Topic: Comparing the Beauty of Sisters Thuy Kieu in the Excerpt Sisters Thuy Kieu
I. Detailed outline
1. Introduction
2. Body
3. Conclusion
II. Sample essay
I. Outline: Comparing the Charms of the Sisters in the Extract Sister Thuy Kieu
1. Introduction:
The beauty and wit of the two sisters Thuy Kieu are vividly depicted by the author Nguyen Du in the excerpt 'Sister Thuy Kieu'.
2. Body:
- Common Traits of Thuy Van and Thuy Kieu:
+ Both are biological sisters born into the royal family
+ They both possess stunning beauty, 'perfect in every aspect'
* Beauty of Miss Van
+ Thuy Van's beauty is a blend of elegance and gracefulness
+ She has a round, gracious face resembling the moon's glow
+ Her eyebrows are delicately arched, her features refined and sophisticated
+ Thuy Van's smile is as beautiful as a flower, her words dripping with sweetness and charm
+ Her silky hair surpasses the clouds, her skin fairer than snow
* Beauty of Miss Kieu
Kieu surpasses Van in both looks and talent
- Appearance:
+ Kieu possesses a sophisticated and alluring beauty
+ Her eyes resemble calm autumn waters, gentle and serene
+ Her eyebrows are as beautiful as spring mountain peaks
+ Such beauty provokes envy from flowers, resentment from willows
- Talent:
+ Naturally intelligent
+ Proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting
- Virtue: Exemplifying the noble character of a daughter from a reputable family, with grace and manners
3. Conclusion
Through an impressive leverage technique, Nguyen Du vividly portrays the impressive yet subtle images of Miss Thuy Kieu and Thuy Van.
II. Sample Essay: Comparing the Charms of the Sisters Thuy Kieu in the Extract Sister Thuy Kieu
Nguyen Du stands out as one of the most prominent authors in medieval literature. 'The Tale of Kieu' is his masterpiece, regarded as a pinnacle of national literature. In this work, Nguyen Du not only demonstrates his talent in penmanship by depicting the characters' inner feelings with carefully chosen artistic language but also showcases his mastery in character construction. The charm of the two sisters Thuy Kieu is depicted through rich imagery in the excerpt 'Sister Thuy Kieu', demonstrating the author's masterful talent.
Introducing the excerpt, the author gives a general introduction to the beautiful images of the two daughters Thuy Kieu and Thuy Van:
'The two souls of Chinese descent,
Thuy Kieu and Thuy Van, both so fair,
Though in character, like snow and jade rare,
Each with their unique beauty, beyond compare.'
Thuy Kieu and Thuy Van are sisters from the royal family. Thuy Kieu is the eldest, while Thuy Van is her younger sister. Both possess a beauty that is 'perfect in every aspect', radiating purity, integrity, and nobility. They not only have physical beauty but also possess virtuous qualities, embodying purity of heart and an untainted soul, untouched by worldly affairs.
Following the similarities between Thuy Van and Thuy Kieu, the author continues to depict the unique beauty of each. First is the allure of Miss Van:
'Van appears with grace divine,
Her face like full moon, features refined,
Her laughter, like pearls, pure and fine,
Her hair surpasses clouds, skin fair as snow's design.'
Before us stands the image of a gentle, aristocratic lady. Thuy Van's beauty is a harmonious blend of elegance and sophistication. Her round, gracious face resembles a full moon on a serene night, her eyebrows delicately arched, her features refined and sophisticated. Thuy Van's smile is as beautiful as a flower, her words dripping with sweetness and charm. There is a gracefulness and allure about her. Her silky hair surpasses the clouds, her skin fairer than snow. Nguyen Du has described her beauty in detail and specificity, using the beauty of nature as a standard to depict human beauty. Van's beauty harmonizes with nature; flowers smile in satisfaction, clouds concede defeat, snow yields its color. Nature has embraced and favored her beauty, yielding before her grace and elegance. This signifies a life of tranquility, devoid of turmoil, the calmness of Thuy Van's life.
Upon Kiều, the author dedicates a full 12 lines to depict her beauty and talent. Though Thuy Van already possesses extraordinary beauty, Kiều's beauty seems to surpass:
'Kiều's grace and allure surpass,
Comparing beauty, she holds the higher class,
Her autumn eyes, her spring-like brow,
Flowers envy, willows in jealousy bow.'
Kiều not only possesses the gentleness and grace of Van but also exudes the sophistication and allure of an emotionally rich woman. In terms of both beauty and talent, Kiều holds the advantage in intelligence and cleverness. Her eyes resemble calm autumn waters, her eyebrows are as beautiful as spring mountain peaks. Such beauty even causes nature to envy and resent, as stated in 'Flowers envy, willows in jealousy bow.' Bright flowers amidst myriad creatures cannot compare to her heavenly beauty, even the willows, green and lush, feel envy towards the pure soul and soft beauty of Kiều. The states of 'envy' and 'jealousy' from nature seem to foretell a life filled with trials, hardships, and suffering for Kiều.
Kiều not only surpasses Van in beauty but also excels her in talent. While Nguyen Du hasn't spoken of Van's talents, he dedicates eight lines to portray Thuy Kiều's talents:
'One, two, leaning water, leaning city,
Beauty demands one, talent demands two.
Intelligence is inherent from the heavens,
Mixing the arts, poetry carries the essence of melody.
The palace is filled with the sounds of the five tones,
Aparticular skill surpasses the guqin by a hundredfold.
The house tune selects chapters,
A 'Silver Fate' even more exceptional.'
Thuy Kieu is an intelligent and clever woman with diverse talents in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. But not only intelligent and insightful in academics, she is also a talented girl in many fields. Demonstrated through her proficiency: Music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Such proficiency reaches an exquisite level, 'selecting by hand', 'surpassing', 'playing',...Kieu is a woman with beauty 'leaning water, leaning city' yet talent to an extraordinary level.
'Elegance abounds in pink attire,
Spring green nearly reaching the knee.
Gentle and serene, the path draws a veil,
As the east wall, bees and butterflies depart, indifferent to others.'
Not only possessing beauty and talent, Van and Kieu are also virtuous young ladies, of noble character, daughters of a model family, polite and courteous.
Through impressive leverage techniques, Nguyen Du has portrayed the images of Miss Thuy Kieu and Thuy Van intimately yet subtly. Here, we see the author greatly valuing the beauties of these ancient women and expressing empathy and compassion for their tumultuous and painful fates.
'Sister Thuy Kieu' is one of the passages that most vividly demonstrates the talent of depicting character portraits by the great poet Nguyen Du, along with the essay Comparing the Charms of the Sisters Thuy Kieu in the Extract Sister Thuy Kieu. Students can refer to some other excellent essays for grade 9 to better understand this excerpt: Analysis of the Character Thuy Kieu in the Extract Sister Thuy Kieu, Impressions of the Beauty and Talent of Thuy Kieu in Sister Thuy Kieu, Analysis of the Extract Sister Thuy Kieu, Analysis of the Portrait of Thuy Kieu in the Extract Sister Thuy Kieu
