Analyzing 'Bài ca ngất ngưởng' by Nguyễn Công Trứ

Topic: Analyzing 'Bài ca ngất ngưởng' by Nguyễn Công Trứ

Sample essays to help analyze 'Bài ca ngất ngưởng'

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I. Standard Outline for Analyzing 'Bài ca ngất ngưởng'
 

1. Introduction

- Introduction to the author Nguyễn Công Trứ (biography, personal characteristics, writing style,...)
- Introduction to the poem 'Bài ca ngất ngưởng' (origin, circumstances of creation, summary of content value and artistic value,...)
 

2. Body

a. “Ngất ngưởng”

- Literally: 'ngất ngưởng' is a term used to refer to height - higher than others, objects, and always in a tilting, almost falling state, it is not completely stable but cannot fall.
- In the work, 'ngất ngưởng' is the author's lifestyle, his way of living

b. First 6 lines: 'Ngất ngưởng khi ở chốn làm quan'
- Asserting his role, position in the world
- He has demonstrated, has shown off his talent, his fame:
+ Using a series of Sino-Vietnamese words - Thủ khoa (first laureate), Tham tán (deputy envoy), Tổng đốc Đông (Eastern Governor),... along with the listing technique and idioms.
+ Nguyễn Công Trứ is a person who excels in both literature and martial arts, and simultaneously holds many important positions 

c. The remaining 13 lines: 'Ngất ngưởng khi cáo quan về hưu'
- A lifestyle different from others, from the times, contrary to convention
+ Sitting on a golden buffalo adorned with horse ornaments
+ Going to the temple with a maid
- Not paying much attention to gaining or losing, praise or criticism, because to him, gaining or losing
- A free-spirited, unrestrained lifestyle, doing whatever he wants, not bound by conventions.
- He has a self-concluding statement about a transparent life and deep satisfaction in the closing lines of the poem.

c. Conclusion

Summarize the highlights of the content, artistry of the poem, and express personal thoughts.

II. Sample essay Analyzing 'Bài ca ngất ngưởng'
 

1. Analysis of 'Bài ca ngất ngưởng', sample 1 (standard):

Nguyễn Công Trứ is not only a mandarin but also a great poet and writer of Vietnamese literature in general and medieval literature in particular. Nguyễn Công Trứ wrote a lot, especially in Nôm script, and through those works, his unique style is clearly evident. It can be said that the poem 'Bài ca ngất ngưởng' - a work considered as a summary of Nguyễn Công Trứ's life is one of his most representative works. 

Reading the poem 'Bài ca ngất ngưởng' by Nguyễn Công Trứ, readers will easily realize that 'ngất ngưởng' is the inspiration throughout the poem, appearing four times in the work. So how should we understand 'ngất ngưởng' in the poem? As we know, 'ngất ngưởng' is a term used to refer to height - higher than others, objects, and always in a tilting, almost falling state, it is not completely stable but cannot fall. However, in the work, 'ngất ngưởng' is not used in that sense but in another layer of meaning, that is the author's lifestyle, his way of living. And with that understanding, we will see many interesting and attractive things in the poem.

First of all, in the first six lines of the poem, the author clearly shows the sense of 'ngất ngưởng' when in the office. First, the sense of 'ngất ngưởng' in the office is shown in asserting his role, position in the world:

The universe of internal matter denies fate
Mr. Hi Văn's talented character has entered the cage

With just two lines, the author has shown his attitude about his position. For him, everything in the universe, heaven and earth, is his affair, and he considers entering the world as a way to demonstrate his talent and intelligence. And from that assertion, he has demonstrated, has shown off his talent, his fame:

As First Laureate, as Deputy Envoy, as Eastern Governor
Mastery has made his hand reach the heights
When dealing with the Western side, he plays the role of a great general
Sometimes returning to the court in Thừa Thiên.

In four lines, the author has used a series of Sino-Vietnamese words - First Laureate, Deputy Envoy, Eastern Governor,... along with the listing technique and idioms, thereby showing the reader his talent and fame. It can be seen that Nguyễn Công Trứ excels in both literature and martial arts, and simultaneously holds many important positions in his career as a mandarin. Thus, in the first six lines of the poem, the author has spoken about his talent, fame, and position with a dignified, emphasized, and proud attitude.

Not only soaring in the officialdom, Nguyễn Công Trứ also soars in his lifestyle after retiring from office, which is authentically and distinctly expressed in the remaining thirteen lines of the poem. First of all, Nguyễn Công Trứ's soaring lifestyle after retiring from office is manifested in a lifestyle different from others, from the times, contrary to convention.

The capital city celebrates the years of release
Adorned with a golden buffalo adorned with horse ornaments, soaring

These two lines evoke before us the image of the author sitting proudly on the back of a golden buffalo adorned with horse ornaments - a unique figure, as if teasing and challenging. And then, as he releases his soul into the white clouds, high mountains, the soaring figure of the author remains unchanged:

Behold that mountain with white clouds
A hand on the sword becomes compassionate
With fairy heels following every peak
Even the gods laugh at his soaring figure

Perhaps in literature, we have never seen anyone go to the temple with a maid like Nguyễn Công Trứ. Going to the temple - a place of nobility and elegance - with a maid. His demeanor, his lifestyle, made even the gods bow, made even them laugh.

The best 11th grade essays analyzing 'Bài ca ngất ngưởng'

At the same time, in his lifestyle, Nguyễn Công Trứ does not pay much attention to gaining or losing, praise or criticism, because to him, gaining or losing, praise or criticism, he doesn't know which is better.

To lose the supreme human form
Praise and criticism expose the winter wind's tip.

Furthermore, in Nguyễn Công Trứ, we also see a lifestyle of freedom, contentment, wanting to do whatever he pleases, without being bound by conventions.

In wine, in song, in gambling, in revelry
No Buddha, no Immortals, not bound by conventions

Thus, we can see that Nguyễn Công Trứ's attitude and lifestyle in retirement have very distinct expressions. However, in him, we still see many consistent points with his previous life; he always remains a loyal self. And then, he has a self-concluding word about a life full of transparency and deep satisfaction in the closing lines of the poem.

Neither Trái nor Nhạc also entered the Hàn Phú ward
Thinking that my king has fully followed the path of our ancestors
In the court, who soars like him!

Nguyen Cong Tru, whose courtesy name was Hi Van, was born in 1778 in Uy Vien village, Nghi Xuan district, Ha Tinh province. His father, Nguyen Cong Tan, held the position of dau huong cong and served as the prefect of Tien Hung (Thai Binh) before participating in the movement to support the Le dynasty against the Tay Son, leading to his ennoblement as Duc Nghi Hau by the Le court.

Nguyen Cong Tru was a rare talent in many respects, who early on chose the path of advancement through scholarly achievements. In his youth, he studied diligently but faced difficulties in the imperial examinations, only passing at the age of 42. His career as an official was marked by ups and downs, yet he always embraced high ideals and upheld the principles of integrity. Nguyen Cong Tru vigorously carried out his duties, even suppressing peasant uprisings several times, while maintaining the progressive values of Confucianism. He was renowned for his integrity, especially in opening up wasteland and embanking the sea. Nguyen Cong Tru brought benefits to the people in many places, notably in Kim Son (Ninh Binh) and Tien Hai (Thai Binh). In 1858, when the French colonialists invaded our country, despite being 80 years old, Nguyen Cong Tru offered to lead troops against the enemy. That same year, he passed away.

Nguyen Cong Tru was a unique phenomenon as a scholar who led a libertine and free-spirited life, characterized by his distinctive personality.

Nguyen Cong Tru's remaining poetry includes about 50 poems, over 60 ca tru songs, one praise poem, all written in Nom script. Additionally, there are some poems in Han script and some Nom couplets.

The Elevated Ode is a work written after 1848, when Nguyen Cong Tru retired from his official duties. This is the voice of Hi Van after a tumultuous life. The period of decline of the Vietnamese feudal regime was marked by the emergence of individuals longing for freedom (like the Bird in the Cage by Nguvien Huu Cau), heroic figures of 'rebellion' (like Tu Hai in The Tale of Kieu), rebellious women (in the poetry of Ho Xuan Huong)... It is also a reaction to the circumstances, but in Nguyen Cong Tru, the expression is mainly in terms of perception and lifestyle, exaggerating the image of the individual to a comical extent. In the eyes of society and the praise of Hi Van, it is considered sublime.

The poem is written in the form of ca tru or 'singing conversation', a form of free verse in rhythm and sentence structure. Here, the form fits the emotional content of the poem.

The structure of the poem is similar to a ca tru song, divided into several sections (called khổ). Each section ends with a line containing the phrase 'ngất ngưởng', illuminating different aspects of the sentimental character image, based on the dominant humanistic inspiration and anti-feudal meaning.

Guide to Analyzing the Poem An Elevated Ode by Nguyen Cong Tru

The lofty humanism of Nguyen Cong Tru is first and foremost a tale of talent and fame. The opening line of Chinese poetry encapsulates Nguyen Cong Tru's self-established philosophy: 'In the universe, there is no unimportant event.' This is a belief that he expressed in many poems, stating that human beings are born from the 'will of heaven and earth' ('Heaven and earth give birth to us with a purpose' - We are born from the will of heaven and earth), so they must bear responsibility and shoulder the burdens of life ('In the universe, everything falls within our responsibility' - Everything in the universe is within our responsibility). In Nguyen Cong Tru, this belief is closely linked to the idea of 'cultivating, governing, regulating, and harmonizing,' with a spirit of heroism and optimism that he pursued with unwavering belief throughout his life.

Following this belief is the presence of an exceptionally talented and illustrious individual:

'Lord Hi Van, the talented, has entered the cage...
... perhaps to return to the Prefecture of Thua Thien'

The self-narrative through characters, from personal names to titles, talents, has depicted the individual's self-awareness, the extent to which they reveal themselves outwardly: 'Lord Hi Van, the talented, has entered the cage.' This line also has a satirical meaning: a person of such stature willingly puts themselves in a narrow cage. However, this jest is actually meant to affirm Nguyen Cong Tru's confidence.

He was not unaware of the many ties that bound the political arena. In terms of expression, there is a combination of Han-Vietnamese and Nom words: the Han-Vietnamese words for officials and titles reflect a successful talent associated with feudal society; while the Nom words are common words used flexibly in alternating long and short verses, with a smooth rhythm, portraying individual freedom and highlighting the roots of the 'sublimity' in that person: 'Including strategies that have become a sublime skill'. Thus, the sublime individual here is the foundation for the individual to rise above all constraints.

The sublimity in Nguyen Cong Tru's poetry is the sublimity in the face of life's losses. Nguyen Cong Tru's life is recorded through his achievements and promotions.

'During the peace in the West, one dreams big
Perhaps to return to the Prefecture of Thua Thien'.

But there were also setbacks, bitterness. According to historical records, Nguyen Cong Tru was a general, but he was demoted to a common soldier, and his promotions were due to his exceptional talent. But what about the times he was demoted? And what about the criticisms of public opinion? Nguyen Cong Tru clearly saw that behind the injustice he suffered lay the dark side of feudal society. When necessary, he vehemently accused:

'The world's affairs are horrifying
Looking at the full purse, one feels empty inside.'

(The World's Affairs)

However, Nguyen Cong Tru's distinctive attitude is to contrast himself with customs with a haughty demeanor and a sarcastic laugh. It is recorded that when he retired, Nguyen Cong Tru often rode a golden buffalo with a horse bridle, and even tied a piece of betel nut to the buffalo's tail, saying it was to cover the world's mouth. And he considered this act sublime:

'Riding a golden buffalo with a betel nut tied to its tail is sublime.'

Within that laughter and demeanor lies a natural philosophy of loss: 'Gaining loss, the person rises again.' Nguyen Cong Tru used the example of 'Re-mounting the lost horse' to expose the essence of society and present his own perspective. In a society full of changes during Nguyen Cong Tru's time, there was no lack of scenes of 'going from an elephant to a dog,' which was the soil for the belief in luck. However, for a strong-willed and fundamentally believing person like Nguyen Cong Tru, this belief could not turn into a skeptical thought that would make a person lose heart or be pushed towards the 'empty' ideology of Laozi. On the contrary, it provided him with the reasoning to not be concerned with the 'hot and cold' affairs of life and added a 'vibrancy' to it.

However, facing 'gaining loss' also means facing wealth and poverty, honor and disgrace, which are traditional material and spiritual values. Understanding this, we will see that the 'vibrant,' 'sublime' individual is truly a person of talent and character who rises above the forces that have long dominated human life.

Sublimity is also expressed in style and way of life.

In Nguyen Cong Tru, there is the idealistic person of the chivalrous spirit of feudal times. But there is also the individual who lives life to the fullest; the person who acts boldly, optimistically, and the person who enjoys pursuing hobbies: 'Hand holding a sword... a pair of aunts.' Nguyen Cong Tru used all his talent and inspiration to paint a picture of his own life: descriptive words for colors, lines ('scratchy,' 'solid,' 'loose'), suggestive words combined with a free-flowing poetic rhythm ('When singing, when drinking... neither Buddha nor Immortal...') The abundant expressive ability of Vietnamese language has brilliantly shown the extravagance and passion of Nguyen Cong Tru. However, this was not simply a desire for sensual enjoyment. Nguyen Cong Tru has elevated what was described into a style, a way of life, and the artistic intention of the poet has turned it into an image that contrasts with the feudalistic virtues. Confucian thought requires each individual to be responsible to the community, but denies the 'self,' imposing on the individual a harsh, inhuman life. Buddhism, Taoism direct people towards the path of liberation and explain that meeting the needs of human life is the cause of suffering. In controlling his own life, Nguyen Cong Tru sought 'fairylands,' 'Buddhist scenes' because he saw in them a world of nature connected to the superstitious feudal ideas, rising to a true life of humanity.

The conclusion of Nguyen Cong Tru's poem summarizes his characteristics: a talented person, with great aspirations, living in feudal society, cannot help but see the path, the ideals of society to challenge talent, to make a career; a strong personality and individual consciousness, confident in having enough subjective conditions and social prerequisites to oppose circumstances and liberate personality. The combination of these aspects in one person creates a style that is exalted. From 'raising the hand exalted,' 'Even Buddha must laugh at his exaltedness,' to 'who in the court is exalted like him,' the poem affirms, more accurately, self-affirms a person who is exemplary of a non-conformist type deeply imbued with the 'self' modernist character that openly exists in feudal society.

3. Analysis of the Song of Exaltation, model 3:

Nguyen Cong Tru, a truly familiar and close name that has been mentioned by many Vietnamese people from ancient times to the present day as a cherished gratitude for his pioneering work in two rich lands: Tien Hai (Thai Binh) and Kim Son (Ninh Binh). However, this does not mean that we can forget about Nguyen Cong Tru, a talented artist, a personality who has affirmed his own identity, thus shaping a character, a courage in life and artistic creation. 'The Song of Exaltation' by Nguyen Cong Tru will show us clearly his unique personality that cannot be mixed with others.

According to the 'Vietnamese Dictionary,' exalted means being in an unstable position, swaying as if about to fall. However, the two words 'exalted' in this poem by Nguyen Cong Tru need to be understood in a different way, here 'exalted' needs to be understood in relation to a way of life, an attitude towards life. Only then can we understand Nguyen Cong Tru - a person with a different way of life, disregarding all worldly forces, a way of life affirmed by his exceptional talent.

The entire poem is not only a cutting interpretation of one's own exaltedness, but it is also seen as a self-narrative of life, a pride in a person's long-standing merit and talent, while also showing us Nguyen Cong Tru's free and easy lifestyle.

Sample essay Analyzing the Song of Exaltation for 11th grade

The poem begins with an affirmation of the living philosophy of a man of action:

The universe internally ends all things.

The verse resounds strongly, affirming Nguyen Cong Tru's strong and proud philosophy of life. This is a philosophy that shows Nguyen Cong Tru is always aware of himself, and at the same time, always defines his position in life. This comes from a talented knight. This declaration of Nguyen Cong Tru has been affirmed as a truth and reiterated as a familiar proposition in his poetry.

The universe internally ends all things.

Or in the poem 'Bearing Filial Piety,' Nguyen Cong Tru also affirmed:

The universe's duties are mine.

This affirms that Nguyen Cong Tru always defines for himself a positive philosophy of life, at the same time clearly showing the self-awareness of the author.

Because he always has an awareness of his position in the world, Nguyen Cong Tru boldly asserts his heroic spirit, proving to the reader his talent and self:

Mr. Hi Van Tai Bo has entered the cage
When the top scholar, when the Deputy Governor, when the Governor of the East
With strategies, the hands have become very successful.

Nguyen Cong Tru has self-proclaimed his name, and at the same time affirmed his multi-talented nature with the titles: Top Scholar, Deputy Governor, Governor of the East. The short, slow-paced lines, along with the use of metaphor, create a narrative style full of pride.

However, what emerges in the poem is not only a talented Nguyen Cong Tru, but also a Nguyen Cong Tru with strategic talent:

At peace in the West, with the rank of general,
Sometimes returning to the Thua Thien residence.

Thus, we have sufficient grounds to affirm a truly talented individual who is always aware of his own talent. This is also the affirmation of Nguyen Cong Tru's self, a part of the character that he proudly calls the hand of success. From this, we can understand success in a positive sense, including affirming one's own self.

A Nguyen Cong Tru with such talent and real titles, yet in daily life is a proud and mocking figure:

The city gate opens for the New Year
Riding a golden ox with pride and success.

Therefore, he does not hesitate to express a different, unconventional way of living:

Look at that mountain, with white clouds
Sword in hand, bow on the back, embodying compassion
The fairy's footsteps following the iron shoes
Even the Buddha smiles at his success.

As a Confucian scholar, a former general who once led troops into battle, he lives a simple life embodying compassion. However, Nguyen Cong Tru's way of life is far from ordinary: he wanders around temples with 'the fairy's footsteps following the iron shoes,' perhaps defying life, mocking existence, perhaps understanding it in a superficial way. During his lifetime, Nguyen Cong Tru knew how to play according to the principle of living to the fullest and playing to the fullest. In the cycle of the play... Knowing the taste of play is not easy for many people, or as he once declared, 'If you don't play for real, who will make up for it?' Thus, it can be understood as a libertine lifestyle, refusing to be constrained. The poem is described by Nguyen Cong Tru with a playful, proud smile, perhaps laughing at the praises and criticisms of the world, perhaps both, because it is simply one thing.

Being lost in the world, one rises above
Praise and criticism are like the east wind.

For Nguyen Cong Tru, once free from the cycle of fame and gain, losses and criticisms in life are disregarded, like the east wind passing by. This can only be achieved when one is confident in their own talents. This is the essence of Nguyen Cong Tru's 'ngat nguong,' containing the core of his rare and libertine lifestyle. That's why he leads a joyful and noble life:

In singing, in wine, in dice, in revelry
No Buddha, no Immortal, no worldly entanglements.

The verse is rhythmically interrupted, combined with a repetitive expression style, creating a slow pace that portrays Nguyen Cong Tru's relaxed and joyful attitude towards life. Such a way of life comes from a person who is always confident in themselves, always aware of themselves. The expression of self is most pronounced in the last stanza:

Neither Trái nor Nhạc, but entering the Hàn and Phú districts
My king bestowed a complete doctrine shared
Who in the court rises above like him!

Nguyen Cong Tru asserted himself as a virtuous man, completing my king's doctrine, further affirming the author's belief in the spirit of a true man at the beginning of the poem. By comparing himself to heroes like Nhạc Phi, Hàn Kì, Phú Bật... of the Han and Song dynasties in China, the author asserted his talents and achievements in a resolute and heroic manner. It can also be seen as proud words about the author himself. Thus, Nguyen Cong Tru proudly declares:

Who in the court rises above like him!

So here we understand Nguyen Cong Tru's 'ngat nguong.' It is not something else but an attitude, a way of life of a noble scholar. Nguyen Cong Tru achieved this through talent, real accomplishments, and fulfilling his duties. Therefore, his 'ngat nguong' is not negative but a self-affirmation, a courage to live in this world, and a lifestyle of elegance and nobility.

Together with other poems like 'Entering the Examination Hall and Composing Verses', 'The Spirit of a True Man', 'Debts and Obligations', 'Bearing Filial Duty',... 'The Song of Elevation' once again vividly portrays the poet's portrait. This is the lifestyle, the artistic style of the man and the poetry of Nguyen Cong Tru - the lofty demeanor.

4. Analysis of The Song of Elevation, sample 4:

Nguyen Cong Tru (1778 - 1858) is a great poet of our nation in the first half of the 19th century. His literature is profound, with a talent for understanding the world, leaving a mark in history. Living the life of a Confucian scholar, a military commander, a civilian, and an official. He has experienced fame and disgrace, ups and downs, but he always ardently pursued the ideals of a true man:

'Having a reputation in the world,
What honor is there with mountains and rivers?'.

Nguyen Cong Tru's literary career is extremely brilliant, showing a very unique creative personality beautifully expressed through the Nom poem 'Han Confucianism and Phu's Flavor', and over 60 extremely talented lyrical poems. 'The Song of Elevation' is one of the outstanding lyrical poems in the national poetry. This lyrical poem has two quatrains with a total of 19 rhythmic verses, a majestic, resounding melody, sometimes gentle, sometimes heroic, making it very interesting to read. It is a folk poetry, with a tight structure, poetic quality, and musicality combined in a harmonious and appealing way.

Nguyen Cong Tru returned to the scholarly life in 1848, after nearly 30 years serving under the Nguyen dynasty. The poem 'The Song of Elevation' was written after he returned to his hometown as a scholar. The poem resounds like an autobiographical narrative of life, through which Hi Van proudly expresses his talent, virtue, and achievements, revealing a personality, a noble and free lifestyle.

'Elevated' means unstable, precarious, easily falling (Vietnamese Dictionary). In this poem, 'elevated' should be understood as a person who is different, who lives differently and disregards others. And Nguyen Cong Tru elevated this to a song, a soulful melody with all the pride and rare enthusiasm.

The first stanza raises a voice, a declaration of a true man, a talented individual. Very solemn and heroic: 'The universe internally depends on fate' - everything in the universe is our fate. A negating statement to affirm the attitude of a true Confucian scholar. But is this the only time? Sometimes he writes: 'The universe is a fate' (Everything in the universe is our fate -- Debts and Obligations); 'The universe's duty internally' (The universe's affairs are our duty -- Bearing Filial Duty). With that attitude, because 'Hi Van's talent has entered the cage'. Hi Van is a nickname for Nguyen Cong Tru. 'Talent' is great talent, multifaceted talent. The word 'cage' in the verse can be understood in many ways. 'Entering the cage means entering the royal court, a narrow and constrained place, contrary to his sky-high talent' (Le Tri Vien). Some explain it as 'cage is the sky and earth, the universe.' Nguyen Cong Tru has repeatedly said: 'Having a reputation in the world', or 'No honor stands in the midst of the world' (worldly cycle: the realm of life, the mundane realm). The second interpretation is more reasonable, because only by entering the universe's cage can there be the will to compete, as he said:

'As a true man from the north, south, west, and east,
I wield my strength to shake the four seas.'

After proclaiming his name, the poet asserts his mindset, his 'great talent', his masculine spirit that reaches the universe.

Analyzing Nguyen Cong Tru's Song of Elevation reveals the author's distinctive personality and talent.

Hi Van was a man of true talent and renown. Scholarly and martial, he dared to compete with the world: 'The debt of literary accomplishment must be repaid'. In 1819, Nguyen Cong Tru passed the provincial examination in Nghe An and held various positions: Deputy Envoy, and Governor of Dong (Hai Duong and Quang Yen). His fame soared as he achieved greatness in both literary and martial arts, earning the title of 'Heroic Virtue.' Standing at the pinnacle of fame with his comprehensive talents, he became known for his strategic prowess, truly becoming the 'elevated man', a person above his era and the world. The verse, with its rhythmic pattern (3-3-4-3-3-2), repeating the word 'when' three times, creates a majestic tone, demonstrating an extraordinary character, an immensely powerful spirit:

'As the valedictorian! as the envoy! as the Governor of the East,
Comprising strategies! has become skillful! exalted'.

The next four lines (middle stanza), the poetic idea expands, the author proudly asserts himself as a human being, a knight with great strategic talent. In times of turmoil, he led armies to battlefields, maintaining responsibilities before three armies: 'Maintaining peace with the General's flag'. In peaceful times, he served the country and the king, as the 'Governor of Thua Thien'. It was in 1847, Nguyen Cong Tru reached the pinnacle of fame. He once said: 'When serving as a General, I do not take status as an honor, when serving as a foot soldier, I also do not take status as a disgrace'. After 30 years in office, Nguyen Cong Tru returned to the status of a scholar in his hometown, that year, he turned 70 years old (1848):

'The capital gate is untied for a year,
The golden oxen carry the horse with exaltation'.

Back to everyday life, Mr. Thuong Tru acted in a contrary manner to the world, seemingly mocking life with all its exaltation. The high-ranking official of the past, now only rides a golden ox and has the ox carry a horse. Both the man and the golden ox are exalted. As a challenge to the 'worldly ways'. To this day, people still laugh and pass down the poem inscribed on his coffin, a challenge from Mr. Hi Van of old times:

'Dismount the horse, board the carriage, once thought leisurely.
Picking up the scent of promotion and elevation.
Strolling the fields in a ox-drawn cart,
With a canopy ready to cover the worldly mouth'.

The next eight lines in two couplets express a lofty way of living. Once a great deity, a famous general - 'sword in hand, bow on back' - yet now living a peaceful, simple life 'becoming a compassionate person'. Visiting temples, admiring the scenic beauty 'Behold that mountain draped in white clouds', he brought along 'a pair of aunts', beautiful maids with 'tall fairy-like heels'...

'Behold that mountain draped in white clouds,
Sword in hand, bow on back, yet becoming a compassionate person.
Tall fairy-like heels following along a pair of aunts.
Even the Buddha finds him amusingly exalted...'

He lived fully and played fully. 'Even the Buddha finds him amusingly exalted' is a unique quatrain. The self-deprecating verse is somewhat humorous. Is the Buddha laughing, or is the world laughing? Or is Hi Van laughing at himself? Having escaped the circle of fame and gain, then matters of 'gain, loss' are just life's norm, like the tale of 'The Seven Heroes and the King', nothing to be concerned about! The 'praise, criticism' of the world, please disregard, like the east wind (spring breeze) blowing past. Only with the courage, the confidence in one's talents and virtues can one have such a dismissive attitude, daring to live beyond all conventions. Knowing that Nguyen Cong Tru was a Confucian scholar trained at the Kong family school gate, a high-ranking official of the Nguyen dynasty, can one see some part of his different personality, a different character, very unrestrained, romantic and rare talents. Not caring about 'gain, loss', disregarding all worldly praises and criticisms, he lived naturally, freely, extremely relaxed, joyful. Though exalted, yet pure, noble. These are two wonderful lines in 'The Exalted Song':

'In singing / in drinking / in gambling / in companionship /
No Buddha / no Immortals / not entangled in worldly affairs'.

The rhythmic interruption of two, the harmonic art (using, contrasting), the stressing style, the repeated expression (when... not..,) have enriched the verse with musicality, expressing a relaxed, life-loving, eager to live, noble demeanor without any worldly dust. Reading aloud and singing, listening to the sound of the lute, the rhythm, the court drum, one can feel the essence of poetry, the blend of music in these beautiful verses! Truly exalted in talent, in artistry.

The stanza of the song only consists of 3 lines. The last line, called the 'clinging line', has only 6 words. Therefore, it should be written exactly as in the text 'Collection of ca tru poetry' - Literature Publishing House 1987 for the correct poetic form.

'Neither the Left, nor Music reaches Han, Phu district,
The king's righteousness, I proclaim my pure initial path,
In the court, who is as exalted as he!'

Nguyen Cong Tru proudly asserts himself as a loyal divine figure, completely 'loyal to my king'. He wrote in the poem 'Debt of mourning':

'The duty of mourning is pledged to the rivers and mountains,
The path of filial piety, the word of the monarch is carried on the shoulders'.

The talent, the achievements that Nguyen Cong Tru left for the country and the people are no less than Trái Tuân, Nhạc Phi, Hàn Kỳ, Phú Bật - the talents of the Han and Song dynasties in China. Comparing near and far, inside and outside, North and South, the author concluded the song with a resounding, heroic 'In the court, who is as exalted as he!'. The extraordinary ego of the poet has been displayed to the extreme.

In conclusion, for Nguyen Cong Tru, there must be real talent, real fame, one must be 'loyal to my king' to become 'exalted', to become 'exalted'. And Nguyen Cong Tru's exalted way of living reflects his talent, his nobility, not deceitful, not entangled in worldly affairs', nor does he escape. Exalted thus is elegance.

Analyzing 'Bài ca ngất ngưởng' is an important lesson that 11th-grade students need to grasp thoroughly. After studying this lesson, students should continue to refer to the sample essay 'Analysis of the poem 'Thương Vợ' by Tú Xương' along with the section 'My thoughts on the character Kim Trọng through the Kiều meets Kim Trọng passage' to improve their Vietnamese Literature studies. Good luck with your studies!