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Essay prompt: Depiction of patriotic revolutionaries through the poem 'Entering Quang Dong Prison' by Phan Boi Chau.
I. Outline
II. Sample essay
Depiction of Patriot Revolutionary Image Through the Poem 'Entering Quảng Đông Prison' by Phan Bội Châu
Sample essay: Depiction of patriot revolutionary image through the poem 'Entering Quảng Đông Prison' by Phan Bội Châu
Phan Bội Châu is not merely a revolutionary figure but also a prominent author in Vietnamese literature, particularly in revolutionary poetry. He has left behind a plethora of profound works for future generations, and it can be said that the poem 'Entering Quảng Đông Prison' is among his most outstanding pieces. Reading the poem, one cannot overlook the vivid and profound portrayal of patriotic revolutionaries by the author.
Emerging amidst days of imprisonment in the confines of a prison cell, the poem successfully constructs the image of patriotic revolutionaries with an indomitable spirit, steadfast will, and dignified posture.
The opening of the poem sets the stage with a revolutionary figure exuding a relaxed, optimistic demeanor:
Still heroic, still gallant
If tired of running, then stay in prison
The opening lines of the poem, employing the mantra 'still' repeated twice alongside Sino-Vietnamese words like 'heroic' and 'gallant,' not only depict the revolutionary's situation but also affirm their composed, dignified, and resolute lifestyle, regardless of circumstances. The line 'If tired of running, then stay in prison' is a concise assertion, embodying the optimistic spirit of the revolutionary. It appears they do not feel despondent or disheartened when imprisoned; rather, for them, prison serves as a mere resting point on their extensive revolutionary journey. Thus, the opening lines express the relaxed demeanor, heroic spirit, and optimism of the patriotic revolutionary.
If the opening lines paint the picture of a revolutionary with a relaxed, optimistic demeanor, then in the subsequent lines, the image of the revolutionary emerges with a firm and dignified mindset.
Being a guest without a home in the four seas
Yet the one with sins amidst the five continents.
The two lines, employing the contrasting technique effectively, have highlighted the image of the revolutionary with a relaxed demeanor. The revolutionary sees themselves as a 'guest without a home,' which not only reveals the difficult and arduous circumstances on the revolutionary path, but more importantly, hidden behind each word is their spiritual beauty, their soul. That is the attitude of freedom, the spirit of composure even in difficult, dangerous, and deprived situations. Furthermore, with the use of the word 'yet' as an emphasis, the author has clearly expressed their disdainful attitude towards the terrorizing actions of the French colonialists against the patriots, the revolutionaries.
Furthermore, the two subsequent lines of the poem vividly depict before us the image of patriots with fierce rhetoric and always embracing within themselves aspirations, lofty ideals.
Holding tight to the Marxist scriptures
Laughing to dissolve the resentment of the world
The line 'Holding tight to the Marxist scriptures' serves as a resolute affirmation of the fervent aspiration for economic ideology. Regardless of the circumstances, the longing for economic ideology seems ever-present in the author. Particularly, this rhetoric is emphasized through laughter. The exaggerated expression 'Laughing to dissolve the resentment of the world' seems to affirm the strength, the belief of the revolutionaries that they can triumph, can defeat all invasion plots of the enemy.
The two closing lines of the poem serve as a heroic affirmation, resolute, about the will, spirit, and demeanor of the patriots of that time. With the successful use of rhetoric, it clearly shows us the good qualities of the revolutionaries. They are determined individuals who fight to the end for the nation, for the cause of national salvation and are ready to accept all difficulties, dangers, deprivation, and hardships to fulfill their mission.
That body still holds the mission
No fear of any danger
The poem 'Entering Quang Dong Prison - Emotional Creation' with the use of the seven-word eight-line form and many Sino-Vietnamese words has depicted for us the image of patriotic revolutionaries with a resilient will, unwavering spirit, and dignity.
