II. Exemplary Essay About the Character Huấn Cao in The Prisoner by Writer Nguyễn Tuân:

>> Outstanding Essays Analyzing The Prisoner, Scoring 10 Points

Prompt: About the Character Huấn Cao in The Prisoner by Writer Nguyễn Tuân

4 exemplary essays about the character Huấn Cao in The Prisoner by Writer Nguyễn Tuân, outstanding and achieving high scores

1. Introduction:

- Introducing the author Nguyễn Tuân and the short story The Prisoner.

- Overview introduction of the character Huấn Cao.

2. Main Body:

* The Talent and Beauty of Huấn Cao:

- Huấn Cao's talent is indirectly described through rumors: “The people in Sơn province praise him for his ability to write beautifully and quickly.”

- The praise from the prison guard: “Mr. Huấn Cao's writing is beautiful, very neat. Having Mr. Huấn's writing is like having a treasure in life.” 

=> Huấn Cao is a talented artist in calligraphy -> Nguyễn Tuân expressed admiration and appreciation for talented individuals and the traditional calligraphy art of the nation. 

* The Dignified Aura of Huấn Cao:

- Before prison: Was a leader in the movement against the monarchy

- Inside the prison:

+ Calmly languishing on the iron bars

+ Ignoring the words of the guard

-> With the dignity and composure of a Confucian scholar, he remained unyielding, disdainful of the prison environment. 

+ The prison guard's offer of wine and meat was taken 'as if it were a daily task' -> A demeanor of freedom, nonchalance, and indifference towards death.

+ Responding to the guard with disdain: “What do you want? I only wish for one thing: that your kind never set foot here again” -> No submission, no fear of authority. 

* The Pure and Noble Beauty of Huấn Cao's Soul:

- “I never write couplets for the sake of wealth or power,” only for “three close friends” -> emphasizing values, disdainful, only giving words to close friends.

- Upon learning the guard's true intentions, Huấn Cao agrees to write because “I only give words to those who appreciate talent, value beauty.”

- The statement: “I almost lost a heart in the world” demonstrates appreciation for those with noble interests, beautiful characters. 

* The Writer's Aesthetic Philosophy is Expressed Through the Character Huấn Cao:

- Beauty and goodness cannot be separated

- A beautiful character is the harmony of talent, soul, and dignity.

=> Progressive aesthetic philosophy, revealing the heart of “exceptional talent” and the writer's covert patriotism. 

3. Conclusion:

- Summarize your feelings and thoughts about the character Huấn Cao. 

1. Analysis of the Character Huấn Cao in The Prisoner by Writer Nguyễn Tuân, Sample #1:

Nguyễn Tuân is renowned as a talented writer with a strong personality. He famously stated, '...to love beauty means to be determined to protect what one has deemed beautiful to the end.' In many instances of beauty that he perceived and pursued, we see a radiant beauty amidst the dark prison scene, the beauty of pure white silk amid the ink strokes, the beauty from the depths of human hearts. The beauty emanates from the prisoner Huấn Cao and The Prisoner.

In the work, Huấn Cao is a fearless and indomitable figure, unaffected by power or wealth. Those who wield power and wealth may count their blessings, but they are ultimately inconsequential... A person with such conviction fears neither authority nor greed.

As a disruptor, a lone force unwilling to succumb to the declining feudal regime, Huấn Cao opposes it. Labelled as an enemy, but driven by great ideals and principles, there is nothing wrong with that. Even when imprisoned, facing the gallows, he remains disdainful: Not even death fazes him... Huấn Cao's thoughts and actions are so liberating, he calmly accepts wine and meat, as if it were a daily chore, even while incarcerated.

In Huấn Cao's eyes, the ruling elite are mere insignificant mortals, so he always looks down on them, even amidst the cruelty and deceit. When the prison guard timidly asks if he needs anything else, he replies as if slapping the other person: What do you want? I only need one thing, for you not to set foot here'. That's the dignity, the defiant posture, amidst the bleak backdrop of the prison.

Sample essay on character analysis of Huấn Cao in the short story The Prisoner

As a towering figure unyielding in the face of adversity, Huấn Cao reveres the inherent goodness of humanity. In the profound depths where people often conceal their true selves, his advice to the prison guard reveals his heart: 'Go back to your hometown and live there... it's hard to preserve integrity here, eventually, it'll fade away'. He loves beauty and empathizes with those who appreciate it. Understanding the guard's sincerity, Huấn Cao willingly imparts wisdom, sensing the essence of goodness.

Huấn Cao is an exceptionally talented individual. Apart from his prowess in calligraphy, poetry, and painting, his writing captivates the region. His talent is reserved for those he cherishes: 'During my lifetime, I only wrote a quartet and a middle road for my three friends'. His final act of giving advice is unprecedented, a testament to Nguyen Tuân's skill in description and character portrayal.

The juxtaposition of beauty and filth is stark. Beautiful wordplay and writing, a dignified beauty often seen amidst nature and people. Yet, here lies a contrast, one without contradiction. It eclipses all the filth of the prison, illuminating the darkness. It signifies profound meaning: beauty can thrive amidst tyranny, in a land tainted by one soon to perish (a prisoner). Huấn Cao's advice on beauty cannot coexist with evil.

The character of Huấn Cao, like many other protagonists in The Shadow of A Past Glory, is undoubtedly talented. In Huấn Cao, alongside his talent, there's the aura of someone responsible for the era. That's Huấn Cao's uniqueness compared to other characters in The Shadow of A Past Glory.

Valuing not only his own integrity but also that of others, Huấn Cao exemplifies sincere behavior towards the prison warden. Initially disdainful, likening the warden to a perpetual wrongdoer, Huấn's perspective shifts upon understanding the warden's noble aspirations, fostering admiration and respect. This understanding transforms adversaries into kindred spirits.

Huấn's exceptional talent and noble character are most evident in the act of writing - an artistry described by Nguyễn Tuân as unprecedented. Despite impending execution, Huấn channels his creative prowess into writing, illuminating the indomitable spirit of a man. Amidst the darkness of the prison, his words shine brightly, dispelling the gloom and embodying the essence of an artist mastering his craft.

In the twilight hours, as the execution looms, Huấn's creative genius flourishes, his pen breathing life into vibrant characters that reflect the resilience of the human spirit. The radiant glow of the oil lamp, the scent of fresh ink, and the pristine white parchment dispel the shadows of the desolate cell, enhancing the dignity of Huấn's impending fate. Bound by chains, facing imminent death, he continues to wield his pen with the grace of a true artist, showcasing unparalleled talent and unwavering resolve.

Huấn Cao emerges as a beacon of righteousness, offering guidance to the misguided. His sincere advice illuminates the path of moral rectitude, affirming that beauty and virtue cannot coexist with ugliness and evil. His words resonate deeply, stirring emotions within the warden, bridging the gap between captor and captive in a display of sublime beauty and compassion.

Nguyễn Tuân's essence prevails, elegant and talented, both in ideology and expression. The author succeeds in crafting a unique narrative, where initially opposing characters unite harmoniously, radiating brilliance. His storytelling prowess, narrative structure, dialogue, and monologue vividly portray distinctive character traits. Utilizing a plethora of classical Vietnamese terms, Nguyễn Tuân imbues historical, reverent, and grandiose hues. A master of language, Nguyễn Tuân exudes sophistication in history and society, as aptly noted by Vũ Ngọc Phan.

Analysis of the character Huấn Cao in Nguyễn Tuân's 'Prisoner's Script', sample number 4:

A linguistic virtuoso, Nguyễn Tuân, prior to the Revolution, was a renowned figure in the Romantic literature of 1930-1945. He delved into the past to elucidate the present, evident in his literary works. The portrayal of Huấn Cao in the short story 'Prisoner's Script' epitomizes his talent.

Under Nguyễn Tuân's pen, Huấn Cao emerges as a skilled and artistic individual. He possesses the ability to write swiftly and beautifully, transforming calligraphy into artistry. This talent elevates Huấn Cao's reputation to one of illustrious fame. Mention of Huấn Cao evokes intrigue and desire within the prison warden, akin to a legendary figure enveloped in myth. The name Huấn Cao becomes a coveted treasure for the warden.

Huấn Cao is not just an artist but also a heroic figure. His decision to join the resistance against the crumbling feudal regime signifies his heroism. Facing arrest, Huấn Cao exhibits a resolute spirit, defying intimidation with a cold and disdainful demeanor, refusing to yield to petty authority. Even in prison, he maintains a calm and composed attitude. Confronting the warden during trial, he remains unfazed, displaying the noble demeanor of a hero. While others tremble with fear upon receiving their verdicts, Huấn Cao remains serene, contemplating with a smile. His tranquil demeanor, reminiscent of a noble warrior, is vividly portrayed through Nguyễn Tuân's eloquent prose.

Analysis of the character Huấn Cao in the short story 'Prisoner's Script'

Huấn Cao is a courageous hero, a talented artist, and a beacon of righteousness. When questioned about his aspirations by the warden, Huấn Cao responds with unwavering integrity, prioritizing moral principles over material gain. His answer demonstrates resilience in the face of power and wealth, while also acknowledging the warden's artistic appreciation. Moreover, it underscores his commitment to preserving beauty and virtue amidst adversity. Huấn Cao's sincere counsel serves as enlightenment, urging others to uphold righteousness. Indeed, he embodies purity of character.

Nguyễn Tuân skillfully places Huấn Cao in dire circumstances, highlighting his beauty as a heroic artist. The juxtaposition of romantic prose and refined language, enriched with classical Vietnamese terms, creates a distinctive portrayal of Huấn Cao, unlike any other character of his time or thereafter.