Buzz
Prompt: Words depicting the admiration and respect of Nguyễn Du for Từ Hải
Response:
In the epic 'The Tale of Kieu' by the national poet Nguyễn Du, we not only encounter the image of the perfect, enchanting beauty but also deeply resonate with the idealized heroic figure possessing extraordinary qualities. This is none other than the character Từ Hải in the excerpt 'Heroic Spirit,' where Nguyễn Du crafts a heroic and chivalrous character, vividly expressing admiration and reverence for the hero through the poetic language of the poem.
The excerpt 'Heroic Spirit' recounts the second time Thúy Kiều is deceived and sold to the green house, completely in despair. The unexpected appearance of Từ Hải has rescued Kiều, leading her out of the green house. The meeting between Từ Hải and Thúy Kiều is like a celestial bond; they understand and are moved by each other's circumstances and virtues. As a result, they share a blissful marital life. However, just as their marital happiness is flourishing, Từ Hải is stirred by ambitious career aspirations, compelling the hero to depart decisively. Nguyễn Du eloquently describes Từ Hải, manifesting profound respect and admiration through both words and actions.
'Half a year of passionate fragrance,
A hero's heart is suddenly moved to pursue distant lands.
Gazing at the vast heavens and earth,
His sword and calm steed set forth on a straight path.'
Firstly, Nguyễn Du employs the phrase 'moved to pursue distant lands' with a grandiose and evocative force to depict Từ Hải with elevated spirit and a desire to make a mark in the world. 'Distant lands' here symbolize the entire realm, and 'moved to pursue distant lands' signifies the hero's direction towards noble deeds and great achievements in the world. Từ Hải bids farewell to his wife with intense passion, demonstrating his lofty ambitions to thrive in the vast world. Nguyễn Du not only honors Từ Hải's heroic spirit but also expresses profound reverence for the hero's ideals through the farewell words to Thúy Kiều.
'When ten thousand warriors assemble,
The bells resound, and the earth is adorned with an extraordinary aura.
Revealing an exceptional countenance,
At that moment, I will escort her to the noble house.'
The term 'extraordinary countenance' that Nguyễn Du mentions is not merely a facet of Từ Hải's character; it also manifests in his qualities, personality, life, and career. Nguyễn Du employs both the phrases 'moved to pursue distant lands' and 'extraordinary countenance' to affirm Từ Hải as an extraordinary hero, exceptional in every aspect. Referring to Từ Hải as a 'trượng phu' (nobleman) also highlights the author's admiration and reverence. The description of Từ Hải's resolute departure further emphasizes Nguyễn Du's deep appreciation for the extraordinary beauty within this heroic figure. With profound admiration and praise, Nguyễn Du applied his talent and emotions to create the character of Từ Hải.
The portrayal of Từ Hải in the excerpt 'Heroic Spirit' emerges with the beauty of an extraordinary hero. Nguyễn Du painted a portrait of him using the inspiration of praise and the author's dream of justice. Through the method of idealized and poetic description, along with a vocabulary system representing the noble class, Nguyễn Du's character Từ Hải fits within the traditional literary framework of medieval heroes, yet possesses unique and distinctive features, not detached from reality.
