Analyzing the concept of independence as portrayed by Nguyen Trai in the Binh Ngo Great Proclamation.

Prompt: Examining the depiction of independence by Nguyen Trai in the Binh Ngo Great Proclamation.

Highlighting the principle of independence in paragraph 1:

Emphasizing the ethos of justice: Pacifying the people and eradicating tyranny. Nguyen Trai affirmed the national sovereignty in various aspects such as territory, customs, historical heritage, regime dynasties, and human values.

Illustrating the concept of independence in paragraph 2:

The author vividly delineated the schemes of the enemy and their deceitful facade. Nguyen Trai indicted the atrocities committed by the Ming invaders who mercilessly slaughtered innocent civilians, perpetrated brutal exploitation, and ravaged the human habitat. Nguyen Trai crafted a stinging indictment to express the deep-seated hatred of the people towards the aggressors.

c. Evaluation:

- Nguyen Trai has achieved success by blending political and literary elements to denounce and accuse the atrocities of the enemy, thereby affirming the nation's sovereignty and independence with determination.
- His skillful rhetorical art, employing techniques of comparison, contrast, enumeration, and exaggeration, demonstrates Nguyen Trai's versatile talent.

3. Conclusion:

- Summarizing the idea of independence conveyed by Nguyen Trai in the 'Binh Ngo Dai Cao'.

II. Sample Essay: Analyzing Nguyen Trai's Concept of Independence in the 'Binh Ngo Dai Cao' (Standard)

If 'Nam quoc son ha' is hailed as the first declaration of independence, then the 'Binh Ngo Dai Cao' is the second declaration of independence of Vietnam. Authored by Nguyen Trai, the 'Binh Ngo Dai Cao' embodies the ideals of independence and asserts the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our Vietnam in the face of enemy invasion.

Nguyen Trai (1380 - 1442) was a martial scholar, a national hero, a distinguished political writer, and a profound romantic poet, whose works intertwine patriotism and compassion. The 'Binh Ngo Dai Cao' was penned at the end of 1427 or the beginning of 1428, following the Lam Son uprising's triumph and Le Loi's ascension to the throne. Nguyen Trai, under Le Loi's command, authored the 'Binh Ngo Dai Cao' to declare to the world the suppression of the Ngô invaders. It is considered the second Declaration of Independence of Vietnam, asserting sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In the first paragraph, Nguyen Trai's concept of independence is manifested in the elevation of the spirit of compassion, aiming to appease the people and repel aggression. He affirmed our righteous stance and the unjust nature of the invading enemy:

'The essence of compassion lies in pacifying the people
Before resorting to punitive measures, prioritize peace to eradicate aggression
Just as our Dai Viet nation has long upheld its cultural heritage
Mountains, rivers, and borders have long been defined
Cultural practices in the North and South vary
Through the ages, from Trieu, Dinh, Ly, Tran dynasties
We have laid the foundation of independence
While Han, Tang, Song, Yuan each claimed sovereignty
Strength may fluctuate, but heroes arise in every era.'

The author affirms the national sovereignty in various aspects such as territory, customs, historical traditions, dynastic regimes, and people. The territory of Vietnam must be unified and comprehensive, as clearly delineated in historical records 'Mountains, rivers, and borders have long been defined,' with distinctive customs of each region in Vietnam. We take pride in Vietnam's longstanding cultural heritage, as did Nguyen Trai. For him, the Dai Viet nation has long upheld its cultural heritage, so we must not allow the enemy to dominate and erode the Vietnamese people's identity. The author equates the Dai Viet dynasties with those of China, while affirming the people's pride in victories. Through the ups and downs from the Trieu, Dinh, Ly, Tran eras, generations have built the foundation of independence, which is the nation's pride, knowing that Vietnam has many talented individuals. The author uses terms like 'has long upheld,' 'from before,' 'for a long time,' 'have been divided,' 'also different' to demonstrate the longstanding existence of an independent Dai Viet nation with sovereignty and cultural heritage.

To clearly assert the concept of independence and 'nothing is more precious than independence and freedom,' author Nguyen Trai clearly outlines the enemy's schemes and their hypocritical nature.

'The Hồ clan's deeds cause distress
Stirring resentment among the people
The Ming's fanatical troops take advantage, causing chaos
The wicked still sell the country, seeking glory'

The terms 'compassion' and 'abuse of power' clearly illustrate the enemy's deceitful rhetoric, portraying the chaotic situation where certain leaders, holding power in their hands, are cunningly subdued by the invaders. These individuals pave the way for the enemy to 'take advantage of the murky waters,' fueling intense hatred among our people. Nguyen Trai accuses the atrocities of the Ming aggressors who ruthlessly slaughter innocent civilians, brutally exploit, and destroy the human living environment:

'Roasting black people over ruthless flames
Burying red infants under treacherous pits
...Forced to dive into the sea's depths, encountering not pearls but dreaded sharks, treacherous currents
Those taken to the mountains sift through sands for gold, amidst the misery of deep forests and poisonous waters
Collecting specimens, trapping birds, nets set everywhere...'

Their brutality slaughters not only the 'black people' or innocent infants but also extinguishes any glimmer of hope for survival. They not only kill in horrifying ways but also impose countless unjust taxes, 'Heavy taxes clean out mountains without respite,' leaving our people in despair. They devastate the human living environment, even harming insects and plants, rendering nothing capable of flourishing. Our people are truly pitiful and deserving of sympathy as the invaders are not only cruel but also greedy. To satisfy their greed and extravagant indulgence, the invading forces force our people into the forests, onto the seas, trading their very lives to procure rare natural resources for them. Faced with immense hatred, Nguyen Trai writes a sharply worded indictment to express the profound hatred of the people:

'Evil prevails, yet the Southern Bamboo Grove conceals no crimes
Filth remains, yet the Eastern Sea fails to wash away the stench.
If the heavens and earth were forgiving,
Who would believe that divine beings could endure?'

Perhaps the crimes they committed are so heinous that even the seas cannot wash away their stench. For it's not only the people who suffer, but even the indifferent land and sky cannot forgive their atrocities.

In the third section of the work, the author vividly depicts the valiant struggle of our people to contribute to the establishment of independence:

'Mount Lam Son stirred with righteous rebellion
In the wilderness, we forged our resolve
Contemplating monumental vengeance, we swore not to share the heavens with our foes
We vowed never to coexist
Hearts pained, minds weary, for a decade and more
Tasting the bitterness, lying on thorns, forgoing meals in anger, strategizing with clear minds'

The author employs the image of General Le Loi, of humble origin but accomplishing extraordinary feats, to exemplify the people's nature in the Lam Son uprising. This general emerged from the wilderness yet harbored deep-seated hatred towards the enemy, vowing not to share the skies, enduring hardship to recruit talents to fulfill the mission of saving the nation. Despite facing numerous challenges in the early days of the uprising, including limited resources and manpower shortages, King Le Loi remained unwavering, elevating spirits to overcome obstacles and fight. Nguyen Trai extolled the people's spirit, especially emphasizing the role of the poor and lowly in the uprising's victory. The unity and indomitable will of our people, 'Officers devoted to filial piety,' 'the people of all four regions as one family,' contributed to resounding victory. In battles like Bo Da, Tra Ban, our forces surged with vigor like roaring waves, overwhelming the enemy in defeat and disgrace. We offered amnesty to surrendering enemy troops, showing compassion by providing boats, provisions, and horses to the defeated enemy as a long-term, sustainable strategy for peace and stability in our land.

In the final segment of the work, the author unveils a new chapter for the nation's history, as the land embraces peace, and the people enjoy warmth, and happiness:

'From hereon, stability reigns,
From hereon, the landscape transforms
The profound becomes simple, the sun and moon brighten
... Near and far, all understand.'

This could be seen as a declaration and affirmation of the sovereignty of Dai Viet. The author rejoices, the people are excited as 'Stability reigns from hereon,' 'The landscape transforms from hereon' when our people no longer endure the oppression, tyranny, and exploitation of the enemy. The author expresses confidence, his will in the future of the country in peace and prosperity when 'The four seas are tranquil, a new decree enlightens everywhere.' This is the result of the combination of the strength of the nation and the spirit of the times to establish a strong and enduring independence.

Nguyen Trai has achieved success by combining political and literary elements to condemn, accuse the atrocities of the enemy, thereby asserting the nation's resolute independence and sovereignty. Through the work, we see a patriotic heart and the eloquence of Nguyen Trai when employing rhetorical techniques such as comparison, contrast, enumeration, exaggeration to elevate the spirit of patriotism.