Analyzing the Aspirations and Heroic Ideals of Từ Hải in the Heroic Spirit Excerpt

Prompt: Examine the aspirations and heroic ideals of Từ Hải in the Heroic Spirit excerpt.

Analyzing the Aspirations and Heroic Ideals of Từ Hải in the Heroic Spirit Excerpt

I. Well-structured Outline for Analyzing the Aspirations and Heroic Ideals of Từ Hải in the Heroic Spirit Excerpt (Standard)

1. Introduction

Setting the stage, introducing the excerpt, portraying the heroic figure Từ Hải.

2. Body of the Essay

- Excerpt Position: The excerpt spans from line 2213 to line 2230
- Content: After six months of living with Thúy Kiều, Từ Hải desires a grand career and decides to part ways with Kiều.

a) First 4 sentences: Aspirations to embark:
- Setting: Vast, majestic expanse of the open sea and sky → Reflecting Từ Hải's grand aspirations and ambitions.
- Actions: Swift, bold, confident, and powerful.
- Preparation: Ready to set forth.
=> The longing to explore and conquer the four directions is a natural force that nothing can restrain.

b) Rest: Ideals of the heroic figure Từ Hải:
* Kiều's words: Acceptance and willingness to endure hardships alongside her husband.
* Từ Hải's words: Refusal, no lingering attachment, firm determination for goals, lofty ideals...(Continued)

>> See detailed outline for Analyzing the Aspirations and Heroic Ideals of Từ Hải through an excerpt from the Heroic Spirit here.

II. Sample Essay Analyzing the Aspirations and Heroic Ideals of Từ Hải through an excerpt from the Heroic Spirit (Standard)

Literary works of the medieval literary period are expressions of the 'way' and 'virtue' of people at that time. Through these works, writers and poets conveyed their dreams by depicting characters with the personality and qualities of the era. Nguyễn Du portrayed the aspirations and ideals of the hero through the character Từ Hải - the hero 'with head touching the sky, feet treading the earth' in the excerpt from the Heroic Spirit taken from the masterpiece 'The Tale of Kieu.'

The excerpt from the Heroic Spirit spans from line 2213 to line 2230 in 'The Tale of Kieu.' It vividly depicts the character of Từ Hải, not through physical appearance 'A shoulder width of five spans, a height of ten feet' but through extraordinary aspirations and ideals. In Kiều's seemingly stagnant life as she enters the green chamber for the second time, Từ Hải appears. Amidst the squalor, Từ Hải recognizes the noble beauty and charisma of Kiều. 'Heroic man, gentle boat girl,' they find harmony, becoming soulmates. After six months of living together, Từ Hải, desiring a grand career, bids farewell to Kiều.

Half a year of fragrant passion,
The young man suddenly stirs, his heart reaching out to the four directions.
Gazing at the vast sky and boundless sea,
A noble sword and a calm horse set forth on a straight journey.

Nguyễn Du vividly portrays the image of Từ Hải with a fervent desire to embark, putting aside the sweetest moments of intense love. The young man is not held back by love; determined, he sets out to achieve fame and career. The aspiration for achievement and renown is an inevitable pursuit for every young man of that time.

Having made a name in the heavens and earth,
What reputation should one have with mountains and rivers?

(Boasting before the exam - Nguyễn Công Trứ)

In the midst of the chaotic intricacies, Từ Hải emerges with fervent determination depicted through the expansive space 'in the four directions,' 'the boundless sky and sea.' Such grand and majestic space aligns perfectly with Từ Hải's stature and the celestial-ground-turning ideals. Từ Hải's image is portrayed through swift and decisive actions, 'suddenly,' 'stirring in all directions,' 'straight journey,' manifesting the desire to fulfill the grand dreams of a young man.

Here, we see Từ Hải bidding farewell to Kiều when he is already in a ready position, his momentum soaring to the heavens. It reflects the decisiveness and courage of the young man ready to venture in all directions with nothing to hinder him. This parting scene showcases the beauty in Từ Hải's character, different from tearful farewells of Kiều with Kim Trọng or Thúc Sinh:

Reluctantly letting go, unable to part
The frozen pond stands right on the rooftop.

(Kiều - Kim Trọng)

Rider and horse parting ways,
The autumn forest has tinted the military cloak.

(Kiều - Thúc Sinh)

Through that farewell scene, we witness Từ Hải's charisma and the determination to establish fame and a distinguished career. Faced with such determination, Kiều desires to accompany Từ Hải, to fulfill the role of a virtuous wife, hoping to mend and support him through difficulties, sharing mutual hardships. Kiều's wish is legitimate, as she realizes her life has changed, bringing a new future thanks to Từ Hải.

Fluttering leaves, windswept birds,
Early guiding Tống Ngọc, seeking Trường Khanh at dusk.
In the realm of wine, as night falls,
Suddenly, self-pity surfaces, deep sorrow for oneself.

(Excerpt from 'Sorrow within - The Tale of Kieu')

Life, touching the depths of existence, led Kiều to encounter Từ Hải, a figure like a lifebuoy rescuing Kiều from the swamp of misery. Kiều's desire to accompany Từ Hải is a completely justifiable wish for any girl in Kiều's circumstances. However, Từ Hải chose to reject that invitation. For him, is she just an ordinary maiden in love?

He said: Heart and feelings intertwined,
Why not break free from the ordinary maiden in love?

It's a gentle reproach and a clever refusal of Kiều's wish. Through this, we see Từ Hải's high determination for aspirations of success. In refusing, Từ Hải not only gently reproaches but also encourages Kiều, demonstrating 'heart and feelings intertwined.' Understanding each other deeply, there's no reason to linger and be sentimental like an ordinary maiden in love. Here, Nguyễn Du uses 'ordinary maiden in love' to emphasize that Kiều shouldn't conform to the usual traits of a woman but should be strong and accepting to be worthy of Từ Hải – a hero. Besides, it seems Từ Hải wants to reassure Kiều more; he promises her a 'grand wedding.' This promise is meaningful to anyone, especially Kiều. Her life, destined to 'be a wife to everyone,' would likely end up 'ghostless in the underworld without a husband.' Từ Hải's promise truly puts Kiều at ease:

When ten thousand soldiers assemble,
Bells resonate, and extraordinary shadows cover the path,
Revealing an exceptional visage,
At that moment, I will escort you home in glory.

This can be deemed a promise worth a fortune. It holds significance as Từ Hải pledges to marry Kiều when his fame and career have reached their zenith. When an elite army, renowned and outstanding, surpasses others, they will take Kiều as a wife, sharing in the honor and securing a clear status. Từ Hải is confident he will create prestige and fame to bring happiness to Kiều. His commitment is the firm promise of a virtuous man full of courage and self-confidence, motivating Kiều to trust and await. Pursuing a career is also a means for Từ Hải to assert his aspirations and courage in this vast world. The condition is accepting temporary separation from the joyous life to dedicate himself to success and fame. Từ Hải's promise also serves the purpose of reassuring Kiều and instilling trust in her.

Now the four seas are no longer home,
Where to go adds to the unknown.
Wait a bit, it won't take long,
Perhaps a year later, in a hurry.

The one-year commitment, upon Từ Hải's triumph, demonstrates the character of a true hero. He cannot let Kiều accompany him as he doesn't know where he's headed, and taking Kiều along would add complications and restrict his freedom. Here, we see Từ Hải as a person who dares to think and act, with foresight and broad vision. His refusal, above all, makes Kiều truly reassured due to his thoughtfulness and reliability. After every promise, after the farewells, Từ Hải unfolds his robe and departs:

To excel in learning, alongside analyzing the aspirations and heroic ideals of Tu Hai in the excerpt 'Heroic Spirit,' you can explore other outstanding sample essays such as: Composing an essay on Heroic Spirit (From 'The Tale of Kieu'), Discussion on the character Tu Hai in the excerpt 'Heroic Spirit,' Analysis of the hero image of Tu Hai in Heroic Spirit, Impressions of the 'Heroic Spirit' passage.