War-Related Metaphors in Literary Works of Vietnamese Authors From 1975 to Present:

A Systematic Review

摘要

The end of combat in 1975 did not end the war’s psychological weight in Vietnam. This systematic review synthesizes twelve studies by Vietnamese authors to track how war metaphors have evolved from state-sanctioned heroism to personal witnessing. We identify a profound “humanistic turn”, where idealized revolutionary icons are replaced by trauma-stricken individuals. A central finding is the dominance of the WAR IS A WILD BEAST mapping, which strips away ideology to reveal the “moral blindness” and instinctual violence of conflict. Furthermore, the use of “metaphysical experiences” - framing war as a ghost or parasite - serves as “narrative therapy” for survivors dealing with fragmented memories. The analysis shows that the “war” domain remains a foundational cognitive mind map in modern Vietnam, used to conceptualize everything from sports competition and political tension to commercial advertising. These shifts reflect a transition from rigid national narratives toward a nuanced, therapeutic reckoning with history. Ultimately, these metaphors allow a culture to “think through” the complexities of a past that remains a living part of the present.