Prompt: Character analysis of Thạch Sanh in the fairy tale Thạch Sanh
Essay on Character Analysis of Thạch Sanh
Essay:
Life is inherently uneven, and the journey to happiness is fraught with challenges that demand courage and perseverance to overcome. The folk tale of Thach Sanh serves as a testament to this, illustrating that the pursuit of happiness often involves facing numerous perils that seem insurmountable. Thach Sanh, a character born from the collective imagination of the people, embodies perfection in character and talent, carrying with him the indomitable human belief in justice within society.
Thach Sanh emerges as a poor young man with a fascinating lineage, being the prince of the mighty Jade Emperor. Sent down to the mortal realm as the son of a kind yet childless couple, his parents' kindness moves the heavens to bestow upon them a child in their twilight years, and this child is no ordinary one. Despite his humble origins, Thach Sanh's parents pass away early, leaving him an orphan fending for himself under a makeshift tent beneath a banyan tree. His only inheritance is a hammer left by his father, and his daily struggle involves venturing into the forest to gather firewood for survival. Thach Sanh's character is a blend of simplicity, the benevolence of humble farmers, and a touch of mystery and enchantment. This interplay of elements makes the narrative captivating and evokes a sense of curiosity and fascination in the reader. It also serves as a harbinger of a future filled with turbulence, yet equally intense, for the young man named Thach Sanh.
Coming from the humble background of a poor peasant, Thach Sanh experiences hardship and oppression as a member of the lower echelons of society. Although deprived of the nurturing love and guidance of his parents, he exhibits many admirable qualities—honesty, simplicity, and kindness. Thach Sanh, bereaved from a young age, harbors a deep longing for familial affection, yearning for a warm family nest where everyone supports each other through the challenges of life. This yearning becomes an opportunity for the cunning Lý Thông to exploit. Under the pretext of forging a brotherly bond, Lý Thông's true intention is to enlist Thach Sanh's help in alleviating his own burdensome chores. Thach Sanh, who has long been accustomed to solitude, joyously welcomes the prospect of someone caring for him, trusting Lý Thông without a hint of suspicion. It is evident that Thach Sanh, overwhelmed with happiness and touched by the rare occurrence of someone expressing genuine concern for him, readily accepts Lý Thông's offer. From a young age, Thach Sanh receives training in martial arts and divine skills from the Jade Emperor's envoy. Thach Sanh, endowed with courage, determination, and natural talent, becomes a formidable individual.
Thwarting the Devious Spirits:
Thach Sanh's fate is a tale of twists and turns, each hardship stacking upon the other, with dangers relentlessly pursuing him. Framed by the malicious spirits and the vengeful accusation of stealing, Thach Sanh finds himself imprisoned in the darkness, overwhelmed by the sorrows and grievances of his tumultuous life. However, his soulful melodies, resonating with resentment, reach the ears of the princess in the royal court. Suddenly, her laughter is restored, and Thach Sanh is summoned to play his golden bow. This marks a turning point in Thach Sanh's seemingly stagnant life, as he is vindicated and justice is restored.
Thach Sanh embodies a compassionate and forgiving heart, enduring countless schemes and malicious plots from the Lý Thông family. Despite moments when death seemed imminent, Thach Sanh remains magnanimous, offering them a chance to retreat. He recalls the brief period when they were a true family, experiencing warmth and familial love, hoping they would repent for their wrongs rather than facing inevitable consequences. However, for the wicked like the Lý Thông family, redemption is impossible. The heavens, witnessing their atrocities, send divine punishment, transforming them into venomous beetles condemned to live in filth, bearing the humiliation for the sins they committed against Thach Sanh. As the saying goes, 'Evil begets retribution,' and Thach Sanh, after overcoming numerous hardships, rightfully enjoys a life of happiness and tranquility beside the beautiful princess. His noble qualities make him deserving of inheriting the throne, ruling a prosperous and peaceful kingdom.
Thach Sanh's benevolent and tolerant heart reveals a profound aspect of his soul, showcasing an unwavering desire for peace and prosperity. He conquers neighboring nations not with force but with the lofty ideals of his music, resonating with aspirations for harmony and an end to senseless hatred and war. His melodies touch the hearts of soldiers, dissolving their will to fight, as they yearn to return to their families. Thach Sanh even generously shares his divine rice bowl with the soldiers, a small vessel carrying the profound wish for the people to lead comfortable lives, free from worry about food and clothing, fostering a settled and prosperous existence. This demonstrates the mighty power of righteousness in a leader who governs with moral integrity to bring peace to the world.