Analyzing the Poem 'The Gentle Plea' by Ngo Thi Nham

Unveiling the Layers of 'The Gentle Plea' by Ngo Thi Nham
 

I. Outline of In-depth Analysis for 'The Gentle Plea,' Model 1 (Standard):
 

1. Introduction

Introducing Ngô Thì Nhậm and the work 'The Gentle Plea'

2. Body

a. Historical Context of 'The Gentle Plea':
- Penned around 1788-1789
- Under the order of King Quang Trung, urging virtuous talents to collaborate and aid the king in nation-building

b. Role, Position of the Virtuous Talent:
- Virtuous talents shine like stars in the sky; their talents must be used to benefit society, and virtuous talents must support the monarch.
- Virtuous scholars often remain in hiding during tumultuous times, with the nation facing many challenges.
- Some may take on official roles but are hesitant to speak up, fearing repercussions; they are like 'drowning on dry land,' avoiding life's challenges.

c. Difficult Situation of the Country at that Time:
- The dynasty is in its early stages, with many deficiencies in laws and regulations.
- Border areas face numerous concerns and anxieties.
- The people have not fully recovered their strength.
- The newly crowned king is not yet fully understood by the people.
- One pillar cannot support a large house; the strategy of one person cannot establish peaceful governance.

d. Policy of Seeking Virtuous Talents:

- Talented individuals, well-educated, skilled in their professions, and proficient in their careers are encouraged to apply voluntarily.
- Reflects the democratic spirit of each citizen.
- Artistry:
+ Elegant language, words filled with tolerance, yet earnest and fervent
+ System of persuasive and rigorous arguments.

3. Conclusion

The work demonstrates foresight and sincerity in valuing national heroes and talents. It helps one understand and appreciate the value of intellect and the role of skilled individuals in the nation.

II. Outline of In-depth Analysis for 'The Gentle Plea,' Model 2 (Standard):

1. Introduction

- Seeking virtuous talents has been a strategy and policy of many ancient East Asian countries, including Vietnam.
- 'The Gentle Plea' emerged around 1788-1789, amidst a turbulent period. The nation faced numerous challenges, the newly established dynasty was not yet stable, and there was a pressing need for talented individuals to aid the country. Recognizing this, Nguyễn Huệ advocated the 'Gentle Plea' to persuade the learned scholars of Bắc Hà, who were intellectuals from the previous dynasty (Lê-Trịnh), to come and assist the nation. This plea was penned by Ngô Thì Nhậm.

2. Body

* Author:
- Ngô Thì Nhậm (1746-1803), born in Thanh Trì district, Hanoi, attained a doctorate and served under the Lê dynasty. Later, he joined Nguyễn Huệ's administration and earned trust, making significant contributions during the Tây Sơn dynasty.
* Moral Philosophy: Conduct of virtuous talents:
- Virtuous talents and intellectuals are inherently destined to assist the king and the nation. Going against this eternal moral principle contradicts the natural order of virtuous existence.
- Using metaphors: Virtuous individuals are likened to bright stars, the monarch to the Northern Deity; thus, the virtuous talent naturally becomes an envoy for the monarch. This is an unalterable law.

* The Conduct of Sĩ Phu Bắc Hà and the Nation's Current State:
- Sĩ Phu Bắc Hà: Employing numerous anecdotes and symbolic images, they delicately criticize without causing embarrassment or resentment:
+ 'hidden in the grass gap, avoiding life's struggles', 'restrained and hesitant to speak up', 'knocking gently on the door', showing a slightly more positive behavior by entering official positions but with a cautious attitude, holding low-ranking positions, and making no significant contributions to the nation.
+ Their common point is encapsulated in a tragic irony of 'drowning on dry land without realizing it'.
=> Posing two questions: 'Is a ruler with little virtue not worthy of assistance?' and 'Or is it that the time is crumbling, and one cannot yet serve the vassals?' to emphasize a negating tone, compelling the reader to reconsider their behavior and contribute to the country's well-being.
- Current state of the country:
+ The nature of that early era of the new dynasty, having just pacified external enemies, embarked on the construction of the imperial foundation, resulted in many shortcomings.
+ Nguyen Hue alone cannot bear all the difficult tasks and challenges.
+ The world has many talented individuals.
=> Awakening the Sĩ Phu Bắc Hà, the hidden talents, to change their behavior and assist Nguyen Hue in nation-building.

* The Path of Benevolence and Inspiring Beautiful Visions for the Country:
- The Path:
+ Everyone, from officials to commoners, as long as they have talent and strategy, has the right to contribute ideas for the nation; reasonable contributions will be acknowledged, and extravagant ones won't be condemned.

+ The path of advancement is wide open, easy to implement, allowing officials to recommend talented and skilled individuals, and also permitting self-nomination.
- Beautiful Visions:
+ 'sharing the blessings and honors together' to encourage and uplift virtuous talents.
+ Belief in the nation's future opening up excellent opportunities for virtuous people: 'clear skies and peaceful land, a time for virtuous individuals to encounter favorable winds and clouds.'

3. Conclusion

- Theme: Reflects the righteous policy of the Tây Sơn dynasty to encourage intellectuals from Bắc Hà to participate in nation-building, thereby fostering correct awareness of the role and responsibility of each individual in the nation-building process, not just the virtuous talents.

- Artistry: A successful text due to its tightly woven arguments and persuasive reasoning. Despite being a political essay, the language is earnest, sincere, and possesses a compelling emotional impact.

III. Sample Essay Analysis of the Essay 'Appeal for Benevolence' by Ngô Thì Nhậm (Standard)

Ngô Thì Nhậm, born in 1746 in Thanh Trì, Hanoi, served as the Dong đốc (Governor) in the Kinh Bắc region under the Trịnh Lords. After the decline of the Lê-Trịnh rule, he continued his official career, making significant contributions during the Tây Sơn dynasty. Assigned important responsibilities by Nguyễn Huệ, Nhậm authored crucial documents, including the notable 'Appeal for Benevolence.'

In order to study effectively, alongside the analysis of the poem 'Chiếu cầu hiền' by Ngô Thì Nhậm, students should not overlook other related lessons such as: Preparing the poem 'Chiếu cầu hiền', Ngô Thì Nhậm, grade 11, The circumstances of 'Chiếu cầu hiền' creation, The portrayal of King Quang Trung in the poem 'Chiếu cầu hiền', Exploring the work 'Chiếu cầu hiền'.