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Analysis of the satirical poem "Nha lệ thương dân"

The poem "Nha lệ thương dân" by Kep Tra is an outstanding work in the treasure of folk literature, especially in the genre of satirical poetry. Through this, the author not only criticizes the corrupt feudal society but also expresses deep compassion and empathy for the poor working people. With sharp, ironic writing, Kep Tra strongly condemns the greed of the ruling class while depicting the helplessness of the people in escaping poverty and oppression.

1. The Plight of the People in a Feudal Society through the Image of Natural Disasters

At the beginning of the poem, Kep Tra paints a picture of severe natural disasters and floods, which are harsh challenges that people must endure. The first line:

"This year's flooding is severely challenging,"

This line describes the hardship and struggles of the people facing natural disasters. It is not just an ordinary flood but a significant deluge, "severely challenging," forcing people to struggle for survival.

Kep Tra uses this image to depict the powerlessness of the people against the forces of nature, showing how they must endure insurmountable challenges alone. However, adding insult to injury, during this time, the greed and cruelty of those in power further deepen the plight of the people.

2. The Contrast between the People's Suffering and the Corruption of the Ruling Class

Following this, the poem shifts to describe the extraction of people's assets during the floods. Kep Tra uses the image "chewing bamboo, chewing silver," highlighting the hardship in the lives of the poor while criticizing the rulers' greed.

"Not yet finished chewing bamboo, still chewing silver,"

This is a strong satire against the ruling class. The people are so poor they "chew bamboo," a painful image illustrating ultimate deprivation. However, the bureaucrats "chew silver," meaning not only do they not help the people but also exploit the hardship to enrich themselves. This image not only reflects the terrible poverty of the people but also criticizes the decay and callousness of the ruling class.

The next line:

"First took the buffalo, now take the cow"

This line is a bitter metaphor, describing the ruthlessness of those in power. "Taking the buffalo, then the cow" alludes to the relentless exploitation of the people's assets. This image also shows the heartlessness of those abusing the natural disasters to seize the wealth of the laborers without a shred of empathy.

3. Social Stratification and the Author's Voice

The poem not only criticizes the cruelty of the ruling class but also reflects the clear social stratification in the feudal society. Kep Tra describes:

"Several villages Bach Sam swallow tears,

Hundred workers Chuyen Nghiep still full."

This line exposes the decay of the bureaucrats when they enjoy wealth from exploiting the people's wealth. Villages like Bach Sam and Chuyen Nghiep become symbols of cruelty, where people suffer in poverty while the bureaucrats live in surplus. This is a clear stratification in society, where those in power continue to live in affluence, while the people remain in perpetual poverty and hardship.

4. A Warning of Unchanging Injustice

The poem's conclusion:

"Still levees, still water, people still suffer,

Who says Duy Tien district still stays."

This is a concluding note full of bitterness and sarcasm. Even with changes, whether it's natural disasters, floods, or any hardship, the people's suffering remains unchanged. "Still levees, still water" here is a metaphor for the continuation of oppression and exploitation. The ruling class will exist and maintain power, keeping the poor people from escaping poverty. The line "Who says Duy Tien district still stays" indicates that the feudal society won't change, and the people will continue living in oppression and injustice.

5. The Author's Message

The message that Kep Tra wants to convey through the poem is a powerful denunciation of the corrupt, insensitive, and cruel ruling class. From the author's perspective, those in power are not only indifferent in protecting the people's rights but also exploit difficult circumstances and natural disasters to continue to extract wealth from the impoverished. The poem is a voice of resistance, expressing sympathy for the poor and calling for justice in society.

Through humorous and satirical images, Kep Tra portrays the misery of the people under feudal policies while denouncing those who exploit their power to amass wealth, disregarding the people's rights. The poem also delivers a strong message about the need for change in society, where justice and fairness prevail, so the people don't have to live in misery and oppression.

Conclusion

The poem "Nha lệ thương dân" by Kep Tra is an excellent satirical work, sharply reflecting the contradictions in feudal society. With a sarcastic and satirical tone, the piece not only accuses the corrupt, indifferent ruling class but also expresses the author's empathy for the people's dire fate. Through the poem, Kep Tra conveys a powerful message about social injustice while arousing deep compassion for the poor working class.