Hàn Mặc Tử

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Hàn Mặc Tử (1912–1940) was a prominent Vietnamese poet known for his innovative and influential contributions to Vietnamese literature. His real name was Nguyễn Trọng Trí, and he was born in Quảng Bình Province, Vietnam. Hàn Mặc Tử is celebrated for his unique style, which blends traditional Vietnamese poetry with modernist elements.

Early Life

Hàn Mặc Tử was born on September 22, 1912, in Lệ Thủy District, Quảng Bình Province. He was the youngest of six children in a Catholic family. His father, Nguyễn Hữu Đàn, was a government official, and his mother, Nguyễn Thị Đồng, was a devout Catholic. Hàn Mặc Tử showed an early interest in literature and poetry, which was encouraged by his family.

Literary Career

Hàn Mặc Tử began his literary career under the pen name Phong Trần. He later adopted the name Hàn Mặc Tử, which means "Cold Ink Scholar." His early works were influenced by classical Chinese poetry and Vietnamese folk poetry. However, he soon developed his own distinctive style, characterized by vivid imagery, emotional intensity, and a deep sense of spirituality.

Hàn Mặc Tử's poetry often explores themes of love, nature, and human suffering. His most famous works include the collections "Gái Quê" (Country Girls) and "Đau Thương" (Sorrow). He was also a pioneer of the "Thơ Mới" (New Poetry) movement, which sought to modernize Vietnamese poetry by breaking away from traditional forms and incorporating free verse and other modernist techniques.

Illness and Death

In 1937, Hàn Mặc Tử was diagnosed with leprosy, a disease that was highly stigmatized at the time. He spent the last years of his life in a leper colony in Quy Nhơn, where he continued to write poetry despite his deteriorating health. His illness and suffering deeply influenced his later works, which are marked by a profound sense of existential anguish and a longing for spiritual transcendence.

Hàn Mặc Tử died on November 11, 1940, at the age of 28. Despite his short life, he left a lasting legacy in Vietnamese literature and is considered one of the greatest poets of the 20th century.

Legacy

Hàn Mặc Tử's work has had a significant impact on Vietnamese literature and continues to be studied and admired by scholars and readers alike. His innovative use of language and form has inspired generations of poets and writers. In recognition of his contributions, several literary awards and institutions in Vietnam have been named in his honor.

Selected Works

• Gái Quê (Country Girls)
• Đau Thương (Sorrow)
• Xuân Như Ý (Spring as Desired)
• Thượng Thanh Khí (Pure Heavenly Air)

See Also

• Vietnamese literature
• Thơ Mới
• Quảng Bình Province
• Leprosy