Tố Hữu

Tố Hữu (1920-2002) was a prominent Vietnamese poet and revolutionary. He is considered one of the leading figures of modern Vietnamese poetry, known for his socialist realist style and his commitment to the Vietnamese Communist Party.

Born Nguyễn Kim Thành in Thừa Thiên-Huế province, he adopted the pen name Tố Hữu later in life. He joined revolutionary movements at a young age, becoming a member of the Indochinese Communist Party in 1938. His early poems reflected his revolutionary ideals and the struggle for national independence.

Tố Hữu's poetry is characterized by its simple language, strong rhythm, and emotional intensity. He often used traditional Vietnamese poetic forms, such as the lục bát, to convey his political and social messages. His work celebrates the working class, the revolutionary spirit, and the beauty of the Vietnamese landscape.

Some of his most famous works include the collections "Từ ấy" (From That Time), "Việt Bắc," "Gió Lộng" (Favorable Wind), and "Ra trận" (To the Battle). These poems depict the Vietnamese resistance against French colonialism, the struggle for reunification, and the building of a socialist society.

After the reunification of Vietnam in 1975, Tố Hữu held various high-ranking positions in the government, including Vice Chairman of the Council of Ministers. While he remained a powerful figure in Vietnamese politics and culture, his later poetry received less critical acclaim.

Despite this, Tố Hữu's contribution to Vietnamese literature remains significant. His poems are widely read and studied in Vietnam, and he is remembered as a passionate poet and a dedicated revolutionary. His work offers a valuable insight into the history and culture of 20th-century Vietnam.