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Essay Prompt: The Encounter of Three Characters in 'The Letter from a Condemned Man' by Nguyễn Tuân
Sample Essay: The Encounter of Three Characters in 'The Letter from a Condemned Man' by Nguyễn Tuân
Analysis of the Encounter of Three Characters in 'The Prisoner's Letter' by Nguyễn Tuân
The story 'The Prisoner's Letter,' extracted from the collection 'Echoes of a Bygone Era,' with just under 2,500 words, carries profound depth. It revolves around three characters and three scenes: the prison warden and the clerk reading a document about the prisoner Huân Cao; Huân Cao being brought in and the treatment of the prison authorities towards him, the scene where Huân Cao writes in prison. Each scene converges these three characters.
The clerk is the one assisting with paperwork for the prison authorities. A sharp and kind-hearted individual. Upon reading the document and hearing the prison authorities talk about Huân Cao, he expressed admiration: 'So he's skilled in both literature and martial arts, impressive.' Later, he showed sympathy: '...to have to execute people like that, it's pitiful.' After several inquiries and tests, the prison authorities evaluated the clerk: 'Perhaps this old man is quite something too. Perhaps he, like me, chose the wrong profession. Someone who knows how to appreciate talent, to sympathize, to respect those with skill, surely isn't evil or indifferent.' For half a month, the prisoner in the dark cell was still served 'wine and snacks' by the clerk. He became the favored person of the prison authorities. After hearing the prison authorities' confession 'wanting to get a letter from the prisoner,' the clerk eagerly said: 'Yes sir, rest assured, you have me,' then he rushed to the prison camp to meet Huân Cao. Thanks to him, the prison authorities were able to obtain the prisoner's letter. During the scene of writing, the clerk was 'trembling as he carried the ink pot.' Indeed, he is someone 'who knows how to appreciate talent, to sympathize, to respect those with skill.' Although a minor character, the clerk is very humane, contributing to the clarity of the work's theme.
The prison authorities are like a nobleman who chose the wrong profession. Amidst the cruel and deceitful, the prison authorities possess a 'gentle character and an understanding of human worth, respecting people immediately,' much like 'a clear sound amidst a discordant orchestra.' The first time meeting Huân Cao when receiving the sentence, the prison authorities had a 'restrained heart,' and 'even had a separate special treatment for Huân Cao.' For half a month, the prison authorities secretly instructed the clerk to serve wine and snacks to the prisoner - Huân Cao and his associates.
Huấn Cao emerges as a formidable figure, a character of noble valor, exuding a romantic hue.
In the midst of conflict, Huấn Cao's reputation precedes him through whispers: 'the individual our province praises...', 'many speak in hushed tones of that name...', 'a renowned prisoner...' and 'have you heard the rumors about him, sir?'. He is no ordinary man!
Prison officials and fellow inmates alike are astounded by Huấn Cao's eloquence. They marvel: 'the leader...', 'the one our province has always lauded for his swift and beautiful penmanship...', a notorious convict renowned for his literary and martial prowess.
Using indirection, shadow to reveal substance, employing the technique of indirect portrayal... these are the creative tools Nguyen Tuân employs to introduce the character of Huấn Cao, crafting a marvelously artistic allure.
As a scholar daring to challenge the heavens and stir the waters, towering with unwavering integrity. Unafraid even in the face of death. A spirit of steel and resilience. A 'tempter of fate' before the prison gates. A disdainful remark to the jailers: 'What do you want from me? I only desire one thing. That your household refrains from disturbing me.' Not everyone possesses the courage to defy oppressive authority so boldly!
Huấn Cao regards gold and jade with disdain. Not for wealth or power does he 'force himself to write.' Words hold true value indeed! In his lifetime, he has only penned two sets of couplets and a middle road painting, gifted to three close friends. It's not just the beauty of his writing, but each word, each letter penned by Huấn Cao is a beacon, embodying lofty ideals, aspirations, and noble principles. Huấn Cao's writing showcases the talent, the heart, and the vision of a true gentleman, deserving of admiration and respect.
For Huấn Cao, integrity is a blazing fire, a 'red light shining like that torch over there.' While the prison officials admire human integrity and talent, Huấn Cao respects those with exceptional talents. Throughout his life, he only 'bows respectfully to the apricot blossoms,' yet when he hears the request for poetry, expressing his 'desire for words,' Huấn Cao regrets saying: 'I almost lost a piece of my heart in this world.' The scene of 'giving words' is depicted with romantic prose, evoking a sacred and majestic atmosphere. The damp, filthy prison cell, reeking of sweat. The bright flame. The white silk cloth. The fragrant inkwell. Three heads bowed over the white silk cloth. Huấn Cao appears with dignity, grandeur, wearing handcuffs, feet in shackles, wielding his pen. 'The square, clear strokes' gleam brightly on the polished silk. A composed and dignified posture. Tomorrow, he will step onto the execution platform, but tonight he remains composed. A gesture of 'supporting the upright prison official.' A piece of advice: 'I advise the official to change residence... return to the countryside where one belongs, leisurely pondering wordplay. It's difficult to maintain integrity here, and eventually, one will lose their moral compass.' For Huấn Cao, integrity is the foundation of moral principles. Only by maintaining integrity can one appreciate talent and beauty in life. In Huấn Cao's character, from gestures, actions, to language, from writing to demeanor - all exude an extraordinary, yet humble beauty, a blend of heroism and artistry, alongside the heroic lies the compassionate, inherently valuing extraordinary talent, while disregarding wealth and power in favor of friendship, remaining virtuous and upholding integrity till the end. Nguyễn Tuân has crafted scenes, described characters, and told stories, utilizing allegories, comparisons, interwoven details, intricately binding them together, creating an ancient, majestic artistic space, elevating the character of Huấn Cao to a historical stature. Pre-war romantic literature only has a Huấn Cao as splendid and heroic as this.
Reading 'The Prisoner's Handwriting,' one becomes more deeply aware of what Vũ Ngọc Phan said: '... Nguyen Tuân's literature is not the kind that common folk usually indulge in.' The art of storytelling, the structure of events, dialogue and monologue, character portrayal,... almost no detail is redundant. Three characters appear simultaneously. The scene of 'giving words' reaches its climax, a scene of ancient times like never before. Everything revolves around talent, beauty, and integrity. Nguyễn Tuân has employed a series of valuable Sino-Vietnamese words (pháp trường, tử tù, tử hình, nhất sinh, bộ tứ bình, bức trung đường, lạc khoản, thiên hạ, thiên lương, lương thiện, etc.) to create a historical, ancient, majestic hue. Indeed, Nguyễn Tuân is a master of language, elegantly sophisticated in history and society.
Two sentences: 'Almost losing a heart in the world' and: 'This deluded person bows to authority' - beautiful as a brushstroke in ancient paintings, also a valuable lesson in becoming a noble person!
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Thus, we have suggested analyzing the Encounter of Three Characters in The Prisoner. You all can refer to the summary of The Prisoner to prepare for the Image of the Jailer in The Prisoner and along with the Comparison of the Ferryman and the character Huấn Cao, review and understand more about this content.
