Reflection on a Remarkable Literary Work Studied

Prompt: Reflecting on an Exceptional Piece Studied

I. Overview of a Remarkable Work Studied

1. Introduction

2. Body

3. Conclusion

II. Exemplary Essay Reflecting on a Prominent Studied Work

'Humanity' - a familiar concept, recalling the notion of virtuous conduct between individuals in Confucian ethics. It is the relationship between people built on the foundation of love and morality. According to Nguyen Trai, to ensure tranquility for the people, tyranny must first be eradicated so that they can live in peace and happiness. Saving the nation means saving the people, as the nation and its people are one. This is the essence of humanity. Therefore, our people's fight against foreign aggression is an act of humanity, aligned with the concept of humanity. Nguyen Trai identifies the factors determining the nation's sovereignty: the country's name, long-standing civilization, territory, borders, customs, and the history of the Trieu, Dinh, Ly, Tran dynasties. All are irrefutable historical evidence.

Next, the author presents evidence from historical reality:

'Therefore:

Luu Cung's greed led to failure
Trieu Tiet's ambition ended in demise
Ham Tu's gate captured Toa Do alive
Bang Dang River freshly killed O Ma
Reviewing past events
Evidence remains'

In this passage, Nguyen Trai reveals to the readers the fierce achievements of our nation in the resistance against invasion. Nguyen Trai not only affirms the independence of the nation but also demonstrates the intense struggle to maintain that independence. Just a small passage reveals the flow of history over five hundred years, with six defeats of the enemy. There is nothing more to be proud of, nothing to change that truth. The historical evidence further solidifies the theoretical basis for national independence, for righteousness in the campaign to defend our country under the reign of my late King Le dynasty.

Then the author accuses the schemes, the atrocities of the Ming invaders:

'Roasting people on the ruthless fire
....
Could heaven and earth tolerate? Who claims that the divine people can endure?'

The actions were truly barbaric. The foreign invaders openly tortured and killed innocent people. The tone of resentment and fervor in the writing clearly reveals the author's indictment, exposing the atrocities of the invading army. What is noteworthy here is that in exposing the invasion plot of the Ming enemy, Nguyen Trai stands on the national standpoint. When accusing the enemy's crimes, the author stands on the humanitarian standpoint, meaning standing for the people's right to accuse. Therefore, this passage can be considered a criminal indictment of the Ming invaders containing elements of a declaration of human rights.

The country was shrouded in the shadow of the enemy, and the people lived in a state of lamentation and resentment. Heroes rose up in rebellion:

'Mount Lam Son rises in rebellion,
....
At the very moment when the enemy was strong'

The poem highlighted the image of General Le Loi with the most exemplary qualities of a patriot of the 15th century. However, we can see that at the beginning of the uprising, we encountered countless difficulties. The uprising took place in the remote Lam Son region, where we and the enemy were unevenly matched: 'Just as the flag of justice was raised,/ At the very moment when the enemy was strong'. Not only were there difficulties in combat conditions, but we also lacked talented individuals, at times besieged, at times nearly exhausted, with only a few soldiers remaining. But this did not cause the heroes to give up; they exerted all efforts to overcome the hardships. The people of the four realms were united as one family, together resisting the invading enemy. Raising the bamboo flag, the generals fought the enemy with all their might, deploying extraordinary tactics, using weaknesses to counter strengths, striking unexpectedly, swiftly eliminating the enemy. Through the image of Le Loi, the author depicted the determined will of our people to drive away the invaders. We used humanity to defeat cruelty, used determination to overcome the fearsome enemy 'losing breath at the slightest touch', 'holding breath to escape death'. Our troops advanced one after another, experiencing battles at Tay Kinh, Dong Do, Ninh Kieu, Tot Dong...

The concluding passage shifted to a solemn tone, proud as it summarized the glorious history of the nation, declared an end to war, and affirmed the independence of a peaceful nation. In the declaration, the author also drew two historical lessons: the laws of nature, the laws of rise and fall of each nation.

The eloquent writing style and clear exposition of issues by Nguyen Trai through the proclamation can be seen. Through this, Nguyen Trai affirmed the sovereignty of the nation, accused the atrocities of the enemy, and expressed the nation's pride in its glorious historical victories.

The war may have receded, but to this day, the proclamation still retains its value. The proclamation is not only one of the three declarations of independence of the country, but also reveals the heroic history of the nation and the stories surrounding it.

The topic Reflections on a Prominent Studied Work is designed to help students consolidate their knowledge of the text/poem studied. In addition, to study literature effectively in grade 10, students can refer to some good essays for grade 10 such as: My thoughts after studying the funny story 'The Pig Marries a New Shirt', My thoughts after studying the poem 'Fishing Boat Fighting Fish' by Huy Can, Thoughts on a poem or literary work that you love, Most memorable thoughts on a story studied that you cannot forget.