Reflection on the short story 'The Letter from the Death Row Inmate' by Nguyễn Tuân

Prompt: Reflection on the short story 'The Letter from the Death Row Inmate' by Nguyễn Tuân

4 sample essays Reflecting on the short story 'The Letter from the Death Row Inmate' by Nguyễn Tuân

1. Reflection on the short story 'The Letter from the Death Row Inmate' by Nguyễn Tuân, sample 1:

I. 'Echoes of a Bygone Era,' consisting of 11 short stories, was cherished by readers and held a prestigious position in the literary community before 1945, during a period of rapid development in Vietnamese literature. Just as Trần Tế Xương deeply criticized the feudal society during the transitional period from East to West through his rich poetry, Nguyễn Tuân also expressed his discontent through his short stories. While Trần Tế Xương exposed the deceitful lifestyles of the contemporary rich and flattering poets, Nguyễn Tuân praised the talented Confucian scholars of the time, portraying them as virtuous, traditional individuals who adhered to high principles even in difficult times. 'The Letter from the Death Row Inmate' is printed in the collection 'Echoes of a Bygone Era.'

II. 'The Letter from the Death Row Inmate' is a story set in a unique and unusual backdrop with contrasting characters, Huấn Cao and the prison warden, meeting in the intricacies of fate.

The prison warden receives six inmates sentenced for Huấn Cao's leadership. Huấn Cao, charismatic and renowned for his beautiful handwriting, is an influential figure in the region. Despite his role as a prison official, the warden values those with talent, charisma, and undoubtedly has a fondness for beautiful writing. After discovering the poetic talent of Huấn Cao, the warden warmly welcomes the condemned, especially Huấn Cao, hoping he will write a few words. When ordered to be executed, Huấn Cao agrees to write, illuminated under the 'dazzling red light of an oil-soaked torch.' Huấn Cao writes on silk for the prison warden, boldly stating:

- ... Here, it's difficult to maintain purity firmly and eventually succumbs to the frailty of a virtuous life.

- ... The prison official, moved, bows to the prisoners: 'This impassioned individual pays homage to justice.'

The structure of the story is simple yet not diluted, but rather tightly woven in every detail, every situation that is intricately connected in the web of karmic relationships. The narrative revolves around three main situations involving the prison warden and death row inmate Huấn Cao.

Upon receiving information that the prison will receive six dangerous inmates sentenced to death, suspicions arise, including someone renowned for their beautiful handwriting. Therefore, the prison officials prepare to welcome the prisoners.

The prisoners arrive, and the reception takes place. The prison official personally visits and, upon learning about the release of the six inmates, seeks the help of a poet. Huấn Cao, in return, gifts the official a written piece and some advice.

These details intertwine seamlessly, creating a flowing narrative through precise and concise expression, especially through the artful use of neat and accurate language.

The titles used in the story for different positions indicate the author's thorough research on the subject before putting pen to paper. Mostly derived from the Nguyen dynasty, these titles include terms such as 'Phiến trát' for official documents, 'đốc bộ đường' referring to the chief governor of nine provinces, and the highest ranking, 'nhất phẩm.' Other titles include 'Thẳng, thập' for the leader of a squad of ten soldiers and 'ti Nết' for the position related to the legal system.

True to the writer's philosophy, describing people or scenes both yields eloquent, beautiful passages suitable for humane circumstances:

'... The prison official sits contemplatively, squeezing the solar plexus...' - The person sitting here, with a flower-patterned head and graying beard, the wrinkled face of stern expression has completely disappeared. Now, it's only a tranquil, serene, and gentle visage: a kind, virtuous, and talented prison official. This is the image of someone facing a difficult situation.

- '..' Then abruptly, the bell swings forcefully, striking the necks of the five behind, making them grimace. A hailstorm has turned the green stone floor into a canvas adorned with dark brown spots...' : The scene of imprisonment, suffering, and humiliation that the prisoners must endure before facing death for their rebellious crimes.

In addition to the minor characters such as the prison guards and the poet, the story features two main characters who initially shared the same battlefield. The prison official knows Huấn Cao from overseeing education in the district. Perhaps it was due to opposition against the dynasty that he was implicated in the rebellion?

Now, though they have become two characters from different backgrounds, opposing each other, the characters from these two backgrounds both possess a humane nature. They respect each other, any conflicts in the story are merely misunderstandings, and once clarified, they empathize with each other, ready to fulfill each other's desires, especially Huấn Cao. Therefore, the psychological details of one character are intertwined with the thoughts or actions of the other, making the story even more tightly knit in the art of expression.

According to the prison warden's introduction, Huấn Cao, besides being skilled in writing, also possesses the talent to pick locks and escape from prison? A master in both literature and martial arts. And he has been imprisoned more than once...

Upon arriving at the prison, 'Huấn Cao, cold and stern, a heavy iron cap pulled down, bending over to thrust the gong headstrong onto the stone threshold, striking it with force.' This person has strength, intelligence, and determination beyond ordinary individuals. That's just regarding his physical appearance.

On a psychological level, through Nguyễn Tuân's pen, this character also has many distinctive traits. Firstly, the crime recorded in the 'phiến trát': rebellion, sentenced to death by beheading. A person who opposes the feudal regime. Someone considered a 'rebel' but famous and respected by the people must have unique qualities. The writer's skill lies in arousing curiosity, encouraging readers to explore the character.

So, what are the characteristics of Huấn Cao?

Firstly, Huấn Cao can't help but wonder why he is given: 'a thin poet, bringing wine to drink before the prison meal.' However, he 'calmly accepts the meat and wine, as if it's a habit from his carefree life before imprisonment.' This reflects a calm attitude, a person aware of the consequences of their actions. As the supervisor of education at the district level, Huấn Cao understands the noble virtue of a true gentleman, 'unyielding in the face of adversity.' Stepping into prison, he demonstrated this virtue by ordering his fellow inmates to 'test the lock' for any traps! Tranquil and composed, he even showed no signs of agitation when informed by the poet that he must return to the capital for the death penalty. The prisoner is astute and contemptuous. When meeting the warden, Huấn Cao remains aloof. Upon learning the warden's intentions, he responds with a scornful remark:

'What do you want? I only want one thing. That your family never sets foot in here again.'

Through the writer's description, 'Huấn Cao awaited a thunderstorm of revenge and the cruel tactics of the prison official being humiliated.' He knew, yet he spoke. Why speak? To test the true intentions of the warden, ensuring that if the respect is genuine, there won't be repercussions. The fault lies with the one who commits the wrongdoing, a virtue Huấn Cao possesses.

And lastly, Huấn Cao values virtuous individuals, appreciating those passionate about artistic beauty. Although Nguyễn Tuân doesn't explicitly reveal the character, it's likely Huấn Cao pondered when treated kindly by the prison warden.

When confronted by the prison chief, who responded arrogantly and disdainfully to his requests, Huấn Cao remained impervious to acts of vengeance. He received even more preferential treatment. 'Mr. Huấn was even more surprised: all five of his comrades were treated the same way.' Surely, Huấn Cao couldn't help but wonder. It wasn't until Huấn heard 'knocking on the prison cell door and the hesitant disclosure to the condemned' the warden's troubled heart, and hesitantly informed Huấn of the capital punishment, that Huấn Cao realized the reason behind his and his comrades' preferential treatment in prison. Nguyễn Tuân made Huấn Cao 'ponder for a moment.' He thought about the prison warden's intentions before responding with a mix of vigor and friendliness: '...I never write couplets for wealth or power... I sense the sincere and exceptional kindness of you all. How could I have known that someone like the chief warden here has such noble interests...'

But cherishing virtuous individuals isn't just fulfilling a wish, even if it's significant for the prison warden, for Huấn Cao, it's only a partial value of life. Huấn Cao wants people to recognize the value of that beauty, to live better and nobler lives. That's why Nguyễn Tuân brings these characters together in a setting that is 'unprecedented' with shimmering, half-sacred, half-mysterious colors. After 'A prisoner, neck in chains, feet in shackles, inscribing words on the pure white silk stretched over a wooden board' is done, Nguyễn Tuân portrays the character playing the role of a prisoner 'supporting the upright prison warden.' This image is truly valuable. In that context, the prison warden supports Huấn Cao, but why the reversed gesture? The meaningful change in gesture highlights the ideals that humans are striving for. True ideals create the strength of humanity. In the prison warden's presence, Huấn Cao advised:

'It's all mixed up here. I advise you, chief, to change your surroundings... it's difficult to maintain moral integrity here and eventually lead to compromising a lifetime of goodness.'

Huấn Cao, as portrayed by Nguyễn Tuân's pen, is a person with both talent and virtue, living out of sync with the times. And the prison warden?

Aged and wrinkled, Nguyễn Tuân artfully captures essential aspects of the individual's demeanor through details about hair, beard, and facial lines alone. From these distinctive features, Nguyễn Tuân provides a straightforward assessment: 'In challenging circumstances, people survive with ruthlessness. The gentle personality and genuine appreciation for others, evident in this prison warden, serve as a clear voice amidst a cacophony of discordant music.' A comparison that enhances the soulful beauty of the prison warden. Nguyễn Tuân further comments on the stark contrast between the warden's soul and living conditions: 'Sometimes, fate cruelly exiles purity into a heap of filth. And those who are straightforward must endure life amidst tormentors.' This sentence serves a dual purpose: praising the prison warden and accusing contemporary society. So, what is the purity of the prison warden? It is:

Passionate about beauty: '...From those days, the prison warden's aspiration was to hang a couplet, written by Mr. Huấn Cao himself, in his own house.' After the prisoner completes a word, the warden swiftly marks the letter with zinc coins, showcasing the gestures of someone who values saintly words, cherishing the essence within people, even if it's a death-row inmate like Huấn Cao. But why is he here? Because he 'chose the wrong profession...'.

Cautious and thoughtful from the beginning, upon learning of Huấn Cao's arrival, the prison warden cleverly navigates the story to gauge how the poet helps with tasks and his attitude. That night, 'The prison chief sat pondering, pressing his temples,' he had to think a lot, find the true meaning behind the poet's words, and then speculate: 'Perhaps this old man is quite something... Someone who respects dignity, has regrets, and values talented people; he is not a villain or indifferent.' Knowing this, he still investigates diligently without impulsiveness. As a literate person, he surely understands the sage advice: 'Haste makes waste.'

Knowing the poet shares his sentiments, the prison warden finally dares to offer wine and meat to Huấn Cao as a special treat.

Approaching Huấn Cao with a reserved attitude, when politely asked to leave, the warden exits gracefully, requesting permission as a subordinate to a superior, a minor official to a higher-ranking one—not wielding the authority of a prison warden dealing with a death-row inmate. Huấn Cao had anticipated the typical reciprocation. However, the warden chose not to act, stating, 'I also understand, those who stir the heavens, counting heads on someone's behalf, may not even know if there's anyone there, let alone me, a small official in charge of the prison.'

Perhaps a person awakened to awareness. Gifted with Huấn Cao's written characters and advised by the death-row inmate, the prison warden may have realized his own status. '... moved, bowing to the prisoner, hands folded, tear drops trickling into the corner of his mouth, choking up. The infatuated one bows genuinely.' But is this just words, or does the open-ended nature of this short story imply a conclusion left ajar? Three scenarios may unfold:

- The death-row inmate is summoned for trial and receives his sentence there. If the prison warden continues his previous actions, he is a deceitful person...

- The death-row inmate is summoned for trial and faces punishment there. The prison warden requests clemency from the authorities...

- The prison warden, along with the group of death-row inmates, escapes...

Among these three possibilities, the second scenario may unfold as the prison warden contemplates that he may have chosen the wrong path. Seeking clemency could also be an attitude of waiting for a favorable opportunity. And the river, defying unjust fortune, still exists in the world.

III. 'The Death-Row Inmate’s Letter' is a captivating short story reflecting Nguyễn Tuân's literary talent before the August Revolution. This talent is expressed through concise, flowing prose and a tightly-structured plot, with unique, intense, and unusual story situations that still remain within the framework that gives value to the characters. The character of Huấn Cao in the story possesses unique qualities of a Confucian scholar who remains loyal to righteousness, even towards the prison warden. The tradition of valuing virtue over wealth from their ancestors is evident in the contrasting characters in their life situations, surpassing their own circumstances to form a unique attitude of both asking and giving that is unparalleled in literary history, fittingly represented by the title 'Echoes of a Bygone Era.'
 

2. Reflection on the short story 'The Death-Row Inmate’s Letter' by Nguyễn Tuân, Model 2:

Most authors in Vietnamese literature from the past to the present have discussed the beauty and perfection of human life. Nguyễn Tuân is no exception. Coming from a Confucian family with firm morals, scholarly upbringing, and a profound love for the creative profession, he used the image of a real character to create the character Huấn Cao. This character is featured in his famous work excerpted from 'Echoes of a Bygone Era,' praising the refined pleasures and individuals in feudal society as a tribute to the beauty of a bygone era.

The story revolves around two characters, the death-row inmate Huấn Cao, representing the convergence of artistic talent, charisma, and virtue, and the prison warden, representing feudal society.

Huấn Cao is a talented artist, the most skilled in calligraphy in the region, exhibiting both skill and spirit. His calligraphy represents his extraordinary personality. The characters of Huấn Cao embody the dream and admiration of the prison warden.

The prison warden was greatly surprised to find Huấn Cao among the inmates he supervised, someone he had long admired. Despite the special treatment extended to Huấn Cao, offering him wine and meat with a submissive attitude, he was consistently rejected, leading to misunderstandings.

Eventually, Huấn Cao realized that the prison warden symbolized beauty, a gentle and artistic soul with noble interests, lost in this muddy place—a microcosm representing feudal society of that era.

What unfolded was an unprecedented scene in this cramped and foul-smelling prison. The order was completely reversed. The one providing the calligraphy was a death-row inmate preparing for execution the next morning, representing the bestowal of beauty. Beauty dominated that dark and gloomy prison. This showed the enduring existence of beauty. Conversely, the prison warden represented the feudal society of that era, meekly requesting words and symbolizing the darkness that surrounded existing beauty—an odd light in the presence of beauty.

An order had been overturned, the prison's established authority crumbled. Beauty made these two individuals, emerging from a land of death and filth, become confidants. It illustrated the humanization of Huấn Cao through his talent, heart, and charisma.

A unique scenario unfolds, a meeting filled with tension and drama, one side representing crime while the other embodies the ruling class. In the societal realm, they are adversaries, yet in the artistic realm, they are kindred spirits, echoing each other.

The contrasting artistic techniques highlight the distinctive features of the work. According to Nguyễn Tuân, beauty is the harmonious combination of three elements: talent, heart, and courage inherent in humans.

This illustrates Nguyễn Tuân's perspective on existing beauty. For him, beauty must coexist with courage, preserving one's essence (heart and human morality). The root of personality, the starting point for talent and charisma, lies in maintaining one's identity and values.

Nguyễn Tuân subtly conveys his admiration for those who sacrifice themselves for national freedom in his depiction of this character. He constructs this image as a tribute to those brave individuals in his era.

A short story praising talented individuals who, despite residing in muddy places, maintain a noble and virtuous spirit. Beauty, no matter where it exists, shines through even in the most dire circumstances, much like a constant light that governs darkness.

3. Impressions of the short story 'The Prisoner's Letters' by Nguyễn Tuân, sample 3:

Every work is carefully crafted by the author to create masterpieces within their collection. Therefore, to craft the masterpiece 'The Prisoner's Letters,' Nguyễn Tuân had to vividly describe details, captivating elements that bring immense artistic value to the work.

The work 'The Prisoner's Letters' leaves readers with profound reflections, showcasing Nguyễn Tuân's brilliance on the path to finding genuine beauty. He is an outstanding writer whose works provide readers with significant values, reflections, and concerns. His work has brought immense value to his collection, each piece meticulously crafted to contribute unique value to the entire body of work.

The work 'Letters of the Prisoner' leaves readers with the vivid depiction of the contrast between the scene of Huấn Cao crafting letters and the prison environment, a dark, rat-infested place. This stark opposition highlights the beauty within the artist's character, their spirit, and the love for beauty in the lives of these two individuals.

Every detail is intricately described by the author. Huấn Cao emerges as a talented artist who cherishes genuine beauty. The profound descriptions portray an image of a hero striving for beauty, dedicating themselves entirely. He stands as a skilled artist, confidently facing life without succumbing to the dominance of ugliness and evil.

The talented artist possesses the unique skill of beautiful writing, earning admiration, especially from the Prison Warden. The image of the warden appears to elevate the genuine beauty in art. He loves and praises beauty, always aspiring to express and dedicate himself to it.

This talented artist leaves us with deep and special emotions. Each detail in the work reflects a distinct image. The portrayal of Huấn Cao, the skilled artist, writing like a soaring dragon or a phoenix, elevates beauty and the genuine artist.

The Prison Warden, a person of talent, possesses a spirit that loves and is passionate about beauty. However, he lives in the darkness of the prison. Huấn Cao advises him to escape, preserving his purity. With a noble heart, Huấn Cao recognizes the wicked, expressing his admiration for those who love true beauty and seek genuine beauty.

In the work, the author vividly portrays the profound details of the talented artist, dedicated to beauty. The individual exudes a relaxed, free, and resilient demeanor, unafraid of ugliness and evil. They persistently overcome challenges in life, even facing imminent death.

Through the two characters, we witness the image of a genuine, talented artist devoted to beauty and true art. They pursue passion, artistic talent, a spirit of learning, and a love for beauty in genuine art. The artist is someone who reveres beauty.

We can see that Nguyễn Tuân is a writer in search of beauty. In each of his works, beauty is always present, appearing in every detail and moment. This piece profoundly demonstrates these aspects, highlighting beauty and simultaneously condemning a society that is empty, decayed, suppressing talented individuals with noble qualities, much like Huấn Cao. Yet, it also praises the image of a resilient, defiantly strong artist in life.

4. Reflection on the short story 'The Letter of a Death-row Inmate' by Nguyễn Tuân, sample 4:

Entering the Vietnamese literary scene, one cannot help but be astonished by the pervasive beauty, echoed across every page of literature: 'pervasive throughout the universe' (Thạch Lam). In Nguyễn Tuân's writings, a lifelong quest for beauty and truth unfolds, presenting a meeting of beauty in the harsh and cruel circumstances. It is a meeting of beautiful personalities, individuals who create and cherish beauty in life.

Someone once said: 'Thoughts about beauty are a prominent feature in Nguyễn Tuân's works.' Indeed, beauty acts as a magical catalyst, shining uniquely when stepping into Nguyễn Tuân's writings. 'The Letter of a Death-row Inmate' is precisely the encounter of the beauty of Huấn Cao and the prison warden, an extraordinary meeting of two exceptional individuals within the harsh prison walls. Driven by passion and admiration, the prison warden, the wielder of authority, silently admires Huấn Cao, the death-row inmate renowned for his extraordinary talent and charisma. It is a remarkably unique encounter, a meeting never seen before between a convicted prisoner and a representative of law and authority. However, in the realm of beauty, they are kindred spirits—individuals who know how to create and nurture beauty in life. Ultimately, 'The Letter of a Death-row Inmate' is the gathering of beautiful personalities imprisoned by violence and circumstances, the embodiment of beauty in this life!

The one who gave birth to beauty in 'The Letter of a Death-row Inmate,' none other than Huấn Cao—'from the province of Sơn,' 'writes very quickly and beautifully,' and 'with Huấn's writing hung, it is like possessing a treasure in the world.' The fragrance of the artist has been praised through the desires and admiration of the prison warden. Commending Huấn Cao's talent, considering his words priceless, Nguyễn Tuân has embedded his love for beauty and appreciation for traditional cultural values. As Nguyễn Đăng Mạnh remarks: 'Nguyễn Tuân is an intellectual rich in patriotism and national spirit. His patriotism has its own color: closely tied to the traditional cultural values of the nation.' Yet someone said, 'Huấn Cao is the rebellion of beauty.' Indeed, Huấn Cao not only reveals the beauty of virtue but also radiates the brilliant beauty of a heroic figure full of charisma. In adverse circumstances, his charisma remains uncooled; he dares to defy the feudal regime, displaying an attitude of disdain, regardless of the petty tricks of the guards. His demeanor is arrogant, scornful in the face of the warden's differential treatment. It's a challenge to authoritarian violence. When the prison warden, cautiously, asked Huấn: 'Do you need anything else? I will try my best to provide.' Huấn responded: 'What do you ask of me? I only want one thing. Your home should not set foot in here.' Those words were like a splash of cold water, but they increased the warden's respect for Huấn Cao. It was undoubtedly the charisma of a man who challenges the sky, stirring the waters. Huấn Cao's conduct shows that, regardless of the circumstances, he remains entirely free in character. The courtesy and humility of the prison warden only enhance the majestic stature and the dignified beauty of Huấn Cao. Huấn Cao never forced himself to write for gain or power. Throughout his life, he only wrote for three close friends. However, upon learning the inner thoughts and the heart of the prison warden, Huấn Cao suddenly changed: 'How would I know that someone like Warden Quản has such noble hobbies? Almost, I would have lost a heart in the world.' Huấn Cao grasped and uplifted the light of virtue, stating that giving words is 'repaying a heart in the world,' an action of reciprocating a heart in the world. Huấn Cao is the embodiment of comprehensive beauty, the 'radiance of noble hearts' throughout 'The Letter of a Death-row Inmate.' Taking inspiration from Cao Bá Quát but under Nguyễn Tuân's pen, Huấn Cao has become a symbol of the sacred, refined beauty of traditional cultural heritage, crystallizing the essence of the nation. Loving, praising, and lamenting individuals like Huấn, Nguyễn Tuân indirectly expressed his heart for ancient values while articulating the progressive aesthetic belief: beauty and goodness always go hand in hand, shaping human character. Someone said: 'Nguyễn Tuân entered the literary profession as if to play arrogance with the world.' Somewhere in the shadow of the death-row inmate, we also see a touch of 'arrogance,' simultaneously classical and inheriting the artistic tradition of the previous generation, a defiance always wanting to react to contemporary social reality, an arrogance that only appears in Nguyễn Tuân's writings.

Behind Huấn Cao's brilliance, the prison warden emerges as an embodiment of passion and appreciation for beauty. Like a miraculous enchantment, the prison transforms into 'clear notes mingling in the midst of a chaotic, bustling music sheet.' The lifelong aspiration of the warden, nothing more, is to have Huấn's words hanging in his own home. In an instant, the prison warden transforms into a true artist, knowing passion and embracing beauty, aligning with Ralph Waldo Emerson's view that 'Loving beauty is common. Creating beauty is art. But appreciating beauty is the true artist.' The warden's courtesy towards Huấn Cao, always respectful and polite despite Huấn's arrogance, opens the path for the warden to embrace beauty. The humble posture, attitude, and actions outwardly seemed subservient while listening to Huấn Cao's advice, illuminated the warden's character, making him admirable and worthy of respect. Notably, he bowed his head in reverence to receive Huấn Cao's advice. His bowed head, far from appearing inferior, elevated him, making him even more noble. Nguyễn Đăng Mạnh once said, 'Some bowed heads make people humble, some bowing is degrading. But there are also bowed heads that make people higher, grander, majestic, and elegant. That is bowing before talent, beauty, and celestial virtues.' The warden's bowed head is indeed noble and beautiful, not unlike the bowed head of Cao Bá Quát of old: 'Born to bow before the plum blossoms' (A lifetime born just to bow before plum blossoms). If Huấn Cao conveys progressive aesthetic beliefs, the warden imparts profound life philosophies: Each person always yearns for and turns towards beauty. Therefore, one must look deep into the human soul to grasp the light of celestial virtues. Most importantly, beauty 'pervades the universe,' existing even within evil to push back the darkness and guide humanity toward a better life.

The most beautiful scene in 'The Letter of a Death-row Inmate' is the act of writing – a scene never seen before, especially in dire circumstances where 'people live through cruelty, through deception.' Yet, beauty is boldly born. It's awe-inspiring to witness 'a prisoner with a collar around his neck, legs entangled in chains, stepping heavily on characters on a pristine silk stretched across a piece of wood.' The colonial darkness of the prison has been pushed back by the light of talent, celestial virtues, making room for the birth of beauty. Beauty becomes a force that upends societal consciousness, born on a dead land, from the hands of a death-row inmate about to die, yet still exuding a radiant and compelling charm. The warden's advice to the death-row inmate reflects a profound artistic philosophy: Beauty never coexists with evil, forever and always. It is also Nguyễn Tuân's unyielding belief in the power of beauty, that beauty will redeem this world!

Vũ Ngọc Phan remarked, 'Reading Nguyễn Tuân's literature is always particularly intriguing: profound thoughts, refined observations, and completely Vietnamese writing style.' Indeed, this special intrigue emanates not only from the works but also from the unique artistic form. He uses contrasting writing techniques to establish the opposition between light and darkness, to emphasize the triumph of beauty in life. Someone once said, 'Nguyễn Tuân's language pours out as if wanting to compete with alchemy.' The writer with a 'distinctly Vietnamese' (Vũ Ngọc) style cleverly employs Sino-Vietnamese words to create a traditional, solemn color for the work, making 'The Letter of a Death-row Inmate' one of the 'scented prayer candles for the traditional beauty of Vietnam' (Văn Tâm). The story unfolds like a slow-motion film, allowing readers to witness the light rising, shining, and dispelling darkness. And the characters come to life 'like a brushstroke delicately carved on the precious stone of language.'

'Only those who contemplate Nguyễn Tuân find it interesting because his literature is not for the ordinary to enjoy' (Vũ Ngọc Phan). Therefore, when delving into 'The Letter of a Death-row Inmate,' slowly embrace the light of beauty to purify the soul, to understand and feel... 'The Letter of a Death-row Inmate' not only 'echoes a bygone era' but resonates forevermore...