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Prompt: Contemplate the 43rd poem 'Bảo kính cảnh giới' by Nguyễn Trãi
Response:
Nguyễn Trãi, a national poet and cultural luminary of Dai Viet, is also the venerable author of the ancient literary masterpiece 'Bình ngô đại cáo.' Beyond his sharp pen and persuasive arguments in political essays, one encounters a leisurely Nguyễn Trãi, seamlessly blending with nature in 'Bảo kính cảnh giới 43.' The poem not only carries profound sentiments but also imparts instructive content, illuminating the idealistic soul of the eminent poet Ức Trai.
Firstly, the poem expresses the refined love and strong communion with nature by the author Nguyễn Trãi. The romantic character appears in a carefree attitude: 'Then basking in the coolness of school days.' As we know, Nguyễn Trãi is a poet deeply connected with nature, always open to it in all circumstances. Yet, moments of leisure on a cool, refreshing day are truly rare. While ancient poets often praised landscapes, Nguyễn Trãi employs descriptive techniques. Through the keen observation of the romantic character, a vibrant nature tableau emerges:
'Then basking in the coolness of school days
Leaves rustling, forming a lush canopy
Pomegranate blossoms still red in the stone pavilion
Lotus flowers have bid farewell to their fragrance'
The colors of the landscape come alive in harmony: the green of the leaves and the red of the pomegranate flowers intertwine under the afternoon sun. More notably, the scene is depicted in motion, creating a painting brimming with vitality. The author uses powerful verbs: 'rustling,' 'forming,' 'showering,' evoking the overflowing energy from within that cannot be contained and must burst forth. The great poet Nguyễn Du also once described the summer scenery with the red of pomegranate flowers: 'On the wall, the pomegranate fire blazing with blossoms' (excerpt from 'The Tale of Kiều'). Using the term 'blazing,' Nguyễn Du created uniqueness in color portrayal, while Nguyễn Trãi emphasizes the vitality of the landscape, showcasing the sensitive yet powerful perspective on nature by these two talented poets.
Not limited to that, alongside the color, the author embellishes the sound and lines of the natural scene, resembling a skilled painter creating a masterpiece imbued with the soul of creation. 'The red pomegranate pavilion still sprays vivid colors' with the combination of verbs 'sprays' and 'vivid' - color, form, and verse successfully portray the soul and essence of the landscape. The summer scene is also depicted through very characteristic images: Lotus flowers in the pond have released a fragrant aroma, creating a harmonious painting of color and flavor.
The poem also portrays a portrait of an individual always dedicated to the people and the country. Despite being immersed in the vibrant, charming, and lively beauty of nature, the author directs their observing eyes to human life:
'Bustling fish market in the riverside village
Melodious cicada sounds in the tall sunlit tower'
The summer picture is complemented with depictions of human life with the sounds of the 'bustling' fish market in a riverside fishing village and the melodic sounds of cicadas. The joyful and fulfilling life of the people evokes in the author's heart a highly noble aspiration:
'Let Ngu play the lyre for a moment
People prosper, across all regions'
The author expresses the wish to have King Thuan's lyre to compose the Nam Phong ode praising the warm and prosperous life of the people. The poem concludes with a 3/3 rhythm, clearly expressing the pent-up emotions. Starting with a rich depiction of nature in imagery, color, form, and lines, but ending with a verse about humans shows the author's intended focus not on the created nature but on humanity. This reflects the lofty and noble soul of Nguyễn Trãi, the national hero always aspiring for the people's warmth and happiness.
Through the poem, we can see the author's love and harmony with nature, as he once expressed: 'Mountains and rivers are fated to be with me' ('Self-Reflection' - poem 4). As a poet, he engages with nature in all circumstances, but ultimately, his soul is directed towards the people and the country. Through confessions and aspirations for the people's life, readers can perceive the high ideals and soul of Nguyễn Trãi. The love for nature and creation blends and enhances the love for the country and its people.
To excel in the 10th-grade literature class and produce the best essays, students can explore more sample essays like - Analyzing the natural landscape in 'Bảo kính cảnh giới', Analysis of 'Bảo kính cảnh giới,' poem 43
