Explaining the Great Proclamation of Binh Ngo

Prompt: Discuss the significance of Nguyen Trai's Binh Ngo Proclamation.

Exposition of the Great Proclamation of Binh Ngo
 

Tip: Techniques for crafting compelling expository essays

I. Outline for Exposition of the Great Proclamation of Binh Ngo

1. Introduction

Introduction to the Work in Brief

2. Body

a. Historical Context
- In 1428, the nation enjoyed peace after defeating the Ming invaders, with no trace of Ming forces left in Vietnam
- Le Loi assigned Nguyen Trai to compose a proclamation to announce to the court and the world.

b. Title, Genre
- Title: A proclamation declaring the pacification of the Ngô
- Genre: Proclamation
- Commonly used in significant events to inform the nation and people of important matters.
- This is a type of discourse characterized by profound language, sharp logic, and robust reasoning.

c. Content

- Part 1: From the beginning to 'Evidence still exists'
+ Presenting the main argument: pacifying the people → eliminating tyranny
+ Affirming the national sovereignty through various aspects: territory; culture; history; customs; talent,...

- Part 2: 'Just now' → 'Who says the people cannot endure'
+ Exposing the brutal policies, atrocities, and betrayal of the enemy forces
+ Expressing sorrow and indignation at the extreme suffering and misery of the people

- Part 3: 'Here, the Lam Son mountain rises in rebellion' → 'Never before has such been seen'
+ Depicting the initial challenges faced by the Lam Son rebels
+ The strength, intellect, and unity leading to the glorious victories of the Lam Son rebels, defeating the Ming enemy

- Part 4: Remaining Section
+ Declaration of war cessation
+ Affirmation of the nation's independence and peace

d. Artistry:
- Sharp language, precise reasoning, accurate argumentation.
- Rich and evocative artistic imagery and symbolism, emotionally charged writing style.
- Various rhetorical devices such as enumeration, comparison, contrast,... used skillfully and appropriately.
- Versatile poetic tone

3. Conclusion

Reiterating the value of the work

II. Sample Exposition of the Great Proclamation of Binh Ngo

In the realm of national literature, there are numerous admirable and pride-worthy literary masterpieces. We take pride in our patriotic tradition, the spirit of unity through the glorious pages depicting the heroic struggle of the nation. These include Nam Quoc Son Ha by Ly Thuong Kiet, Tung Gia Hoan Kinh Su by Tran Quang Khai, Declaration of Independence by Ho Chi Minh,... Particularly noteworthy among them is the Great Proclamation of Binh Ngo by Nguyen Trai, an immortal work considered as the nation's second declaration of independence.

In 1427, the Ming army led by Moc Thanh and Lieu Thang was defeated and subdued by the Lam Son rebels. In December 1427, Vuong Thong led his troops along the Nhi Ha River back to Ming territory according to the peace agreement, supplied with provisions and goods by the Lam Son rebels to facilitate their return. By 1428, the enemy forces were pacified, and the nation no longer bore the shadow of the Ming army. Le Loi assigned Nguyen Trai to compose a proclamation to summarize the struggle and declare victory in the fight against the Ming.

The work was written by Nguyen Trai in the form of a proclamation. Unlike other genres, proclamations are often used in significant events to inform the nation and people of important matters. This is a type of discourse characterized by profound language, sharp logic, and robust reasoning. The work was written in Chinese characters and titled 'The Great Proclamation of Binh Ngo,' signifying the announcement to the people that the Ngô invaders had been pacified, while also expressing disdain for the atrocities of the enemy forces, the despicable individuals who ultimately met their defeat.

Binh Ngo Grand Proclamation is divided into 4 sections with significant contents. The first section, from the beginning to 'Evidence still exists,' highlights the main righteous argument, the core of the battle being for the people, where the people's ideology is the 'act of humanity' when entering the war. This is a suitable argument to open the work, as a war originating from the interests of the people, for the people and the nation, is always a righteous war, where 'eliminating tyranny,' defeating the enemy is the foremost prerequisite at that time. Moreover, in this paragraph, Nguyen Trai places our country on par with Northern dynasties to affirm the independence, equality of Dai Viet with Northern dynasties. Demonstrating and affirming the spirit of Dai Viet associated with the ancient civilization, with its own territory, customs and traditions, with a glorious and heroic history and talented individuals, thousands of generations. These factors constitute a proud, independent and defiant Dai Viet in front of the world, in front of Northern dynasties.

The second paragraph, from 'Just now' to 'Who says the people cannot endure,' After presenting the main righteous argument, Nguyen Trai skillfully exposes the 'unjust acts' of the Ming invaders who usurped the country. With a sharp tone, sharp language, the crimes of the Ming invaders are exposed like a cruel indictment reserved for them:

'The mad Ming army takes advantage to cause calamity
The wicked still sell the country for glory
Burning black people on cruel fires
Burying red children in hideous pits
Deceiving the heavens, deceiving the people with countless schemes
Engendering enmity and hatred, spreading over several decades
Defeating humanity, shattering the land and sky.'

Their cruelty reaches its peak when their deceitful plots, unrighteous actions, and lack of ethics are evident. They ruthlessly kill people, showing no mercy to the poor, miserable, they implement many cruel and barbaric policies, causing the people to endure mental and physical suffering:

'Burning black people on cruel fires
Burying red children in hideous pits'

The more the enemy's brutality is exposed, the more the author expresses profound sorrow, agony, and empathy towards the hardships, sufferings endured by the people. The poetic language is both indignant and poignant.

The third paragraph occupies the largest number of sentences, from 'Here, the Lam Son mountain rises in rebellion' to 'Never before has such been seen.' Nguyen Trai has used the longest passage to summarize the glorious battle of the Lam Son rebels. Once again affirming the strength of the nation, the fierce fighting spirit of the people, and the inevitable outcome that Dai Viet deserves. Every battle faces many difficulties at the beginning, and the Lam Son rebels are no exception. Initially, our troops faced issues of food shortage, lack of weapons, a small and sparse army, rare talents, and elites. But 'in adversity, wisdom is born,' those difficulties did not weaken the rebels' resolve; on the contrary, they used their intellect to devise clever tactics in battle.

'Weakness to overcome strength
Few against many foes'

Together with the wise and visionary leadership, the Lam Son rebels grew stronger day by day, fervently fighting. With consecutive victories, the more they fought, the more determined they became, bringing back numerous glorious achievements. The Ming army was defeated in disgrace and shame, how could the treacherous ones avoid the two words 'defeat.'

In the final section of the proclamation, Nguyen Trai, on behalf of Le Loi, declares boldly about ending the war and affirming the nation's enduring independence and peace.

The Great Proclamation of Binh Ngo captures the hearts of the people and readers across generations not only because of its profound content but also the artistic talent of the author, Nguyen Trai. The proclamation is persuasive with sharp language, precise reasoning, and sound arguments. The rich and evocative artistic imagery, emotional writing style, and flexible application of rhetorical devices such as enumeration, comparison, contrast,... resonate deeply. The poetic tone changes flexibly, expressing indignation towards the enemy's brutality, empathy towards the people's suffering, intensity in depicting the battles, and solemnity in declaring peace and pacifying the enemy.

The Great Proclamation of Binh Ngo is a literary masterpiece rich in value and filled with the love for the country of Vietnamese literature. Reading the proclamation, one understands more about the people's suffering, learns more about the glorious history of the nation. And through that, one becomes more aware of their own responsibilities in today's era, knowing to love their homeland, to live wholeheartedly to build and develop the homeland, deserving of the sacrifices of the ancestors.

""""THE END""""--

The essay Exposition on the Great Proclamation of Binh Ngo has provided students with insights into the prominent features of the work. To delve deeper into specific issues, students can also refer to Exposition on the Poet Nguyen Trai, Exposition of the first two sections of the Binh Ngo Great Proclamation, and Analysis of the work Binh Ngo Great Proclamation. Keep practicing diligently to compose excellent essays. Best wishes for success!