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Assignment: Analyze Nguyễn Đình Thi's Verbal Expression in Literature
Analyzing the Art of Verbal Expression in Literature
Written Assignment
Nguyễn Đình Thi is remembered not only as a poet but also as a writer, playwright, composer, and literary critic. He made significant contributions to the Vietnamese literary treasure. In the realm of literary criticism, Nguyễn Đình Thi left an unforgettable mark on readers with his simple yet imagery-rich writing style, epitomized by his essay “Verbal Expression in Literature.” This essay, written in 1948 and published in the collection “Some Literary Issues” in 1956, stands as a testament to his intellectual prowess.
Nguyễn Đình Thi elucidated the essence of literature through the opening statement of his essay: “Every work of art is constructed from materials borrowed from reality. However, artists not only record what already exists but also strive to convey something new. 'You insert a letter, a message into your work; you want to contribute a part of yourself to the surrounding life.' Literature is always rooted in reality, and real life becomes the material for artists to convey their messages. He provided two examples taken from the works of two great authors to bolster his argument. These examples are verses from “The Tale of Kieu” by the great poet Nguyễn Du and the character Anna Karenina in the novel of the same name by Leo Tolstoy. Literature reflects real life, portraying people and destinies in literary works that somewhat mirror real people. However, with the characteristic of creativity, besides depicting real life on the pages, artists also make images and characters more vivid. Just with two verses:
“Green grass stretches to the horizon
White pear branches dotted with a few flowers”
Nguyễn Du evokes readers with the 'strange beauty' the author perceived in landscapes, stirred by the scenes of nature reborn each spring, perpetually youthful, and feeling within ourselves that perpetual renewal of life. Before the reader's eyes is a beautiful, harmonious depiction of vibrant spring nature, filled with life. Against the backdrop of lush green grass stretching to the horizon, 'a few' white pear blossoms dot the landscape, their pure white color creating a focal point for the entire picture. Similarly, the character Anna Karenina also leaves us 'no longer needing to know more, yet still lingering before the unfolded pages, minds heavy with thoughts'. The artist's success lies in that, in concluding the work, concluding the character's life, leaving the reader lamenting, moved.
Literary works are not dry theories but also bring us emotions, astonishment at things that were once familiar. Author Nguyễn Đình Thi aptly summarizes: 'The message of literature is not only a moral lesson or a life philosophy, advice on how to behave, or an insight into human psyche, or society.' Through literature, we discover 'how many facets of human nature we have yet to see, how many new expressions, how many surprises we find within ourselves'. Through the artist's perspective, reality emerges concrete and vivid. It is not merely what happens in life but also the emotions, perceptions of the creator, and the recipient.
Art possesses a miraculous power over human life: 'Each great work shines its own light within us, never fading, that light then becomes ours, illuminating everything we do, everyone we encounter, making us change the way we see, think'. Art enables us to have a richer, more accurate view of ourselves and life. It keeps human life always joyful through lullabies, serenades, or theater visits... It helps people overcome all difficulties, hardships, the barriers of circumstances, the hardships of life. Without art, human life would become impoverished, dull. A song sung in the harsh sunlight of the fields helps people forget their fatigue somewhat, to continue working, producing, and fighting. Art has 'passed on and sown into the darkness' the lives of lambs, hard lives, a light and stirred their emotions, helping their souls to live. Art cannot exist apart from life. It reflects the spiritual life, the voice of 'love and hate, joy and sorrow, the beauty and ugliness in natural and social life' of human beings.
An important element in art is the element of thought. Thought in art is 'thought hiding, quiet.' It makes readers ponder, makes them 'pause' to understand the hidden meaning behind the words that the author wants to convey because 'the work is both the crystallization of the author's soul and the thread that passes on life to everyone that the artist carries in his heart'. Art also helps people build themselves. It 'does not stand outside, pointing the way for us; it makes us step on that path ourselves'. It is art, art that has given life to humans, made humans happier, more loving, and able to live more. Art liberates people to overcome 'their own boundaries'. In conclusion of the essay, Nguyễn Đình Thi affirmed the immense role of art: 'On the foundation of society's life, art builds spiritual life for society.'
