stark reminder of the changing times. The poem's opening lines, "Năm nay đào lại nở, không thấy ông đồ xưa" (This year the peach blossoms bloom again, but the old calligrapher is nowhere to be seen), encapsulate the essence of this decline, highlighting the stark contrast between the cyclical nature of nature and the fading presence of tradition.

<h2 style="font-weight: bold; margin: 12px 0;">The Lingering Echoes of a Bygone Era</h2>

Despite his diminished circumstances, the calligrapher's presence still evokes a sense of nostalgia and reverence. The poem's imagery, rich in symbolism, evokes a sense of the past, highlighting the enduring power of tradition. The "giấy đỏ buồn không thắm" (red paper, sad and uncolored) and the "mực đọng trong nghiên sầu" (ink stagnant in the inkstone, filled with sorrow) serve as poignant metaphors for the calligrapher's fading fortunes and the decline of his art. The poem's use of personification, attributing human emotions to inanimate objects, further emphasizes the sense of loss and melancholy.

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

Despite the changing times and the decline of his profession, the calligrapher's art continues to hold a certain power. The poem's final lines, "Hoa đào năm nay còn nở, ông đồ xưa đâu vắng" (The peach blossoms bloom this year, but the old calligrapher is not gone), suggest that the calligrapher's legacy lives on, even in his absence. The enduring beauty of his calligraphy, a testament to his skill and artistry, transcends the limitations of time and circumstance. The poem's final image, the calligrapher's "vẻ mặt buồn rười rượi" (sad and weary face), serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of societal change, but also underscores the enduring power of art to transcend the limitations of time and circumstance.

The poem "Ông đồ" serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of tradition and the enduring power of art. Through the lens of the calligrapher's fading fortunes, the poem explores themes of nostalgia, loss, and the enduring power of art. The poem's evocative imagery, rich in symbolism and emotion, continues to resonate with readers today, offering a timeless reflection on the changing tides of society and the enduring power of tradition.