Analyzing the Exceptional Artistry in Tản Viên's Judicial Saga

Topic: Explore the Exceptional Artistry in Tản Viên's Judicial Saga by Nguyễn Dữ.

Analyzing the Exceptional Artistry in Tản Viên's Judicial Saga
 

I. Outline of Analyzing the Exceptional Artistry in Tản Viên's Judicial Saga

1. Introduction

- Introduce the author, the work, and the issues to be analyzed

2. Body

a. Art of storytelling with a richly dramatic narrative structure, captivating details, skillful story guiding, and vivid, enticing descriptions.
- The story begins with the scene of Tử Văn bathing clean, praying, and then 'igniting the shrine. People all shook their heads in fear for Tử Văn'.

- Creating plot twists, from small to large, leading to powerful climaxes, making readers eagerly anticipate how Nguyễn Dữ unravels the twists:
+ After Tử Văn burns the shrine, he suddenly 'feels uncomfortable, dizzy, his stomach trembling, and his whole body breaking into a feverish sweat.' He is then threatened and challenged by the enemy general Thôi.
+ The earth deity informs Tử Văn about the lawsuit filed by the monster at Minh ti, prompting him to prepare.
+ Midnight, Tử Văn's illness worsens, and he is taken down to Minh ti. The path reveals horrifying and vivid scenes, sparking unique and interesting associations in the reader's mind about the eerie underworld, with small details like '...the wind smelling of sea spray, bone-chilling cold. On both sides of the bridge are tens of thousands of Dạ Xoa demons with green eyes and red hair, menacing figures...'.
+ In the Diêm Vương palace, Tử Văn remains calm, assertively responding to both Diêm Vương and the enemy general Thôi with 'firm, unyielding words.'
=> The story's tension gradually loosens, Diêm Vương doubts the 'honesty' of the ghostly enemy general.
- Untying the knot: Diêm Vương sends someone to thoroughly investigate the matter, calls the Earth Deity to testify, and finally the story is unraveled, everything becomes clear, the guilty party is punished, and Tử Văn is pardoned, allowed to live again.

b. Fantastical and surreal details intertwined:
- The spiritual connection between the three realms of the earthly, celestial, and supernatural adds deep fascination for the reader. Fantastical details like the chilling scenes in the underworld, the appearance of characters under the Diêm Vương palace enhance the drama, opening up a new, captivating story space.
- The construction of fantastical characters like the ghostly enemy general Thôi, Diêm Vương, and Thổ công is the author's idea of the tight link between the real and imaginary worlds, with each character representing a force in society, not only aligning with the earthly realm but also among the three realms of celestial, underworld, and yang.
- The appearance of characters with fantastical and surreal elements carries the educational message that whether alive or dead, the world always has order, goodness always triumphs over evil, and humans, no matter which realm they are in, must behave rightly => Nguyễn Dữ's conveyed moral and educational thoughts become even more profound and impressive.

c. Construction of contrasting good and evil characters.
- The character Ngô Tử Văn, though just a mortal, courageously possesses a righteous heart, remains calm in the face of all incidents, speaks eloquently when needed, with clear and convincing evidence.
- In contrast, the ghostly enemy general engages in evil deeds, hypocritical actions, blatant lies, ultimately succumbing to the powerful and straightforward exposure by Ngô Tử Văn.
- The good-evil nature of characters is clearly revealed through their words, actions, and inner thoughts (Ngô Tử Văn), providing readers with a multidimensional and objective view of the characters.
 

3. Conclusion

Express impressions.

II. Sample Essay Analyzing the Exceptional Artistry in Tản Viên's Judicial Saga

1. Sample Essay 1:

Nguyễn Dữ stands out as a notable author in the medieval Vietnamese literature. Despite a limited number of works, he brought a breath of fresh air to the national literature, paving the way for the introduction of the fantasy genre into our rich literary tradition. His work, 'Tản Viên's Judicial Saga,' extracted from the collection 'Truyền kỳ mạn lục,' written in classical Chinese in the 16th century, primarily focuses on the educational significance of promoting virtuous living and strong opposition against injustice in society. This saga is one of the 20 short stories from 'Truyền kỳ mạn lục,' representing the author's intentions and thoughts vividly. The success of the story lies not only in its profoundly humane content but also in the remarkable artistic elements skillfully and flexibly employed by Nguyễn Dữ, emphasizing and deepening the educational, critical, and advisory aspects of the narrative.

The first and most distinctive artistic feature enveloping the entire work is the art of storytelling with a richly dramatic narrative structure, captivating details, skillful story guiding, and vivid, enticing descriptions. Nguyễn Dữ opens the story with the scene of Tử Văn bathing, praying, and then 'igniting the shrine. People all shook their heads in fear for Tử Văn...' The intriguing opening sparks readers' curiosity, posing numerous questions like why Tử Văn burns the shrine and why people fear him. This compels readers to delve deeper into the narrative. The author then begins to create plot twists, from small to large, leading to powerful climaxes, making readers eagerly anticipate how Nguyễn Dữ unravels the twists. Starting with Tử Văn feeling discomfort, dizziness, feverish symptoms after burning the shrine, and encountering a mysterious figure pretending to advise Tử Văn to rebuild the shrine, only to turn hostile and threaten dire consequences. The narrative unfolds further, introducing the Earth Deity guiding Tử Văn about a monster's lawsuit at Minh ti, setting the stage for resolution. Simultaneously, during Tử Văn's worsening illness and descent to Minh ti, the path reveals horrifying scenes, creating vivid associations about the eerie underworld. Despite the challenges, Tử Văn remains resolute, confidently responding to Diêm Vương and the enemy general Thôi with 'firm, unyielding words.' The story's tension gradually loosens as Diêm Vương questions the 'honesty' of the ghostly enemy general. The knot is untied as Diêm Vương investigates, calls the Earth Deity to testify, and the story concludes with clarity, punishment for the guilty, and Tử Văn's pardon, allowing him to live again.

The second equally crucial artistic detail is the incorporation of fantastical elements throughout the story, encompassing the spiritual connection among the realms of the earthly, celestial, and underworld. Enthralling details, such as eerie scenes in the underworld and the appearance of characters under the jurisdiction of the King of the Underworld, add a dramatic touch, creating a novel and captivating story space. The creation of fantastical characters like the ghostly enemy general Thôi, the King of the Underworld, and the Earth Deity reflects the author's concept of the tight connection between the real and the imaginary worlds. Each character symbolizes a force in society, not only within the earthly realm but also between the celestial, underworld, and yang-yin realms. Thôi, representing evil, deceitful and invading during his life, transforms into a monstrous creature after death, embodying greed, bribery, and disruption of peace in all three worlds. The Earth Deity, a celestial representative of goodness, requires Tử Văn's assistance to restore justice, while Diêm Vương embodies the judiciary, possessing the power to discern right from wrong, administer justice to the righteous, and punish the wicked. The presence of these fantastical elements not only adds allure to the work but also imparts a profound educational message that the world maintains order, goodness prevails over evil, and individuals, regardless of their realm, must act morally, for death is not the end. Thus, Nguyễn Dữ's intended moral and educational concepts become more profound and impactful.

Finally, the brilliance of the story lies in the stark contrast between the characters of good and evil. Ngô Tử Văn, though a mere mortal, displays courage and a noble heart, remaining calm in the face of adversities. His speech is articulate, backed by clear evidence, and he never submits to the enemy Thôi. In contrast, the ghostly enemy general possesses magical abilities, surpassing Tử Văn in strength, yet engages in malicious deeds, feigning goodwill and honesty. Ultimately, he succumbs to exposure under Tử Văn's strong and straightforward revelations. Reading the story provides a clear portrayal of the characters' morality through their words, actions, and inner thoughts, offering readers a multi-dimensional and objective perspective on the characters.

Adding another detail about storytelling, precisely the use of language, Nguyễn Dữ doesn't narrate the story using a single approach. Instead, he develops the story on three fronts: the objective narrative of the storyteller, the subjective elements in the dialogues of the characters, and finally, the commentary providing overall evaluations. This technique helps readers gain a deeper understanding of the ideas, plot, and characters. It is a sophisticated, natural, flexible, and enticing storytelling method not found in every literary work.

Tản Viên's Judicial Saga is a remarkable and unique fantasy story that contributes to human values and the educational significance of the narrative. Its impact extends beyond the battle between good and evil, reaching into the exceptional artistry of the work. The vivid, distinctive characterization, detailed setting depiction, thematic emphasis, and the author's ideology and thoughts all stand out in this literary piece. The story proves the inseparable relationship between content and artistry in a literary work, emphasizing that a great work requires not only a good narrative but also the flexibility and artistry, akin to a superb dish that needs both deliciousness and visual appeal.

2. Sample Essay 2:

'The Tale of Tản Viên's Judicial Appointment' stands out in the treasury of medieval Vietnamese literature. It not only imparts valuable moral lessons but also encapsulates remarkable artistic elements, employed with utmost flexibility and sophistication by the author. Through this, it further underscores its educational significance for future generations.

Derived from Nguyễn Dữ's collection 'Truyền kỳ mạn lục,' 'The Tale of Tản Viên's Judicial Appointment' narrates the story of Ngô Tử Văn—a straightforward and courageous individual who stands against evil to safeguard peace for the people. Boldly, he sets ablaze the temple possessed by the malevolent spirit, the defeated general from the North, accusing him of his crimes before King Yama. Consequently, justice is served, and the lives of the people return to tranquility. Ngô Tử Văn ascends to the position of Tản Viên's Judicial Officer, while the malevolent spirit faces well-deserved punishment.

Examining the work, one can immediately discern Nguyễn Dữ's masterful storytelling artistry. The construction of situations, the guidance through issues, and their resolution are meticulously and cleverly arranged by the author. Right from the opening lines, witnessing Ngô Tử Văn burning the temple not only sparks curiosity but also leads to a series of subsequent events. From characters falling ill to being taken to the underworld, participating in the trial led by King Yama, and finally resolving the conflicts—the author's logical sequence creates an optimal setting for readers to engage with the work. Through this, readers grasp the invaluable moral lessons conveyed by the author.

Exploring the Artistic Analysis in the Tale of Tản Viên's Judicial Function has enabled us to delve into the distinctive elements of blending realism and surreal fantasy in conveying the work's essence. Additionally, in unraveling the Tale of Tản Viên's Judicial Function, one should not overlook: Analysis of the Fantastic Elements in the Tale of Tản Viên's Judicial Function, Exposition of the Tale of Tản Viên's Judicial Function by Nguyễn Dữ, Appreciation of the Character Ngô Tử Văn in the Tale of Tản Viên's Judicial Function, Substantiating the assertion: The Tale of Tản Viên's Judicial Function is the triumph of justice and righteousness.