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Topic: Comparing the Images of the Boatman and the Character Huấn Cao
2 exemplary essays Comparing the Images of the Boatman and the Character Huấn Cao
Sample Essay 1: A Comparison of the Images of the Boatman and the Character Huấn Cao
Nguyễn Tuân (1910 - 1987), known as a lifelong writer in search of life's beauty, crafted eloquent literature for posterity. Before August Revolution in 1945, Nguyễn Tuân's concept of beauty encompassed only remnants of exceptional talents from the past. However, post-revolution, his perspective on beauty became closely tied to everyday life and the simplest forms. Through the characters Huấn Cao in 'The Prisoner's Characters' and the boatman in 'The Boatman of the Sông Đà River,' we can clearly observe the shift in inspiration in Nguyễn Tuân's creative work.
'The Prisoner's Characters' can be considered Nguyễn Tuân's outstanding short story from the period before August Revolution in 1945. This short story is extracted from the collection 'Vang bóng một thời,' which portrays talented individuals who once shone brightly. The main character, Huấn Cao, possesses the beauty of a highly skilled artist with the renowned ability to write beautiful calligraphy. Even the prison warden in a small, obscure district acknowledges, 'His writing is beautiful, perfectly square... having a piece of calligraphy written by Huấn Cao hanging in your house is like possessing a treasure.' Therefore, the prison warden's aspiration is to have a pair of couplets written by Huấn Cao hanging in his house one day.
Huấn Cao not only excels in writing beautiful characters but also embodies a pristine moral character. He never forces his writing for money or power. He only grants his calligraphy to those who appreciate beauty and talent. Thus, throughout his life, Huấn Cao only wrote two sets of parallel sentences and a central sentence for three beloved friends. Initially, he displayed disdain towards the prison warden, suspecting malicious intentions behind his special treatment. However, as Huấn Cao gradually perceived the 'exceptional courtesy' of the prison warden and his poetic response, he recognized their sincere admiration for his art. They were individuals who genuinely cherished beauty, so Huấn Cao willingly provided them with his calligraphy even within the confines of the prison. Nguyễn Tuân vividly described the act of calligraphy as a scene 'never seen before in the world.'
The character Huấn Cao possesses beauty not only in talent but also in a noble heart and unwavering will of a true gentleman. He exudes the charisma of a hero that not everyone can attain. Through Huấn Cao, the writer Nguyễn Tuân reveals an enduring belief in the enduring values of beauty, even in the darkest and dirtiest places where it still shines.
If Huấn Cao is likened to an exceptional talent crafted in a unique circumstance, the boatman character is somewhat more ordinary. In the essay 'The Boatman of the Sông Đà River' by Nguyễn Tuân, the boatman character is portrayed with authenticity through his profession. The boatman has a distinctive appearance with hands 'covered in calluses,' legs 'bent,' a voice 'roaring like the water in front of the prow,' and eyes 'eagerly looking for some distant pier'. With such physical characteristics, we see a perfect fit for the working environment on the river.
Nguyễn Tuân describes the boatman as a person of intelligence and a relaxed demeanor with a touch of an artist. He is a craftsman with in-depth knowledge of every nook and cranny of the river, understanding its nature. He tackles the currents and all the dangerous waterfalls with determination, comprehending the tactics of the river god and rock god. He masters the guerrilla tactics of the stone army at the treacherous water gateway. In particular, he commands the skillful navigation of perilous rapids, knowing each birth and death gate to pass through.
Nguyễn Tuân portrays the boatman as a gallant general standing 'undaunted in the face of countless waves of the Sông Đà River.' He is a courageous person who endures the physical pain of wrestling with the waves and wind to conquer treacherous waterfalls with bold and extremely accurate movements. We see the boatman being constructed as a true artist rather than an ordinary boatman.
Both characters, Huấn Cao and the old boatman, are constructed through idealization. Stemming from the unique perspective of the writer Nguyễn Tuân. He perceives people in the aspect of artistic talent, bringing out extraordinary beauty in their abilities and fundamental qualities. The writer places the two characters in challenging situations to reveal their precious qualities.
While constructing the character Huấn Cao, Nguyễn Tuân employs artistic knowledge, whereas in constructing the boatman character, the writer applies a wealth of life knowledge. This has convinced a wide range of readers. Nguyễn Tuân's literary works are not only beautiful in language but also possess exceptionally valuable artistic qualities recognized by posterity.
In addition to Comparing the Images of the Boatman and the Character Huấn Cao, you should explore other content such as How many times did the prison warden bow to Huấn Cao? What is the significance of those occasions? or the section on Comparing the Scene of Writing and the Scene of Crossing the Sông Đà Waterfall to reinforce your knowledge.
Sample Essay 2: Comparing the Images of the Boatman and the Character Huấn Cao
Nguyễn Tuân (1910-1987) was a lifelong writer in search of beauty. Before the revolution, he believed beauty only existed in the past, the echoes of a glorious era, and artistic talent was found only in exceptional individuals of the bygone era. Post-revolution, he didn't oppose the past to the present; beauty existed in both, especially the artistic qualities inherent in ordinary people. Analyzing the two characters, Mr. Huấn Cao in 'The Death Row Inmate's Letter' and the boatman in 'The Boatman of Sông Đà,' we can clearly see this.
A. Analyzing the Character Huấn Cao in the work 'The Death Row Inmate's Letter'
(1) 'The Death Row Inmate's Letter' is the most outstanding pre-revolution (1940) short story by Nguyễn Tuân, excerpted from the collection 'Echoes of a Glorious Era.' It holds profound ideological and artistic values. The character Huấn Cao encapsulates the focus of these values.
(2) Like other characters in 'Echoes of a Glorious Era,' Huấn Cao's beauty primarily lies in the brilliance of a talented individual, an artist. His artistic talent is most evident in his beautiful writing. In the ancient Confucian studies, his father wrote classical Chinese characters, a script rich in figurative expression. Classical scholars used characters to reveal their hearts and minds, turning writing into an art form known as calligraphy. Huấn Cao is exceptionally talented in this art. His famous 'His character writing is fast and beautiful' is well-known throughout Sơn Province. Even the prison warden of an obscure district acknowledges, 'His characters are beautiful, square... having Huấn Cao's characters hanging in your house is like possessing a treasure in this world.' To obtain Huấn Cao's characters, the prison warden not only had to use effort and endure humiliation but also risked his life. Because treating Huấn Cao, a death row inmate, was a dangerous task, sometimes requiring a life to pay for it.
(3) Huấn Cao embodies a person of pure and noble character, rich in inner beauty.
Huấn Cao possesses the skill of writing but doesn't grant it to everyone. He never uses his talent for wealth, power, or influence. He values those who appreciate beauty and talent. Therefore, throughout his life, Huấn Cao only wrote two sets of parallel sentences and a mid-autumn festival poem for three close friends. Initially, he displayed a disdainful attitude toward the prison warden, suspecting malicious intentions behind the special treatment. However, Huấn Cao changed his perspective upon sensing the sincere request for his characters. He decided to reciprocate their kindness by performing the scene of writing characters within the prison, an act the author describes as 'An unprecedented sight in history.'
(4) Huấn Cao's beauty extends to his indomitable and heroic qualities.
Beyond his artistic and noble qualities, Huấn Cao further exemplifies beauty in his unyielding and heroic character. He dares to oppose the despised regime, maintaining his dignity and defiance. Even in the face of imprisonment, he remains fearless, leading six fellow inmates into the labor camp with pride. In the midst of a prison filled with the aura of death, he calmly toasts with the wine brought by the poet, as described: 'Like the act he always did in the joy of life.' Prepared to answer the warden with lofty arrogance, knowing the potential brutal reprisals, Huấn Cao appears composed, dignified, and defiant - the posture of a hero challenging the heavens and defying the unknown. Despite being a defeated hero, a death row inmate, he stands tall with poise, exhibiting the proud and fearless demeanor of a remarkable figure: 'Stirring the heavens, ruffling the waters, unyielding even in the face of death'; 'Who knows what's above your head, standing tall and defiant.' Yet, he remains a hero defeated, a death row inmate.
(5) Huấn Cao embodies Nguyễn Tuân's aesthetic ideals: the fusion of talent, character, and heroic spirit. Through this character, Nguyễn Tuân articulates an unwavering belief in the noble values of humanity and the miraculous power of beauty. Simultaneously, he reveals his deep-seated, patriotic sentiments. Huấn Cao becomes a symbol of the triumph of light over darkness, of beauty and nobility over the mundane and impure, and of resolute dignity against the acceptance of slavery.
(6) Huấn Cao is a character crafted in a short story using a romantic narrative style. To accentuate Huấn Cao's beauty, Nguyễn Tuân places the character in a unique scenario: the encounter between Huấn Cao and the prison warden. It is a peculiar meeting between a death row inmate and a prison official, yet also a strange reunion among those who are 'Linked by talent and friendship.'
(7) Depicting the image of Huấn Cao to emphasize the victory of talent, beauty, character, and defiant heroism, Nguyễn Tuân employs the contrasting power of the 'Principle of opposition in romantic narrative.' In this short story, the author also demonstrates the art of scene-setting and character portrayal with ancient, solemn, and refined language.
B. ANALYSIS OF THE FERRYMAN CHARACTER
(1) The essay 'The Boatman of the Da River' stands out as one of Nguyễn Tuân's masterpieces post-revolution, printed in the collection 'Da River' (1960). In this essay, the boatman of the Da River emerges as a unique and captivating artistic symbol with clear traces of Nguyễn Tuân's style.
(2) Primarily, the ferryman is an exceptionally intelligent and courageous individual during perilous journeys across treacherous rapids.
To accentuate this quality, Nguyễn Tuân employs profound artistic techniques by placing the ferryman in intensely challenging circumstances. Nguyễn Tuân asserts, 'I want to capture this moment, the arduous struggle of the boatman on the battlefield of the Da River, in a riverfront battle during the Da River campaign.' Nguyễn Tuân vividly and affectionately describes the character of the boatman, displaying immense courage and resourcefulness in the battle against ferocious waves and dangerous rapids. The river crossing, under Nguyễn Tuân's pen, unfolds like a fierce battle with numerous rounds, each presenting different formidable challenges. The river reveals various hazardous formations: 'The rocks here have been resisting for thousands of years...to grab the boat. The rocks form battle formations on the river with submerged bunkers and floating fortresses, accompanied by rocks and the roaring waterfall serving as a battlefield symphony as the rocks must annihilate all boat captains and sailors at the foot of the waterfall.' The rich vocabulary and extensive cultural and scientific knowledge, ranging from military matters, martial arts, physical exercise, sports, cinema, etc., are mobilized by Nguyễn Tuân to vividly describe the intense river battle between the boatman and the Da River's tumultuous waves, 'Waves push against the sides and hips of the boat...there are times when they lift the entire boat...the waterfall has struck the most insidious blow.' At times, it seems as if the boatman will be devoured by the immensely ferocious river monster. However, the boatman remains unyielding, demonstrating calm and proactive courage, akin to a brilliant strategist, steering the boat successively through various rapids like 'Breaking through the bizarre array of the violent river.' 'The surging water is strong and vibrant on the Da River.' Yet, the boatman 'Rides the Da River's rapids...going all the way as if riding a tiger.'
(3) The boatman is exceptionally talented
(1) The boatman is not only remarkably skilled but also exudes an air of elegance, blending in a touch of artistry. The waves and rapids of the Da River are extremely unforgiving; a single moment of inaccuracy, a slight lapse in composure, a momentary distraction, and one could pay with their very life. However, the ferocity of the Da River's waves and rapids succumbs to the contemporary boatman. This boatman is an artist with the enchanting art of ferrying. This art is most evident in the ability to grasp the inherent laws of the Da River, transforming the boatman into a free and triumphant individual. The boatman has mastered the tactics of the river god and rock god, familiar with the cycles of life and death, proactively navigating through every situation. At times, 'He rides the waterfall, grasping the wave's mane and swiftly passing through the gate of death,' while at other times, 'He secures the anchor, presses down, splitting the roaring waterfall to open a path forward.' Thus, through perfectly fluid and expert movements in his profession, the boatman steers the boat 'like an arrow of bamboo piercing through the mist of water,' piercing through countless dangerous rapids of this ferocious river. Nguyễn Tuân refers to his boatman as having 'hands that blossom like flowers.' The boatman becomes an artist, a hero triumphing over nature.
(2) In the past, Nguyễn Tuân was considered a writer with a purely aesthetic perspective. Today, he directs his pen towards ordinary laborers silently dedicating themselves to the country. He discovers their artistic talent, prominently expressed in their extremely perilous but also noble labor. Nguyễn Tuân calls this 'The tenfold gold already present in the minds of the Northwestern people.' Through this, Nguyễn Tuân wants to express an ideology: heroes do not only emerge in battle but also in ordinary labor.
(3) In summary, Huấn Cao is a typical character for Nguyễn Tuân's romantic style before the August Revolution. Meanwhile, the boatman represents Nguyễn Tuân's style post-revolution. Through these, we see that Nguyễn Tuân deserves to be a lifelong writer passionately seeking beauty, praising beauty, and incessantly creating, always crafting a unique and captivating style for himself.
After reading this article, you have somewhat grasped the main details for the content you need to study. Next, you should explore the Analysis of the Boatman Image in the essay 'The Boatman of the Da River' to better understand literature.
