The 6 Best Compositions of 'Nỗi niềm tương tư' by Vũ Quốc Trân (Vietnamese Literature 11 - Cánh Diều Textbook)

The excerpt 'Nỗi niềm tương tư' from *Bích cầu kì ngộ* vividly portrays the sorrowful longing of Tú Uyên, who is infatuated with Giáng Kiều, a beautiful maiden. His yearning for her, which consumes him day and night, is evident not only in his thoughts but also in his actions. This longing is unrelenting, symbolizing a profound and intense love that expresses itself through his every gesture and sentiment. **While Reading 1** **Question 1 (page 23, Vietnamese Literature 11, Volume 1):** Pay attention to the actions that reveal Tú Uyên's feelings of longing. **Solution:** Read the first 14 lines of the poem, focusing on those that describe actions indicating his longing. **Detailed Solution:** - 'Lần trăng ngơ ngẩn ra về': The young man wanders aimlessly, lost in thoughts of the girl. - 'Nỗi nàng canh cánh nào quên': His mind is preoccupied with memories of their first encounter. - 'Có khi gảy khúc đàn tranh/Nước non ngao ngán ra tình hoài nhân': As he plays the zither, he is consumed with thoughts of her. - 'Có khi chuộc chén rượu đào,... Như xông mùi nhớ, lại gây giọng tình': When he drinks, his memories intensify, as the wine evokes the sound of her voice. **While Reading 2** **Question 2 (page 23, Vietnamese Literature 11, Volume 1):** Identify the literary techniques used in the excerpt. **Solution:** Read through the entire poem and apply your knowledge of literary techniques to identify them. **Detailed Solution:** - Literary techniques: - Personification: 'Lần trăng ngơ ngẩn ra về' - Simile: 'Hơi men không nhấp mà say/Như xông mùi nhớ, lại gây giọng tình' - Repetition: 'Có khi...' **After Reading 1** **Question 1 (page 24, Vietnamese Literature 11, Volume 1):** What is your interpretation of the title 'Nỗi niềm tương tư'? **Solution:** Consider the main themes of the excerpt to assess whether the title is appropriate. **Detailed Solution:** The title 'Nỗi niềm tương tư' is fitting as it encapsulates the core of the excerpt. The piece revolves around the emotions and yearning of Tú Uyên for the beautiful girl he met only once. **After Reading 2** **Question 2 (page 24, Vietnamese Literature 11, Volume 1):** How does the author convey Tú Uyên's longing? **Solution:** Read the first 14 lines and focus on the actions that express his feelings of longing. **Detailed Solution:** - 'Lần trăng ngơ ngẩn ra về'... - 'Nỗi nàng canh cánh nào quên'... - 'Có khi gảy khúc đàn tranh/Nước non ngao ngán ra tình hoài nhân'... - 'Có khi chuộc chén rượu đào... Như xông mùi nhớ, lại gây giọng tình.' Tú Uyên's deep affection is evident in his constant longing for the beautiful girl, who remains in his thoughts even though they met only once. **After Reading 3** **Question 3 (page 24, Vietnamese Literature 11, Volume 1):** What is the dominant literary technique in the excerpt? Analyze its effect in conveying the character's emotions. **Solution:** Read through the entire poem and identify the prominent technique that most effectively expresses the main theme. **Detailed Solution:** - Prominent literary technique: Repetition ('Có khi...') - Effect: The repeated use of this phrase vividly illustrates the persistence of Tú Uyên's emotions. It emphasizes how his longing never ceases, constantly returning to him. **After Reading 4** **Question 4 (page 24, Vietnamese Literature 11, Volume 1):** What is the characteristic feature of Vietnamese Nôm poetry, especially in the context of the excerpt 'Nỗi niềm tương tư'? **Solution:** Explain the blend of narrative and lyricism in Nôm poetry through this excerpt. Focus on the form, language, and emotional content. **Detailed Solution:** - The poem uses the lục bát form and is written in Nôm script. - Narrative: The story of a young man’s days spent longing for a beautiful girl. - Lyricism: The expression of deep, passionate emotions and yearning. This excerpt from *Nỗi niềm tương tư* combines the storytelling of a young man’s love and the lyrical expression of his intense emotions, demonstrating the unique blend of narrative and lyricism found in Nôm poetry. **After Reading 5** **Question 5 (page 24, Vietnamese Literature 11, Volume 1):** Compare the two poems expressing the longing of Tú Uyên in *Bích Câu kì ngộ* and Kim Trọng in *Truyện Kiều*: 'Lần trăng ngơ ngẩn ra về...' (Bích Câu kì ngộ) 'Chàng Kim từ lại thư song...' (Truyện Kiều) **Solution:** Compare the emotions of longing expressed by both characters in the two works, pointing out similarities and differences. **Detailed Solution:** - Similarities: Both poems express the longing of Tú Uyên and Kim Trọng for a beautiful maiden. - Differences: - Tú Uyên’s longing: His yearning for the girl he met only once is intense, as he is captivated by her beauty. His longing lingers in his heart, as he searches for her. - Kim Trọng’s longing: Kim Trọng’s yearning for Kiều persists day and night, growing stronger over time. Thus, Tú Uyên’s longing is more intense and immediate, while Kim Trọng’s is more prolonged and reflective.

Question 1. Identify the actions that reflect Tú Uyên's longing feelings.

Answer: The actions that express Tú Uyên's longing feelings include: Strumming the zither... evoking memories of the lost love, sipping peach wine, sitting through the entire night, listening to the sounds of sadness, and gazing at the waning moon.

Question 2. Identify the artistic techniques used in this excerpt.

Answer: The artistic techniques used include: simile, structural repetition.

FINAL QUESTION - THE SONG OF LONGING

Question 1. Explain your interpretation of the title, The Song of Longing.

Answer: To me, the title of the excerpt, The Song of Longing, expresses the actions and gestures of Tú Uyên as he demonstrates his deep yearning and sorrow for Giáng Kiều, an unending, aching longing.

Question 2. How does the author convey Tú Uyên's longing feelings?

Answer:

Strumming the zither... evoking memories of the lost love, sipping peach wine, sitting through the entire night, listening to the sounds of sadness, and gazing at the waning moon.

Question 3. Which artistic technique stands out in this excerpt? Analyze its effect in portraying the character's emotions.

Answer:

• The standout artistic technique is the repetitive structure, “Sometimes…”.
• The continuous use of this structure effectively exposes Tú Uyên's relentless, wistful longing, the sorrow that never fades, as he continuously dreams of the figure of the young lady.

Question 4. How does the combination of narrative and lyrical elements distinguish this Nôm poetry excerpt?

Answer:

- Narrative and lyrical elements in The Song of Longing:

• In the narrative aspect: the story revolves around Tú Uyên after meeting the beautiful young woman and returning home to contemplate, lost in thoughts of yearning.
• In the lyrical aspect: the piece primarily reveals the character's emotional world. The excerpt delves deep into Tú Uyên's feelings of longing. The emotional intensity is further enhanced by the natural setting, which complements the character's inner emotional world.

Question 5. Compare the two verses describing the longing of Tú Uyên in Bích Câu Kì Ngộ and of Kim Trọng in Truyện Kiều:

In Bích Câu Kì Ngộ:

As the moon fades away in confusion,

The lantern dimming, the sound of the cuckoo not yet heard.

Does she still yearn?

Her figure lingers, like a fairy passing by.

In Truyện Kiều:

Kim Trọng remains silent in his chamber,

Unable to ease the weight of his unquenchable longing.

His sorrow grows, accumulating with each passing day.

Answer:

• Tú Uyên's longing in Bích Câu Kì Ngộ: The longing feels disconnected, as the moon seems confused, and Tú Uyên can no longer reach the object of his desire, increasing his yearning.
• Kim Trọng's longing in Truyện Kiều: His longing is direct and relentless. It is an insatiable yearning, evident in every thought, his sorrow intensifying as time goes on, restless in his solitude, unable to find peace.

Understanding the Emotion of Longing

Question 1: What actions reflect Tú Uyên's longing?

Answer: The actions showing Tú Uyên's longing include: playing the zither to evoke memories of a lost love, drinking wine while his mind is filled with memories, sitting for long hours, listening to sorrowful tunes, and gazing at the waning moon.

Question 2: What artistic techniques are used in the excerpt?

Answer: The artistic techniques used in the excerpt include simile and parallel structure.

Final Question: Is the title 'The Longing Emotion' appropriate for the excerpt?

Answer: The title 'The Longing Emotion' is fitting because the entire excerpt revolves around Tú Uyên's unrelenting longing for someone he met briefly at a temple gathering. The title aptly captures the essence of the passage.

Question 2: What gestures indicate Tú Uyên is consumed by longing?

Answer: The gestures that demonstrate Tú Uyên's longing include:

• "The moonlight seems lost as he walks away": Under the moonlight, Tú Uyên walks aimlessly, his mind filled with thoughts of her.
• "Her memory lingers, never to be forgotten": The memory of their brief meeting haunts him, never fading.
• "Sometimes, playing the zither brings thoughts of her": While playing the zither, his heart is filled with longing for her.
• "At times, drinking wine evokes her scent": The wine makes him imagine her voice and presence.

Question 3: What prominent artistic technique stands out in the excerpt? How does it portray the character's emotional state?

Answer: The recurring use of the phrase "sometimes..." creates a rhythmic pattern that vividly portrays Tú Uyên's repetitive longing. It emphasizes that his longing is ever-present, resurfacing in all his actions, reinforcing the depth of his emotions.

Question 4: How is the combination of narrative and lyrical elements in traditional poetry reflected in 'The Longing Emotion' excerpt?

• Verse: The poem follows a traditional rhythmic structure.
• Nôm Script: The passage is written in Nôm, a classical script.
• Narrative: The story follows Tú Uyên's journey of longing for a girl he briefly encountered.
• Lyrical: The poem explores his deep feelings and sorrowful longing.

Answer: The excerpt is a love story written in Nôm script, using a rhythmic structure to narrate Tú Uyên's yearning for the woman he met only once. It highlights his deep emotional state, emphasizing his longing during both waking and sleeping hours, illustrating the constant ache in his heart.

Question 5: Compare the depiction of longing in Tú Uyên's and Kim Trọng's poems.

"The moonlight seems lost as he walks away,"

"The dim light flickers, and the dream is unfulfilled,"

"Her memory lingers, impossible to forget,"

"Her spirit stays with him, always lingering,"

(Bích Câu kì ngộ)

"Kim returns after writing his letter,"

"Her memory still weighs on his heart, unable to ease,"

"Sorrow grows heavier with each passing day,"

"The sadness lingers, stretching the hours into a long, sorrowful day."

(Truyện Kiều)

Answer:

• Tú Uyên's emotions in Bích Câu kì ngộ reflect a deep, almost dazed longing, amplified by his inability to meet the woman again.
• Kim Trọng's sorrow in Truyện Kiều is more direct, expressed openly without hesitation. His longing is so intense that it disrupts his peace, causing him sleepless nights filled with constant sorrow.

1. Preparation

Requirements (page 21, 11th-grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1):

- When reading Nôm poetry, students should pay attention to:

• General notes about narrative poetry as mentioned in section 1. Preparation of the Lời Tiễn Dặn reading comprehension section.
• Identify the similarities and differences between Nôm poetry and traditional folk poetry.
• The poetic form, the author (if known), and the origin of Nôm poetry.

- Read the text "Nỗi niềm tương tư" (Longing Sighs) beforehand and research additional information about the author Vũ Quốc Trân.

- Read the following introductory content to understand the context of the excerpt:

Bích Câu Kì Ngộ (A Strange Encounter at Bích Câu) is a Nôm narrative poem written in the lục bát form, comprising 678 verses. It tells the love story between Tú Uyên and Giáng Kiều. Tú Uyên is a poor scholar whose parents died early. Due to his devotion to study, he became a well-known literary figure in Thăng Long. One spring day, during a trip to the Ngọc Hồ Temple fair, Tú Uyên met a beautiful young woman. However, before he could introduce himself, she disappeared. At home, he became infatuated with her, falling ill from longing. Following a dream message from a divine being, Tú Uyên went to Đông Bridge and waited from dawn until dusk. He then saw a merchant selling a painting of a beautiful woman who resembled the one he met at the fair. He bought the painting, hung it in his study, and began conversing with it day and night. One day, after staying late at his studies, he returned home to find a lavish meal prepared for him. Surprised, he sat down to eat. The next day, he pretended to go to school but returned home and hid to observe. To his astonishment, the woman from the painting appeared, performing household chores. Even more surprising, she was the same girl he met at the temple fair. Tú Uyên joyfully greeted her, and the girl introduced herself as Giáng Kiều, a celestial being who descended to Earth due to a destined connection with him. She performed a magical transformation, creating a magnificent palace with servants. Their wedding was grand, attended by heavenly beings. However, Tú Uyên soon fell into a life of drunkenness. Giáng Kiều tried to stop him but failed, so she left. When he sobered up, Tú Uyên was deeply remorseful and distraught, even contemplating suicide. Giáng Kiều appeared to forgive him, and their love grew stronger. They had a son named Trần Nhi. Following Giáng Kiều's advice, Tú Uyên studied celestial arts, and they both ascended to the heavens. Later, their son Trần Nhi also flew to the heavens on a giant fish.

- The excerpt "Nỗi niềm tương tư" depicts Tú Uyên's longing after meeting the beautiful maiden at the Ngọc Hồ Temple fair.

2. Reading Comprehension

* Main content: The excerpt discusses Tú Uyên's deep longing and sorrow after encountering the beautiful woman during a spring outing at the Ngọc Hồ Temple.

* Answer the mid-lesson questions:

Question 1 (page 23, 11th-grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1): Pay attention to the actions that show Tú Uyên's feelings of longing.

Answer: The actions reflecting Tú Uyên's longing: playing the zither... expressing his sadness, drinking wine, sitting through the night, listening to the sounds of sorrow, gazing at the fading moon.

Question 2 (page 23, 11th-grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1): Identify the artistic techniques used in the excerpt.

Answer: The artistic techniques used in the excerpt: simile, structural repetition.

* Answer the final questions:

Question 1 (page 24, 11th-grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1): How do you understand the title "Nỗi niềm tương tư"?

Answer: In my opinion, the title "Nỗi niềm tương tư" refers to Tú Uyên's actions and gestures expressing his constant longing and yearning for Giáng Kiều in an intense and persistent way.

Question 2 (page 24, 11th-grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1): How does the author depict Tú Uyên's feelings of longing?

Answer:

Playing the zither... expressing his sadness, drinking wine, sitting through the night, listening to the sounds of sorrow, gazing at the fading moon.

Question 3 (page 24, 11th-grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1): What artistic technique stands out in the excerpt? Analyze its effect in conveying the character's emotions.

Answer:

• Prominent artistic technique in the excerpt: repetitive structure using "Có khi...".
• The repeated use of this structure emphasizes Tú Uyên's continuous longing and melancholy, vividly portraying his relentless yearning for the woman he met, day and night, in a dreamlike state.

Question 4 (page 24, 11th-grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1): A notable feature of Nôm narrative poetry is the combination of narration and lyricism. How is this reflected in the excerpt "Nỗi niềm tương tư"?

Answer:

- The narrative and lyrical elements in the excerpt:

• In terms of narration: the excerpt centers on the story of Tú Uyên's thoughts after meeting the beautiful woman and longing for her.
• In terms of lyricism: the excerpt focuses on the inner emotions of Tú Uyên, immersing us in his state of longing and desire. Additionally, nature plays a key role in expressing the character's emotions. The natural surroundings serve as a mirror to Tú Uyên's innermost feelings of yearning and melancholy.

Question 5 (page 24, 11th-grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1): Compare the two poems describing Tú Uyên's longing in Bích Câu Kì Ngộ and Kim Trọng's in Truyện Kiều:

• The moonlight fades,

The lamp light dims, and the sleep remains unfulfilled.

She is left with an unspoken longing,

Still wandering around, a celestial being disguised.

(Bích Câu Kì Ngộ)

• Chàng Kim returns to his study,

The pain of longing gnaws at his soul.

The sorrow grows, filling the night,

The ache lingers, no relief comes.

(Truyện Kiều)

Answer:

• Tú Uyên's emotions in Bích Câu Kì Ngộ: His longing is expressed as a dazed and confused yearning, unable to reunite, leading to even deeper longing.
• Kim Trọng's emotions in Truyện Kiều: His longing is intense and overwhelming. The sorrow is openly expressed without reservation, growing stronger as time passes, preventing him from finding peace even in sleep, restlessly turning in bed, consumed by thoughts of his beloved.

I. Author of the Poem "Lonely Heart's Lament"

• Vu Quoc Tran (dates of birth and death unknown) was from Dan Loan village in Binh Giang district, Hai Duong province.
• He lived in Hang Dao street, Hanoi.
• Known for his intelligence and broad knowledge, Vu Quoc Tran was called 'Cụ Mền Đại Lợi' due to his success in passing several rounds of the Tú Tài exams.
• He taught at home, attracting many students, some of whom later became high-ranking officials.
• It is believed that Vu Quoc Tran was also the author of the narrative poem "Bich Cau Ky Ngo" (The Strange Meeting at Bich Cau).

II. Analysis of the Poem "Lonely Heart's Lament"

1. Genre:

The poem "Lonely Heart's Lament" is written in the genre of Nôm narrative poetry.

2. Origin and Circumstances of Composition:

"Lonely Heart's Lament" is an excerpt from the narrative poem "Bich Cau Ky Ngo" (The Strange Meeting at Bich Cau).

3. Mode of Expression:

The text "Lonely Heart's Lament" is written in a narrative style.

4. Summary of "Lonely Heart's Lament":

Bich Cau Ky Ngo (The Strange Meeting at Bich Cau) is a Nôm narrative poem written in the traditional six-eight rhyme scheme, containing 678 verses. It tells the love story between Tu Yen, a poor scholar, and Giang Kieu, a beautiful woman. Tu Yen, an orphan raised by his studies, became a respected intellectual in Thang Long. One day, during the spring festival at Ngoc Ho Temple, he met a beautiful lady, but before they could talk, she disappeared. He became lovesick and fell ill. Following the advice of a deity in a dream, he waited by the Cầu Đông river from dawn to dusk until he saw a woman selling a painting of a lady who resembled the one he met at the temple. He bought the painting and hung it in his study, speaking to it day and night. One day, while busy with studies, Tu Yen returned home late to find a lavish meal prepared. The next day, he pretended to go to his studies but returned early and hid to watch. To his surprise, the woman from the painting appeared and took care of the household chores. Even more astonishing, she was the same lady he had met at the temple. Tu Yen greeted her, and she revealed herself as Giang Kieu, a celestial being who had descended to the human realm because of a karmic connection with him. She magically created a grand palace, and their wedding was a grand affair, attended by celestial friends. Their blissful life turned sour as Tu Yen fell into a life of indulgence, and despite Giang Kieu's pleas, he continued. Eventually, she left, and Tu Yen, regretful and in despair, almost took his own life. However, Giang Kieu returned, forgave him, and they reconciled. The two then had a son, whom they named Tran Nhi. Following Giang Kieu's advice, Tu Yen studied to become immortal, and together they ascended to the celestial realm, with their son following shortly thereafter.

The excerpt "Lonely Heart's Lament" portrays Tu Yen's emotional turmoil after encountering the beautiful lady at the Ngoc Ho Temple.

5. Structure of "Lonely Heart's Lament":

The poem consists of two parts:

• Part 1 (From the beginning to ... deeply sorrowful): Tu Yen returns from the Ngoc Ho Temple festival.
• Part 2 (The remainder): Tu Yen's longing and yearning for the lady.

6. Thematic Value:

"Lonely Heart's Lament" is an excerpt from Bich Cau Ky Ngo, depicting Tu Yen's deep longing for Giang Kieu, a lady he fell in love with, regardless of day or night. His feelings are expressed not only through his thoughts but also through actions. Even though his longing is expressed, it remains unsettled, reflecting a beautiful, intense love born from the heart.

7. Artistic Value:

- The poem utilizes the six-eight rhyme scheme, incorporates Nôm script, and blends narrative and descriptive elements, contributing to the success of this narrative poem:

• Narrative: The story of a young man's longing over time.
• Lyrical: Expressing deep feelings, longing, and melancholy.

Detailed Analysis of the Poem "Lonely Heart's Lament"

1. Tu Yen's Longing Heart

• "The moon rose, wandering in confusion": The young man drifts aimlessly, consumed by thoughts of the woman.
• "Her image lingers, never forgotten": His mind is overwhelmed by the memory of their first meeting.
• "At times, he strums the zither, feeling melancholy as he recalls her": Playing his instrument, he is filled with longing for her.
• "At times, he pours a glass of peach wine... as if the scent of memories and her voice emerge": In moments of drinking, his yearning deepens, and he even imagines hearing her voice through the haze of intoxication.

→ He is completely immersed in the melancholy of his unending longing for the woman.

• Literary Devices:
  • Personification: "The moon wandered in confusion".
  • Metaphor: "The wine's warmth intoxicates as though the scent of longing and her voice rise".
  • Repetition: "At times...".

→ These literary techniques enhance the portrayal of Tu Yen's emotions, showing his constant, sleepless yearning for the beautiful woman he cannot forget.

2. Narrative and Lyrical Elements in the Excerpt from "Lonely Heart's Lament"

• On the narrative side: The excerpt revolves around the story of Tu Yen, who, after meeting the beautiful woman, returns home filled with longing and silent desire.
• On the lyrical side, the poem vividly expresses the character’s emotions. The excerpt is a reflection of Tu Yen’s inner turmoil and deep feelings of love and longing. Additionally, the lyrical nature is also reflected through the natural surroundings, where nature plays a crucial role in portraying the character’s inner world.