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Prompt: The protagonist in the Song of Côn Sơn
The central figure in the Song of Côn Sơn
Assignment:
Nguyễn Trãi (1380-1442) stands as a national hero, a brilliant military strategist, a cultural luminary of global stature. He's also a prolific author in our national literary heritage, with numerous works showcasing his talent and shining a light on his noble character. His poem 'Côn Sơn Ca' is a prime example. This is a poem he composed during his retreat to Côn Sơn, living amidst the splendid beauty of this natural paradise. The character 'we' in the poem emerges within that beauty:
'Côn Sơn, where streams murmur softly...
...
Amidst this verdant scene, we immerse in tranquil verse.'
Upon reading and absorbing the poem, the first thing we perceive is an incredibly poetic depiction of nature. The luc bat verse form paints a vivid picture of Côn Sơn before our eyes. It's the sound of 'streams murmuring softly,' soothing and enchanting. It's the 'moss-covered rocks' steeped in ancient silence. It's the 'pine trees standing tall' in their refreshing greenery, and the 'bamboo shades' exuding the serenity of noble scholars... Sensing nature through our auditory and visual faculties, we're left with an impression of a peaceful, pristine countryside, profoundly serene and tranquil.
That sets the stage for the emergence of the character 'we'. We see the poet employing a symmetrical technique between scenery and person: When Côn Sơn's streams flow, 'we listen.' Listening is a verb that embodies the appreciation of nature's sounds, those sounds through the poet's ears become akin to a 'melodious harp.' Comparing the natural sound to the sound of a musical instrument not only captures the beauty of the harp's tone but also reveals the poet's love for nature, signifying Nguyen Trai. And when Côn Sơn is adorned with 'moss-covered rocks,' 'we' will sit upon those rocks to enjoy the tranquility and admire the majestic landscape surrounding us. Nature offers the viewer the grandeur of tall pine trees; at that moment, the character 'we' will 'lie' beneath the pine shade, gazing at the sky above the lush, beautiful pine needles. That feeling is perhaps truly refreshing and exquisite. In the Côn Sơn forest, there are also cool bamboo shades, seemingly arranged for the character 'we' to find inspiration for 'leisurely composing poetry,' to dream away the time in serene contemplation, reflecting on life's truths, pondering the ways of the nobleman, in an era when feudal society was still tumultuous.
Thus, the character 'we' and the nature of Côn Sơn blend as one. A series of verbs: listening, sitting, lying, composing... describe the sincere actions of the character, which also reflects an attitude of independence, comfort, and joy of a poet who loves nature and enjoys it with all his heart. The beauty of Côn Sơn fills the poet's soul with inspiration, urging the sincere character to yearn to merge with nature as one. 'We' also become an integral part of the Côn Sơn picture, enhancing its purity and richness.
The poem 'Côn Sơn Ca' is not only beautiful in its ideas and emotions; it is the deepest expression of a pure, serene, emotionally rich soul, a beautiful, great personality, living closely, harmoniously with nature. The character 'we' is not just a poet who purely loves nature but also a virtuous scholar with noble integrity, living a secluded life yet not detached from the world. This scholar is having moments of profound soulfulness to contemplate, and when the opportunity arises, they return to serve the country and its people.
It can be said that the character 'we' in the poem helps us see the beauty of Nguyen Trai's soul, a talented, great individual, full of passion for his people and country. The more we love the beauty of our homeland, the birthplace of such noble individuals.
