Reflection on the Sense of Shame in Pham Ngũ Lão's Poem 'Thuật Hoài'

Topic: Reflection on the Sense of Shame in Pham Ngũ Lão's Poem 'Thuật Hoài'

Contemplation on the Notion of Shame in Pham Ngũ Lão's Poem 'Thuật Hoài'

I. Structuring Thoughts on the Sense of Shame in Pham Ngũ Lão's Poem 'Thuật Hoài' (Standard)

1. Introduction

Introduce the poem 'Thuật Hoài' and explore Pham Ngũ Lão's sense of shame depicted in the concluding two verses.

2. Body

- The concluding two verses have laid bare the author's innermost feelings, representing the heroic spirit and determination of the protagonist.
+ 'Fame' is the essence of life, the lofty ideal of the valiant men in ancient feudal society.

- The character excellence of poet Phạm Ngũ Lão is further exemplified through the 'shame' within:
+ 'Vũ Hầu,' or Kong Ming Jia Cát Lượng, a talented strategist who assisted Liu Bei in restoring the Han dynasty. Vũ Hầu serves as a shining example of loyalty and devotion.
+ Standing in the shadow of Vũ Hầu, Phạm Ngũ Lão feels ashamed for not achieving remarkable feats, not fully utilizing his intellect to bring peace and strength to the nation.
+ This 'shame' is a manifestation of the highest virtues of a true gentleman, reflecting aspirations, ideals, and a profound sense of responsibility towards life.

3. Conclusion

General Impression

II. Sample Essay on Reflection on the Sense of Shame in Pham Ngũ Lão's Poem 'Thuật Hoài' (Standard)

Thuật Hoài by Phạm Ngũ Lão not only vividly portrays the powerful spirit and grandeur of East Asia during the Tran dynasty but also reflects the noble aspirations and high character of the poet. This is clearly evident in the final two verses of the poem, where Phạm Ngũ Lão reveals his shame towards Vũ Hầu – a profound shame of a nobleman carrying the aspirations of saving the nation, contributing to society, and bearing a deep sense of responsibility for the destiny of the country.

The concluding two verses have laid bare the author's innermost feelings, representing the heroic spirit and determination of the protagonist:

Young men, debts to fame yet to repay,
Ascend the worldly stage as tales of Vũ Hầu convey.

(A young man owes his debt to fame,
Shameful as untended rice when Vũ Hầu is the name.)

'Fame' is the essence of life, the lofty ideal of valiant young men in the ancient feudal society. Being a young man and still owing the debt to fame means not fulfilling the responsibilities to life, as Nguyen Cong Tru once wrote: 'Having a name in heaven and earth/ What reputation do you have with mountains and rivers?' The phrase 'Young men, debts to fame yet to repay' signifies the noble aspirations of saving the nation and achieving eminent fame. Placed in the context of a chaotic country, facing the imminent invasion of enemy horses, the true worth of such a noble spirit is truly admirable. To protect the country, bring peace to the people, dynasty, poets, and other young men of that society were willing to abandon ordinary life, selfish pleasures, and family joy to charge into the wilderness, 'Sweeping away the mountains and rivers with a heroic era.'

The debt to fame and the spirit of a young man mentioned in the verse embody a beautiful way of living, incorporating the contemporary ideology and profound spirit. It is a sense of responsibility to the people, the nation, a willingness to charge into the battlefield to maintain peace for the country.

The poet Phạm Ngũ Lão's character excellence is further revealed through his 'shame':

'Ears blushing, hearing the tale of Vũ Hầu'

The greater the aspiration for fame, the higher the poet sets ambitious goals for himself. Feeling that his contributions are still too modest, the debt to fame remains unpaid, he believes he still 'owes' and feels shame when looking at the example of his predecessors. 'Vũ Hầu,' or Kong Ming Jia Cát Lượng, a brilliant strategist who assisted Liu Bei in restoring the Han dynasty, is also a shining example of a devoted young man. Standing before Vũ Hầu, despite achieving significant fame, Phạm Ngũ Lão still feels insufficient, ashamed for not accomplishing distinguished feats like Vũ Hầu, not fully utilizing his intellect to bring peace and strength to the nation. This shame reveals a consciousness of the desire for self-improvement. 'Shame' here is the embodiment of the noblest qualities of a true gentleman, expressing aspirations, ideals, and a profound sense of responsibility towards life.

The poem has brought us beautiful perceptions of the national spirit and noble ideals of the young men during the Tran era. To uphold Phạm Ngũ Lão's national spirit and that of the preceding generations, today each of us needs to strive for learning and self-improvement, contributing our part to the development of our country and our people.