Tóm tắt luận án tiếng anh: Nghệ thuật tuyên truyền trong văn chính luận của Nguyễn Ái Quốc – Hồ Chí Minh.

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING
VINH UNIVERSITY

PHAM THI NHU THUY

THE PROPAGANDA ART
IN NGUYEN AI QUOC - HO CHI MINH’S
ARTICLES ON POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LIFE
Major: Vietnamese Literature
Code: 9220121

SUMMARY

SUPERVISOR: ASSOC. PROF. DR. PHAN HUY DUNG

NGHE AN - 2022


INTRODUCTION

1. Rationales of the research
1.1. Among the rich works of Ho Chi Minh, articles on political and social life have a

special position, playing a great role in influencing the reality of life and expressing important
political-humanist ideas, which are related to the destiny of the whole nation and the fate of
Vietnamese people in the era of the proletarian revolution and the movement for national
liberation. Through Ho Chi Minh's political works, readers can see the presence of a very
unique style of propaganda - persuasion, which needs to be studied more extensively on the
basis of new data and approaches.
1.2. In general, Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh’s articles on political and social life is

really unique, vividly expressing Ho Chi Minh's personality and culture with diverse writing
styles, coherent and persuasive arguments, impressive images, changing tone and concise
expression. As a result, these works have captivated readers. Thus, Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi
Minh’s articles on political and social life is a valuable spiritual value in Ho Chi Minh's thought
system, which needs to be further evaluated in the spirit of objectivity and science so that
today's generation can determine the correct inheritance direction.
1.3. The heritage of Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh’s articles on political and social life

is still topical. His works are not only of historical value, but also contain great ideas as models
of the art of writing articles on political and social life, debates and polemics. Therefore, it is
necessary to analyze and point out the characteristics of propaganda art in order to draw lessons
for revolutionary propaganda in the form of words - literature. Moreover, the articles on
political and social life have an important position in the Literature at general school today,
therefore, a deep understanding Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh’s articles on political and
social life is also meaningful in providing and consolidating the general knowledge for teachers
and students.
Those are rationales of the research topic: The propaganda art in Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho
Chi Minh’s articles on political and social life.
2. Objects and scope of the research
2.1. Objects
The thesis focuses on studying the propaganda art of Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh's
articles on political and social life through historical periods and the issues of methodological
significance, literary history and genre arising from it.

2


2.2. Scope
The thesis examines the entire Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh’s articles on political and
social life, which is collected and printed in the Ho Chi Minh’s Complete Works (15 volumes,

The Truth National Political Publishing, Hanoi, 2011).
3. Objectives and tasks of the research
3.1. Objectives
The thesis aims at affirming the great values of Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh's
articles on political and social life, drawing lessons from experience in articles on political and
social life so that it can be applied to social, literary and artistic life.
3.2. Mission
- An overview of the propaganda art in Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh's articles on

political and social life and the estanlishment of a theoretical basis for the the implementation of
academic content.
- Systematize, statistic and classify Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh’s articles on political

and social life and point out the historical and propaganda value of this work.
- Analyze the content and characteristics of Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh's articles on

political and social life through specific historical periods, thereby evaluating the effectiveness of
these works in serving the nation's revolutionary struggle.
- Draw lessons on writing political articles, enhancing the propaganda power of this genre.

4. Research Methods
The thesis uses the following main research methods:
– Typological method: The method allows the researcher to survey, learn, and evaluate

Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh’s articles on political and social life as a specialized object,
distinguishing it from other types of compositions such as fiction and non-fiction prose, lyric
poetry and revolutionary propaganda poetry.
- Biographical method: The method supports the researcher to prove the high unity

between Ho Chi Minh's human characteristics and works during his revolutionary activities;

Also, this method proves the source of great persuasion from those articles on political and
social life.
- Analytical and synthesis method: This is a common method in scientific research, both

towards analyzing and demonstrating specific objects and identifying general characteristics,
allowing researchers to come up with well-grounded arguments, based on handling a rich and
complex volume of data.
– Systemic – structural method: The thesis explores Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi


Minh’s articles on political and social life as a subsystem in his writing system, and also
analyzes the elements of this subsystem as a structure with close relationships.
- Comparative and contrasting method: With this method, the researcher shows a flexible

and effective change in the propaganda art of Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh's articles on
political and social life whenever the subject moves and changes.
- Interdisciplinary research method: This method points out the cultural roots of Nguyen

Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh's articles on political and social life. In addition, this method helps the
researcher to clearly see the influence of complicated political and social conditions on his
works in different times of the revolutionary struggle for for national liberation and determine
the development path of the country.
5. New contributions of the dissertation
The thesis clearly identifies the factors that make up a particular propaganda and
persuasive style of Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh's articles on political and social life - which
most previous studies have not paid attention to survey and evaluate as a specialized object.
The thesis also points out and comprehensively analyzes the artistic methods used by Ho Chi
Minh in articles to convince each specific recipient.
6. The dissertation structure
In addition to the Introduction, Conclusion and References, the main content of the thesis

consists of 4 Chapters:
Chapter 1: Theoretical basis and overview of the research problems
Chapter 2: Identification and location the heritage of Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh’s
articles on political and social life;
Chapter 3: Propaganda characteristics in Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh's articles on
political and social life from the content’s view;
Chapter 4: Propaganda characteristics in Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh's articles on
political and social life from an artistic perspective.


Chapter 1
THEORETICAL BASIS AND OVERVIEW OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEMS
1.1. Some theoretical issues about political literature

1.1.1. The concept of political literature
Due to the influence of political science and topicality, political literature deals with hot
political and life issues, and is close to many people; therefore, it is interested by the public. In
addition, in the political literature, there are not only life problems but also solutions that are
clearly stated. In fact, the Dictionary of literary terms and Literary Dictionary (new series)
written by Vietnamese authors, Literary Encyclopedia of the Academy of Sciences of the Soviet
Union as well as many literature theory textbooks commonly used in Vietnamese universities
and colleges today are almost monograph unanimously recognized as such.
1.1.2. Functionality of political literature
Many monographs on discourse literature (especially in the Middle Ages) have come to
a common perception: Political literature is always associated with the socio- political and
cultural life of the country and the times. Therefore, the writer have to apply the laws, concepts
and terms of political science and have to identify a certain political position. Moreover,
political literature always discuss hot and urgent current issues of the community, which are of
great interest to many people. It is not only to reflect but also to give timely solutions. Thus,
the writer have to show a keen sense of the times and consciously participate in solving hot

issues raised by life.
1.1.3. The particular aesthetic of political literature
Phuong Luu (A Theoretical researcher) wrote: "In particular, the ability to transform
from a political text into a literary work can be seen from the following aspects: First of all,
consider the inspiration of the subject in political literature, the writer informs, argues,
discusses the issue, but with all enthusiasm defends the truth that he pursues. In fact, reason and
argument here have matured, are closely linked or transformed into feelings. As a result, the
political literature has approached the law of art. The above view is generally very close to the
view of many other authors on this issue, thus, it has a certain representative meaning.
1.2. Theoretical basis of research on propaganda art in Nguyen Ai Quoc
- Ho Chi Minh's articles on political and social life
1.2.1. Social responsibility of the writer
Like many other patriots and revolutionaries, Ho Chi Minh always clearly


defined the responsibility of the writer. He often emphasized the point of view of using pen
as a weapon of struggle, both denouncing feudalism, colonialism, and invaders, while
propagandizing and encouraging all the masses to work and build a new life and fight for the
cause of national reunification.
1.2.2. The relationship between art and propaganda
As an author and as an art director, Ho Chi Minh regularly determines and requires that
works (both fiction and propaganda literature) must be 100% guaranteed in terms of content
and art. That means, without bias, all must aim for high quality work. Not only that, he
repeatedly mentioned his own experience in cultivating writing and criticizing the picky and
rambling writing style.
1.2.3. The unity between the qualities of a revolutionary and an artist in Nguyen Ai
Quoc - Ho Chi Minh
During Ho Chi Minh's life, he has always shown the quality of a man full of integrity
and mettle. In fact, at a meeting with the Vietnamese Buddhist delegation at the Presidential
Palace, Ho Chi Minh said: "I also study Buddhism and remember a sentence: If I don't go to

hell to save sentient beings, who will?" Ho Chi Minh's prayer expressed his wish: "I have only
one desire, the ultimate desire, to make our country completely independent, our people
completely free, all compatriots have food, cloth, and an education." That is also the
"compassion" that the Buddha taught. That compassion shows up consistently in Ho Chi Minh's
person and life, from words to deeds, from the time he traveled abroad to find a way to save the
people and the country, until he became the President of Vietnam.
1.2. Overview of research on propaganda art in Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh's
articles on political and social life
1.2.1. Research on the overarching value of Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh's
articles on political and social life
There have been many comments from writers, poets, and historians on a number of
works such as the Declaration of Independence and the Will. In fact, some opinions of overseas
Vietnamese scholars on Ho Chi Minh's articles on political and social life with its connections,
comments and assessments in general relation to the whole revolutionary life as well as his
literary and poetic career. For example, some typical authors can be mentioned: E. Serner
(Germany), J. Budaren (France), N. Khrushchev (Russia), M. Lombacdo (Mexico), S.A. Phonin
and E. Kobelev (Russia), Thinaung (Myanmar), L. Ogungieran (Mongolia), D. Cheerrixian
(Cuban) etc…
A number of works and opinions emphasize the propaganda character of


Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh's articles on political and social life such as Ho Chi Minh - The
convergence of the quintessence of human kind (Hai Trieu Le, 2007, Culture – Information
Publishing House); Uncle Ho with international friends (Tran Quan Ngoc, 2013, Ho Chi Minh
City General Publishing House), Mirror of righteousness is morality (Starobin, 2003), Nguyen
Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh: About the author and works (Nguyen Nhu Y, Educational Publishing
House); Uncle Ho as we know (J. Stern, 1985, recorded by Tran Duong, Youth Publishing
House Youth), etc...
1.2.2. Research on propaganda characteristics in Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh’s
articles on political and social life.

Politicians, scholars, researchers with typical works on this topic are Pham Van Dong,
Nguyen Khanh Toan, Tran Van Giau, Pham Huy Thong, Hoai Thanh, Hoang Xuan Nhi, Vu
Khieu, Truong Chinh, Do Duc Hieu, Hoang Ngoc Hien, Phung Van Tuu, Nguyen Nghiep, Ha
Minh Duc, Thanh Duy, Nguyen Dang Manh, Nguyen Duc Nam, Phong Le, etc. In which, it can
be said that Nguyen Dang Manh is one of the researchers who have really proposed issues of
methodological significance for the study of Ho Chi Minh's poetry and literature. He proved the
unique beauty of propaganda literature in Ho Chi Minh's writing career.
In recent years, the research on Ho Chi Minh's poetry and literature seems to be quiet.
This shows the urgency of studying the value of Ho Chi Minh’s works in a new spirit with new
facts brought by the progress of literary science.
Summary of Chapter 1
On the basis of description, analysis, identification of research results and achievements
of Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh's articles on political and social life both at home and
abroad during the past century, the thesis determines the theoretical basis of research, inherits
the achievements of the previous generation and applies the narration theory, new perception
of the "intertextual" feature to emphasize the characteristics, structure, tone, language and art of
propaganda in Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh’s articles on political and social life.


Chapter 2
IDENTIFICATION AND LOCATION THE HERITAGE OF NGUYEN AI QUOC HO CHI MINH’S ARTICLES ON POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LIFE
2.1. The heritage of political literature in medieval Vietnamese literature

2.1.1. The political literature from the 10th century to the end of the 18th century
Referring to the political literature of the Ly - Tran dynasties, we can mention Moving
the Capital by Ly Thai To, Phat Tong lo bo van by Ly Thuong Kiet, Du chu ti tuong hich van
(also known as Hich tuong si) by Tran Quoc Tuan.
At the turn of the 15th century, it is worth mentioning first of all that Quan Trung tu
menh tap with 62 documents and letters written by Nguyen Trai on behalf of Le Loi to the
Minh generals and Binh Ngo Dai Cao - a work is considered by posterity to be "an ancient

heroic literature".
In the period of 16-18th centuries, Ngo Thi Nham (1746-1803) was most prominent in
political literature.
2.1.2. The political literature in the nineteenth century
In the context of the French invasion, during Tu Duc’s reign, the political literature of
Nguyen Truong To and Nguyen Lo Trach raised the demand for national renewal in the struggle
with French and Western capitalism.
2.2. Political literature in the era of national liberation and revolution
2.2.1. Diversity of political ideas
Under the French colonial rule, from the end of the 19th century, Vietnam had great
changes in all aspects, with the conflict of many ideological sources. In fact, the national
liberation struggle movement developed strongly under the guidance of many different
revolutionary ideals. As a result, this has had a profound effect on the composition, making it
no longer seem as homogeneous as in previous periods. It is only natural that political literature
also bears that mark of the times. This can be clearly seen through the works of people standing
in different positions in society, having different views on the future and destiny of the country.
2.2.2. New forms of the political literature
In terms of genre, modern Vietnamese political literature has gradually moved away
from the genres of hich, cao, chieu, bieu, etc., towards works associated with the press.
However, the author of this genre is not much compared to the achievements in creating images
and fictions.


In terms of language, political literature in the early twentieth century was no longer
influenced by ancient Chinese literature. The National language (Quoc Ngu) and Western
culture have invaded and replaced the previous language and composition method. Many
political literature in this period were written in French and published in foreign newspapers
and magazines.
2.3. The heritage of Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh’s articles on political and social
life

2.3.1. Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh’s articles on political and social life from a
quantitative perspective
According to Ho Chi Minh Complete Works (15 volumes), in 3,300 works written from
1910 to 1969, Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh wrote 228 political literature addressing
common problems of the country, of which 129 were for education.
In addition, Ho Chi Minh signed 174 different pseudonyms under his works, while the
number of pseudonyms associated with stories and poems is very limited.
Looking at the quantitative view of the means and forms of dissemination, it can be seen
that Ho Chi Minh's articles on political and social life are present in many kinds of newspapers,
magazines, books, official letters, letters, e-mail; reports,

appeals, congratulations,

encouragements, short comments; analysis, comment, essay, comment, talk, translation and
summary, etc. In fact, there are few works that can match the spreading ability like Ho Chi
Minh's articles on political and social life on various domestic and foreign press. This shows
the extensive knowledge, the ability to respond flexibly to different types of newspapers, the
requirements of each type of topic, each propaganda object, and different levels and interests of
readers.
2.3.2. Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh’s articles on political and social life through
two revolutionary periods
From 1911 to 1941
Nguyen Ai Quoc's articles on political and social life were written during this period
were aimed at uncovering the wrongdoings of the colonial regime, the policy of colonization,
the fate of workers in the country; also, there were reports, requests and proposals on the
revolutionary lines of Vietnam, Indochina, the Asian region, the national liberation movement
and the world proletarian revolution in general. The emphasis here is on the concern and the
expansion of observation and reflection in Ho Chi Minh's articles on political and social life on
the fate of the colonies from Annam to Indochina and Asia, to the colonies of the New World,
the Black Continent, Africa

and Latin America.
After spending time in France, Nguyen Ai Quoc traveled to many different countries,
including Russia, China, and Thailand. During this time, Ho Chi Minh wrote about 200 articles,
mainly political reports, social events reports, and emphasizing the revolutionary movements in
China and Vietnam to the Communist International.
From 1941 to 1969
According to Ho Chi Minh Complete Works, from volume 3 to volume 15,
published in 2011, during 28 years (1941 - 1969), Ho Chi Minh wrote about 2500 articles
on political and social life. In fact, because of collaborating with many newspapers, writing
for many purposes, many issues, serving many audience as well as with many different
expression forms, he has used about 90 out of 175 pseudonyms. Unlike the first period, which
mainly wrote articles in foreign languages, this period, Ho Chi Minh mainly wrote political
literature in Vietnamese and printed them in various domestic newspapers. In fact, Ho Chi
Minh paid special attention to writing articles for Nhan Dan newspaper (The Central Organ of
the Communist Party of Vietnam). Over 18 years (1951 - 1969), Ho Chi Minh published 1,206
articles in Nhan
Dan newspaper with 23 pseudonyms.
The quantitative, comparative study of Ho Chi Minh's articles on political and social life
before and after 1941 shows that in the previous period, the author used many foreign
pseudonyms, in favor of refering to national and international struggles, mostly written in
foreign languages and were not propagated publicly, or even confidentially. In another hand, at
a later period, Ho Chi Minh often used familiar pseudonyms in a number of topics and
categories, focusing on domestic, specific, topical issues, mainly written in Vietnamese and
widely published to regions and to different recipients.
2.3.3. General assessment of thought, art and impact of Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi
Minh's articles on political and social life
Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh’s articles on political and social life have similarities
with stories and poems in emphasizing workers’ rights and awakening the compatriots. For

example, Ho Chi Minh's Prison Diary (1942-1943) with 135 articles also has a deep
compatibility with the policital literature style in the brave spirit, the will to overcome
hardships and the humorous and optimistic voice, believing in the future of the country.
Later, when the main audience were the people of all classes, his works were


considerate, close, respectful, and humble, accordingly, the propaganda in the political
literature also took on a different color. The goal is to make people feel light, easy to
understand, remember and implement. It is no coincidence that poetry is widely used by Ho Chi
Minh to convey political content.
In addition, during the resistance war against the US, he spoke strongly in his summons,
deeply affecting the soldiers and compatriots with his determination to fight the enemy and
believe in victory tomorrow.
In general, the specific elements of communication situations are always exploited by
Ho Chi Minh in his articles on political and social life. In fact, in each specific communication
situation, the choice of language and form is always considered so that the works not only
reflect social reality but also have a strong impact on the perception of the audience. Thus, it
can be said that the propaganda political literature of Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh has had a
profound impact on the public mainly because of its ideology and ability to conquer and
inspire.
Summary of Chapter 2
The Vietnamese political literature has a long tradition of development, starting from the
10th century, through the Middle Ages to the early modern and modern period. On the basis of
studying the appearance, characteristics and great achievements of medieval, early-modern and
modern political literature with outstanding authors, it is possible to clearly identify the
continuity, development and position of Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh’s articles on political
and social life. It is clear that Ho Chi Minh’s works has a traditional inheritance but is also
different from previous patriotic writers and revolutionaries in terms of purpose, object, content
and propaganda art. In addition, the statistics and classification based on many criteria such as
purpose, political basis, geography, culture, pseudonym, language means, transmission method,

number of works, popular form and audience, etc... a high consistency between Ho Chi Minh's
personality and the political literature writer - who took literature as a means and weapon of
revolutionary struggle.


Chapter 3
PROPAGANDA CHARACTERISTICS IN NGUYEN AI QUOC
- HO CHI MINH'S ARTICLES ON POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LIFE FROM
THE CONTENT’S VIEW

3.1. The deep consciousness of the recipients - a condition to ensure the

persuasiveness of Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh's articles on political and social life
3.1.1. Consciousness of the recipients in Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh's articles on
political and social life
3.1.1.1. Clear consciousness of the recipients - an expression of the new relationship

between author and reader in modern literary life
The clear consiousness of the recipient demonstrates Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh's
ability to engage, grasp and master the situation in the relationship between the author and the
readers, highlighting the topicality and effectiveness in propaganda activities when using
political literature as a weapon of revolutionary struggle. This is also the condition, criteria and
basis for classifying Ho Chi Minh's articles on political and social life according to many
different subjects, topics, scope, strategies and different objects
3.1.1.2. The expression of consciousness about the recipients when writing articles on

political and social life of Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh
From sympathy and understanding of the propaganda recipients, Ho Chi Minh created
appropriate discourses, aimed at common goals, suggested specific tasks, and created empathy
with encouragement and sharing.

It can be built into many pairs of opposites to identify signs of a clear consciousness of
the recipients in Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh's articles on political and social life: The
Vietnamese people and the invaders, French-American peace-loving and hawkish FrenchAmerican government, the oppressed working class and the rulers, the new and the old society,
the good and bad activities within Vietnamese. In particular, the above-mentioned contrasting
evidences about national and ethnic conflicts, between the struggle for national liberation
and the invaders,


human values and enemy crimes are the challenges of Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh's
thought when he identifies the recipients in his articles on political and social life.
3.1.2. The system of recipients in Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh's articles on political
and social life.
3.1.2.1. The recipients are class and ideological enemies

When facing the aggressors, Ho Chi Minh used language suitable for each specific object
and individual, clearly indicated the responsibilities of government organizations, emphasized
factions, criticized wrong lines, etc...
3.1.2.2. The recipients are the masses and progressive humanity

In all fields of work, Ho Chi Minh affirmed that it has to come from the views and interests
of the people. Being attached to the people is always the principle of thought and action of Ho Chi
Minh.
It can be said that the elements of the situation and the object of communication in Ho Chi
Minh's articles on political and social life have extremely important characteristics: from
historical context to social position; recipients; purpose and subject of reflection. All of these
elements have their own characteristics and change over different historical periods (before and
after 1941). Therefore, together with other elements of political literature, they play an important
role in strongly influencing the author's writing process such as the choice of words, forms suitable
for each specific objects and communication contexts to strongly influence perception and bring
people into revolutionary processes that change themselves and their circumstances.

3.1.2.3. The simultaneous targeting of different recipients in the political literature

The simultaneous targeting of different recipients in the same political literature reflects
Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh’s interest in people, events and political, economic, and cultural
life at large. This creates a compactness in a political literature that propagates many different
contents, also gives many recipients useful perceptions and lessons.
3.1.3. Propaganda effectiveness from understanding the recipients in Nguyen Ai Quoc
- Ho Chi Minh's articles on political and social life.
Understanding the recipients has created a great propaganda effect for Nguyen Ai Quoc Ho Chi Minh’s articles on political and social life. At any stage of Ho Chi


Minh revolutionary activities, he had exemplary works. The recognition of their value is not
only based on the analysis of the works, but mainly on the study of their great influence on
social life, from their birth to the present. It seems that all classes of people draw valuable
words and action mottos from Ho Chi Minh's works. This proves that all of Ho Chi Minh's
articles on political and social life have a very specific destination with a deep interest.
3.2. Publicizing the purpose of writing and establishing progressive thought - the
persuasive foundation in Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh's articles on political and social
life.
3.2.1. Publicly defining the purpose of writing as an indispensable requirement of
revolutionary literature
3.2.1.1. Some basic features of revolutionary literature

Revolutionary literature is a very popular type of composition of early modern and
modern times in world history. Its subjects are people who promote revolutionary ideals
(bourgeois or proletarian) or are revolutionaries themselves, consciously using their pen to fight
the old regime to build a better new regime. In terms of poetics, revolutionary literature can use
the poetics of realism, romanticism, symbolism, etc... also, creates its own poetic system.
However, in terms of content, revolutionary literature shows revolutionary ideas. The
distinguishing characteristic of this type is the openness of thought. Political ideas, aesthetic

views are often stated clearly, immediately affecting the perception of readers.
3.2.1.2. The requirements of revolutionary literature on the publicity of writing purposes

In fact, the nature of revolutionary literary content is always associated with political
tasks, with the national and people.
The content of the political essay shows the revolutionary spirit and innovation in the
concept and method of applying the Marxist humanist perspective to understanding, analyzing
and identifying different objects over the historical periods. This creates the orientation,
purpose, awareness, education and aesthetics of the proletarian revolutionary literature, openly
fighting for the interests of class and nation.
3.2.2. Revolutionary spirit and humanity in Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh's


articles on political and social life.
Humanity is an especially important quality that creates ideological and spiritual values
in Ho Chi Minh's articles on political and social life. On the basis of examining the political
literature’s content, it is possible to clearly see the basic foundation and true value of Ho Chi
Minh's humanism in the present and in the future of the nation.
Interestingly, Ho Chi Minh's articles on political and social life have affirmed new
aspects, unique contributions of Ho Chi Minh's human qualities to modern humanism. Those
humanistic contents can be summed up on three basic aspects: Human rights and national
independence - National independence associated with socialism - Building a new human in
accordance with the reality of the Vietnamese revolution.
3.2.3. Nationality and people in Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh’s articles on political
and social life
In line with the revolutionary cause, Ho Chi Minh's articles on political and social life
considers the interests of the nation and the people as a noble goal, the task of propagandizing
and fighting for the cause of national liberation and mobilizing the the masses is an important
mission. Therefore, each work of Ho Chi Minh in each period closely reflects the requirements
of the time and the nation, fully reflecting the content and requirements of the tasks in

interaction and cohesion. It is possible to affirm that patriotism and national greatness have
guided Ho Chi Minh's articles on political and social life through all revolutionary stages.
3.2.4. The appeal of the stance on revolutionary and progressive thought in Nguyen
Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh's articles on political and social life
Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh's articles on political and social life always has great
appeal because his revolutionary ideological stance is conveyed with all his enthusiasm and
faith. In fact, not all Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh’s articles on political and social life are
also appeals, but the appeal is still very bold. This partly depends on how the reader perceives
it. Obviously, here, revolutionary thought has exerted its great effect on the masses through the
spread of a special person in the view of the social classes who are longing for a positive
change in life.
3.3. The crystallization of East - West culture in Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh's
articles on political and social life


3.3.1.The quintessence of Eastern culture in Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh's articles
on political and social life
The ability to absorb the quintessence of Eastern culture of Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi
Minh's articles on political and social life is reflected in the profound imbibing of the nation's
traditional cultural identity. Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh has shown a discourse to
propagate human values by pointing out the good qualities of many great people and
convincing facts.
Moreover, Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh's articles on political and social life show the
ability to exploit Confucian thought in the context that this ideology itself is powerless to
perceive, propagate and interpret Vietnamese social reality, which has been profoundly changed
since the mid-nineteenth century (Before the invasion of Western colonists)
3.3.2. The quintessence of Western culture in in Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh's
articles on political and social life
Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh's articles on political and social life exploit the
quintessence of Confucian thought based on the worldview, the Marxist dialectical materialist

methodology, rich Western cultural, also it is always associated with the exploitation of
ideological and cultural heritages, the practice of national liberation and development and the
resolution of practical problems.
3.3.3. The attraction of connecting Eastern culture and Western culture in Nguyen Ai
Quoc - Ho Chi Minh's articles on political and social life
Ho Chi Minh's moral thought in all of his works is a great heritage of the Vietnamese
nation, vividly reflecting the process of perfecting the Vietnamese spiritual value system in
history and in the twentieth century. It is the crystallization of the quintessence of traditional
moral thought and revolutionary moral thought, through the combined role of an outstanding
individual. Up to now, Ho Chi Minh's moral thought has been identified as a fundamental
value, supporting the entire activities and behavior of Vietnamese in the context of international
integration. Thus, it can be said that Ho Chi Minh's moral thought is both national and
universal.
Summary of Chapter 3
During Ho Chi Minh's life, He always took the people as the object of service, took the
masses' viewpoint as the working motto, and took the patriotism and the truth


of Marxist-Leninist doctrine as the power to propagate, motivate, encourage and guide the
masses to join the revolution and manage the country along the path of scientific socialism. In
fact, when writing or talking to anyone, He always finds common ground to persuade and agree
on views and solutions on peace, independence and self- determination, human rights, justice
and social progress. In addition, Ho Chi Minh is very good at finding meeting points between
people from all parts of the East and West in the world, who are different from age, psychology,
culture, personal circumstances, ethnicity and profession, etc. Since then, He has always solved
specific problems, sometimes of only one place, a person in a harmonious relationship with the
vast common, reasonable with many objects, things, places and aspiration, progressive thinking
of millions of people.

Chapter 4
PROPAGANDA CHARACTERISTICS IN NGUYEN AI QUOC
- HO CHI MINH'S ARTICLES ON POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LIFE FROM
AN ARTISTIC PERSPECTIVE
4.1. Ho Chi Minh's point of view on the use of artistic language in political

literature
4.1.1. Ho Chi Minh with cultivating the art of political literature writing
In the career of writing and using artistic language in political literature, Ho Chi Minh
often studied, improved his knowledge and practiced writing skills. He cultivated the art of
writing political literature, not in school, but in real life, including French articles, starting with
short news and then asking a professional to correct it and gain experience. When he returned
home, he still kept this habit, even with people with low education, he would find a way to
write as close and popular as possible. By cultivating writing skills with extensive and multifaceted life experiences, Ho Chi Minh’s articles on political and social life become erudite,
lively and responsive to all topics, content ranges and recipients.
4.1.2. The compatibility between artistic language and thematic system in Nguyen Ai
Quoc - Ho Chi Minh’s articles on political and social life
In essence, the compatibility between artistic language and thematic system in Nguyen Ai
Quoc - Ho Chi Minh’s articles on political and social life in particular as well as in literature and
art in general is the ability to self-consciousness, determine the purpose associated with
propaganda, education, orientation of revolutionary thought.
In a broad sense, the compatibility and connection of artistic language and thematic system
in Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh’s articles on political and social life is first of all the regulation
of the content characteristics of different topics, genres and sub- categories
4.2. The integration of genres in Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh’s articles on
political and social life
4.2.1. The "observer"
It can be seen quite clearly that Ho Chi Minh's articles on political and social life before
1941 were often neutral, hidden subjects, inclined to information, events and

news; in which, a high proportion are administrative documents, essays, reports through brief
titles with place names.
Since 1941, the discourse of the author and the observer in Ho Chi Minh's articles on
political and social life also became more open, multilateral, multi-faceted, richer and vivid. In
addition to his foreign activities as a statesman, President, in fact, Ho Chi Minh deliberately
transformed many diplomatic relations into family, kinship, friend, and friend relationships.
From the above perception, it can be seen that the "observer" in Ho Chi Minh's articles
on political and social life is the voice representing the community and the nation; is the
representative of the poor class; or in the position of President and political party organization,
is the language of a politician, a military man, a diplomat, sometimes a combination of the
language of comrades, friends and family.
4.2.2. Documentary Information Discourse
In the genre of political literature, documentary information discourse has a particularly
important role because it is "speakable numbers". In the early stages, in French articles, Ho Chi
Minh thoroughly applied methods, interpreted the data and statistics to come to the necessary
conclusions.
The investigative reportage on the French colonial rule (1925) by Nguyen Ai Quoc has
12 chapters. We see that every chapter is filled with numbers, statistics on the amount of
alcohol, the number of opium shops, the address of the colonial soldiers who died in battle, the
number of servants, taxes, budget expenditures, personal taxes, fines, persecutions, prison
cases, insurrections and "awakened slaves".
During Ho Chi Minh’s later activities, when writing political literature, He always
upheld the documentary information discourse, determining the number of American planes
shot down, the number of factories crops, people, address, time and event. It is possible to say
that numerical thinking and quantitative thinking have become a skill that reflects reality in
Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh’s articles on political and social life, making these works rich
in reportage, also are historical facts and figures that cannot be denied.
4.2.3. The polemic discourse
The polemic discourse in Ho Chi Minh's articles on political and social life is mainly

made when facing the enemy, with the wrong and the bad. In fact, there are many specific and
vivid examples of the drastic use of artistic language in attacking the invaders and enemies as
well as reminding, suggesting and criticizing bad deeds.
It is possible to affirm that Ho Chi Minh's polemical voice expresses polemical


character based on the viewpoint of fighting for social progress, human values, discipline in the
Party organization, right, the cause of national liberation, building a strong developed country
and a prosperous and happy people's life.
4.2.4. Lyrical discourse
The lyrical discourse in Ho Chi Minh's articles on political and social life shows human
values, love, optimism and belief in life. In fact, lyrical discourse can be a direct voice, directly
expressed or a lyrical voice, interwoven between facts and comments. The lyrical discourse in
Ho Chi Minh's articles on political and social life is mainly for people in the same situation, with
the same direction, or sometimes for those who have lost their way.
Lyrical discourse has become a quality and a component of artistic language in each of
Ho Chi Minh's works. Depending on each object, He expresses different levels of lyrical voice
in order to awaken human conscience, divide forces and enlist the consent of the peace-loving
class. Later, the warm lyrical voice that created the lyrical discourse style in Ho Chi Minh's
articles on political and social life. This is deeply reflected in letters to comrades, compatriots,
old people, teenagers, children, annual New Year wishes, even to the Will.
4.3. System of rhetorical methods in Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh’s articles on
political and social life
4.3.1. System of overlapping method
The overlapping method in Ho Chi Minh's articles on political and social life is
expressed in the use of images, symbols and words that are repeated, sometimes progressive, in
order to focus on emphasizing the problem. The overlapping method can be done by by
repeating the subject, word, object, meaning and can be combined with the form of a question,
a counter-sentence and an explanation.
The overlapping method in Ho Chi Minh's articles on political and social life is often

expressed in documents that need to be emphasized and made an impression. This overlapping
feature can create a connection in some words that are used a lot in a topic, object, author and
are especially profound in each work.
4.3.2. System of grafting method
The grafting method in Ho Chi Minh's articles on political and social life is the way to
interweave ideas and sentences with relative independence, side by side, following each other,
like a picture with many lines, shapes and colors. In addition, this method is evident in long
works, dealing with many broad issues. In term of structure, the French colonial rule of
Nguyen Ai Quoc (1925) consists of 12 chapters


(12 pieces), in which, each chapter is a topic, an object, scope and connection in a unified
whole.
The grafting method is shown in many Ho Chi Minh's articles on political and social life
and has been summarized into the views and lessons through outstanding speeches, talks,
articles, and interviews such as Letter to the writing class - Huynh Thuc Khang (I and II, 1949),
Speech at the Second Congress of the Vietnam Journalists Association (1959), The 50th
anniversary of the death of the great Russian writer - L.N. Tolstoy (1960), Speech at the 3rd
National Arts Congress (1962).
4.3.3. System of pun method
The pun method in Ho Chi Minh's Minh's articles on political and social life is widely
expressed in large numbers, bringing high artistic efficiency and interesting reception. With a
foreign language and extensive knowledge, besides Vietnamese, Ho Chi Minh also played puns
through French, English, and Chinese. In fact, the pun method are shown mainly from the way
of putting the title, reading words, understanding the meaning, saying the opposite meaning,
borrowing images, idioms, proverbs, folk songs, and Kieu to develop and expand the original
meaning.
Moreover, the way of naming titles in Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh's articles on
political and social life is bold in the art of puns. For example, in a number of articles, Ho Chi
Minh used a very valuable wordplay, such as misleading the name of French Colonial Minister

- Lutonno to "Lo nhuoc nho", or writing "Tren tran ai, ai cung ghet ai" to mock Aixenhao's loss
of the presidency in 1961.
Thus, it is possible to affirm that Ho Chi Minh is a master of the language art of and
journalism, because He gathered East-West cultural knowledge, experience in life, high fighting
spirit along with a strong journalistic art.
4.3.4. System of interrogative method
According to the common understanding, the interrogative method is to ask a retort
question, to use the interrogative pronoun to ask back, and is "the positive form to emphasize
the negative". First of all, the subject of the interrogation is the author, aiming at the recipient as
the enemy. With this object, the author's attitude is often sarcastic in order to affirm information
and aim to expose the crime of the recipient. According to the survey results of Tran Binh
Tuyen in Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh’s articles on political and social life, from a
theoretical perspective on discourse analysis, before 1945, Nguyen Ai Quoc's political
discourses consisted of questions; but after 1945, the interrogative question appeared much
more. However, here, the


questioner is the author or the indigenous people, the people of the colonial countries and the
recipients are French colonialists or specific objects with the basic purpose of not wanting to
receive the responses from the respondents.
In some cases, the interrogative art in Ho Chi Minh's articles on political and social life
is shown right from the way it is titled and deployed as a logical formal structure in the whole
article.
From the discourse’s viewpoint, the interrogative methods in Ho Chi Minh's articles on
political and social life are shown as a psychological art technique, a high- level interpretation
and propaganda capacity. More than just questions, the interrogative forms are deeply
embedded in the structure, closely related to other artistic components, making Ho Chi Minh's
political discourse truly unique, vivid, aesthetic, highly persuasive and easily absorbed into
people's hearts.
Summary of Chapter 4

The form of artistic language in Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh’s articles on political
and social life is really deep and vivid, forming diverse texts, compatible with each specific
content. He has repeatedly talked about his experience of writing political literature as well as
writing articles. Regarding the content, Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh’s articles on political
and social life can be classified according to the subject, topic, purpose and object of service.
Moreover, the formal aspects of artistic language are really diverse, flexible harmony,
connection and transformation are especially vivid. In fact, the outstanding feature here is the
integration and interweaving of styles, genres and the ability to flexibly use various types of
propaganda discourse, the capture and selection of documentary information, polemical voice
and lyrical tone based on each specific object. In addition, going deeper into each work of
Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh will see more clearly the rhetorical methods such as
overlapping method, grafting method, pun method and interrogative method, from the title to
the structure and mode of argument. Of course, this is just a way of understanding, building a
model, choosing basic and typical artistic expressions, and there are still other methods.


CONCULSION

1. Political literature has a special position in the composition and revolutionary career

of Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh. Understanding this subject is not simply about
understanding propaganda techniques and manipulations, but also explaining and showing the
close relationship between the work and the author as a great revolutionary, as well as the
relationship between the form of artistic language and the content of propaganda.
2. In the current context, when studying Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh’s articles on

political and social life, first of all, it is necessary to pay special attention to the history of each
work and know place them in geographical-historical, geographical-political relationships.
Next, it is necessary to overcome the rigid distinction between "propaganda politics” and "art
politics". Basically, talking about Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh’s articles on political and

social life is talking about the unity between art and propaganda.
3. In order to understand Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh’s articles on political and

social life, it is necessary to put them in in relation with the political discourse, administrative
literature, non-fiction function of the medieval period and with the political literature of
Vietnamese literature entered the period of modernization. Absorbing the traditional cultural
and literary roots of the nation, starting a revolutionary career and writing political literature
from France, Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh reflected on the struggle for national liberation
from France and Western countries; also from the national liberation movement in the world to
creatively apply in the struggle to defend the fatherland and build the country - Vietnam.
According to Ho Chi Minh's Complete works (15 volumes, 2011), over half a century,
He wrote about 3,300 articles on political and social life with many different formats, types and
capacities. In fact, the quantitative research is to identify common characteristics of genres,
sub- genres, topics and themes; emphasize the superiority of articles on political and social life
over stories and poetry; emphasize unity in the purpose of composition as well as artistic style.
Next, a classification is performed to determine the relative differences in both the role of the
author, the recipients, the objective, the scope, the propaganda method as well as the structure,
capacity, and organization of works and corresponding artistic language forms. The division of
Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh’s articles on political and social life into two stages (before and
after 1941) in order to identify different purposes, orientations and content


that are unified in one author, one writer, and one style in different specific conditions,
situations and tasks.
4. The content of Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh’s articles on political and social life is

associated with propaganda, in favor of logical thinking profound times and humanity, giving
strong, coherent, eloquent arguments, also vivid, inspiring, persuasive, easy to get into people's
hearts.
The identification of propaganda characteristics in Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh's

articles on political and social life shows that in terms of content, there is a close relationship
with each other, answering the questions such as "Writing for whom?”, “Write for what?".
From the beginning of his writings until the end of his life, Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh
was always conscious of using political literature as a means and weapon of revolutionary
struggle to gain independence, build and protect the country. This is also the foundation that
stipulates the characteristics of content such as ethnicity, humanity, ability to learn, absorb,
apply, and harmonize East-West cultural knowledge in Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh's
articles on political and social life, especially deeply crystallized in the Will - a work classified
as "heritage" and "national treasure". In fact, the Will fully embodies the ideals of the era, the
nation, and the quality of "leaving a lot of love" to the entire Vietnamese nation. All of His
propaganda works are a great source of spiritual heritage, vividly and comprehensively
reflecting the process of developing and perfecting the Vietnamese cultural value system in the
history of the twentieth century's revolutionary struggle.
5. Unlike the Quantitative Survey, which is inclined to observe, make statistics, and

classify the characteristics of the content quite clearly, the study of the artistic language system
of Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh's articles on political and social life belongs to the formsexpression” and is in favor of the way the answer to the question "How to write" which is not
easy to grasp. Next, the purpose of deeply understanding the language system’s characteristics
is to determine thier aesthetic values. It is possible to say that Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh's
articles on political and social life is really rich in art and peak.
The artistic language of propaganda in Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh's articles on
political and social life covers many levels, showing the richness and vividness from the
position of the "observer"; also, the selection of statistics and information is widespread, quick,
and timely; level of logical thinking and lyrical tone suitable for each specific object. The
outstanding feature here is the system of artistic methods that overlap, rhetoric at many
levels (titles, words, sentences, articles and


topics, etc...), the creative ability of language forms (combination of grafting, puns and counterarguments, the use of image-rich words, metaphors, metonymy, personification, etc.). This is
also the basis for creating the tone of Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh's propaganda political

litrature with the characteristics of discussing socio-political issues, the ability to pose problems
and flexibly use different types of sentences (simple sentences, compound sentences,
exclamation sentences and counter- questions), creating persuasive power for the recipients.
6. The heritage of Nguyen Ai Quoc - Ho Chi Minh's articles on political and social life is

still topical. That's the reason for this topic to have a lot of potential for development, it needs
to be investigated and researched in a more comprehensive and in-depth way. It is possible to
aim at three levels: 1) On the basis of the distinctive art of propaganda of political discourse, we
will expand the study of all Ho Chi Minh's literary achievements; 2) Studying the propaganda
art of Ho Chi Minh's articles on political and social life in the total historical heritage of national
political literature; 3) Researching the propaganda art of Ho Chi Minh's articles on political and
social life as an excellent case in relation to the modern world's political literature.