Essay Prompt: Based on your understanding of the character of Tu Hai, please write an essay discussing the character of Tu Hai in the heroic spirit excerpt, excerpted from Nguyen Du's 'The Tale of Kieu.'
1. Detailed outline
2. Sample essay 1
3. Sample essay 2
4. Sample essay 3
5. Sample essay 4
6. Sample essay 5
Essay on the Character of Tu Hai in the Heroic Spirit Excerpt
I. Outline for Essay on the Character of Tu Hai in the Heroic Spirit Excerpt (Standard)
1. Introduction
Introducing the discussion topic: The character of Tu Hai in the excerpt 'Heroic Spirit.'
2. Body
- Tu Hai - A noble and ambitious hero:
+ Departure circumstances: 'the scent of fire is still strong': blissful marital affection, yet nurturing a strong determination for great achievements.
+ Actions, thoughts: 'swiftly', 'moved the hearts in all directions', 'looked out far': decisive, quick, determined to establish a glorious career...(Continued)
>> See detailed Outline Essay on the Character of Tu Hai in the Heroic Spirit Excerpt here.
II. Sample Essay on the Character of Tu Hai in the Heroic Spirit Excerpt
1. Essay on the Character of Tu Hai in the Heroic Spirit Excerpt, Sample 1 (Standard)
Nguyen Du stands as a prominent figure in Vietnamese medieval literature. He left behind a vast body of work, both in Han and Nom literature, with 'The Tale of Kieu' being the most prominent. Reading 'The Tale of Kieu' in general, and the excerpt 'Heroic Spirit' in particular, readers cannot forget the young man with his 'head touching the sky, feet treading the earth' - Tu Hai, a hero with unwavering determination and aspirations for great achievements. Tu Hai has become a character where the author conveys dreams of justice and fairness in the society of that time.
' Half a year, the scent of fire stirred the heart
The husband swiftly moved the hearts in all directions'
After six months since rescuing Thuy Kieu from the green pavilion, Kieu and Tu Hai lived together, their affection deeply bonded, 'the scent of fire is still strong'. It seemed that the warm and peaceful family happiness could keep Tu Hai's feet rooted. But no, the heart and direction of the hero 'moved the hearts in all directions,' Tu Hai dreamed of achieving greatness, nurturing ambitions far and wide. The term 'swiftly' combined with the phrase 'moved the hearts in all directions' indicates the character's quick and decisive action and thoughts. The heroic spirit prompted Tu Hai to leave:
'Gazing into the vast sky and sea
The clear sword, the calm horse, embarking on the straight path'
Top Essays on the Character of Tu Hai in the Heroic Spirit Excerpt
The vast space of the universe, 'the vast sky and sea,' highlights the aspirations and determination to embark on a path to glory of the 'husband.' The image of the hero with his horse and sword setting out is truly beautiful, representing steps taken with firm determination, in a posture full of pride, confidence, free from any hesitation.
'She said: A girl's fate is obedience
He said, even if you object, I'm determined to go'
Understanding the aspirations and desires of Tu Hai, Thuy Kieu not only supported his decision but also expressed a desire to accompany him, to share difficulties with him. To gain Tu Hai's approval, Kieu stated, 'a girl's fate is obedience' - as a wife, she must follow her husband, undoubtedly very agreeable and reasonable. The phrase 'wholeheartedly' mentioned by Kieu affirms the support she gives to Tu on the path to glory, a career, and also represents the determination that accompanies Tu on the path of success. Kieu must be a very understanding wife to empathize, support wholeheartedly the aspirations of the person who is so close to her. Faced with Kieu's sincere and rational request, Tu Hai promptly refused:
'Tu said, happiness is mutual
Why haven't you left the mundane love yet'
At first listen, it seemed like a gentle reproach, but behind it was encouragement for the beloved. Tu Hai knew that Kieu understood his wishes and aspirations: 'mutual happiness,' so he hoped she would rise above the ordinary feelings of a woman to deserve to be the beloved of the husband. After speaking, Tu Hai affirmed decisively:
'When ten thousand soldiers march
The sound of drums awakens the land, the shadows of trees cover the road
Revealing an extraordinary face
Then I will marry you, my dear'
Those were promises filled with resolute determination, embodying Tu Hai's strong belief in a glorious victory upon his return. Departing with determination, returning with triumph adorned with flowers, bells ringing joyfully in the reunion. That's when Tu Hai became an extraordinary gentleman in the world, with remarkable achievements, bringing peace and prosperity to the people. Then he would proudly 'marry you, my dear,' sharing the joy of victory with you. Tu's words were powerful, carrying a strong belief in a glorious future, in every sentence, we see the confidence, courage of a gentleman, a warrior.
'By now, the four seas are not home
The more you busy yourself, the more you know where to go
We must resign ourselves to wait a little longer
Perhaps it will be a year later, why hurry'
To further persuade Kieu, Tu Hai cleverly confided with her about the difficulties ahead, 'the four seas are not home.' The gentleman was afraid that if Kieu followed, it would add worries, burdens, he also did not want Kieu to suffer more worries, hardships. Hai advised Kieu to 'resign oneself' to wait, wait for 'a year later' he would return, happily together with her. Surely, upon hearing the promise of victory and the specific timeframe 'a year' from Tu Hai, Kieu would be somewhat relieved and willing to let him go.
'With a resolute vow, I'll set off
The wind and clouds have reached the distant horizon'
Tu Hai's immense ambition propelled him forward. His resolute actions, decisively setting off, showed his strong will and determination. Amidst the vastness of the universe, Tu Hai embarked on his journey alone, aiming straight for his goal. His departure resembled a bird spreading its wings, riding the wind, overcoming clouds to fulfill his aspirations and achieve glory in his career.
The excerpt, though brief, leaves lasting impressions of Tu Hai's soulful beauty and aspirations. He is not just a devoted son to his mother, not merely a young man understanding life's truths, but also an idealistic hero, extraordinary in his actions in the world. Tu Hai's beauty is also the beauty of a person representing the dreams and aspirations of the people, of an era in history.
Through the familiar lục bát verse combined with idealistic literary techniques, using symbols, motifs, and carefully chosen, refined language, Nguyen Du depicted the image of a remarkable and admirable Tu Hai. He is a character with idealism for the people, truly deserving of the words once written by Nguyen Cong Tru:
'True to his principles, North, South, East, West
For the people, he tirelessly strives in all four directions'
2. Analysis of the Character Từ Hải in the Excerpt from Chí Khí Anh Hùng, Model 2 (Standard)
The excerpt from 'Chí Khí Anh Hùng' in Nguyen Du's masterpiece 'Truyện Kiều' resonates with praise and yearning for an ideal hero. The character Từ Hải fully embodies the romantic dream of the author, portraying a hero with indomitable spirit and extraordinary qualities. Từ Hải, the hero, is courageous, overcoming all temptations, transcending personal feelings to embark on a journey to build his career, affirming himself.
The passage begins with a reminder of the tranquil and blissful time of Từ Hải and Thúy Kiều. 'Half a year of intense love,' their affection for each other like a blazing fire, passionate and profound. Yet in a blink of an eye, the young lord Từ Hải is 'moved in all directions,' as he is an idealistic person with determination. It is time for him to depart to pursue his ambitions and career. Unable to remain idle in love, he envisions a vast world waiting for him to strive and conquer. Từ Hải's ambition to embark on the path to success is straightforward; he only needs his 'sword and horse' to set forth confidently on his journey.
Placed in today's societal context, Từ Hải's departure is akin to starting a career from scratch, showcasing the courage, spirit, and confidence of a hero. Từ Hải is a heroic figure, resolute and extraordinary. Faced with the deep and loyal affection of a talented and virtuous woman, he can decisively depart to pursue his career. When Kiều expresses her desire to accompany Từ Hải on his journey to success with the words 'Even if I become a concubine, I still wholeheartedly wish to go,' he not only gracefully declines but also reminds Kiều to understand their profound bond, 'like-minded in heart and mind,' and not to be ensnared by ordinary emotions, to 'escape the usual romantic entanglements.' Từ Hải is an exceptional hero, and his aspirations transcend the ordinary.
'When ten thousand soldiers march,\nDrums resound, shadows cover the road,\nRevealing extraordinary faces.'
Essay: Analysis of Từ Hải's Character in the Excerpt from Chí Khí Anh Hùng
Từ Hải's ideals soar high, aiming for noble aspirations, signifying greatness. He is confident in his exceptional talents and abilities. His departure is not solely for personal gain but also to showcase his remarkable talents to the world, to provide Thúy Kiều with a dignified status and a better life. Từ Hải neither wants Kiều to accompany him nor endure hardships nor be burdened amidst 'the vast universe.' His confidence is evident in the promise 'perhaps a year later in haste.' This timeframe signifies the determination and resilience of his willpower. When his heart is free from concerns, Từ Hải decisively resolves to depart swiftly. The imagery of winds and clouds symbolizes the heroic stature of Từ Hải, his heroic spirit soaring high and far, traversing countless miles.
Nguyễn Du's hero Từ Hải is not only the ideal heroic figure of medieval literature but also holds enduring idealistic values that continue to influence generations. Unlike in the past where only men nurtured dreams while women resigned to their fate, today everyone harbors dreams, aspirations, and desires. Everyone should strive to pursue their dreams, achieve aspirations, and contribute to a better life, success, or help others more.
3. Analysis of Từ Hải's Character in the Excerpt from Chí Khí Anh Hùng, Model 3 (Standard)
The Tale of Kieu is a masterpiece of medieval Vietnamese literature, regarded as the 'national soul, national essence' of the nation. Through excerpts studied from secondary to high school, we witness extraordinary talent and a character worthy of admiration, yet a life fraught with ups and downs, with Kieu traversing the vicissitudes of life. Alongside the character Thúy Kiều, Nguyen Du's masterful talent is also demonstrated through the depiction, portrayal, and characterization of supporting characters. Foremost among them is Từ Hải in the excerpt 'Chí Khí Anh Hùng' - a talented, dignified, and exceptional hero with lofty ideals.
The excerpt begins by highlighting the 'heroic spirit' of the character Từ Hải through his aspiration to roam in all four directions:
'Half a year of intense passion,
The stalwart man swiftly stirred the four corners of his heart.'
Out of admiration for Thúy Kiều's talent and personality, Từ Hải intervened to rescue her from the tower. The heroic man and the boat girl had become loyal friends. Từ and Kiều had spent six months living happily and harmoniously, as depicted by 'Half a year of intense passion.' However, that blissful and tranquil life, like a perfect note in Kiều's 'fate's melody,' could not last long. After six months together, Từ Hải's ambition to embark on the journey of realizing his dreams and conquering the world resurfaced. The phrase 'stalwart man' at the beginning of the sentence conveys the author's affection and respect for the character. Từ Hải is a true gentleman, who not only saved Thúy Kiều's life but also is a hero with lofty aspirations and noble ambitions.
Analysis of Từ Hải's Character in the Excerpt from Chí Khí Anh Hùng
The verb 'swiftly' reflects the strong, decisive departure of the hero. Từ Hải carries within him a great spirit: to establish a great career to fulfill his aspirations as a 'man.' Therefore, despite experiencing months of happiness and warmth with Thúy Kiều, the hero still 'stirred the four corners of his heart.' As Nguyen Công Trứ asserted:
'The spirit of a man knows no bounds,
Waving one's strength in all four directions.'
The vast and magnificent expanse of the 'four directions' perhaps embodies the profound, boundless will of the hero, Từ Hải:
'Beholding the vast expanse of sky and sea,
The sword at rest, the horse on the straight path.'
The wider and more boundless the space, the more it highlights the beauty and grandeur of human stature. Departing with a proud, confident, and resolute demeanor, alone with his horse, 'on the straight path,' without hesitation or doubt. It epitomizes the determination and courage of an extraordinary man.
Not only does Từ Hải harbor a desire to roam across the 'four seas,' but in him, we also see the beauty of ideals and determination. In this character, there is a high degree of unity between lofty ideals and deep affection for Kiều, a person who values loyalty and love, as evidenced by the dialogue between Kiều:
'She said: 'A woman's fate is to be devoted,
You're determined to leave, I too will follow'
With just a concise pair of lục bát verses, we sense Thúy Kiều pouring out her innermost thoughts, her feelings for Từ Hải, wishing to accompany him as a partner, to share in his hardships. However, in response to her desire, Từ Hải tactfully refuses:
'Từ replied: 'Our hearts are bound together,
Why not break free from mundane love affairs?'
Từ Hải regards Thúy Kiều as his 'heart's confidante,' someone who can understand all his thoughts and decisions, and therefore, he hopes that Thúy Kiều can rise above the ordinary feelings of a woman to understand and support his decision. This gentle yet sincere reproach further underscores Từ Hải's resoluteness in his decision to depart. It's evident that the hero's aspirations can transcend ordinary emotions to become grand and beautiful.
'When ten thousand soldiers march in line,
The gongs resound, the earth shakes divine.
Revealing a countenance so sublime,
Then I shall wed you, lady, as mine.'
With meticulously chosen words evoking imagery and sound, author Nguyễn Du vividly portrays Từ Hải's determination and unwavering belief: 'Ten thousand soldiers,' 'the sound of gongs,' 'the earth shakes divine.' These magnificent, grandiose images express the aspiration to establish a glorious career, to build a prosperous realm. The words, filled with ambition and containing pride and unwavering confidence in oneself, illustrate the extraordinary talent's desire to excel in the world. Additionally, in his promise, Từ Hải expresses his desire to establish a renowned career to be able to 'wed you, lady,' giving Kiều a status befitting her character and dignity. It can be seen that Từ Hải is not only a hero in the world but also an exemplary husband, deserving of Kiều's loyalty and affection. Understanding the difficulties of starting a career, Từ Hải candidly tells her:
'With no home across the four seas,
Wherever I go, know not where it leads.'
On the path to achieving great deeds, there will be challenges and difficulties 'across the four seas.' Recognizing the hardships ahead, Từ Hải declines Kiều's wish to accompany him, both to avoid additional burdens and to spare Kiều from suffering. Finally, to reassure Kiều, Từ Hải makes a promise:
'Just wait a bit, it won't be long,
Perhaps merely a year, it's not too strong.'
'A year' - a very specific period of time, 'a year,' Từ Hải has clearly defined the time frame for his return, that is when his great endeavor is completed, when he returns to wed Kiều as his wife. In Từ Hải's promise to Thúy Kiều, there is an expression of confidence, initiative, and courage of the young man 'with his head in the sky, and his feet on the ground' in the world.
'Resolutely, I'll depart with pride,
The wind and clouds already near, for miles wide.'
Từ Hải's strong, decisive action is evoked by words such as 'resolutely,' 'depart,' 'pride.' Unlike other farewells, full of nostalgia, attachment, soaked in the sadness of parting, the separation between Kiều and Từ Hải contains the flavor of optimism, trust in the triumphant victory. That hero is like a soaring bird, freely gliding in the vast sky. The image of 'already near, for miles wide' symbolizes the lofty ideals, the grandiose aspirations of Từ Hải.
With romantic inspiration, poetic expression, symbolism, and idealization, Nguyễn Du has portrayed the beautiful portrait of the hero Từ Hải with noble heroic qualities. Through the character of Từ Hải, the author has conveyed a noble humanitarian ideology, that is the dream of an ideal hero. Only heroes like Từ Hải can achieve great feats, bringing life, happiness, and peace to those who suffer injustice and oppression.
4. Discussion about the character Từ Hải in the excerpt Heroic Spirit, standard 4
In The Tale of Kieu, the great poet Nguyễn Du not only expresses compassion for the fate of human beings, especially women with a precarious fate amidst the vicissitudes of life. But he also expresses the longing for a just society, placing hope in extraordinary heroes 'with their heads in the sky and their feet on the ground'. This is demonstrated through the image of the hero Từ Hải - an extraordinary person with extraordinary aspirations in the excerpt Heroic Spirit.
It can be said that the appearance of Từ Hải is like a beacon illuminating the lonely soul, the painful fate, and unhappiness of Thúy Kiều. Từ Hải not only showed sincere love and affection for Thúy Kiều but also rescued her from the monotonous life in the green chamber, helping her repay kindness and grudges. However, their married life was short-lived as Từ Hải was determined to leave and pursue his career.
Từ Hải and Thúy Kiều enjoyed six months of intense happiness together, surrounded by the warmth of love. Thúy Kiều wanted to preserve this peaceful life, wanting to stay close to her hero, as in the past, she had endured much pain and suffering. However, Từ Hải, a hero with great ambitions, in that situation, desired even more to venture out, to achieve greatness, hence he resolved to depart.
“Six months amidst the warmth of love,
The husband's heart suddenly stirred, eager in all directions,
Gazing at the vast expanse of sky and sea,
The gleaming sword and tranquil horse set forth on the straight path.”
A series of words and images skillfully arranged by Nguyễn Du evoke Từ Hải's aspirations. The verb 'suddenly' expresses his swift decisiveness upon departing. What stirs him is the burning desire to roam the four corners, the unfulfilled grand career. The line 'The husband's heart suddenly stirred, eager in all directions' evokes Từ Hải's immense aspiration, the determination to establish fame, to forge a career. It is the will, the heroic spirit of this noble hero. As Nguyễn Công Trứ once wrote:
“The spirit of a man knows no bounds,
To exert his influence far and wide across the four seas.”
Gazing into the distance, longing to embark on a journey, yearning to conquer the four seas, 'gazing at the vast expanse of sky and sea.' The images of the 'gleaming sword,' 'tranquil horse,' and 'setting forth on the straight path' contribute to depicting Từ Hải's proud posture and readiness to depart. With only a sword, a horse, and a determined spirit, his departure becomes even more magnificent. Từ Hải emerges as a hero with lofty ideals and aspirations.
Discussion on the character of Từ Hải in the excerpt of Heroic Spirit
Từ Hải is an idealistic hero with a profound sense of unity and emotion. When Thuý Kiều wishes to accompany him, he gently reproaches:
'Từ replied: a heart tied in loyalty,
Why not escape from the ordinary feelings of a woman?'
Kiều is your spouse, your lifelong confidante, why can't she escape the ordinary sentiments of women and truly understand your heart? You and she have a shared loyalty, a mutual understanding of each other's feelings, so she must understand the noble aspirations within your soul. You hope she will comprehend and empathize with you, to be worthy of becoming your true companion, your hero's confidante.
Từ Hải's refusal demonstrates his spirit transcending personal emotions; he does not forsake his greater ideals for mere sentimentality.
Furthermore, in his promise to Thuý Kiều, Từ Hải reveals his belief in his own ambitions, his talents:
'When ten thousand soldiers gather,
The sound of bells fills the land, shadows cover the streets,
Revealing extraordinary faces.
At that time, I will escort you to a noble position.'
That promise of yours to her is also an affirmation to yourself. The imagery of 'ten thousand soldiers,' or 'the sound of bells filling the land,' 'shadows covering the sky' are grand images, transcending the ordinary, depicting a vast space. This evokes Từ Hải's immense aspirations, the desire to have a cosmic presence, vast across the universe. His ambition is to 'reveal extraordinary faces,' to showcase his exceptional talent, to build a glorious career, demonstrating his spirit. This is his unwavering belief in his aspirations, in his own talents.
Simultaneously, he also promises Thuý Kiều that, at that time, he will 'escort her to a noble position,' meaning he will bring her home, giving her a greater status, and sharing a happy life with her. Từ Hải departs not only to pursue his grand ambitions but also to fulfill the promise to Thuý Kiều, wanting to provide her with a happy life, a higher status.
Before leaving, he also promises Kiều:
'Willing to wait a little longer,
Would it be too hasty if it's just a year later?'
This is a promise, a confident affirmation of Từ Hải when he departs for his ambitions and ideals. The imagery of 'four seas without a home' evokes the hardships and challenges that the hero will face in the early stages of his career. But he is not afraid; rather, he is somewhat excited and hopeful. He promises Kiều 'one more year' to return to her. One year is the designated time frame for his aspirations, affirming his confidence in his talents when pursuing his ideals.
And finally, the image of the hero Từ Hải emerges with a resolute posture as he departs with courage:
'Resolutely making the decision to leave,
When the wind and clouds reach the distant sea.'
These two verses vividly depict the hero. Nguyễn Du cleverly uses strong verbs like 'decide,' 'leave,' to evoke the resolute and courageous departure of Từ Hải.
The imagery of 'wind and clouds reach the distant sea' is a metaphor for the aspirations of the heroic figure with extraordinary courage, longing to achieve greatness. Like a swift bird soaring with the wind and clouds, Từ Hải's stature rivals that of the universe. Not only does he aspire to explore, but Từ Hải is also a hero with determination, strength, talent, and self-belief.
Under Nguyễn Du's pen, the character Từ Hải emerges as a hero with grand aspirations, yearning to explore the four corners of the world. Nguyễn Du's exquisite writing style and idealization of the character are utilized to the fullest when depicting the hero Từ Hải. Through this, we also understand the author's concept of heroism and the ideals of justice he wishes to convey.
5. Discussion on the character Từ Hải in the excerpt Heroic Spirit, model 5 (Standard)
Nguyễn Du is one of the outstanding and representative figures of medieval Vietnamese literature in particular, and Vietnamese literature in general. He contributed numerous excellent works in both Nom and Han scripts, among which 'The Tale of Kiều' is considered a masterpiece of national literature. In the work, readers have witnessed Thúy Kiều parting ways with many loved ones, but perhaps the most memorable farewell is between Kiều and Từ Hải. And the excerpt 'Heroic Spirit' vividly portrays that farewell. Particularly through this excerpt, readers perceive the heroic spirit and beauty of the character Từ Hải.
In the excerpt 'Heroic Spirit,' Từ Hải emerges as a person with an intense desire to set out on a journey and yearns to roam freely in all directions.
Half a year, the scent of love was strong
The husband's heart stirred suddenly in all directions
Gazing at the vast sky and ocean
With a sharp sword, a steady horse, straight on the road.
The opening verse of the excerpt sets the scene for Từ Hải's departure. It is a moment of 'intense love,' where the lives of Thúy Kiều and Từ Hải are deeply affectionate, warm, and happy. In this very context, Từ Hải's longing to set out on a journey, to explore everywhere, becomes even more apparent. The use of 'suddenly' by the author is unique, showing Từ Hải's decisiveness and swiftness. Moreover, what Từ Hải aspires to, what moves him, is the 'four directions' - a vast universe, evoking the desire to establish fame and career, to roam across the five continents. Particularly, Từ Hải's departure stance is vividly depicted by Nguyễn Du through a series of images: 'sharp sword,' 'steady horse,' and 'straight on the road.' All these words evoke the image of the hero Từ Hải alone, on a horse, with a sword, setting out without hesitation to fulfill his own aspirations. It is a very beautiful, dignified stance, free from any hindrance of a noble person. This stance rivals the vastness of the universe.
Discussion on the character Từ Hải in the excerpt Heroic Spirit
Not only stopping at the desire to roam across the five continents, the character Từ Hải also emerges as a hero with great determination, with a high degree of unity between his extraordinary ideals and his deep affection for his beloved. This beauty of Từ Hải is clearly expressed through his response when Thúy Kiều decides wholeheartedly to follow him.
Từ Hải said: 'Mutual affection and understanding, Why have you not freed yourself from ordinary desires?'
Listening to Thúy Kiều expressing her desire to accompany Từ Hải and take care of him, Từ Hải gently reproached Kiều for not being able to free herself from the desires and aspirations of an ordinary woman. At the same time, Từ Hải skillfully rejected Kiều's proposal by presenting the principle of loyalty to advise Kiều to stay. Từ Hải regards Thúy Kiều as 'mutual affection and understanding,' as a loyal person who can understand all of his innermost thoughts, all of his decisions, and therefore, he hopes that Thúy Kiều will rise above the ordinary desires of women to deserve to be the soulmate of a hero. This refusal shows that Từ Hải has transcended personal feelings, without any reluctance or attachment, to forget his ideals, his great aspirations.
Furthermore, Từ Hải is confident in his own talents when he made promises to Thúy Kiều.
When ten thousand soldiers have come,
The earth resounds with the clanging gong and shadowy pathways fill with life.
To make the extraordinary evident,
At that time, I will bring you to our noble home.
These verses affirm Từ Hải's promise to Thúy Kiều and to himself. 'Ten thousand soldiers,' 'the clanging gong,' and 'shadowy pathways' evoke vast spaces, arousing in the reader the grand aspirations of the hero Từ Hải. The desire to 'make the extraordinary evident' signifies the aspiration to establish a distinguished career, to excel in the world. This is Từ Hải's unwavering belief in his own talent. Additionally, he promises Thúy Kiều that once he has achieved renown, he will welcome her as his wife to a life of happiness and harmony as a couple. This shows Từ Hải's concern and care for Thúy Kiều while also demonstrating his self-confidence. Therefore, Từ Hải's departure is not only to fulfill his own ideals and aspirations but also to pursue extraordinary happiness in life, as the 'heroic man with the devoted woman.' Furthermore, his succinct promise to Kiều underscores Từ Hải's confidence.
Across the vast seas without a home,
Where will we go, I wonder?
Yet willing to wait a little while,
Perhaps just a year, what's the hurry?
With the image of 'across the vast seas without a home,' the poet skillfully evokes the hardships, challenges, and difficulties in the early days of establishing a career that the hero must overcome to fulfill his own ideals. Consequently, he also makes a promise to Thúy Kiều regarding the time of his return. 'A year' in Từ Hải's promise to Thúy Kiều vividly demonstrates his confidence on the path to conquest, realizing his grand aspirations.
Additionally, the image of the hero Từ Hải in the work is also portrayed as a resolute individual who departs with a decisive attitude, free from attachments or sentimentality.
Resolved to depart with determined words,
The wind and clouds have arrived at the distant ocean.
With just two verses, author Nguyễn Du cleverly depicts before the reader the departure posture of the hero Từ Hải. By using a series of words such as 'resolved,' 'depart,' and 'determined' in the same verse, the author demonstrates the decisiveness, absence of hesitation, and the hero's unwavering will. Furthermore, the author employs the metaphor of the 'swift bird' in the final verse to illustrate the idealistic, lofty aspirations of the heroic figure, reflecting the grandeur of the universe.
In conclusion, with idealized character portrayal and imagery rich in symbolism, the excerpt 'The Heroic Spirit' successfully constructs the image of the hero Từ Hải. Moreover, through the portrayal of the character Từ Hải, the author expresses his concept of the ideal hero and his aspirations for justice.
