Analysis of the Echoing Drums at Cổ Thành

Prompt: Analyze the Echoing Drums at Cổ Thành, excerpted from The Romance of the Three Kingdoms by La Quan Trung.

Analysis of the Echoing Drums at Cổ Thành

I. Outline for Analyzing the Echoing Drums at Cổ Thành (Standard)

1.  Introduction

-   Introduction to the work Romance of the Three Kingdoms

•  Quan Cong: maintaining composure, addressing 'dear brother, younger sibling', seeking aid from his sister-in-law, clarifying with Truong Phi 'dear brother ... it's just us', 'if I were to ... engage in warfare' => Demonstrating subtlety and patience.

+ Sai Duong arrives: Random yet logical, making Truong Phi increasingly convinced that Quan Cong has betrayed => Escalating conflicts to the peak, turning brothers into enemies, Quan Cong finding it harder to explain, to clarify.
+ Conflict resolved as Quan Cong volunteers to decapitate Sai Duong to prove loyalty while Truong Phi imposes the condition of beheading Sai Duong within three drumbeats.
=> This is an extremely challenging task, occurring within a short period.
+ Truong Phi strikes the drum without hesitation, decisively seeking justice
=> Result: Quan Cong decapitates Sai Duong within the first drumbeat
=> Witnessing Quan Cong's actions, questioning soldiers and two sisters, Truong Phi truly believes Quan Cong, crying and prostrating before him.
=> Truong Phi impulsive - acknowledging goodness, correcting mistakes.

-   Significance of the Drumbeat at Co Loa:
+ The name evokes the atmosphere of battle, the drumbeat resounding in Truong Phi's situation like a judge presiding over Quan Cong, fueling the desire for justice, empowering Quan Cong to decapitate Sai Duong within the designated time.
+ This is the drumbeat of reunification, justice, and challenge. Reflecting the heroic atmosphere of battle, urging to fight, praising the bravery of heroes.
+ It is also joy, affirming faith, loyalty, glorifying righteousness and victory.

-   Artistry in the excerpt:
+ Building archetypal, iconic characters
+ Character traits revealed directly through actions, gestures, words.
+ The story situation constructed with dramatic conflicts, creating excitement, suspense for the excerpt
+ Narrative art following the novel chapter format.

3.  Conclusion

-  Reinforce the value of the excerpt.
 

II. Sample Essay Analysis of the Co Loa Drumbeat

1. Analysis of the Co Loa Drumbeat, Sample 1 (Standard)

Within Chinese history, four major works have shaped the four great masterpieces of Chinese literature, including Journey to the West, Dream of the Red Chamber, Water Margin, and Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Among them, Romance of the Three Kingdoms is the most deeply influential work on the culture and military of our Vietnam as well as many other countries around the world.

The work Romance of the Three Kingdoms emerged at the beginning of the Ming Dynasty, arising in the atmosphere of the struggle against the hegemony of the Mongols to restore the Han dynasty. The work was composed partly based on history and folk dramas.

Romance of the Three Kingdoms is a novel consisting of one hundred and twenty chapters, recounting the formation, development, and downfall of the three feudal dynasties of China: Wei, Shu, and Wu, while expressing the people's desire for peace.

The novel by author Luo Guanzhong has exposed the ruthless, wicked, deceitful nature of the ruling class, revealing the political landscape of China during the period of 'divide and conquer' warfare when there were constant wars and people were in chaos. It also exposes the uncertain, tragic, chaotic lives of the people in that society while expressing the dream of a peaceful, prosperous country with benevolent kings and capable generals. It is a desire for peace, unity, a humane peace that author Luo Guanzhong and countless people wish to convey.

In terms of artistry, Romance of the Three Kingdoms holds value not only in history but also in military tactics. Alongside that is the captivating storytelling art of the author, enchanting readers from one chapter to another, especially notable in the vivid descriptions of battles. With its vast array of characters, each with distinct personalities, the author also introduces intense conflicts in every chapter, using those conflicts to resolve further conflicts.

The excerpt from the Co Loa Drumbeat is the latter half of the twenty-eighth chapter of the work, where Quan Cong brings his two sisters-in-law to the south, reaching Co Loa where he encounters Truong Phi. Misunderstanding Quan Cong's actions of surrendering to Cao Cao to protect his sisters-in-law as treachery, Truong Phi insists on killing Quan Cong without heeding any advice. To prove his loyalty and innocence, Quan Cong proposes to decapitate Sai Duong (a general of Cao Cao) within three drumbeats of Truong Phi. Before the first beat ends, Sai Duong's head falls to the ground. Only then does Truong Phi dispel his suspicions of Quan Cong, shedding tears and kneeling before him.

Analysis of the Co Loa Drumbeat to reveal the contrast in the personalities of Truong Phi and Quan Cong

The Co Loa Drumbeat is the soul of the twenty-eighth chapter, symbolizing reunion, justice, and loyalty. It also extols the loyalty and righteousness of the two heroic figures Quan Cong and Truong Phi.

The excerpt opens with the encounter between the two brothers, Quan Cong and Truong Phi. Wanting to reunite with Liu Bei in Nanman, Quan Cong must escort his two sisters-in-law through Co Loa. Here, he unexpectedly hears of Truong Phi's presence. Joyous but tense, Quan Cong invites Truong Phi outside the city gates, only to face each other with a thousand soldiers behind Truong Phi. The reason? Truong Phi believes Quan Cong's surrender to Cao Cao betrays their brotherly bond. With a hot-headed, forthright nature, Truong Phi quickly erupts in anger upon hearing the news. In contrast, Quan Cong is prudent, tolerant, and cautious, yet both are heroic figures of righteousness.

The author constructs an intensely dramatic confrontation between two characters with entirely opposite personalities. The art of character description here is superb, revealing the distinct traits and further highlighting the story's conflicts.

Firstly, we must mention the character of Truong Phi. The initial impression is of a hot-tempered, resentful, decisive figure. Upon hearing of his brother's allegiance to Cao Cao, he immediately seeks revenge. However, this same Truong Phi, upon hearing the full story, sheds tears and kneels before Quan Cong, a deeply emotional individual.

La Quan Trung doesn't offer direct commentary on each character but instead employs gestures, distinct traits, and actions, placing them in relation to other characters to allow the characters themselves to reveal their traits. For Truong Phi, he depicts the character's resolute actions 'Truong Phi's eyes wide, beard bristling, thundering like lightning, brandishing his spear and charging at Quan Cong,' accompanied by furious words: 'Growling angrily;' Have you betrayed me and still have the nerve to see me?' Truong Phi's actions and words are extremely forthright, hot-headed, revealing a character of intense decisiveness and integrity.

In relation to other characters, despite Tôn Càn and Quan Cong's sisters-in-law trying hard to defend Quan Cong, Truong Phi remains resolute in his intentions. This shows that Truong Phi's confrontation with Quan Cong at Co Loa was a carefully considered action, not a spontaneous outburst of anger. Throughout history, the oath of loyalty among noblemen has been sacred, with only death able to compensate for any violation.

La Quan Trung placed Truong Phi in an extremely dramatic situation to reveal the character's personality, using contrasting descriptions. While Truong Phi is hot-tempered and forthright, he is also deeply emotional and devoted to brotherhood.

Facing Truong Phi is Quan Cong, placed in a highly dramatic situation where he is suspected of betraying his brothers. Like Truong Phi, Quan Cong is described through his actions and gestures. With classic descriptive techniques, the author creates a typical portrayal of a noble and loyal gentleman.

The excerpt from the Co Loa Drumbeat is structured with a complete framework, with an introduction, development of events, and a decisive resolution. The story unfolds with tension between the two brothers. The intense conflicts between Quan Cong and Truong Phi arise from Truong Phi's furious belief that Quan Cong has betrayed their brotherhood. However, Truong Phi fails to realize that Quan Cong's every move is to protect his vulnerable sisters-in-law, thus violating his oath but displaying his heroic demeanor.

The conflict develops continuously in a highly logical manner. Before meeting, while Truong Phi hears of Quan Cong's arrival and immediately gears up, readying his troops, with a demeanor full of excitement and fury, Quan Cong behaves entirely to the contrary.

Unaware of his sworn brother's anger, Quan Cong meets Truong Phi with great joy, preparing a welcoming gesture. However, upon seeing Truong Phi charging towards him with a spear, Quan Cong dodges while gently questioning his brother's actions, asking, 'Why this aggression, dear brother, have you forgotten our brotherly bond?' Quan Cong's demeanor is both calm and yielding, in stark contrast to Truong Phi's fiery outburst, revealing the former's patience and diplomacy in resolving the conflict.

However, before the conflict between the two brothers is fully resolved, the author tightens the story's knot further with Sai Duong's arrival at Co Loa with his troops. This seemingly random yet highly reasonable event escalates the tension and suspicion between Truong Phi and Quan Cong, forcing them to address the issue through action.

In this crucial moment, Quan Cong speaks to his sworn brother, saying, 'Brother, wait, watch me strike down that general to prove my loyalty.' His words express both loyalty and the injustice he feels. However, Truong Phi is not easily swayed. He straightforwardly commands Quan Cong to decapitate Sai Duong within three drumbeats. Without hesitation, Truong Phi takes action, determined to uncover the truth. This task is no longer ordinary but exceedingly difficult and perilous. Nevertheless, Quan Cong, to prove his loyalty, accepts the challenge without hesitation. Indeed, the mighty Quan Vu proves himself to be a formidable and skilled military strategist.

After overcoming the challenge, Truong Phi regained some composure, pondering over all the story's issues, consulting his soldiers and his two sisters-in-law. It was then that he truly believed in Quan Vu, 'tears streaming, bowing to Van Truong.' Truong Phi, a courageous and hot-headed general, also proved to be straightforward; he acknowledged his mistakes, rectified them, and sought redemption. Meanwhile, Quan Vu demonstrated himself not only as a more talented individual but also as a man of indomitable spirit.

Although the chapter of Co Loa's Drums has concluded, its resonance within our hearts remains incredibly potent. The echoing drums within Co Loa resonate as the drums of testing steadfastness, justice, and reunion. Entitled Co Loa's Drums, it evokes the atmosphere of the battlefield, highlighting conflicts between Truong Phi and Quan Cong, Quan Cong and Sai Duong—intense conflicts serving as the story's focal points, driving it to its climax. These drums echo Truong Phi's conditions, acting as both a judicial verdict on Quan Vu, compelling him to swiftly decapitate Sai Duong, and fueling Quan Vu's thirst for justice, empowering him to express his true feelings. Ultimately, these drums embody the heroic spirit of battle, inspiring morale, valor in combat, praising the heroism of the protagonists, celebrating victory, and instilling faith in them.

In terms of artistry, La Quan Trung excelled in creating iconic, emblematic characters. He did not directly reveal their personalities but constructed them through gestures, words, and actions. The novel's episodic storytelling technique is employed masterfully, crafting dramatic conflicts and engendering immense appeal for the reader.

The excerpt from Co Loa's Drums evokes a myriad of emotions for readers. It's not just the suspense of awaiting Quan Cong's exoneration or Truong Phi's actions; it also conveys the bonds of brotherhood. Tam Quoc Dien Nghia, in general, and the excerpt from Co Loa's Drums, in particular, are truly outstanding works, deserving to be among the most famous classics of Chinese literature.

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To aid students in studying and understanding the excerpt 'The Return of the Ancient Drum', alongside the analysis provided here, students can also refer to: Study Guide for The Return of the Ancient Drum, Literature Class 10, Analyzing the significance of the ancient drum in The Return of the Ancient Drum, Character analysis of Truong Phi in the story The Return of the Ancient Drum, and Retelling the content of the excerpt The Return of the Ancient Drum in the words of Quan Cong.

2. Analysis of The Return of the Ancient Drum, sample 2:

It can be said that the chapter novel is the most outstanding genre in the literary treasure of the Ming - Qing period in China. One of the famous works of this period must mention 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms' by Luo Guanzhong. He is the author who made outstanding contributions to the historical novel genre of the Ming - Qing period, and 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms' has deeply influenced Vietnam and countries around the world.

Analysis of the excerpt 'The Drum Beat at Ancient Capital' - concise and understandable

The beauty of both characters shines when they meet. Upon meeting Zhang Fei, Guan Yu quickly avoids confrontation, recalling the peach blossom bond and diligently explaining himself: “I didn't know about this either, it's hard to explain. Luckily, there are two sisters here, ask them.” His decisive words and composed actions prove Guan Yu's patience and gentleness even in difficult situations. In contrast, upon meeting Guan Yu, Zhang Fei immediately rebukes, angrily accusing Guan Yu of betrayal, refusing to listen to advice from others or Guan Yu's explanations. This demonstrates Zhang Fei's hot-headed and straightforward nature, which emphasizes the noble character.

The details of 'The Drum Beat' resolve the conflict between the two characters, highlighting their beauty. Seeing Cao Cao's army approaching, Guan Yu suggests cutting down the general Sai Duong to show loyalty. This act of loyalty, consistent with Guan Yu's calm demeanor, emphasizes his integrity. Zhang Fei issues a challenge to chop off the enemy general's head while drumming. As Zhang Fei drums, Guan Yu swiftly beheads Sai Duong, resolving the conflict decisively. 'The Drum Beat' swiftly resolves conflicts, emphasizing Guan Yu's loyalty and Zhang Fei's straightforwardness. It also creates a battlefield atmosphere, resolving conflicts with swords and spears amidst urgent military sounds, depicting magnified dramatic techniques characteristic of the novel.

Through the excerpt 'The Drum Beat at Ancient Capital,' the noble integrity of Guan Yu and the straightforwardness of Zhang Fei are vividly portrayed. The bond of brotherhood with principles of loyalty and sincerity, along with the conduct of a true gentleman, are conveyed as an enduring lesson for each of us.