Topic: Reflection on the character Ngô Tử Văn in the Tale of Tản Viên’s Judicial Duty
Reflection on the character Ngô Tử Văn in the Tale of Tản Viên’s Judicial Duty
I. Outline
1. Introduction
- Nguyễn Dữ is acknowledged as the pioneer who introduced the term 'legend' into medieval Vietnamese literature.
- The collection Truyền kỳ mạn lục is praised as a masterpiece of supernatural tales, and within it, Chuyện chức phán sự đền Tản Viên stands out with the protagonist Ngô Tử Văn.
2. Body
- Brief overview of the author Nguyễn Dữ:
+ Living around the 16th century, born in Đỗ Tùng village, Trường Tân district, now part of Thanh Miện district, Hải Dương province.
+ Coming from an educated family, he passed the imperial examination, served as an official for a short time, and then withdrew to live in seclusion. His only work is Truyền kỳ mạn lục.
- Brief overview of Truyền kỳ mạn lục:
+ Originating in the early 16th century, it revolves around exposing and criticizing the social issues of the contemporary feudal society, expressing sympathy for the tragic fates of the humble individuals in society...(Continued)
>> Check the detailed sample article HERE.
II. Sample Essay
1. Sample 1:
The following exemplary essay introduces Ngô Tử Văn along with his somewhat 'arrogant' actions, gradually deciphering those actions to reveal the beauty of this character.
Essay:
Nguyễn Dữ is the individual who propelled the concept of 'legend' into Vietnamese literature, marking the beginning of a new genre in our nation's medieval literature. His most famous and only work is Truyền kỳ mạn lục, consisting of 20 different tales, along with the author's comments and opinions at the end of each story. 'Truyền kỳ mạn lục' is considered a celestial 'wonder of literature,' through which we can grasp aspects of Nguyễn Dữ's philosophy and attitude toward life. One of the most well-known stories is Chuyện chức phán sự đền Tản Viên, centered around the character Ngô Tử Văn, showcasing virtues of goodness, courage, integrity, and intelligence unafraid of power and evil.
At the beginning of the story, the character Ngô Tử Văn is introduced through narration and comments from contemporaries. It is evident that, despite being impulsive, his overall nature is admirable, earning him the praise of being 'upright.' He enjoys a good reputation among many who love and respect him.
...(Continued)
>> Check the detailed sample article HERE.
Top 3 Essays on the Character Ngô Tử Văn
2. Sample 2:
Not only focusing on the appreciation of the character Ngô Tử Văn, the student in the following essay also provides a general overview of the genre of legends to deepen the understanding.
Essay:
Nguyễn Dữ is a renowned author in medieval Vietnamese literature. His name is closely associated with the fame of the series 'Truyền kỳ mạn lục,' a work praised as the 'wonder of literature' in the national literary scene. Among them, 'Chuyện chức phán sự đền Tản Viên' is a remarkable piece, praising the courageous, resilient, upright character who dares to stand against evil and protect the people, Ngô Tử Văn - an intellectual of Vietnam.
'Chuyện chức phán sự đền Tản Viên' is composed in classical Chinese in the form of a legendary prose. This literary genre reflects the reality of life through fantastical and imaginative elements ...(Continued)
>> Check the detailed sample article HERE.
3. Sample 3:
Ngô Tử Văn is the main character in the story Chuyện chức phán sự đền Tản Viên. To explore the precious qualities of this character, let's refer to the following sample essay.
Essay:
The judicial affairs at Tản Viên temple are one of the outstanding and representative tales in Truyền kỳ mạn lục. The story criticizes the societal reality and upholds the virtues of a noble person, simultaneously reflecting the national spirit of the author, with the central character being Ngô Tử Văn—a person of broad-minded and upright character.
Unlike some stories where Nguyễn Dữ presents the lineage and life journey of the character from start to finish, The Tale of Judicial Affairs at Tản Viên Temple selectively captures a significant moment to fully reveal the character's personality. The story is like a short play, opening with the introduction of Ngô Tử Văn in a dignified manner ...(Continued)
>> Check the detailed sample article HERE.
To reinforce knowledge and hone analytical skills for literary works, alongside the essay on the character Ngô Tử Văn, you can also review other works by referring to: Appreciation of the segment 'Trao duyên' (Exchanging Fate), Analysis of the excerpt 'Chí khí anh hùng' (Heroic Spirit).
