Feminine awareness in Ho Xuan Huong’s poems

Abstract

Ho Xuan Huong, known as “the queen of Nôm poetry” at the end of the
Le Dynasty and the beginning of the Nguyen Dynasty, is a talented poet of Vietnamese
medieval literature. Her poetry indicates feminine awareness; protesting against Confucian
ethics during the feudal time; affirms women’s personality and position in society. Based on
feminist theory, the authors demonstrate the feminine awareness in Ho Xuan Huong’s poetry
on various aspects such as the pursuit of a self-chosen/free love, an equal and love marriage,
and being free in social connections. The article contributes to clarifying gender theories and
feminine awareness in Ho Xuan Huong’s poetry. With her experiences in life, she has a strong
determination to voice her opinions in the patriarchal society, which makes her so special. The
authors believe that the feminine awareness in her poetry has changed significantly gender
equality in Confucian society.