Analyzing the Heroic Spirit Excerpt

Topic: Based on the Heroic Spirit excerpt and your own impressions, please write an analysis of the Heroic Spirit excerpt, excerpted from Nguyen Du's 'The Tale of Kieu.'

Sample Essay: Analyzing the Excerpt of Heroic Spirit

I. Outline of Analyzing the Excerpt of Heroic Spirit (Standard)

1. Introduction:

Introduce the author, the work, and the excerpt

2. Body:

* General Overview

- Location: from line 2213 to line 2230 of “The Tale of Kieu”, after being sold into the brothel for the second time, Kieu meets Tu Hai and is redeemed by Tu Hai to become his wife.
- Content of the excerpt: portrays Tu Hai's heroic aspirations.

a. Tu Hai's Desires to Embark on a Journey

- Context: “half a year, the scent of burning desire was strong”: While happily with Thuy Kieu, Tu Hai decides to embark on a journey to fulfill his aspirations.

+ “Suddenly his heart stirred in all directions”

→ Strong determination and willpower to achieve greatness.

- “Gazing at the vast sky and ocean”: expressing the desire to venture into the vast sea, to escape the mundane life.

b. Dialogue between Tu Hai and Thuy Kieu

* Thuy Kieu's desire: to follow to fulfill the duty of a loyal wife.

- Affirmation of understanding and emotional connection: “Heart's joy reciprocated”.
- Hoping Thuy Kieu will set aside the matter of “usual female emotions”.

→ Affirming her importance in Tu Hai's heart.
→ Trusting in Kieu's understanding and compassionate nature.

- Promises to return and marry her once he has achieved fame and success:

+ “Ten thousand soldiers”, “the sound of drums awakening the land”, “the shadow of fame covering the streets”: aspiring for greatness, extraordinariness.
+ The promise to “escort her as a noblewoman”: granting Thuy Kieu a prestigious status.

- Clearly stating the current situation: “Now, four seas, no home/ The more you know, the more you are lost”.
- Setting a time frame to demonstrate a resolute determination to achieve success rapidly while comforting and encouraging Thuy Kieu: “Willing to wait a bit longer/ Perhaps just a year, what’s the rush”

c. Tu Hai's decisive departure

- “Decisive”, “shedding the robe”, “departing”: demonstrating resolute, strong, and unwavering action of the hero.
- “The wind and clouds have reached the distant sea”:

+ Drawing from the allegory of Zhuangzi to affirm: Tu Hai is like a great bird riding the wind, soaring high and far beyond the vast ocean.
+ Highlighting the posture of a hero with extraordinary courage.

d. Evaluation

- Regarding the content: The excerpt has depicted the image of an ideal hero with grand aspirations.
- In terms of artistry:

+ Utilizing dialogue form.
+ Employing allegory and distinctive language to express the character's determination and aspirations.

3. Conclusion:

Affirming the value of the excerpt, and Nguyen Du's artistic talent.

>> Students can refer to more samples of the Outline for Analyzing the Excerpt of Heroic Spirit here.
 

II. Sample Essay: Analysis of the Excerpt of Heroic Spirit

1. Analysis of the Excerpt of Heroic Spirit, Sample 1 (Standard)

In 'The Tale of Kieu,' alongside expressing empathy and admiration for talented individuals like Thuy Kieu, who endure the twists of fate, the great poet Nguyen Du also reveals a dream of an ideal heroic figure, illuminating a beacon of hope amidst the decay of society. This is vividly demonstrated in the excerpt of Heroic Spirit.

After years of wandering, enduring all hardships and humiliations in the secular world, Thuy Kieu encountered Tu Hai. The heroic figure with head in the sky and feet on the ground shines brightly amidst the dark life of a delicate existence. Tu Hai not only rescued Thuy Kieu from the brothel, helping her seek retribution and justice but also cherished her as a confidante. The beauty of the stature and ideals of the heroic figure Tu Hai is most vividly depicted by the author Nguyen Du through the excerpt 'Heroic Spirit.'

In 'The Tale of Kieu,' Tu Hai is portrayed as a robust figure: 'Broad-shouldered, ten feet tall.' He embodies the image of a hero, skilled in warfare and martial arts. Particularly, Nguyen Du highlights two striking qualities of Tu Hai: 'Mightier than his strength' and 'his strategy includes talent.' Therefore, Tu Hai is not a person content with an ordinary life, nor one patient enough to wait for success through scholarly achievements. For him, engaging in battles, strategizing for success, and asserting himself in society are imperative, especially in the tumultuous social landscape of the time. Thus, shortly after the 'half a year of passionate love' with Thuy Kieu, Tu Hai decisively leaves the tranquil life with his talented and beautiful wife to pursue success, eager to make his mark in all directions:

'Half a year amidst passion's fiery glow,
The hero's heart, now sets sail to go.'

This verse encapsulates the strong determination and ambitious spirit of the hero. The word 'now' signifies his resolute attitude and swift transition from a peaceful life to a future of hardships for the sake of his career. Nguyen Du adeptly captures Tu Hai's noble aspirations with the phrase 'sets sail to go,' depicting his grand ambitions and desire to achieve greatness, to dominate a domain. The term 'hero' further underscores the author's idealized vision of a figure embodying moral virtues, robust character across all regions, a resolute career, a magnanimous heart, understanding of human nature, and an unwavering commitment to justice in society.

'Gazing across boundless sky and sea,
Sword at rest, the hero ventures free.'

Tu Hai's noble aspirations and broad-mindedness are vividly depicted in the verse 'Gazing across boundless sky and sea,' as he gazes towards the distant horizon, revealing his desire to venture into the vast ocean, to break free from the ordinary life of a husband and father, in order to achieve greatness. His strong ambition to repay his debt to fame and honor prompted Tu Hai to bid farewell to Thuy Kieu, resolutely setting forth on his journey: 'Sword at rest, the hero ventures free.' The image of a lone sword, a lone horse, further illuminates the qualities and beauty of the contemporary hero, determined to establish a career, affirming his willpower, confidence in the soul of the nobleman.

Faced with Tu Hai's pursuit of success, Thuy Kieu, being intelligent and perceptive, had no intention of hindering him, although she felt somewhat saddened, as their married life had not been peaceful for long. She asked Tu Hai to allow her to accompany him, to mend clothes and assist, to walk together as husband and wife:

'She asked: 'Does your heart seek other paths,
Than to remain bound by ordinary marital bonds?'

An analysis of the excerpt 'Heroic Spirit' reveals Tu Hai's desire to establish a career.

Upon Kiều's proposal, Từ Hải didn't think it was the right thing to do, but gently advised his beloved by appealing to her rational understanding, hoping she would think clearly, set aside trivial romantic matters, and support him on the path to building a great career. Từ Hải's words were not only advisory but also served as profound encouragement to Kiều, affirming her important position in Từ Hải's heart, as well as trusting in her rational understanding, generous heart, and loyalty while Từ Hải embarked on significant endeavors. The subsequent verses further demonstrate Từ Hải's determination and his affection for his wife:

“When ten thousand soldiers rally round,
The land resounds with bells, the roads with banners fly,
That is the time my prowess will shine high,
And then I will bring you home as a lady of wealth and honor.”

Displaying a clear determination and ambition to achieve greatness, Từ Hải envisions leading a mighty army of 'ten thousand soldiers,' possessing extraordinary strength, with bells tolling across the land and banners adorning the streets. Only then would Từ Hải return to assert his dominance among men. Furthermore, Từ Hải promises Kiều, 'And then I will bring you home as a lady of wealth and honor,' ensuring Kiều a glorious life as his wife, free from worries and troubles. It can be said that besides fulfilling his debt to fame, Từ Hải's other purpose is to ensure Kiều's happiness, relieving her from oppression and humiliation. All of these factors serve as strong motivation for Từ Hải to act swiftly and achieve greatness.

After expressing his aspirations and dreams, Từ Hải also reveals his concerns and broad foresight when speaking to Kiều:

'Now four seas without home,
Where to go with such busy pursuit.'

Indeed, the initial days of seeking fame were truly difficult for Từ Hải. With only himself, a sword, and a horse, he was not yet firmly established. For men accustomed to traveling the four seas, it was normal, but for someone as delicate as Thúy Kiều, it was indeed a hardship. Từ Hải feared Kiều would endure hardship, which unsettled him further from building his career. Therefore, leaving Kiều at home to await his return was the wisest choice. Additionally, to console Kiều, Từ Hải promised her:

'Just be patient for a little while,
Perhaps it will be nothing more than a year.'

Từ Hải setting a timeframe not only demonstrates his determination to quickly establish his career without delay but also deeply comforts and encourages Thúy Kiều, allowing her to be reassured and steadfast at home. After expressing his sentiments and advising Thúy Kiều, Từ Hải decisively bids farewell to his beloved to embark on his journey for success. The imagery of 'When the winds and clouds reach the distant sea' is a beautiful and highly symbolic portrayal, foreshadowing Từ Hải's magnificent future success, revealing his heroic stature comparable to the mythical bird traversing the seas. The image of the bird soaring through the wind symbolizes the hero's departure to establish a prominent career, standing on equal footing with heaven and earth, mountains, and rivers, not forsaking his beloved, not forsaking his masculine principles.

Truyện Kiều is regarded as a brilliant pinnacle of Nôm poetry, the soul and essence of the nation, a masterpiece of Vietnamese literature. Reading the work, one cannot help but feel sorrow and compassion for Kiều, a talented yet unfortunate woman, disdain for the selfishness of Hoạn Thư, jealousy towards the oppressive Tú Bà, and Mã Giám Sinh's deceitful nature. There's empathy for Thúc Sinh, despite his weaknesses, as a romantic and honorable individual. Particularly memorable is the image of Từ Hải, a heroic figure embodying extraordinary qualities and achievements. The excerpt Chí Khí anh hùng vividly portrays the essence of this hero.

' Half a year of intense longing,
The husband's heart stirred, spanning the four directions.
Gazing at the vast expanse of sky and sea,
A peaceful sword, a steady horse, embarking on a straight path. ''

The hero and the maiden, the love between Từ Hải and Thúy Kiều, transcends all obstacles to unite. 'He' and 'she,' two yet one, understand each other, empathize, and share together. In the midst of their burgeoning love, the 'husband' nurtures lofty ambitions, desiring to achieve fame in distant lands. He temporarily sets aside personal concerns to pursue his career. This illustrates that Từ Hải is not merely driven by common passions but also by valor and ambition. The image of Từ Hải setting forth alone on horseback exemplifies the courage and decisiveness of a heroic figure, resolutely departing without personal attachments. He possesses a strong spirit, aspiring to accomplish great deeds, longing to explore the world's four corners. It epitomizes the ideals and noble purpose of a hero with grand aspirations.

“With courage, a man can traverse the South, North, East, and West,
   Unleashing his strength to conquer the realms within the four seas.”

Analysis of the excerpt Chí khí anh hùng

A glorious career awaits ahead. Từ departs without hesitation, wholeheartedly pursuing greatness. The verb 'stirred' denotes swift and resolute decision-making. With unwavering determination, the hero ventures in all directions, refusing rest until achieving fame, unwilling to confine himself to narrow spaces without fulfilling his lofty ambitions. Departing is surely not easy for Từ Hải, as he leaves behind loved ones, but it's a prudent and firm decision. For within Từ Hải burns the heroic spirit.

' Kiều says: A woman's fate is obedience,
Even a concubine earnestly pleads to go with.'

Through trials and tribulations, fleeting happiness, Từ Hải's departure surely saddens Kiều. Yet, understanding Từ's noble intentions, Kiều, true to her compassionate nature, comprehends Từ Hải's aspirations. She doesn't hinder Từ but rather supports him, desiring to accompany her husband through hardships on the battlefield. This exemplifies Kiều's moral character.

Từ asserts: “Heart and fortune intertwined,
Why still entangled in mundane desires?”

Once again, Từ affirms the close bond between Kiều and himself while gently reproaching: Despite mutual understanding, why is she still ensnared by ordinary desires of a young woman? As a woman of a husband, she must be resolute and strong. Through Từ's words, love and appreciation for Kiều are vividly expressed.

In any separation, it's the woman who waits and grieves the most. Từ Hải understands this better than anyone. However, this moment of parting is not marred by sorrow but instead looks forward to illustrious deeds, instilling confidence in Thúy Kiều:

“When ten thousand soldiers gather,
The sound of drums resounds, the land enveloped in auspicious signs.
Manifesting extraordinary prowess,
Then I shall escort you to a noble household.
For now, without a home across the four seas,
Whichever path we tread, we shall know.”

  In the mind of the nobleman at this moment lies dreams and glorious achievements. Though he travels alone, on a single horse, upon returning triumphant with ten thousand soldiers, amid the resounding drums and fluttering flags, in the glory of victory, he believes in his words, his deeds, and above all, in bringing glory to his nation, his people, and his beloved woman. Then, he will revel with Kiều in shared happiness. He cannot let his beloved endure hardships far away and asserts that 'one year' later, he will return. A specific timeframe, demonstrating determination, confidence, and the valor of Từ Hải. 

Acceptingly wait just a little longer,
Perhaps it's a year, why rush?'

This is not merely a promise but a solemn oath, a firm commitment. Despite inner turmoil, even if the heart cries out, she must suppress her emotions to let him go, then await his return in glory. She must patiently wait. The heroic spirit within Từ Hải is not just dreams and desires but also ethics, responsibility, a heart filled with integrity, longing to achieve greatness. 

With firm resolve, he sets off,
As the wind and clouds reach the distant horizon.

Swift and resolute actions, 'firm resolve', 'setting off without hesitation.'

Từ Hải didn't let affection sway, didn't let sentimentality hinder his will, maintaining consistency in thought and action. Nguyễn Du demonstrates keenness by employing the imagery of soaring birds and the common literary symbols of 'wind, clouds', symbolizing an ideal hero with lofty goals, extraordinary courage matching the vastness of the universe, freely navigating the skies to fulfill the aspirations of a nobleman. 

Through the excerpt of Chí Khí anh hùng, we perceive Nguyễn Du's yearning for an ideal hero in his era, with grand aspirations and lofty ideals. Simultaneously, it imparts to the younger generation, such as us, lessons about purpose and life ideals. Dare to move forward, set goals for oneself, persevere towards those goals. Be the youth of the new generation, full of enthusiasm, living with dreams and ideals, despite facing hardships and challenges ahead, steadfastly maintain faith in oneself. Success will come to those who are dedicated and sincere.

3. Analysis of the excerpt Chí khí anh hùng, sample number 3 (Standard):

If Kim Trọng represents a studious scholar, then Từ Hải epitomizes a hero with boldness and valor. Từ Hải rescued Thúy Kiều from a life of shame and degradation when she fell into the brothel for the second time. Although they lived happily together, Từ Hải, driven by his ambition for a grand career, bid farewell to Thúy Kiều to pursue his goals. His determination and willpower are vividly portrayed in the excerpt 'Chí khí anh hùng' from Nguyễn Du's masterpiece 'The Tale of Kiều.'

This excerpt, spanning from line 2213 to line 2230, embodies the author's ideal of a hero. The first four lines of the excerpt express Từ Hải's desire to embark on his career:

'Half a year the fragrant fire burns bright,
The man of valor stirs, his heart set on all directions,
Gazing into the vastness of the sky and sea,
The gleaming sword, the tranquil horse, sets forth straight and wide.'

While their love and marital bliss are deepening and warm, Từ Hải resolves to depart, leaving behind his talented and beautiful wife to pursue his aspirations as a man. In the old society, for a man to be recognized, he must have fame, a career, and achieve great deeds. As Nguyễn Công Trứ once wrote:

'Being a true man, North, South, East, West,
He wielded his strength across the four seas.'

Từ Hải is a man who desires to 'wield his strength,' hence he 'stirs his heart towards all directions.' He is someone with the determination to establish a great career. The verb 'stirs' not only portrays a swift action but also reflects Từ Hải's decisiveness and firmness. Author Nguyễn Du placed the hero in a challenging situation where, on one hand, he had the blissful married life as a temptation, and on the other hand, he had vast space to demonstrate his prowess in all directions. Despite the lingering affection in the married life, the beauty that made his wife Thúy Kiều 'jealous flower,' 'willow of resentment' tried to hold back the hero's footsteps, but Từ Hải remained determined to embark on the battlefield to fulfill his desire to 'wield his strength across the four seas' without hesitation or doubt. A person who 'knows no bounds' like Từ Hải wants to roam freely across the world, which is understandable. The image of Từ Hải departing swiftly with his sword on the horse's saddle in the vast expanse of the sky and sea is majestic and imposing. Personal happiness cannot hinder the footsteps of the hero. Từ Hải is 'not a person of a house, a lineage, a neighborhood, or a village, but a person of the heavens and earth, of the four directions' (Hoài Thanh). He faces the heavens and earth, the universe, with a proactive mindset.

A sample essay analyzing the excerpt 'Chí khí anh hùng'

Every parting is accompanied by sorrow, tears, and the separation of Thúy Kiều - Từ Hải is no exception:

'She said: 'A woman's fate is obedience,
If you go, I too wish to follow wholeheartedly.''

Confucianism stipulates that a woman must adhere to the 'three obediences': obeying her father at home, obeying her husband after marriage, and obeying her son after her husband's death. Thúy Kiều cleverly refers to the Confucian law to request to follow her husband. Amidst the 'aroma of love,' she does not want to endure separation, parting from Từ Hải - a husband but also a benefactor who saved Kiều from the green pavilion. She wants to be with her husband, to share the hardships in life together. This desire is entirely justified because a woman should follow her husband after marriage. Despite the hardships, Kiều is willing to wholeheartedly stay with Từ Hải. However, with the moral integrity of a gentleman, Từ Hải responds:

'He said: 'Mental happiness seeks a bond,
Why have you not escaped the trivial affairs of women?
When ten thousand soldiers gather,
The sound of bells will echo, the earth's shadow covers the road.
To make it clear to the extraordinary,
Then I shall take you as a noble wife.''

The two understood each other's hearts so deeply, so why does Kiều still 'not escape the trivial affairs of women'? It's both a reproach to Thúy Kiều, although she is deeply loyal and devoted, why doesn't she understand Từ Hải's actions. At the same time, it's also encouragement, advising Thúy Kiều to overcome the current obstacles and look towards a better future, hoping she won't worry too much about herself. Từ Hải convinces, promising Thúy Kiều with sincere and profound affection. Từ Hải departs to establish his career, fame until becoming an exceptional person, holding 'ten thousand soldiers' in his hand, then he will return to fetch Kiều as a 'noble wife' with grand ceremonial gestures. The couple reunites amidst the resounding sound of 'bells echoing the earth' and the scene filled with flags on the streets.

In order to gracefully decline Thúy Kiều's desire, Từ Hải used persuasive words:

'By now, the four seas are not my home,
Where should I know to go even more?
I'm willing to wait just a little longer,
Perhaps a year later, what's the hurry?'

Từ Hải's refusal of Thúy Kiều's desire is because she would worry him, or genuinely, he doesn't want his wife to endure hardships, difficulties? For a man, considering the four seas as home is natural, but for a woman like Thúy Kiều, it's not easy and very difficult to adapt. Perhaps for these reasons, Từ Hải advises Kiều to 'willingly' wait for the day he succeeds and returns. Waiting for a year is not too long, but it shows the heroic spirit, the high determination of Từ Hải. Building a career, fame is not something that happens overnight, but it's a lifetime endeavor. However, Từ Hải promises Kiều that he will achieve fame after a year. Only a person with high determination, believing in their own abilities, can make such a promise.

If the separation of the couple in 'The Tale of Kieu' is described by Đặng Trần Côn:

'Having exchanged farewells, hand in hand,
Each step taken, paused in every moment.'

The separation of Từ Hải and Thúy Kiều in the excerpt 'Heroic Spirit' by Nguyễn Du is depicted decisively:

'Resolved, the garment's cast aside,
Wind and clouds come, it's time to sail.'

Ancients said heroes find it hard to pass the test of beauties, but with the grand aspirations of those with their heads in the sky and feet on the ground, the test of beauties does not trouble Từ Hải. His act of 'casting aside the garment' demonstrates a resolute attitude, without hesitation or entanglement in personal matters. According to the fable in the book of Trang Tử, 'the eagle is a bird of great size, flapping its wings to create waves in three thousand miles, riding the wind to soar nine thousand miles. The eagle in literature often symbolizes the aspirations of a hero with extraordinary courage, longing to achieve great accomplishments.' Từ Hải's departure is portrayed through the metaphor of the eagle, majestic and possessing extraordinary strength. This perspective reflects the romantic soul of a medieval poet.

'The heroic spirit' vividly describes the parting between the 'heroic man' and the 'gentle boatwoman,' full of decisiveness but highlighted in the excerpt is the heroic spirit of Từ Hải. It is the character of pride, straightforwardness of the 'lord' in the world. This character is constructed by Nguyễn Du using symbolic imagery along with profound language, highly expressive. This also contributes to the success in the artistic portrayal of characters by the author. Từ Hải deserves to be the young man 'waving across the four seas,' not because of the 'burning fire' but he stands strong, unwavering.

4. Analysis of the excerpt Heroic Spirit, standard sample 4

The excerpt Heroic Spirit is a prominent work in grade 10 literature. In addition to the essay Analyzing the excerpt Heroic Spirit, students and teachers can also refer to sample essays Appreciation of the Heroic Spirit excerpt, or writings about excerpts from The Tale of Kiều and even parts of Preparing the Heroic Spirit lesson. Hopefully, these useful sample essays will support students' learning process more easily and effectively.