From a literary seminar, thinking about theoretical work and literary and artistic criticism in Ha Nam

After 50 years of national reunification, Ha Nam literature and arts (VHNT) has made remarkable progress in terms of creative teams, forming a number of famous authors, making significant contributions to the development of local culture and arts. However, theoretical and critical work on VHNT - an essential pillar in literary development, has been almost neglected. This was frankly pointed out by delegates at the Workshop "Ha Nam Literature 50 Years After National Reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025)" organized by the Ha Nam Literature and Arts Association in April 2025.

This conference is not only an opportunity to summarize achievements in literature and art but also an opportunity to look back at the gaps that need to be filled if Ha Nam wants to have a comprehensive and profound literature. In particular, the field of theory and criticism is identified as one of the weakest points, with no change in both strength and quality, and no academic space to support, promote and guide creation.

Literary theory and criticism are not simply a supplement to creation, but more importantly, they are a companion and guiding factor. A healthy literature cannot lack a voice of criticism, analysis, evaluation and value shaping. Theory and criticism clarify the artistic nature of the work, illuminating issues of ideology, technique and aesthetics. From there, it helps the author look back at himself, readers have a basis for deeper enjoyment, and the public is oriented to approach literature in a scientific and correct way.

In his speech at the conference, poet Truong Van Tho emphasized: Literary theory and criticism in Ha Nam is a blank. We lack specialized writers, academic articles, both practitioners and an environment for development... This is a valid assessment, even a warning when many other localities in the Red River Delta, North Central Coast... have had and are having outstanding theoretical and critical writers, gradually creating influence and promoting local literary life.

Mr. Nguyen Van Ngan, Chairman of the Provincial Literature and Arts Association, spoke at the Workshop "Ha Nam Literature after 50 years of national reunification".

In Ha Nam, for many years, literary criticism has been mainly introductory, perceptive, and sometimes diplomatic: heavy on praise, light on discussion, lacking critical thinking and academic depth. Columns in Song Chau Magazine such as: "Introducing works", "Poetry handbook", "Coming to literature and art" have tried their best but still stopped at the popular level, not creating attraction for academic exchanges. Many works were published and then fell into obscurity and the public received the works mostly based on emotion. That is the direct consequence of a criticism that has not yet been properly formed.

Mr. Nguyen Van Ngan, Chairman of the Provincial Literature and Arts Association, said: Literary theory and criticism are also factors in creating the local literary identity. To identify Ha Nam literature on the map of Vietnamese literature, not only good writing is needed, but also a strong enough critical force is needed to identify, explain and support values. Without theory and criticism, writing can easily fall into a rut or deviate from aesthetic standards.

From the above situation, the question is: What should Ha Nam do to escape the "blank" situation of literary and artistic theory and criticism? First of all, it must be affirmed that Ha Nam has potential, has dedicated writers, has a deep cultural tradition and has the need to build a literature rich in identity. The remaining problem is to have the right strategy and determination to act from cultural management levels to the artists themselves.

According to many opinions, one of the first things to do is to develop a Project to develop literary and artistic theory and criticism for the period 2025-2030, chaired by the Provincial Literature and Arts Association, in coordination with relevant departments and branches. This project needs to set specific goals such as: training a successor team; improving the quality of the Theory and Criticism column in Song Chau Magazine; organizing specialized seminars; launching a literary criticism writing contest on works in the province... In addition, Ha Nam also needs to focus on discovering and nurturing the successor force. Currently, among the team of Literature teachers, university lecturers, journalists, cultural researchers... there is no shortage of people with the ability to perceive and think theoretically. As long as there is an appropriate academic environment and incentive mechanism, a team of literary theories and critics can be developed. Training courses on critical writing and writing camps on theory and criticism should be held periodically, inviting central experts to participate in the guidance. Another breakthrough direction is to link up with literary and artistic associations that are strong in theory and criticism, such as Nam Dinh , Thai Binh, Nghe An..., to learn from experiences, exchange collaborators, and organize thematic exchanges. This will help broaden the vision, update modern criticism trends, and gradually form a team of professional theorists and critics. At the same time, there needs to be a change in perception and evaluation, because for a long time, critics have often been seen as side jobs, unattractive, and rarely recognized in the award system. Without a mechanism to honor, reward, and motivate them appropriately, it is difficult to retain writers for a long time in this job that requires a lot of effort and specialized knowledge.

The establishment of a specialized theoretical and critical group under the Literature and Arts Association with a few core collaborators, responsible for developing the content of the column, organizing thematic seminars, criticizing new works... could be a first step when there are no conditions to form an official theoretical and critical group. However, more importantly, a culture of criticism needs to be built. It is an academic space where artistic views are respected, where differences are seen as opportunities for development, where writers, readers, and cultural workers share the responsibility of building a healthy and progressive literature.

The workshop “Ha Nam Literature 50 Years After National Reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025)” marked a shift in thinking. Correctly recognizing the role of theory and criticism in literary life is a manifestation of a mature literature and art. It is time for Ha Nam to consider theory and criticism as pillars, as driving forces, as indispensable companions in the journey to enhance the value of local literature. When theory and criticism are no longer “blank areas”, when critics are given more inner strength and opportunities to express themselves, when their works are placed in a space of academic criticism and reflection, that is also the time when Ha Nam literature can confidently enter a new period of development, deeper, more unique and more integrated.

Jiangnan

Source: https://baohanam.com.vn/van-hoa/van-hoc-nghe-thuat/tu-mot-hoi-thao-van-hoc-nghi-den-cong-tac-ly-luan-phe-binh-van-hoc-nghe-thuat-o-ha-nam-165046.html