Analyzing the Attitude of the Character Huấn Cao in the short story 'The Letters of a Death Row Inmate'

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Prompt: Analyze the attitude of the character Huấn Cao in the short story 'The Letters of a Death Row Inmate'

5 exemplary essays Analyzing the Attitude of the Character Huấn Cao in the short story 'The Letters of a Death Row Inmate'

1. Analyzing the attitude of the character Huấn Cao in the short story 'The Letters of a Death Row Inmate,' Sample 1:

'The Letters of a Death Row Inmate' is the most outstanding work in Nguyen Tuan's collection of short stories, 'Echoes of a Bygone Era.' To understand this story, one must grasp the essence of traditional wordplay art.

Since ancient times, in Trưng Quốc and in some neighboring countries like Japan, Vietnam, there has been a tradition of using classical characters. In intellectual circles, there is a habit of playing with characters. Those with the skill to write beautiful characters are highly respected. Classical characters are a form of visual art, written with a soft brush, resembling the act of painting. The personality of the writer is also reflected in the brushstrokes. People often buy or request characters. Those who provide or sell characters write them on paintings for the owner to use as decorations at home. The characters must not only be beautifully 'drawn' but also carry profound meaning, be harmonious with the situation and emotions. In essence, this is an artistic work of the artist, possessing the talent to 'draw' characters and the ability to understand the meaning behind the characters. This art form is called calligraphy.

In Vietnam's feudal era, Cao Bá Quát was considered one of the most talented calligraphers.

Nguyen Tuan based Huấn Cao's character on the prototype of Cao Bá Quát, a resilient individual who 'led a peasant uprising' and was also a remarkably talented calligrapher and skilled poet. This character construction portrays Huấn Cao as a strong-willed, noble, and highly talented figure. Through the beauty of the prison warden, Nguyen Tuan asserts the triumph of beauty and nobility over the vile and lowly.

Huấn Cao is, above all, a highly self-respecting person, 'never forcing himself to write couplets for the sake of gold or power,' 'his nature is free, except for friendships, he rarely writes.' He is a person living proudly and resolutely, 'stirring up the sky and making waves,' with 'dreams rampant,' even 'facing the scene of death and beheading' he is not afraid. He deeply scorns those who represent the ruling power. In his eyes, they are just a bunch of 'small people with a grand appearance.' Therefore, even under their rule, he deliberately shows disdain. He first appears before the prison warden by vigorously dropping a 7.8-ton heavy collar onto the stone threshold, 'striking with enthusiasm,' and 'coldly,' 'not bothering to salute.' When hearing the threatening words of the escort, and after the warden cautiously asked Huấn Cao: 'Is there anything else you need to know? I will try to provide it.' He responded with a scornful attitude: 'You ask what I want? I just want secret ink. It's none of your business.' According to him, only 'thiên lương' (the inherent goodness of human nature, and love for beauty, nobility, with a heart 'magnanimous and generous') is worthy of respect. Although haughty, when understanding the kindheartedness of the warden, Huấn Cao not only gladly accepts the offer for characters but also sincerely exclaims: 'I appreciate your magnanimous and generous heart. I didn't know someone like your teacher would have such noble interests. Almost lost a good heart in the world.'

After writing the characters, Huấn Cao even advised the prison warden like a father advising a child: 'I say this sincerely, teacher, you should return to your hometown and live there. You should leave this profession and then consider playing with characters. Here, it's difficult to maintain goodness steadily, and eventually, life will become tainted and lose its righteous nature.' According to Mr. Huấn, beauty cannot coexist with the vile and lowly, and people can only appreciate beauty if they maintain their pure essence.

Essay Analyzing the Attitude of the Character Huấn Cao in the Short Story 'The Prisoner's Script'

Huấn Cao is also an extremely talented individual. He has the ability to 'write characters very quickly and beautifully,' his characters are 'very beautiful, very square,' to the point that the prison warden considers getting characters from him as having 'a treasure in the world.'

The image of Huấn Cao becomes more brilliant with the dignified posture that truly befits a hero. With a resilient nature, even in adversity (being imprisoned awaiting trial), Huấn Cao maintains a calm and free posture, like someone 'stirring up the sky and making waves,' despising death. In prison, he calmly eats meat and drinks wine, considering it 'something done in the pursuit of a simple life.' Thus, although physically confined, Huấn Cao remains entirely free in spirit.

We have suggested sample essays for you on Analyzing the Attitude of the Character Huấn Cao in the short story The Death-row Inmate's Letter. Additionally, you can explore the article Character Analysis of Huấn Cao in The Death-row Inmate's Letter for profound insights into the beauty and personality of this character. 

Next, you can refer to What are your thoughts on the poet character in The Death-row Inmate's Letter and along with the section Analysis of an unprecedented scene in The Death-row Inmate's Letter as well as the article Analyzing the Character Huấn Cao to gain a deeper understanding of the content and meaning of the work.

2. Analyzing the Attitude of the Character Huấn Cao in the short story The Death-row Inmate's Letter, Sample 2:

The Death-row Inmate's Letter is a short story published in the collection Echoes of a Bygone Era in 1940. This outstanding work most clearly reflects Nguyễn Tuân's philosophy of Beauty. Huấn Cao, the main character of the story, is a remarkable individual, a virtuous personality. Through Huấn Cao's changing attitude towards the prison warden, readers gain a profound understanding of the rich and noble soul of this talented individual.

From the outset of the work, through the exchange between the prison warden and the poet, Nguyễn Tuân introduced Huấn Cao as a unique character, a versatile scholar with a reputation for quickly and beautifully writing Chinese characters throughout Sơn province. Huấn Cao was deemed extremely dangerous by the authorities, leading a 'rebellion' against the dynasty.

With both bold charisma and intellectual talent, Huấn Cao is indeed a special death-row inmate. Perhaps due to the admiration for Huấn Cao's talent and integrity through rumors, the prison warden showed an unusually favorable attitude towards him. Daily, the prison warden sent the poet with wine and meat to Huấn Cao's prison cell. Faced with such favoritism, Huấn Cao's attitude underwent complex changes, revealing more about his soul and character.

In the initial days in the dark cell, Huấn Cao's attitude was completely indifferent and disdainful towards the excessive care: For half a month, in the dark cell, Huấn Cao saw a thin poet bringing him wine before the prison meal with an extremely polite attitude: Your teacher gives you this humble gift to use for sustenance. It's very cold in this cell... Huấn Cao calmly accepted the wine and meat, as if it were a routine in the normal cycle of life, before imprisonment. When the prison warden personally came to the prison cell, showing respect and addressing Huấn Cao as a person of integrity, offering to fulfill any additional requests, Huấn Cao responded with aloofness: What do you want from me? I only want one thing. Your people should not set foot in here. That was the indifferent attitude of a hero with bold charisma, not yielding to tyranny: Huấn Cao awaited a thunderous vengeance and the cruel schemes of the prison authorities. Even facing the prospect of execution, he wasn't afraid of these petty intimidations.

Contrary to Huấn Cao's expectations, when the prison warden heard his response, he simply withdrew with a courteous phrase: 'Understood'. And from that day on, meals and wine were still delivered regularly and seemed more generous than before. Huấn Cao was even more surprised: his five comrades were also treated the same.

Selected essays Analyzing the Attitude of the Character Huấn Cao in the short story The Death-row Inmate's Letter

At times, he pondered the meticulousness of the prison warden, thinking it must be an attempt to uncover his secrets, but no, as he had confessed everything during the torture. Besides the contemptuous and cold attitude, Huấn Cao also had to worry about the meticulousness of the warden.

Amidst the dark prison, the heart of the prison warden is likened by Nguyễn Tuân to a clear voice blending into a chaotic and tumultuous musical composition. Perhaps, the gentle and appreciative heart of the prison warden touched Huấn Cao's soul.

The understanding and contemptuous attitude of Huấn Cao towards the prison warden completely disappeared in a dramatic situation: On a cold afternoon, the prison warden shivered after reading an official document. The Chief Magistrate in the Classics ordered the arrest of Huấn Cao and his comrades. The execution ground was set up over there. Tomorrow, in the dreamlike morning, someone will come to carry out the death sentence. The prison warden, having believed in the poet, called the soldiers, explained his thoughts, and the poet, moved after hearing the story, said: 'Yes, sir, you can rest assured, I'm here.' Then, he rushed down to Huấn Cao's cell, knocked on the door, urgently and anxiously told the death-row inmate about the warden's inner feelings, and hesitantly informed Huấn about the imminent execution in the Classics.

After hearing the poet's earnest expression of the prison warden's wishes, Huấn Cao completely changed his attitude. At this moment, Huấn Cao finally revealed why there were strange interactions between the prison warden and his disciples. Simultaneously, he realized that the prison warden is someone who appreciates Beauty. Huấn Cao pondered for a moment and then smiled, saying, 'Tell your boss that tonight, when the guards return to rest, bring silk, ink, a pen, and a bunch of candles down here, and I'll compose the characters for you.'

Characters are truly precious. I've never written for the sake of wealth, power, or forced myself to compose verses. In my life, I have only written two sets of couplets and a middle scroll for my three close friends. I feel the heartfelt appreciation for your group's artistic soul. Had I known that someone like Teacher Quản possessed such noble tastes. If only a little more, I would lose a kindred spirit in the world,' he said, genuinely moved by the prison warden's appreciative heart, ability to enjoy the beauty of words, and reverence for the creator of Beauty. In Huấn Cao's words to the poet, there is a hint of regret and self-blame for the previous misunderstanding.

On that night, an unprecedented scene unfolded in the prison. It was the scene of Huấn Cao composing characters. The damp darkness of the cell contrasted with the solemnity and nobility of the beautiful characters written by Huấn Cao and the enthusiasm from the souls of the two kindred spirits. Due to his admiration for the prison warden's character, Huấn Cao offered sincere advice: 'It's chaotic here. I advise Teacher Quản to find another place to live. Return to your homeland... It's hard to maintain virtue here, and eventually, life will deteriorate.'

This is the fourth and final time in Huấn Cao's life that he composes characters. He knows the value of the characters he writes is very precious. In the three previous instances, he wrote characters for his three close friends. This time, he wrote characters for someone he had despised and scorned just minutes before. What happened in his soul that led him to this decision to honor characters? Huấn Cao's self-respect encountered the respect from the prison warden. It was not just understanding but also empathy, and above all, it was reverence that elevated the prison warden to the position of a true friend, a rare kindred spirit in the world. This deeply moved Huấn Cao.

The scene of Huấn Cao writing characters is both strange and beautiful, like an illusion, a radiance not of this world but from some mythical realm—a scene that has never occurred before: In an atmosphere filled with smoke, the fiery red light from an oil-soaked torch illuminates three heads focusing on an intact white silk sheet over the letter-writing board. The smoke stings the eyes, and they squint. A shackled prisoner, feet bound in stocks, meticulously writes characters on the taut, white silk stretched over a wooden board. After completing a character, the prison warden hurriedly marks the designated spot on the shiny silk with zinc coins. The thin poet, trembling, carries an ink pot. After changing the nib, adjusting the inkwell, Huấn Cao sighs deeply, sadly relieving the prison warden and assertively says:

'This place is chaotic. I advise Teacher Quản to find another place. This is not the location to hang a white silk with neatly squared and vibrant characters that speak of the ambitions running wild throughout a lifetime... I'm telling you the truth: Teacher Quản should return to his hometown, leave this profession, and then think about playing with words. It's hard to maintain virtue here, and eventually, life will deteriorate.'

The flickering fire illuminates the damp prison cell, and the dying flames sizzle against the wet ground.

The three individuals gaze at the burning torch, then look at each other.

The prison atmosphere is poignant, the prison warden bows to the prisoner, folds his hands, and utters a tearful phrase that chokes with emotion: 'This humble one pays respects to the honorable.' Initially, the three individuals didn't understand each other, but in this special moment, they unite in their sincere love and appreciation for Beauty - the Beauty of written characters intertwined with the Beauty of the soul.

The sudden change in Huấn Cao's attitude towards the prison warden is entirely reasonable, aligning with his personality. Why, in the face of the prison warden's kindness, was Huấn Cao initially indifferent and even cold? Perhaps the prison warden understood Huấn Cao better than he thought, harboring no resentment towards Huấn Cao's initial aloofness. The prison warden also knew that those who stir up trouble may not even be aware of it, especially someone like Huấn Cao, a petty criminal confined in prison. Huấn Cao's inherent toughness and incorruptibility make wealth and power futile in influencing him; he remains unyielding even in the face of meager treatment in prison. Huấn Cao keeps his guard up because he knows nothing about the prison warden and is wary of the schemes and deceit he has encountered before. Moreover, there is a significant gap between Huấn Cao and the prison warden—a gap between a condemned prisoner and a representative of authority and violence. Deeper still is the gap between a person of high virtue and value and someone with minimal moral integrity. In this context, Huấn Cao's initial arrogance and disdain are justified. This attitude not only fails to anger the prison warden but, on the contrary, earns more admiration and respect from him.

If Huấn Cao hadn't changed his attitude towards the prison warden, the beauty of Huấn Cao's character wouldn't be complete by the end of the story. Nguyễn Tuân didn't want Huấn Cao to merely be an icon of perfect Beauty. Upon learning the prison warden's wish, Huấn Cao was deeply grateful. The shift in Huấn Cao's attitude highlights his noble qualities. Beyond talent and charisma, Huấn Cao possesses a large character, appreciating and cherishing the beauty of the soul, even when that beauty is concealed in an inappropriate place. The abrupt change in Huấn Cao's attitude is understandable because he recognized the prison warden's sincere and gentle nature. Furthermore, Huấn Cao inherently holds a sense of righteousness, a deep connection with humanity, making the encounter and empathy between him and the prison warden inevitable.

The change in Huấn Cao's attitude towards the prison warden holds significant meaning in the work. Through this, we gain a deeper understanding of Huấn Cao's noble nature. Beyond talent and charisma, Huấn Cao possesses a beautiful soul and a high character. The positive direction in Huấn Cao's perspective and evaluation indicates that the prison warden is also a worthy individual. As Nguyễn Tuân remarked, the prison warden is a pure voice in the midst of chaotic discord. The selfless heart, protective consciousness, and preservation of Beauty as a treasure in the life of the prison warden are truly rare in the declining feudal society of that time.

Huấn Cao's attitude undergoes a transformation: from arrogant and aloof to intimate and caring, yet retaining the dignified, graceful demeanor of a noble and generous character towards the beauty in human qualities, no matter how small or in the most ironic circumstances. The celestial tale concludes with the poignant words laden with multiple meanings from the prison warden.

Nguyễn Tuân succeeded in juxtaposing the two characters, Huấn Cao and the prison warden. These two characters complement and illuminate each other to celebrate the enduring value of Beauty in the work.

In the collection 'Echoes of a Bygone Era,' Nguyễn Tuân successfully fulfills his aspiration by rediscovering and cherishing the traditional spiritual beauty of the nation. His work, 'The Letters of a Death Row Inmate,' leaves an indelible mark on the reader, wherein the figure of Huấn Cao symbolizes the ideal beauty that humanity venerates and eternally aspires towards.

Writing 'The Letters of a Death Row Inmate,' did Nguyễn Tuân intend to convey deeper implications? One thing is certain: the author wishes to express his unending regret for a talented, righteous individual—a significant personality during a time of national decline. Simultaneously, he subtly embeds the collective pain for a nation enslaved, where all that is good and talented in life is ruthlessly trampled upon by the colonialists, the empire, in a brutal manner.

3. Analysis of Huấn Cao's Attitude in the Short Story 'The Letters of a Death Row Inmate,' Model 3:

Nguyễn Tuân stands out as one of the most prominent literary figures in Vietnamese literature to date. His works often achieve significant artistic success. Alongside his romantic prose and contrasting techniques, the art of character construction leaves an indelible impression, contributing to the success of the short story. This is vividly demonstrated through the psychological portrayal of the main character in the celestial tale - Huấn Cao, especially his evolving attitude towards the prison warden.

Huấn Cao is a character crafted with all the love and reverence of the author. He is a hero with his head in the sky, feet on the ground, unparalleled talent in 'writing words,' and excellence in both literary and martial arts. Only because he refuses to be constrained by the injustices of society, he rebels against the ruling regime alongside the people. In the end, he forfeits a life of heroic talent, imprisoned in the dungeon.

Through the art of character construction, the author has created an extraordinarily unique space - the prison. It is precisely in this prison, the 'ideal' place for the confrontation between two opposing ideologies - two hostile forces: on one side are the prison officials representing the rotten, reactionary, and cruel feudal authority; on the other side are the 'rebels,' the 'weed enemies' - the heroes standing up against the dissatisfaction of tyranny. Understanding this more than anyone, initially, Huấn Cao expressed his disdainful attitude, looking down on and scorning the prison warden. But alas, life remains as unpredictable as ever. Rotten, conservative, and cruel are terms used for someone else, not entirely accurate for the conscientious prison warden of Tỉnh Sơn, where Huấn Cao is incarcerated.

Huấn Cao's attitude towards the prison guard can be seen as inevitable. He has yet to discern the suffering in the fate of these guards. In his current mindset, they represent the despised authority he opposes: they are his adversaries. Huấn Cao, not just a remarkably talented individual, but also a symbol of heroic character and dignity. He sacrificed himself for a noble cause, treating death lightly like a mere wisp of hair, so why fear those who uphold from a position of weakness? With a personality so noble, in Huấn Cao's eyes, the prison guards are nothing but insignificant beings following the corrupt authority he detests—they are merely contemptible and beneath notice.

Huấn Cao's stance further earns admiration. He refuses to bow before injustice and evil forces, displaying a profound hatred for wrongdoing. Such qualities are found in individuals with radiant hearts, as bright as a mountain spring and as noble as a mountain plum blossom. If the story had followed this direction, it would have been commendable. However, Nguyen Tuân's pen does not adhere to life's usual habits (he is, after all, a distinctive writer!). Nguyen Tuân's prison guard is not your typical one; he is a soul with mysterious intricacies. Understanding this person, Huấn Cao adopts a completely different attitude, contrary to his initial perception.

He feels regret, acknowledging the possibility that 'a person like the prison warden might possess a benevolent and extraordinary heart.' He regrets not being able to reciprocate a heartfelt connection within the world. Despite being someone who is 'stubborn except in matters of friendship,' in his final moments, he dedicates his words to the prison guard. Not only that, he regards this person as a source of profound advice. The passage depicting the act of writing and conveying words in the work evokes intense emotions in the reader, rightfully earning its place as one of the most beautiful passages in Vietnamese literature.

Indeed, it is a 'scene never seen before.' Nguyễn Tuân concentrates his writing prowess, talent, and imagination into this scene. Writing, cherishing, and admiring sacred words... This scene typically leads to a solemn and dignified study space for those of extensive knowledge. Yet, from that prison chamber, in a place 'dark, cramped, damp, full of cobwebs, with the floor covered in mouse droppings,' one might think it is only a location at the very bottom of society, filthy and foul-smelling.

On the silent night before Huấn Cao faced his judicial punishment, the sacred act of bestowing words unfolded in that obscure darkness. The wordsmith, a debtor of extraordinary talent, confronted the prison guard—society's perceived outcast, vibrant and elevated. The writer, imprisoned yet spiritually lofty, adhering to the saintly principles of writing, despite being physically restrained with 'neck shackled and feet entangled in chains.' The prison guard nervously accepted the grace bestowed by the condemned.

In the deep, profound night, the prison echoed with an eerie silence amidst the pitch-black atmosphere, aligning with the aura of guilt and the prison's looming injustice. Suddenly, the red glow of an oil-soaked torch burst forth, accompanied by the fragrant scent of ink. The torchlight, the ink's aroma, or perhaps the radiance and fragrance of character, of the divine essence of the written word, illuminated the 'three heads huddled together' on the pristine white silk, 'still intact after countless washings.' A truly sacred and dignified scene! Darkness failed to extinguish the flame; the night couldn't cloak the pristine white of silk, and the pungent smell of mouse droppings couldn't mask the intoxicating aroma, infusing flavor into the human soul.

Beauty, the voice of allure..., the voice counseling humans to return to Virtue, 'here and there, we advise the teacher... not here, faint-hearted in the homeland,' encompassing both the soul and moral character. The prison guard could only choke out, 'this enchanting one bows in reverence.' Thus, Beauty had transformed the ugly and the wicked, echoing the words of Dostoevsky, 'Beauty will save the world.' In the silent space, if a sound were to rise, it would be the sincere counsel of Huấn Cao, 'this is not a place for hanging silk,' affirming one thing: Beauty cannot coexist, cannot intertwine with evil, with the ugly.

After Huấn Cao's words, silence pervaded. Silence allowed Virtue, Beauty to resound and reverberate... And at that moment, Huấn Cao, the prison guard, from opposing positions, merged into each other, leaving only boundless reverence for the Beauty, the Virtue of this existence.

The shift in Huấn Cao's attitude towards the prison guard is, in fact, neither surprising nor unreasonable. In reality, Huấn Cao, a person of charisma, acknowledges that the prison guard is not entirely malevolent. They unexpectedly meet in a place of love and reverence for Beauty. Hence, we can understand their journey from opposition to harmony in the fragrance of the written word. Moreover, within Huấn Cao's character, he exhibits sophistication, generosity, and an appreciation for those with inherent goodness. Moved by a genuine heart, he bestows words upon the wrongdoer, an act of Virtue. In the prison, at the end of his life, he unexpectedly encounters a soul of true kindness and loyalty.

Successfully depicting the evolution of Huấn Cao's attitude towards the prison guard, Nguyễn Tuân highlights the character's human beauty. It truly is an ideal model for a talented, charismatic, and generous individual—a perfect embodiment of Beauty and Virtue. Through the character's psychological transformation, the writer affirms a crucial point: Virtue may emerge from evil (granting Virtue to the prison guard in the prison), but it cannot coexist, cannot intertwine with evil (Huấn Cao, initially despising the prison guard, later advising him to leave the prison, ensuring the preservation of 'Virtue').

Huấn Cao stands as the most aesthetically perfect literary figure in our national literature to date. However, this portrayal is not rigid or idealized in the writer's pen. On the contrary, it is incredibly vivid due to logical and argumentative psychological developments. This further underscores the success of the written word and praises the unparalleled talent of the author Nguyễn Tuân in Vietnamese literature, which often lacks such literary figures.

In the written word of the condemned, Huấn Cao emerges as truly beautiful and admirable. Despite the harsh and challenging circumstances, with death looming, this hero accepts, remains courageous and resilient. The image of this character serves as a guiding light for our generation, urging us to contemplate and follow suit.

4. Analysis of the attitude of the character Huấn Cao in the short story 'The Letter of the Death Row Inmate,' model number 4:

In the realm of Vietnamese literature, Nguyễn Tuân stands as a towering figure. To merely label him as a writer in the conventional sense is to inadequately grasp the honor that his words bring. Phan Huy Chú remarks, 'Speaking of Nguyễn Tuân, even if we succinctly call him a writer, we feel there is something missing. Nguyễn Tuân is a cultural phenomenon, both in his persona and style, as unique as his prose. His singular prose is unparalleled in the Vietnamese language' (Phan Huy Chú). Nguyễn Tuân not only contributes a distinctive style but also enriches Vietnamese literature with exceptional works. Among these, the masterpiece is 'The Letter of the Death Row Inmate.' In this creation, we witness Huấn Cao's character, not only a talented hero but also someone who deeply values virtue, particularly in the prison guard.

The narrative revolves around the heroic figure Huấn Cao, who stands alone against the feudal regime. Through this, we discern the qualities and character of the protagonist. Huấn Cao is not just a hero; he is also remarkably skilled, especially in the art of beautiful writing. Alongside Huấn Cao, there is another admirable character, the prison guard. These two individuals, though contrasting in societal roles, harmonize in their artistic pursuits. The prison guard admires Huấn Cao's writing skills and aspires to hang Huấn Cao's words in his home. This noble aspiration, along with the 'selfish' act of not allowing Huấn Cao's words to be used, partly reflects the writer's philosophy regarding beauty. In Nguyễn Tuân's literature, beauty always transcends, regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The prison guard's noble aspiration and the 'selfishness' of keeping Huấn Cao's words away both speak to this philosophy. Moreover, the story provides insights into the beauty of goodness, of human virtue. However, the process for Huấn Cao to realize the virtue of the prison guard, as well as the process for the prison guard to fulfill his noble aspiration, are intricate and prolonged. Yet, how does Huấn Cao's attitude towards the prison guard's treatment unfold? What are the developments in that attitude?

Firstly, when Huấn Cao is initially arrested and brought to the prison where the prison guard is responsible for management, he appears aloof and disdainful towards the prison guard. This is before he discovers the virtue of the prison guard, as he initially believes that the prison guard is of the same ilk as the feudal court and deserves contempt. On the prison guard's part, upon learning that Huấn Cao is detained there, he is elated to encounter someone he admires. He offers wine and meat to Huấn Cao, assigning him a separate cell. However, Huấn Cao not only fails to appreciate the gesture but suspects ulterior motives, thinking that the prison guard may have poisoned the food and drink. Huấn Cao is not afraid, for once determined to be here, death is inevitable sooner or later. Therefore, he indulges in the food and drink without fear. Despite the apparent concern of the prison guard, Huấn Cao responds with words and disdainful glances, pushing the prison guard away. It can be said that in Huấn Cao's mind, he pays no attention to the special concerns of the prison guard. In that dark prison, Huấn Cao looks down on anything associated with the outdated feudal regime. And it is precisely this attitude that the prison guard cannot escape the scrutiny or move the heart of the hero.

Analyzing Huấn Cao's Attitude in the Short Story 'The Letter of the Death Row Inmate'

Upon arriving at the prison, Huấn Cao showed disdain towards the prison guard, paying no attention to those around him. So, what was Huấn Cao's attitude towards that prison guard when he understood the situation?

After some time, Huấn Cao managed to make the prison guard feel fortunate. Thankfully, the poetry master explained to Huấn Cao, ensuring understanding rather than ignorance. Huấn Cao's words were highly esteemed, and he rarely gave them to anyone besides close friends. However, when hearing the poetry master talk about the aspirations of the prison guard, Huấn Cao readily agreed. Upon hearing the story, Huấn Cao exclaimed, 'Almost lost a place in the hearts of the people.' From that statement, we can see a change in Huấn Cao's attitude towards the prison guard. He no longer holds contempt but appreciates virtuous individuals.

When he decided to give the letter, the three individuals in the prison room created a contrasting yet beautiful scene. The act of writing enhanced the beauty of the space, bringing people closer. Huấn Cao no longer scorned or disrespected the prison guard; instead, he approached him. He carefully wrote the characters, intending to present them to the prison guard as his spoken words. After completing the letter, Huấn Cao advised the prison guard to return to his hometown, emphasizing the loss of purity if he stays here. It is evident that Huấn Cao now regards the prison guard as a dear friend, offering genuine advice.

In various situations, Huấn Cao distinctly expresses his attitude towards the prison guard. It not only signifies different attitudes but also conveys specific meanings, primarily emphasizing the reverence for ancient virtues.

5. Analyzing Huấn Cao's Attitude in the Short Story 'The Letter of the Death Row Inmate' - Sample 5:

Nguyễn Tuân, a literary genius, derived his works from his extraordinary talent. Drawing on the real-life figure of Vietnam - Cao Bá Quát, Nguyễn Tuân crafted the story of a death row inmate named Huấn Cao, a resilient, noble, and exceptionally talented character. Through the beauty of the prison guard, Nguyễn Tuân affirms the triumph of beauty and nobility over the wicked and lowly.

Huấn Cao's attitude reflects the author's perspective on everything around him, evaluating life's truths, beauty, and goodness. Huấn Cao is a person of great self-respect, unwilling to write couplets for fame, wealth, or power. He values characters greatly and does not give his words to anyone without proper merit. Huấn Cao is a person of integrity, unyielding and fearless even in the face of death. He particularly scorns those representing oppressive power, seeing them as mere 'minions flaunting their might.'

Despite being under their control, he purposely exhibits disdain. Confronting the prison guard as the heavy gong echoes, 'striking a resounding blow' and remaining 'stoic,' 'disregarding.' After the guard inquires if anything is needed, Huấn Cao responds with a disdainful tone, 'What do I want? I only want one thing: for you not to set foot here.' He avoids the space around him being invaded by those lowly individuals, people who only cater to outdated societal hierarchies, capable of bothering him. His soul is noble, yet he boldly affirms his resistance against the influence of evil. In a graceful manner, upon understanding the guard's sincere heart, Huấn Cao not only graciously accepts the offer for the letter but also sincerely expresses, 'I appreciate the unexpected kindness of all of you.' How could one know that someone like the prison warden possesses such noble interests? Almost losing a valuable sentiment in this world, he sincerely thanks the collective talent of these individuals.

Guide to Analyzing the Attitude of the Character Huấn Cao in the Short Story 'The Letter of the Death Row Inmate'

Not only providing words but also sincere admonitions, Huấn Cao's generous guidance to the prison guard demonstrates a person with a humane and magnanimous heart. 'I truly advise, Warden, to return to your hometown and settle there. Leave this profession, then contemplate playing with words. Here, it's difficult to uphold purity and eventually, life will become tainted.' Recognizing a philosophy, a philosophy that until now retains its value: 'Beauty cannot coexist with the wicked and lowly, and humans can only appreciate beauty if they maintain their inherent purity.' The profound philosophy of Huấn Cao is still deep and insightful.

Huấn Cao is an extremely talented individual, to the point where the prison warden considers obtaining his letter as having 'a treasure in this world.' Huấn Cao's majestic image becomes even more resplendent with his dignified posture, the true stance of a hero. With an inherent determination, even facing adversity, Huấn Cao maintains a composed and liberated demeanor, characteristic of someone who 'defies the heavens and disrupts the waters,' looking down on death. While in prison, he casually enjoys meat and wine, considering it 'a habit maintained in the desire for a peaceful life.'

For further insights, students can refer to the Analysis of the Scene where Huấn Cao Writes for the Prison Warden to grasp the essential details needed in analyzing the attitude of the character Huấn Cao towards the prison warden in 'The Words of a Death Row Inmate.' Next, delve into the article Analysis of the Emotions of Characters in 'Happiness of a Funeral,' the analysis of the process of transformation and awakening of Chí Phèo, Analysis of the Farewell at Nine-Layered Pavilion, and so on, to review knowledge and excel in the 11th-grade literature class.