Buzz
Compose the Essay Who Named the River Concisely
I. Before Reading - Compose the Essay Who Named the River
* Suggestions for answering questions before reading:
Question 1 on page 11 of Literature Grade 11 Creative Horizon - Volume 1:
- Hue was once the capital of Vietnam during the Tay Son dynasty (1788-1802) and the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945).
- Hue is one of the cultural, tourism, educational, scientific, and technological centers of the Central region in particular and the whole country in general.
- Some famous landmarks in Hue: Perfume River, Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue National School, Hue Imperial City Complex,...
- Some notable intangible cultural heritages: Hue royal court music, woodblocks of the Nguyen dynasty, royal decrees of the Nguyen dynasty, literary works on the architecture of the Hue Imperial City,...
Question 2 on page 11 of Literature Grade 11 Creative Horizon - Volume 1:
- Based on the title and the illustrated image, it can be seen that the main subject mentioned in the text will be the Perfume River - one of the distinctive symbols of Hue.
- The title 'Who Named the River?' is a question. From this, it can be predicted that the content of the text may be related to the origin, source, and stories surrounding the poetic Perfume River.
II. Reading the Text - Preparing the Essay Who Named the River in Detail
* Suggestions for answering questions in the reading section of the essay Who Named the River for grade 12:
1. Inference: Which section of the Perfume River is described in this passage? What is the unique beauty of this section of the river?
Key Message of the Essay Who Named the River:
- This passage describes the Perfume River in the upper reaches, still surrounded by the primeval forests of the Truong Son mountain range.
- Here, the Perfume River appears with a mysterious, expansive, and wild beauty. This is the fierce, majestic aspect that the Perfume River hides within the embrace of the ancient forest.
2. Imagination: How do you imagine the image of the Perfume River based on this passage?
In this passage, the Perfume River is likened to a maiden experiencing love for the first time: both shy and timid yet bold and adventurous. The Perfume River is brimming with vitality, striving eagerly to reach its dream lover 'like a consciously driven quest.'
3. Monitoring: What emotion does the author express through this passage?
- Affection.
- Deep attachment to the poetic Perfume River.
4. Inference: What do you understand about the relationship between the Perfume River and Hue through the phrase 'Indeed so ... of the late-night oars'?
- The Perfume River is closely linked to the cultural and spiritual life of the people of Hue.
- The Perfume River is the origin of the entire classical music tradition of Hue.
5. Inference: How do you interpret the image of 'epic poetry written amidst the shades of green grass' in this passage?
- The image of 'epic poetry written amidst the shades of green grass' has revealed another aspect of the Perfume River. Besides its gentleness and richness when 'returning to normal life,' the Perfume River has had glorious moments, bearing witness to the historical achievements in the process of nation-building and defense by our ancestors. At the same time, this detail adds an epic quality to the romantic Perfume River.
III. After Reading - Crafting the essay Who Named the River
* Answering the questions after reading:
Question 1 page 16 Literature 11 Creative Horizons - Volume 1:
a. The structure of the text can be divided into 2 parts:
- Part 1 (From the beginning to 'eternally loyal to the homeland'): The journey of the Perfume River.
- Part 2 (The rest of the text): The Perfume River as a river of history and poetry.
b. The image of the Perfume River in the work is described from various perspectives:
- Regarding geography:
+ The journey of the river from its source to its transformation, entering the heart of Hue city. A clear view of the origin, direction, and flow of the Perfume River on its convergence with Hue. Also, it paints a picture of stunning natural scenery.
+ Nature is described with changes in both space and time. The Perfume River vividly reflects the beauty of Hue: 'green in the morning, golden at noon, and purple in the evening.'
+ A series of familiar landmarks are closely associated with the image of the Perfume River, such as Hon Chen, Nguyet Bieu, Vong Canh, and Thien Thai.
- Concerning history:
+ The Perfume River serves as a historical witness in the endeavor to build and protect our ancestral land.
+ This river holds a strategically significant position, bearing the marks of the glorious achievements of our people throughout many feudal dynasties.
- Combining both sentimental and majestic qualities.
- Regarding culture:
+ The Perfume River embodies the essence of music: the sound of temple bells at Thien Mu Pagoda, the rhythmic paddling of oars, the gentle lapping of water against boats. It creates natural melodies that stir the soul.
+ The Perfume River is the river of poetry: it appears frequently in poetry yet never repeats itself in the hearts, styles, or inspirations of different artists.
c, The author's sense of self is depicted through details such as:
- 'Among the beautiful rivers in the countries I often hear about, it seems only the Perfume River belongs to a single city.'
- 'At that moment, I recall my Perfume River, suddenly feeling the graceful flow of it as it passes through the city...'.
- 'Many times I have been disappointed listening to Hue music during the day or on stage at the theater.'
...
d, The beauty of Perfume River is depicted in a passage of the text: 'Among the beautiful rivers in other countries [...] in the caves at the foot of Kim Phụng Mountain.'
- Enigmatic beauty: 'the deep soul part ... at the foot of Kim Phụng Mountain.'
- Majestic, fierce beauty: 'An epic of the primeval forest ... shining red color of wild rhododendron flowers.'
- Youthful, vibrant beauty: 'Amidst the Trường Sơn ... a free and pure soul.'
- Intellectual beauty: '... when leaving the forest of Perfume River quickly ... the nurturing mother of a cultural region.'
Question 2, Page 16, Textbook Literature 11 Creative Horizon - Volume 1:
* Passage: 'From here, as if finding the right way back, Perfume River joyfully brightens up ... gently rippling on the water's surface like the ripples of a heartache':
- Autobiographical element in the text Who named the river? Expresses through the details describing the journey to Huế of Perfume River:
+ 'From here, as if finding the right way back ... tiny like the moon's crescent'.
+ 'Bordering the city ... flows to Con Hen Island'.
+ 'At the beginning and end of the city, ... no modern city can be seen anymore'.
...
- Element of romanticism: Portrayed through the writer's depiction of picturesque natural scenery, unique and intriguing associations, imaginative twists:
+ '... that curve softens the river, like an unspoken 'yes' of love'.
+ '... the banyan trees, ancient cừa trees spread their dense foliage down'.
+ '... sweeps away the ice floes ... in front of the old Petechap Palace towards the Bantich Pond'.
...
- The combination of personal narrative and romanticism has helped to vividly depict the beauty of the Perfume River. They not only contrast or oppose each other but also complement one another. While the personal narrative aspect makes the text more accessible to readers, the romanticism aspect portrays the author's romantic self. Thus, creating a complete work that demonstrates the author's deep bond and love for the Perfume River, the city of Hue.
* Similar passage: 'Among the beautiful rivers in various countries [...] in the caves at the foot of Mount Kim Phụng':
- Personal narrative aspect:
+ The story of the Perfume River at its source.
+ The fierce, majestic features hidden behind the vast forests.
+ The journey of the Perfume River as it exits the ancient forest.
- Romanticism aspect:
+ The majestic beauty of the Perfume River: 'like a free-spirited and wild Di-gan girl', 'boldness of heart, a soul both free and pure'.
+ The serene, feminine beauty: 'quickly assuming a gentle and wise beauty, becoming the mother of reeds in a land of culture'.
- Purpose: Reveals the contrasting beauty of the Perfume River from various perspectives. Thus, showcasing the author's descriptive talent alongside unique imaginative prowess.
Question 3 on page 16 of Literature Grade 11 Creative Horizon - Volume 1:
- Several literary devices used in the text: contrast (opposition), simile, personification.
- Purpose:
+ Art of contrast: highlighting the contrasting beauty of the Perfume River.
+ Art of simile: bringing forth intriguing analogies and imaginations, making the river more relatable and easier to visualize.
+ The art of personification: helps transform the Perfume River into a living entity, becoming more vivid and soulful.
Question 4 on page 16 of Textbook for Grade 11 Creative Horizon - Volume 1:
In the text, the question 'Who named the river' originates from a poet from Hanoi. From there, we learn about the legend of the people of Thanh Trung village brewing water with over a hundred kinds of flowers poured into the river, making the water fragrant forever. And the name 'Perfume River' was born. It expresses both love for the homeland river and gratitude to those who have developed this land.
Question 5 on page 16 of Textbook for Grade 11 Creative Horizon - Volume 1:
- Dominant emotions in the work: Love, pride, and attachment to the Perfume River, the land of Hue. Thus, it extends to love for nature, love for the homeland, and the motherland.
- The predominant emotions of the work are primarily expressed through:
+ Diverse and rich associations.
+ A wealth of knowledge across various scientific fields.
+ Delicate and ingenious language.
+ Carefully selected imagery.
Question 6, page 16 of Textbook Literature 11 Creative Horizons - Volume 1:
The role of the Perfume River as the 'mother of alluvial soil of a cultural region' in the opening paragraph is further illustrated in the rest of the text. This is depicted through the passage 'It seemed that in a coincidental moment of the river's return [...] exclaimed: 'That's the Four Great Scenes!'' and 'There's a verse about the Perfume River [...] by the author 'From then on'.'
- Regarding the passage 'It seemed that in a coincidental moment of the river's return [...] exclaimed: 'That's the Four Great Scenes!'':
+ The Perfume River is intricately linked to the classical music of Hue.
+ The serene waterscape with the 'sound of falling water half-muted by the late-night oar strokes' is the cradle, the boundless source of inspiration to shape, nurture, and nourish Hue music.
- Regarding the passage 'There's a verse about the Perfume River [...] by the author 'From then on'.':
+ The Perfume River is regarded as the river of poetry.
+ The Perfume River is the source of artistic inspiration in the souls of countless artists.
Question 7 on page 16 of the Grade 11 Literature Textbook - Creative Horizon Volume 1:
The author's remarkable discoveries about the Perfume River have brought valuable lessons to readers. Observation is of utmost importance. Only when we know how to listen, observe, can we see many different aspects of the seemingly familiar objects around us. Not only that, it also requires a loving heart, a passion for nature, landscapes, and people. At that moment, we will see life more beautiful, more meaningful than ever before.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - END - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Thus, through the section Composing the Essay Who Named the River above, we have seen more clearly the hidden beauty of the poetic and sentimental Perfume River. At the same time, we acknowledge the artistic talent that the author demonstrates. Check out other samples on Mytour such as: Composing the Essay Realm of Leaves, Grade 11 Literature Creative Horizon; Composing the Essay Spring Afternoon, Grade 11 Literature Creative Horizon
