Nam Quoc Son Ha is regarded as the first declaration of Vietnam, epitomizing the unwavering spirit of patriotism, the pride in tradition, and the righteous strength of the nation. Let's delve into the patriotic essence of Nam Quoc Son Ha poem to grasp the true value of this masterpiece!
Prompt: The Spirit of Patriotism in Nam Quoc Son Ha Poem
Response:
Sample Piece #1: The Patriotic Spirit in Nam Quoc Son Ha Poem
'Nam Quoc Son Ha' (attributed to the author Ly Thuong Kiet), also known as the 'Divine' poem, written in Chinese characters following the form of seven-syllable, four-line verse of the Tang Dynasty. The creation of this poem is closely associated with the name of Ly Thuong Kiet and the battle against the Song invaders at the defensive line of the Nhu Nguyet River (in 1077). The poem asserts the nation's sovereignty and emphasizes the determination to protect that sovereignty against any invading enemies. In other words, the poem 'Nam Quoc Son Ha' profoundly demonstrates the patriotic spirit of our people.
With the form of seven-syllable, four-line verse of the Tang Dynasty, the entire poem consists of only 4 lines with 7 characters each, yet when read aloud, every word in the poem shines with the spirit of patriotism. This is first and foremost expressed through the declaration of the nation's sovereignty:
Nam Quoc Son Ha, the Emperor resides
Firmly decreeing fate in the celestial scroll
Right within the opening lines of verse, resonating with a heroic and resolute tone, the significance is affirmed through the use of words like 'nation' and 'emperor.' As we know, both 'emperor' and 'king' carry the meaning of ruler, the head of a nation, representing the people. However, in ancient Chinese feudal dynasties, the Chinese emperor referred to himself as the 'emperor' (essentially the big king), while kings of neighboring countries, although respected, were only conferred the title of 'king' (essentially the small king). Thus, by employing the words 'nation' and 'emperor,' the first line not only asserts that our southern land is an independent nation, with its own sovereignty and the king as the supreme representative of the people, but it also deeply reflects an attitude of pride and dignity towards the nation, considering the southern land as equal to the northern land, with the southern king on par with the Chinese emperor.
This is further affirmed in the subsequent line:
Firmly decreeing fate in the celestial scroll
With a tightly constructed argument, decisive tone, the second line continues the emotional thread of the first: Asserting that the southern steel is of the southern people, this is truth, predetermined by the heavens, clearly inscribed in the celestial book, indisputable. Thus, the boundaries of the nation are confirmed even by the heavens above. This is truly sacred and immensely significant. Reading these lines, each of us keenly perceives the profound sense of pride conveyed by the author through the bold assertion of sovereignty...
It's not without reason that 'Nam Quoc Son Ha' is considered the first declaration of independence of our nation, as every word in the poem illuminates the spirit of patriotism with a determination to defend the nation's sovereignty and the people's independence:
Like when an enemy encroaches on a sacred territory,
Posed as a question directly to the invaders: Why would such an obvious truth, as clear as it is, sacred as it is ordained by the heavens, be trespassed upon by you? The stance is clearly resolute, viewing the invaders as disruptors. The line explicitly points out the irrationality, the lack of morality in the invading actions of the enemy, while also stirring up the patriotic spirit and the sense of responsibility of every citizen of the southern land towards the nation:
In what equal manner do you justify your baseless aggression.
The defiant actions of the enemy, in defiance of divine decree, will inevitably lead to their own downfall 'equal manners bring forth baseless aggression.' That is the inevitable outcome for the invaders, acting against the divine order... The fourth line, like a stern warning ringing out, asserts that the enemy will suffer a devastating defeat and we will emerge victorious. It is a fitting end for the aggressors, as they will bear the consequences of their unjust actions.
The poem 'Nam Quoc Son Ha' is succinctly encapsulated in 28 short characters, yet its significance is profound. It is a Declaration of Independence, asserting the sovereignty of the nation and affirming that no force is permitted to encroach. The poem is also a political discourse, using reason to speak about a crucial matter for the nation: independence, national sovereignty, yet still imbued with emotional depth... Perhaps that's why, despite being born nearly a millennium ago, 'Nam Quoc Son Ha' still shines as evidence of the patriotic spirit of our ancestors, for us to feel proud of even today!
Sample Piece #2: The Patriotic Spirit in Nam Quoc Son Ha Poem
I. Outline:
1. Introduction
The poem 'Nam Quoc Son Ha' by Ly Thuong Kiet speaks volumes about the unwavering determination and love for the Vietnamese homeland.
2. Body
* Patriotism is demonstrated through the awareness of national sovereignty:
- Affirming that the South belongs to the Southern King
- It's a natural law, the will of heaven has decreed it, undeniable by anyone.
=> Love for the Motherland, pride in the mighty nation.
* Patriotism is evident in the belief in the inevitable triumph of the nation.
- Denouncing the enemy's brutal and inhumane actions as unjust and devoid of compassion.
- Asserting the defeat of the enemy in the battle.
- Determination to fight => belief in victory.
3. Conclusion
With the seven-syllable, four-line verse form, the majestic tone, the resolute and spirited language, the concise and profound style, Ly Thuong Kiet has crafted an immortal literary masterpiece, worthy of generations to come. The work remains a lesson for descendants about patriotism, for both the present and the future of our nation.
II. Sample Piece
The Vietnamese people have long possessed a tradition and love for their homeland. That tradition has been expressed through countless songs and poems in a natural and humble manner. Ly Thuong Kiet's poem 'Nam Quoc Son Ha' is no exception. The work reflects the steadfast determination and love for the Vietnamese land. 'Nam Quoc Son Ha' was written during the years when our nation resisted the invasion of the Song dynasty and is regarded as a brilliant declaration of independence, shining with patriotic spirit.
First and foremost, this spirit is manifested through the self-awareness of our nation's sovereignty. It is a prideful assertion of the sovereignty and territory of the Southern land, the Southern sky:
'The rivers and mountains of the South belong to the Southern King'
A firm and definite declaration that the rivers and mountains of the South rightfully belong to the Southern King and no one else. Just as there is a Northern King in the North, there is a Southern King ruling over the Southern land, with both regions and sovereignties equal, inviolable by any. The South belongs to the Southern King, to the people of the Southern land.
'Clearly decreed by the heavenly scrolls'
The land is divided, North and South, two regions under the sky. It's a natural law, undeniable by anyone, no force or nation can deny it. That patriotic spirit shines brightly through the people's pride, a consciousness of the sovereignty of an independent nation. Every blade of grass, every riverbank, every inch of land, every field,... belongs to the Southern land, no one, no nation has the right to encroach upon its shores. It's the truth decreed by fate, accepted by the heavens and embraced by the people, the essence of national sovereignty.
Secondly, that patriotic spirit is also evident in the belief in righteousness, in the inevitable victory of the Southern forces against the invading army. The belief in the nation's fighting spirit will surely overcome those unjust invaders. The enemy rampages brazenly, disregarding principles, disregarding even the will of heaven.
'Why do the invaders dare to trespass?'
A question as a reminder, a warning about unjust actions. The Southern land is peaceful, the people are free, so why do the invaders violently seize territory, a calculated and cruel act, unsupported by anyone? Invading the land of the Southern rivers and mountains is an encroachment on independence and sovereignty, on the dignity of a people who always advocate peace, unity, and compassion. It goes against nature, against the will of heaven. If they continue to act ruthlessly like that, it is an unacceptable crime, they will surely admit defeat, and face their own tragic downfall:
'They will be utterly defeated'
The atrocities of the invading forces make 'the heavens intolerant, the earth unforgiving', then those arrogant invaders will have to submit to the resilient fighting spirit, to the unity and unwavering will of the people of the Southern land. Righteousness will always triumph over evil, the defeated must accept the bitterness caused by their crimes. It is a belief in tomorrow's victory for the nation, a strong and earnest trust in the inevitable triumph of the people. It is also a declaration calling for the courageous spirit of struggle of the people.
It can be said that the spirit of patriotism is always upheld and is the guiding principle in every battle. Sometimes, that spirit does not necessarily require guns, swords, big knives, large hammers,... but only through poems, writings that have become sharp weapons arousing patriotism, making the enemy terrified, trembling. With the seven-character quatrain, the heroic tone, the sharp words, the soul-stirring, concise and profound style, Ly Thuong Kiet has written an immortal piece, worthy of generations. The work remains a lesson for descendants about love for the Motherland, the present and future of the country.
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