Reading Farewell to the Nine-Story Tower

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Reading Farewell to the Nine-Story Tower

An exemplary essay on Understanding Farewell to the Nine-Story Tower will be a valuable reference document to help students gain a deeper understanding of the content's value and the distinctive artistic perspective of Nguyễn Huy Tưởng when constructing the story situation. Some highlights about the imagery and intense internal conflicts of the characters are also shared here.

Exemplary literature for reading Farewell to the Nine-Story Tower in 11th grade

Reading Farewell to the Nine-Story Tower

I- FUNDAMENTAL KNOWLEDGE TO MASTER

1. Nguyễn Huy Tưởng (1912 - 1960), born in Dục Tú village, Từ Sơn district, Bắc Ninh province (now in Dục Tú commune, Đông Anh district, Hanoi). He came from a Confucian family and joined the revolution early. In 1943, Nguyễn Huy Tưởng joined the Cultural Association for National Salvation, and in August 1945, he was a delegate to the National Congress held in Tân Trào.

Nguyễn Huy Tưởng is a writer inclined to explore historical themes, with his most notable contributions in the novel and drama genres. Throughout his life, he aspired to write works of grand scale, creating vivid portrayals and monumental images of the glorious history of the nation. His desire was to address profound philosophical issues about humanity, life, and art. His writing style is both simple and luminous, as well as profound, contemplative, and profound.

2. Vũ Như Tô is a historical tragedy written about an event that took place in Thăng Long around 1516-1517, during the reign of Lê Tương Dực. The work was completed by Nguyễn Huy Tưởng in the summer of 1941, titled June - 1942.

From a historical event in the 16th century, the writer fictionalized and creatively crafted the play Vũ Như Tô, addressing profound issues about life and art. The excerpt from Farewell to the Nine-Story Tower is the fifth act, the final act of the Vũ Như Tô play.

II- READING GUIDE - TEXT COMPREHENSION

1. Basic conflicts in the Vũ Như Tô play in Act V:

- The first conflict: The conflict between the suffering working people and the oppressive feudal lords and their factions living in luxury and extravagance. This conflict existed before, and when Lê Tương Dực ordered Vũ Như Tô to build the Nine-Story Tower, it became even more tense.

To construct the Nine-Story Tower, the dynasty ordered increased taxation, forced skilled workers, exploited and tormented dissenters. Workers toiled relentlessly but remained hungry and were restricted from eating. The people resented the king for causing poverty and hardship; boatmen blamed Vũ Như Tô for many deaths due to accidents as he ordered the execution of fleeing individuals.

Trịnh Duy Sản tried to stop Lê Tương Dực, warning of unrest and demanding the expulsion of concubines, and the killing of Vũ Như Tô. However, not only did Lê Tương Dực not listen, but he also ordered an attack on Trịnh Duy Sản (at that time). Subsequently, there were floods, crop failures, and news of 'people starving and rising in rebellion' reached Thăng Long. Vũ Như Tô, despite being injured by being crushed under rocks, enthusiastically directed workers to build the Nine-Story Tower. The workers intended to rebel. Exploiting the chaotic situation and those conflicts, Trịnh Duy Sản - the leader of the opposing faction in the court - incited rebellion, persuaded boatmen to mutiny, killed Tương Dực, Vũ Như Tô, Đan Thiềm, and burned the Nine-Story Tower (Acts 4 and 5).

Thus, this conflict reached its climax by the fifth act, peaked at the last act, and was resolved: Lê Tương Dực's feudal army was killed by Trịnh Duy Sản, Nguyễn Vũ committed suicide, Kim Phượng and the concubines were humiliated and captured by the rebels.

- The second conflict: The conflict between the high-minded, pure artistic ideals of all generations (Nine-Story Tower) and the direct, practical interests of the people.

This conflict originates from a deep-rooted cause: Even a talented and ambitious artist cannot showcase their talents to bring beauty to life and pride to the nation in a decaying society, in a country where people endure perpetual suffering. Vũ Như Tô, a talented architect capable of 'transforming materials with exquisite craftsmanship,' aimed to construct a magnificent castle for the nation, to make 'our people a thousand times prouder.' However, the circumstances of the country did not allow Vũ Như Tô to realize his grand creative ambition.

In the absence of alternatives, Vũ Như Tô heeded the advice of Đan Thiềm, borrowing the authority and money from the king, Lê Tương Dực, to fulfill his lofty dream of building a splendid and grand structure for the nation. Ironically, the very desire to contribute and sincerely create pushed Vũ Như Tô into opposition with the direct and practical interests of the people. From being loved by the people, wanting to contribute his talent to bring pride and glory to the country, Vũ Như Tô found himself perceived as an enemy, especially by the workers. This is the deep-rooted source of the tragic fate of the genius Vũ Như Tô.

The two conflicts mentioned above are the fundamental conflicts of the play and are manifested in Act V. These conflicts are closely related and mutually influential.

2.a) Personality and emotional development of Vũ Như Tô:

-Vũ Như Tô, a brilliant architect, embodies the fervent desire and passion for creating beauty. His talent is mostly showcased in earlier acts of the play and is primarily conveyed through the observations of other characters. Vũ Như Tô is a genius 'once in a thousand years,' capable of creating wonders with his artistry, turning scenes into masterpieces. He can 'command stones like generals leading armies, construct towering castles with precision, and adorn roofs with swirling clouds without making a single mistake in a small brick.'

-Vũ Như Tô is an artist with a grand personality, lofty dreams, and lofty artistic ideals. A true artist connected to the people, even when threatened with death by Lê Tương Dực, Vũ Như Tô openly cursed the king and steadfastly refused to build the Nine-Story Tower. He wasn't driven by greed (when awarded gold and silk by the king, he distributed it all to the workers). Vũ Như Tô's artistic ideals are genuine but are high-minded and pure, transcending the historical-social context of the country, detached from the real life of the working people. Due to being excessively enamored with the dream of constructing a masterpiece for the country, a timeless work that would bring pride to the nation, Vũ Như Tô failed to recognize a harsh reality: the Nine-Story Tower was built with the sweat, tears, and blood of the people.

-Act V of the play doesn't focus much on Vũ Như Tô's talent but highlights his tragic and tense emotions as he searches for answers: Is building the Nine-Story Tower right or wrong? Is it an achievement or a crime? However, Vũ Như Tô does not provide satisfying answers to these questions. His artistic aspirations, the passion for creation, stemmed from the genuine duty of an artist, from a sincere motive to assert his talent, embellish the country, and beautify life. Unfortunately, he misplaced these aspirations, mistimed them, deviated from reality, and had to pay with his own life and the destruction of his artistic creation (Literature Grade 11, Volume 1, Textbook).

-Vũ Như Tô is a tragic character. His passion and aspirations conflict with reality, his thoughts and actions have missteps. He did not consider that building the Nine-Story Tower for the country would be seen as a crime. When the rebellion broke out, Đan Thiềm panicked, warning Vũ Như Tô of the imminent danger, urging him to escape. Still, he refused to leave, believing that his actions were for the 'righteous and enlightened cause,' hoping to persuade An Hoà Hầu, one of the leaders of the rebellion. However, reality was cruel, not unfolding as Vũ Như Tô idealized. Only when he and Đan Thiềm were captured, and the Nine-Story Tower was destroyed, did he awaken, clenching his painful and horrified heart, looking up to the sky, exclaiming: 'Oh, the grand dream! Oh, Đan Thiềm! Oh, Nine-Story Tower!' In that cry, the grand dream, Đan Thiềm, and the Nine-Story Tower resounded together, merging into a poignant pain. That is also the dominant sentiment of the excerpt Farewell to the Nine-Story Tower.

b. Personality and Emotional Development of Đan Thiềm:

If Vũ Như Tô is the artist passionate about creating beauty, Đan Thiềm is the one passionate about talent, specifically creating that beauty. According to Vũ Như Tô's interpretation, the 'Dan Thiem disease' is an obsession with the extraordinary talent of artistic creators, the ones who bring forth beauty. With a heart full of ambition, when Vũ Như Tô was first captured, he asked Đan Thiềm for an escape plan. She advised him to stay, persuading him to seize this opportunity, using the authority and money of Lê Tương Dực to fulfill the dream of constructing a grand, eternal artistic project for the country. Driven by her passion for talent, she always encouraged Vũ Như Tô to build the Nine-Story Tower, willing to sacrifice herself to protect that talent. With such a personality, Đan Thiềm deserves to be Vũ Như Tô's loyal companion and confidante.

But while Vũ Như Tô is so absorbed in his creative passion that he doesn't notice or care about the circumstances around him, Đan Thiềm is always alert and insightful in every situation. Knowing that the dream of building the grand tower is crumbling, her mind is now solely focused on ensuring the safety of Vũ Như Tô. Urgently advising him to escape, she persistently urges him to 'run away.' Folding her hands in supplication, she pleads: 'I beg you, listen to me and escape,' but she fails to enlighten him. Vũ Như Tô stubbornly resists his fate. When the rebellion draws near, swords shining brightly, and realizing that 'escaping is no longer an option' for Vũ Như Tô, she weeps. Speaking to Ngô Hạch, she is willing to sacrifice her life to save Vũ Như Tô: 'General, please listen to me. I'm willing to accept any blame. But please spare him. He is a talent.' Unable to save Vũ Như Tô, Đan Thiềm painfully bids farewell to her soulmate, the grand tower crumbling: 'Old Master! The grand tower is in ruins! Farewell, Old Master!'

The emotional development of Vũ Như Tô and Đan Thiềm in the excerpt Farewell to the Nine-Story Tower reveals a deeper tragedy of these characters while highlighting the ideological theme of the work.

3. In the two conflicts analyzed above, the conflict between the suffering people and the oppressive feudal lords along with their faction has been decisively resolved from the people's perspective. Tyrant Lê Tương Dực is killed; Nguyễn Vũ, the great doctor, commits suicide; the rebel forces humiliate and capture the concubines.

However, the second conflict between the idealistic artistic perspective and the practical interests of the common people remains unresolved by the author. This is evident in Vũ Như Tô, who until his death fails to recognize his mistakes, remaining convinced of his innocence. He neither supports the feudal lord Lê Tương Dực nor fully stands with the people. Instead, he seeks to use Lê Tương Dực's authority and money to fulfill his artistic dream, unintentionally causing more suffering to the people. Is Vũ Như Tô guilty or meritorious? Is Vũ Như Tô right or those who killed him right? These are lingering questions that the author cannot decisively answer. The author expresses this dilemma through the opening statement: 'The Nine-Story Tower not being built, should we celebrate or mourn?' Unsure whether 'Như Tô should or those who killed Như Tô should, I don't know. Holding the pen, I share the same ailment with Đan Thiềm.' The author's way of posing the question is reasonable because the truth belongs partially to Vũ Như Tô and partially to the common people.

4. Tragedy is a form of drama (in contrast to the comedic genre). In addition to the common characteristics of drama, tragedy also possesses its unique features. These distinctive features are primarily expressed through conflicts, contradictions, and characters.

Dramatic conflicts are built upon 'unsolvable' contradictions; every attempt to resolve the conflicts leads to 'the destruction of important values.'

The main character in a tragedy is often a hero (like Hamlet, for example). Tragic characters are individuals with great passions and aspirations (in this case, Vũ Như Tô), sometimes accompanied by mistakes in their actions and thoughts. The tragic fate's catastrophic conclusion usually holds a profound significance, awakening the humanistic emotions within people.

All the characteristics of the tragedy genre mentioned above are fully exemplified in Vũ Như Tô. Particularly in the excerpt Farewell to the Nine-Story Tower, the resolution of dramatic conflicts is emphasized. When conflicts have developed from previous acts, they reach their pinnacle and are resolved here. As conflicts intensify to their peak, the characters' personalities and tragedies, especially those of Vũ Như Tô and Đan Thiềm, are most vividly and prominently portrayed.

This passage vividly showcases the artistic excellence of Nguyễn Huy Tưởng's drama: sophisticated theatrical language with a high level of synthesis. Through language and dramatic actions, the characters' emotions and personalities are deeply and sharply expressed, elevating the dramatic conflicts to their climax.

III- TRAINING GUIDELINES

In the prologue of the play Vũ Như Tô, Nguyễn Huy Tưởng writes:

'Alas! Should it be Như Tô or those who killed Như Tô? I do not know. Holding the pen, I share the same ailment with Đan Thiềm.'

This is the concluding part of the prologue to the play Vũ Như Tô, written by Nguyễn Huy Tưởng on February 6, 1942, about a year after completing the work.

The title is a part outside the text of a literary work, written at the beginning of a book or after the chapter titles to guide the reader to the author's artistic intent or the work's ideas. Through the title above, Nguyễn Huy Tưởng sincerely reveals his dilemmas: Whether it belongs to Vũ Như Tô or those who killed Vũ Như Tô? And he admits, 'I do not know,' meaning he cannot provide a definitive answer. Through the play, it's evident that the truth doesn't entirely belong to any side: losing the Nine-Story Tower is both a cause for celebration and regret. At the same time, the writer asserts, 'Holding the pen, I share the same ailment with Đan Thiềm,' indicating admiration for celestial talent and sensitivity to the tragedy of extraordinary talents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary conflicts depicted in Farewell to the Nine-Story Tower?

The primary conflicts in Farewell to the Nine-Story Tower include the struggle between the suffering working people and oppressive feudal lords, as well as the clash between artistic ideals and the practical needs of society. These conflicts culminate in a tragic conclusion where both Vũ Như Tô and the workers face dire consequences.

How does Nguyễn Huy Tưởng's background influence his writing style and themes?

Nguyễn Huy Tưởng's background as a Confucian and his early involvement in the revolution heavily influenced his writing. His works often explore historical themes and embody a desire to convey deep philosophical issues about humanity, life, and art, reflected in a style that is both simple and profound.

What role does the character Vũ Như Tô play in the narrative of the play?

Vũ Như Tô is depicted as a talented architect who embodies the tension between artistic ambition and social responsibility. His desire to create beauty through the Nine-Story Tower ultimately leads to tragedy, illustrating the struggle between individual aspirations and the harsh realities faced by the common people.

What are the emotional developments of Vũ Như Tô throughout the play?

Throughout the play, Vũ Như Tô undergoes significant emotional turmoil as he grapples with the consequences of his artistic aspirations. His journey from pride in his talents to realizing the destructive impact of his actions on the people around him culminates in tragic self-awareness and despair.

How does the conflict between artistic ideals and practical interests manifest in the story?

The conflict between artistic ideals and practical interests manifests through Vũ Như Tô's lofty ambitions to construct a monumental Nine-Story Tower, which ultimately clash with the harsh realities of the people's suffering. This juxtaposition highlights the struggles artists face in a decaying society.

What is the significance of Đan Thiềm's character in Vũ Như Tô's journey?

Đan Thiềm serves as both a supporter and a tragic figure in Vũ Như Tô's journey. Her deep understanding of his artistic aspirations contrasts with her practical awareness of the surrounding dangers, showcasing the complexities of loyalty, ambition, and the sacrifices made in pursuit of artistic dreams.

What is the central theme of the play Farewell to the Nine-Story Tower?

The central theme of Farewell to the Nine-Story Tower revolves around the tragic consequences of unbridled artistic ambition and the conflict between individual desires and collective suffering. It emphasizes the moral dilemmas faced by artists in reconciling their lofty goals with the realities of their society.

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