Topic: Analysis of Hoàng Lê's Unified Rule
I. Detailed Outline
II. Sample Essay
Analysis of Hoàng Lê's Unified Rule
I. Outline of Analyzing Hoàng Lê's Unified Rule (Standard)
1. Introduction:
- Introduction to the literary group Ngô family and the work 'Hoàng Lê's Unified Rule.'
2. Main Body:
a. Overview of the Ngô literary group and the work 'Hoàng Lê's Unified Rule':
- The Ngô literary group comprises two main authors: Ngô Thì Chí and Ngô Thì Du.
+ Ngô Thì Chí (1753 - 1788) served as an official under King Lê Chiêu Thống and remained fiercely loyal to the Lê dynasty. He authored the first 7 chapters of 'Hoàng Lê's Unified Rule.'
+ Ngô Thì Du (1772 - 1840) served as an official under the Nguyễn dynasty until his retirement in 1827. He authored the subsequent 7 chapters of 'Hoàng Lê's Unified Rule.'
- The excerpt studied is the 14th chapter of 'Hoàng Lê's Unified Rule,' which vividly portrays the national hero Nguyễn Huệ's rapid victories against the Qing invaders, showcasing the defeat of Qing generals and the tragic fate of the incompetent King Lê Chiêu Thống.
b. Analysis of the Work:
- Portrayal of the national hero Quang Trung - Nguyễn Huệ:
+ Strong and decisive in all situations.
+ Quick-witted and insightful, perceptive of the times.
+ Determined to fight and win, with a far-reaching vision, longing for peace.
+ A military strategist and commander par excellence.
→ King Quang Trung is a courageous, intelligent hero, rich in compassion, the soul of the Tây Sơn righteous army, of great victories.
- The disastrous failure of the Qing generals and the tragic fate of the traitorous Lê Chiêu Thống:
+ Qing generals: Incompetent (Tôn Sĩ Nghị arrogant, complacent, arrogantly led the army to invade Thăng Long), useless army (When the Tây Sơn army attacked, they fled in disarray, trampling over each other and dying), greedy and cowardly.
+ King Lê Chiêu Thống: Only knows how to grovel, beg, rely on the power of the Qing army, fleeing for his life to China.
→ The disgrace, cowardice of King Lê Chiêu Thống and the tragic fate of the traitors and sellouts.
c. Evaluation:
- Choosing the narrative sequence based on the historical events, storytelling language, vivid descriptions, and strong impressions have demonstrated the author's stance towards different subjects such as King Quang Trung, the Qing army, and King Lê Chiêu Thống.
- The excerpt has conveyed accurate historical perspectives, the patriotic spirit of the author group, condemning the traitors and invaders.
3. Conclusion:
- Summarize the value of the work.
II. Sample Essay Analyzing Hoàng Lê's Unified Rule (Standard)
The war may have concluded, but the national chronicles still bear the indelible mark of the Ngọc Hồi - Đống Đa battle, with its lightning victory resonating far and wide, reminding us of a talented and brave king, King Quang Trung. Despite the disparity in forces, thanks to skilled generals with excellent military strategies, our people's army achieved victory against all invading enemies. Therefore, the Ngô literary group in 'Hoàng Lê's Unified Rule' has vividly depicted our country's situation in the last 30 years of the 18th century, especially through the excerpt of the 14th chapter where we witnessed the image of King Quang Trung and the failure of the traitorous and invading army.
The Ngô literary group comprises two main authors, Ngô Thì Chí and Ngô Thì Du. Ngô Thì Chí (1753 - 1788), the younger brother of Ngô Thì Nhậm, served under King Lê Chiêu Thống and remained fiercely loyal to the Lê dynasty. Many sources suggest that he authored the first 7 chapters of 'Hoàng Lê's Unified Rule.' Ngô Thì Du (1772 - 1840), the younger cousin of Ngô Thì Chí, although academically gifted, did not achieve much. He served under the Nguyễn dynasty until retiring in 1827 and authored the following 7 chapters of 'Hoàng Lê's Unified Rule.' The excerpt we've studied, the 14th chapter of 'Hoàng Lê's Unified Rule,' realistically portrays the heroic image of the national hero Nguyễn Huệ through his lightning victory over the Qing army, while also illustrating the failure of the Qing generals and the tragic fate of King Lê Chiêu Thống.
In the work, King Quang Trung - Nguyễn Huệ is vividly portrayed as a military leader with a 'hundred battles, hundred victories' strategy, characterized by decisiveness and other admirable qualities. He is willing to listen to the opinions of his subordinates to understand the people's sentiments before ascending the throne and embarking on a campaign to the North. Upon reaching Nghệ An, he even mingled with commoners to inquire whether his expedition would succeed or fail, demonstrating his commitment to the people's welfare. When a commoner confidently predicted victory within ten days, King Quang Trung was 'greatly pleased,' as his determination had garnered popular support. He immediately began recruiting soldiers, amassing 'more than ten thousand elite troops' in a short time. With his keen intelligence, foresight, and desire for peace, he persuaded soldiers who 'dared not waver.' By treating his soldiers as equals and highlighting the historical suffering of the people under foreign rule, he instilled unity and determination to resist the enemy. Thanks to his resolute determination, visionary outlook, and desire for peace, the Lam Sơn army achieved a 'lightning victory' at the Ngọc Hồi battle. His promise to celebrate the Lunar New Year in Thăng Long upon victory was fulfilled through his extraordinary military tactics. He kept the march secret, deceived the enemy into attacking Hà Hồi village, and used wet straw mats to attack Ngọc Hồi village, catching the Qing army completely off guard. Upon hearing news of the victory, the Qing army could not resist and could only flee. Based on these details, we can see that King Quang Trung was a courageous national hero, intellectually gifted, compassionate, a military genius, and the soul of the Tây Sơn army, of the great victory.
When the Lam Sơn army achieved victory, it was also the moment when the Qing generals suffered a humiliating defeat and the traitorous invaders under King Lê Chiêu Thống endured a tragic fate. The Qing army had incompetent generals like Tôn Sĩ Nghị, who was arrogant and complacent, leading the army to invade Thăng Long while indulging in feasting without taking precautions. Their soldiers were useless, so when the Tây Sơn army attacked, they fled chaotically, trampling over each other to death, showing their cowardice. They were so afraid of dying that they pushed and shoved each other off bridges, causing many to drown in the Nhị Hà River. King Lê Chiêu Thống only knew how to cower, beg, and rely on Qing power, fleeing to China upon hearing that the Tây Sơn army was catching up. This humiliation and cowardice were the fate of King Lê Chiêu Thống and all the traitors and invaders.
