What is the sample analysis essay on the soldier's image in the poem "Tây Tiến"? What are the 04 assessment levels for the training results in each semester of continuing education students at the upper secondary level in Vietnam?

During wartime, literature always praised soldiers for their heroic qualities. The Tay Tien soldiers in Quang Dung's poem are no exception. They carry the beauty of resilience, bravery, cheerfulness, optimism, and a high concept of life. But even more particularly, the image of the Tay Tien soldiers bears a gallant, romantic, and tragically heroic aspect.

The Tay Tien brigade was established in 1947, frequently operating in areas such as Son La, Lai Chau, Hoa Binh, the western part of Thanh Hoa, and a part of Laos (Sam Neua). Their mission was to deplete enemy forces and mobilize the people for resistance. Additionally, the Tay Tien brigade also cooperated with Laotian troops to form an alliance protecting the northern border. Most of them were young men from Hanoi who were still students. They set out with the dream of protecting the Fatherland. Poet Quang Dung was also part of this group. He was the company commander of a battalion in the Tay Tien regiment. After about a year of attachment, he had to transfer to another unit for work. With a constant longing for Tây Tiến in his heart, he composed this poem.

The beauty of the soldier is first demonstrated on the marching path. Operating in treacherous mountain jungles, the Tay Tien soldiers faced many hardships and challenges. Their marching route was rugged and steep:

"Steep slopes twisted, bottomless slopes

Cloudy peaks spear the sky

A thousand-foot climb, a thousand-foot descent

…

Every evening the heroic thundering waterfall roars

Every night Muong Hich's tiger teases men"

Quang Dung used many visual words to let readers see the perilous, steep nature of the mountains. Hidden within were many strange things, fierce animals always waiting to ambush the soldiers. The marching path was not only difficult but also contained many dangers, draining both the physical and spiritual strength of the brigade. Yet they remained optimistic, resilient, overcoming all difficulties to accomplish their mission. The arduous, strenuous marching path claimed the lives of many young men: "The comrade trots exhausted, no longer steps/Falling upon the guns, caps forgot life." Not heavy or sorrowful, the author describes death as a long sleep for the soldier to rest after enduring too much sun and rain, hardship. This light as feather sacrifice makes readers feel the calm, fearless attitude towards death, optimism, and courage of the Tay Tien soldiers. Through hardship, they strived to step firmly forward to protect the independence and freedom of the Fatherland.

After tiring marching hours, soldiers also had moments of rest. They blended into everyday life, joining in on bonfire festival nights. They were surprised and delighted to admire the beauty of village girls in the lively, cheerful sounds of flutes. In those moments, they seemed to return to themselves, being young, cheerful youths, dancing and singing with the people.

During the days in the mountains, soldiers faced many difficulties and material shortages. Especially, jungle fever made the Tay Tien brigade thin, pale, and bald. Poet Quang Dung squarely depicted this reality to describe the soldiers' appearance: "Tay Tien brigade without hair/Green troops fierce as beasts." However, for him, this appearance was not caused by the disease but intentionally created by soldiers to look fierce and intimidating. In contrast to that peculiar appearance, the youth of the Tay Tien brigade possessed high, romantic souls:

"Eyes staring send dreams across the border

Dreaming of Hanoi at night of fragrant figures"

Due to the particular area of operation, soldiers not only fought to protect the Fatherland but also guarded the western border. Therefore, "staring eyes" could be a realistic depiction, enhancing the soldiers' formidable appearance. Or, those ever-wide eyes contained aspirations, combat determination, and a strong desire for victory. The verse depicted the beauty in the soldier's spirit of great idealism. They were ready to dedicate their youth to the country, for the nation: "Going to the battlefield, never regretting youthful life." This is a pledge, a statement exhibiting the heroic, bold, and determined spirit, as well as the high qualities of young men. Most Tay Tien soldiers hailed from Hanoi, thus they also bore the gallant, elegant traits unique to the land of cultural heritage. In each soldier's heart was "a fragrant figure," the image of beautiful, gentle Hanoi girls. From there, the fighting spirit to protect their dream person, family, and homeland became even more passionate and overwhelming. The Tay Tien soldiers had unruly exteriors and similar idealistic aspirations as other soldiers. Yet deep within their hearts was the delicate, romantic spirit of Hanoi youths.

Furthermore, the heroic beauty of the Tay Tien soldiers was vividly depicted, bearing the epic style:

"Garments turn into shrouds, comrade goes to earth

The Ma River roars a solitary refrain"

Quang Dung used the image "garments" to metaphorically praise soldiers as heroes in history books. Each life brims with glorious achievements. Hence, when they pass, they are donned in majestic, illustrious "garments." Moreover, the soldier's death moves the mountains and rivers, causing the Ma River to "roar" a heroic, tragic anthem bidding farewell to the hero. By using unique words, the poet depicted a death that, although tragic, was not sorrowful but very heroic.

The image of the soldiers in the poem embodies bravery, resilience, and optimism. These are common qualities of soldiers during wartime. However, from Quang Dung's perspective, the Tay Tien brigade is portrayed more realistically, uniquely, freshly, and attractively. They carry the vibrant, gallant characteristics of youth, along with noble sacrifice. This is the distinct feature that highlights the poem "Tây Tiến," giving it a strong vitality in the hearts of readers.