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Revolutionary Heroism through the Character Tnú
Sample Essay: Revolutionary Heroism through the Character Tnú
Essay
One of the most outstanding works in the repertoire of Nguyen Trung Thanh is the short story 'The Serpent Forest,' a tale depicting the people of Xo Man village during the resistance against America. Among the fearless and indomitable villagers of Xo Man, Tnú's image stands out. His life story is vividly recounted by the village elder by the hearth of the falcon house.
Looking back on Tnú's life journey, we can easily discern the transformation from a young boy with a bold and courageous character to the moment he took up arms. Even in his youth, Tnú displayed bravery and resourcefulness, acting as a messenger for the elders, concealing cadres, swiftly traversing the jungle to deliver messages, and courageously crossing swollen streams. Readers can't help but be endeared by Tnú's dedication to learning despite facing challenges. This young boy dared to throw stones at his own head when he struggled with literacy compared to Mai. Especially noteworthy is Tnú's boldness when captured by the enemy, as he defiantly declared, 'The Communist Party is here.' Despite the brutal torture inflicted by the enemy, Tnú remained resolute, refusing to divulge any information. Luckily, he was able to learn literacy and gain revolutionary consciousness at a young age.
Upon his return from escaping Kon Tum prison, Tnú had transformed into a robust and knowledgeable young man, hardened by numerous trials. Now, Tnú resembles a matured serpent tree, sturdy, full of vitality, and eager for enlightenment. Following the teachings of Anh Quyết, Tnú assumed the role of a cadre, embarking on a three-day journey to Ngọc Linh Mountain not to collect stones for makeup, but to sharpen his machete in preparation for the uprising.
Not only did Tnú see the clear path ahead, but he also had a blissful life with the love of Mai and their newborn child. However, that happiness was short-lived as the enemy returned with guns, disrupting the peace before the village could arm itself. Tnú and the youth of the village had to flee into the forest. Alone, Tnú ventured out to protect Mai and their child from the enemy's wrath, but tragically, neither survived. The agonizing scene of their deaths haunted the village elder's storytelling and Tnú's painful memories. Unable to save his family, Tnú had his fingers mutilated by the enemy. This pain became a testament to the profound statement of the elder Mết: 'They wield guns, we wield spears.'
Particularly striking is Tnú's image after taking up arms, a sight of magnificence and grandeur. He appeared like ancient heroes of the Central Highlands. When the enemy burnt Tnú's hands, they sought to crush his spirit of resistance, to extinguish the fighting spirit of the people of Xo Man. They wanted the villagers to remain submissive, forever under the sword and gun. But Tnú and the villagers refused to yield, instead mounting fierce resistance. They rose above their pain to take up arms for their liberation. Despite the fire consuming his fingers, Tnú felt no pain, only the burning fire of determination within him. And a defiant roar echoed through the Xo Man mountains, igniting the villagers' hatred for the enemy. Ten enemy corpses lay strewn on the ground. That night, the fire burned brightly in the falcon house. Writer Nguyen Trung Thanh vividly described that uprising night as heroic and vibrant, echoing throughout the Xo Man forest. It wasn't just the night of Xo Man village; it was an extraordinary awakening of an entire community, a nation. It seemed as though the majestic atmosphere of Central Highlands' epic tales was revived that night.
Integral to Tnú's life story are his hands, bearing the scars of his struggle against the enemy, illuminating his journey. He represented the villagers of Xo Man in confronting the enemy later on, stating, 'I have guns and knives, but I won't kill you with them, Dục. I'll kill you with these ten mutilated fingers, I'll strangle you.' The author intentionally emphasized Tnú's hands—they held a history, a destiny.
In his youth, those hands diligently learned each stroke from Anh Quyết, tirelessly worked the fields. Those hands dared to strike themselves with stones in pursuit of education, not yielding to Mai's superiority. And those hands pointed to his own stomach, declaring to the enemy, 'The Communists are here,' affirming loyalty to the revolution. As he grew, those hands tenderly held the hand of the woman he loved and also fashioned cradles for their innocent child. Ten fingers burned in the fire, forever reduced to two, yet Tnú wished to wield those hands to destroy the enemy. They bore the weight of resentment and defiance, becoming a symbol of unwavering willpower, embodying the resilience and strength of Tnú and the people of Xo Man. The ruthless enemy may burn those hands, but they cannot extinguish the extraordinary power, the latent strength within these individuals. It's the will to fight and the desire to triumph. It's a resilient, courageous people like the vast Xo Man serpent forest, untouched by harm, yet green and sprawling, reaching far beyond the horizon.
