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Analyzing the allure of the Perfume River in the essay 'Who Named the River' by Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong
Sample essay analyzing the beauty of the Perfume River in 'Who Named the River' by Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong
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Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong belongs to the generation of writers who matured during the resistance war against the U.S. for national salvation. He is a writer with a unique style, particularly skilled in essays and miscellaneous prose. One of his successful essays is 'Who Named the River?' In this piece, Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong highlights the beauty of the Perfume River, the beauty of the imperial city of Hue from various perspectives, ranging from history to culture and the souls of the people of Hue.
a) The beauty of the Perfume River seen from the natural landscape:
With a soul of a highly emotional and imaginative artist, with deep, devoted affection and pride for Hue; equipped with a rich vocabulary, keen observational skills, and a mind full of creativity... writer Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong has vividly discovered and described the poetic beauty of the Perfume River. The natural scenery of the Perfume River is depicted by the author through various perceptions:
- Passing through the heart of the Truong Son range, the Perfume River appears 'spacious and untamed' like a Di-gan girl, a grand ballad of the ancient forest, resounding amidst the dense forest, tumultuous over the rocky rapids, swirling like a storm into mysterious abysses...
- Emerging from the forest: the Perfume River quickly adopts a gentle and intelligent beauty, becoming the fertile mother of a cultural region.
- Flowing towards the southern outskirts of Hue city: the Perfume River exhibits a surreal beauty like a multicolored reflection, 'early green, noon yellow, evening purple.'
- Silently flowing beneath the solemn rivers with the mysterious and proud tombs of the Nguyen dynasty kings, the Perfume River exhibits a beauty 'profound like ancient philosophy.'
- Passing through the melodic resonance of the bells of Thien Mu Pagoda: the Perfume River possesses a beauty imbued with philosophical colors.
- Gliding past the verdant banks in the outskirts of Kim Long: the Perfume River presents a 'cheerful' beauty.
- Flowing through the city of Hue: the Perfume River exudes a poetic, romantic beauty, soft and gentle like a silk ribbon: 'Facing the city at Con Gia Vien, the Perfume River gracefully bends towards Hen Islet; that curve softens the river, like an unspoken 'yes' of love.'
- Upon leaving the imperial city of Hue, the Perfume River assumes a dreamy, ethereal beauty as it meanders through the bamboo hedges, lotus ponds, and coconut groves of Vinh Da village: 'Leaving the imperial city of Hue, the Perfume River veers towards the North, embracing Hen Islet, perennially immersed in mist. Slowly distancing itself from the city, it seems to linger nostalgically before parting ways. Then, as if remembering something left unsaid, it abruptly changes its course, turning westward at the ancient Bao Vinh intersection for a final rendezvous with the city. The author perceives this turn of the Perfume River uniquely, calling it a 'lingering sentiment, a discreet hint of love.' Similar to Kieu on a solitary night, at this crossroads, the Perfume River returns earnestly to find its love, Kim Trong, to make a vow before heading to the open sea.' This unique perception by the writer not only enhances the beauty of the Perfume River but also adds a touch of sentimentality.
b) The Cultural Perspective of the Perfume River's Beauty:
The Perfume River not only boasts natural scenic beauty but also possesses cultural significance. The author associates the Perfume River with classical music in Hue: the Perfume River is likened to a 'talented musician playing the instrument at midnight,' a poetic river that resonates with the sentiments of poets. To elucidate this, the author draws on interpretations of the Perfume River by various poets such as Nguyen Du and 'The Tale of Kieu,' where Cao Ba Quat envisions the majestic beauty of the Perfume River 'raising a sword to the sky.' Bà Huyện Thanh Quan perceives the Perfume River as an eternal longing, with its shimmering shadows in the late afternoon. The river's sudden surge reflects the rejuvenating power of the soul, as seen in the poetry of To Huu. Once again, the Perfume River truly embodies the spirit of Kieu.
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