The Top 7 Best Essays Analyzing the First 12 Lines of the Excerpt 'Chí khí anh hùng'

Nguyễn Du is a renowned Vietnamese writer and poet, widely regarded as the great national poet. Throughout his creative life, Nguyễn Du left behind many valuable and influential works, with the most notable being the monumental epic 'Truyện Kiều.' The excerpt 'Chí khí anh hùng' stands as one of his exemplary works, where Nguyễn Du vividly portrays the heroic figure and aspirations of Từ Hải.

In this excerpt, Nguyễn Du focuses on highlighting Từ Hải's indomitable spirit and exceptional qualities. Compared to the character of Từ Hải in the novel 'Kim Vân Kiều Truyện,' Nguyễn Du's version of Từ Hải is entirely different. He is not merely a bandit, but rather a heroic figure, standing tall with great willpower and determination. The use of symbolism and allegorical style elevates Từ Hải, presenting him as a monumental figure embodying the qualities of ancient heroes.

When Thúy Kiều was desperate, trapped in the sorrowful and painful life in the brothel, Từ Hải appeared and rescued her from that world of vice and scandal. Thanks to Từ Hải, Thúy Kiều was able to repay her debts and live a life of happiness with her husband, just like any other woman. However, even in their blissful marital life, Từ Hải's grand aspirations could not be overshadowed. Thus, although it pained him, Từ Hải had to leave Thúy Kiều behind to pursue his ambitious dreams:

'Nửa năm hương lửa đương nồng

Trượng phu thoắt đã động lòng bốn phương

Trông vời trời bể mênh mang

Thanh gươm yên ngựa lên đường thẳng rong'

Thúy Kiều and Từ Hải spent half a year together, enjoying a peaceful and happy life. Yet, driven by his great ambitions, Từ Hải’s heart was set on the vast world. The poet’s use of figurative language emphasizes Từ Hải’s desire to establish a distinguished career. Although he loved Thúy Kiều dearly, his heroic ambition pushed him forward. The future remained uncertain, but Từ Hải’s determination and aspirations rendered his departure noble, resembling the legendary heroes of old.

For Thúy Kiều, Từ Hải was not only a loving and respected husband, but also a savior who had rescued her from the brothel. Knowing she could not stop him, yet unwilling to let him go alone, Thúy Kiều expressed her desire to follow him, to serve him and care for him:

'Nàng rằng: Phận gái chữ tòng

Chàng đi thiếp cũng quyết lòng xin đi'

Thúy Kiều upheld the traditional Confucian value of 'tòng phu,' meaning that a woman should follow her husband. She wished to accompany Từ Hải, not only to help him but also to share in his journey. Từ Hải, moved by her sincerity, declined her request, concerned for her well-being. However, he promised that when he had accomplished his grand ambitions, he would return to take her as his wife in a more glorious way:

'Từ rằng: Tâm phúc tương tri

Sao chưa thoát khỏi nữ nhi thường tình?

Bao giờ mười vạn tinh binh

Tiếng chiêng dậy đất, bóng tinh rợp đường

Làm cho rõ mặt phi thường

Bấy giờ ta sẽ rước nàng nghi gia'

Từ Hải believed that Thúy Kiều had not yet transcended the ordinary female fate, yet his words were also meant to console her. He would go forth to achieve his monumental goals, with an army of 'ten thousand soldiers.' And once his mission was fulfilled, he would return to claim her in a resplendent ceremony, with 'the sound of drums shaking the earth and the banners filling the sky.'

Through the dialogues between Từ Hải and Thúy Kiều, Nguyễn Du captures the heroic spirit and grand aspirations of the man who sought greatness.

The excerpt from 'Chí khí anh hùng' spanning verses 2213 to 2230 in the epic 'Truyện Kiều' by the great poet Nguyễn Du portrays Từ Hải, an idealized hero embodying extraordinary qualities and a romantic longing for heroism. The first 12 lines of this excerpt stand out, marking Từ Hải's essence as a hero.

After falling into the brothel for the second time, Thúy Kiều lives in despair and a sense of hopelessness:

"Knowing that fate cannot be escaped,"

"I put on my makeup to pass the days away."

Then, Từ Hải suddenly appears. He seeks Thúy Kiều as though searching for a soulmate, a confidante. In the vile swamp of the brothel, Từ Hải sees the noble qualities in Thúy Kiều, and from their first encounter, Kiều silently acknowledges that Từ Hải is the only one who can rescue her from her fate. She humbly expresses:

"The wild grass may be vast, but humble flowers bloom,

My fragile life is a burden, I dare not trouble you any longer."

They are both from marginalized groups: one a woman of the streets, the other a rebel, both looked down upon by society. Yet, their connection is one of mutual understanding and deep affection, a bond of kindred spirits. Từ Hải holds Kiều in high regard, and Kiều recognizes him as the hero he is. However, love cannot keep Từ Hải bound for long. It is time for him to leave and pursue his grand ambitions. This excerpt presents a Từ Hải full of heroic spirit, yet with an underlying sense of loneliness, as he ventures forth in life.

From start to finish, Nguyễn Du holds Từ Hải in great esteem. Every action of his exudes the spirit and character of a hero. For Từ Hải, his brief marriage with Thúy Kiều is but a pause in his grand mission, not an end to his purpose. Despite six months of happiness with Kiều, Từ Hải is once again compelled to set off on his path to greatness:

"Half a year of love’s sweet embrace,

The warrior’s heart stirs, his mind turns to the four corners of the world."

"He gazes at the vast skies and oceans,

With his sword at his side and his steed ready, he embarks on his journey."

Từ Hải is portrayed as a passionate man, but first and foremost, he is a warrior, a man with a strong sense of purpose. 'Chí' represents the noble goal he strives toward, while 'khí' symbolizes the willpower needed to achieve that goal. This drive to spread his wings and claim his place in the world has become an instinctive desire, unstoppable by any force.

Before meeting and marrying Thúy Kiều, Từ Hải had already established himself as a great hero, known for his defiance and boldness. He had always lived by his own code, never constrained by society’s norms. His ambition for glory and greatness is immense, and nothing can deter him from his course.

Though Nguyễn Du does not specify exactly what Từ Hải plans to do, the reader can infer from the story and Từ Hải’s words to Thúy Kiều that a glorious future awaits him. Từ Hải is not driven by ordinary desires; he is driven by the pursuit of heroic achievements. Even in the midst of a passionate love, his mind is consumed by the vastness of his destiny. The moment he feels his heart stir, he sets off—his sword and steed ready. In 'Truyện Kiều', the term 'trượng phu' is used only once to describe Từ Hải, emphasizing his larger-than-life character. The word 'thoắt' shows the speed and decisiveness of his actions. The phrase 'động lòng bốn phương' suggests that Từ Hải is not bound to any one place, but is a man of the world, driven by the vastness of the universe.

'Động lòng bốn phương' describes the burning desire within Từ Hải’s heart to conquer the world. Such a man cannot be confined to a small space. His thoughts and decisions are swift and resolute. With a sword and a swift steed, he departs, driven by a yearning for freedom that courses through his veins. Hoài Thanh remarks that, in the poem, the image of Từ Hải with his sword and steed seems to fill the entire earth.

In the farewell scene, Nguyễn Du depicts Từ Hải as already mounted on his steed, preparing to embark on his journey before he exchanges farewell words with Kiều. Some argue that this makes Kiều’s farewell words redundant, but perhaps Nguyễn Du intended to highlight the difference between this farewell and those between Kiều and Kim Trọng, or Kiều and Thúc Sinh. Từ Hải is ready to depart, and even as he speaks his parting words, he remains resolute in his decision. This portrayal emphasizes his decisive nature and extraordinary character.

Thúy Kiều knows that Từ Hải’s departure will leave him in a precarious position, but still, she earnestly requests to accompany him, saying: "As a woman, my duty is to follow you. If you go, I shall follow you with all my heart." It’s brief, but her determination is clear. The word 'tòng' here doesn’t just reflect the Confucian notion of a wife’s duty to follow her husband; it also conveys a deeper sense of sharing burdens and responsibilities, wanting to stand by her husband in his endeavors.

Từ Hải’s words during the farewell further express his heroic spirit:

"You know my heart well,

Why haven’t you risen above the typical concerns of a woman?"

"When I have ten thousand soldiers,

With the sound of drums shaking the earth, and the sight of banners covering the road,

I will return to claim you as my wife."

These words indicate that Từ Hải believes Kiều has not yet fully understood his heroic aspirations, and thus has not transcended the typical roles of a woman. He believes she must become stronger to stand beside him as a true partner.

Từ Hải’s heroic ideals are evident in his language, which is steeped in the tone of a great warrior. As he bids Kiều farewell, he does not linger in the emotional attachment of love, but remains focused on his noble goal. Had he been truly reluctant, he would have allowed Kiều to accompany him.

Từ Hải is a man driven by a thirst for greatness and cannot be held back by the comforts of domestic life. Even in the midst of joy, his inner call to greatness compels him to leave. For Từ Hải, his mission is paramount. It is not only the meaning of his life, but also the key to fulfilling the hopes of those who believe in him. Thus, there are no sorrowful words at their parting. Moreover, his remark about Kiều's not rising above the usual feminine concerns hints at his wish for her to embrace a role befitting the wife of a hero. Later, Kiều's memories reflect both longing and hope for Từ Hải’s success: "The wings of the rose fluttering, eyes searching the horizon, always awaiting his return."

Từ Hải is confident in his path. Previously, he had boldly declared himself a hero in the world. Now, he believes his success is certain. Though he sets out with nothing but his sword and steed, Từ Hải is convinced that he will return with ten thousand soldiers, triumphant, to claim Kiều as his wife in a victory procession, bringing glory to the woman he loves and respects. Từ Hải’s confidence and determination shine through as he affirms that, within a year, he will return with a vast empire in hand.

Nguyễn Du, the great poet of our nation, is inseparable from the masterpiece *The Tale of Kiều*. This work embodies profound humanitarian values and has long been a topic of continuous discussion and study. Among its many characters, although Thúy Vân and Thúy Kiều receive much attention, it is the character of Từ Hải who leaves a lasting impression, despite appearing briefly in the narrative. In the excerpt 'Heroic Ambitions', Từ Hải stands out through the first twelve verses with his extraordinary qualities.

As we know, after falling into the trap of a brothel and enduring great suffering and humiliation, Thúy Kiều was rescued by Từ Hải, who saw her noble character. The love between Từ Hải and Thúy Kiều could not overshadow his ambition to build a career. Thus, half a year later, Từ Hải set off to continue his journey of establishing his legacy:

“Half a year of love in full bloom
The warrior’s heart moved towards distant lands
Looking at the vast sky and sea
With sword in hand and horse’s reins, off he rides”

After half a year, even though their love and married life were still passionate, nothing could hinder Từ Hải’s ambition to expand his career. The imagery of the “vast sky and sea” evokes the boundless scope of his extraordinary mission—nothing, not even love or family, could stop him. The image of the sword and horse “setting off on a straight path” portrays Từ Hải’s calm determination.

The farewell between Thúy Kiều and Từ Hải is depicted differently from other farewells in the story, such as those with Kim Trọng or Thúc Sinh. At this moment, Từ Hải is already in a different stance, mounted on his horse, with his sword ready. He could venture alone, with the whole world as his home, roaming freely, yet unwavering. Thúy Kiều understands this but still requests to accompany him to serve him as his wife:

“She said: 'As a woman, I must obey
Where you go, I too wish to follow'”

The traditional “three obediences and four virtues” guide her, and Thúy Kiều simply wishes to follow her husband, sharing his burdens. This request stems not only from the Confucian expectation of a wife but also from the deep gratitude Thúy Kiều feels towards Từ Hải for rescuing her. Yet, as much as she wishes, Từ Hải has made his decision:

“Từ said: 'You understand my heart
Why haven’t you overcome the common female emotions?
When I have a hundred thousand soldiers
The sound of war drums shaking the earth, the banners flying high
Then I will bring you back as my wife.'”

In response to Kiều’s plea, Từ Hải expresses disappointment that, although she is virtuous, she has not yet risen above the typical emotions of a woman. He advises her not to focus too much on “obedience to the husband.” His brief reproach is followed by a promise: once he has achieved success, amassed an army of a hundred thousand soldiers, and built his empire, he will return and bring her home with honor.

This moment marks the deepest expression of Từ Hải’s heroic spirit. He is not one to be swayed by love or typical emotional attachments but is resolute in his pursuit of greatness. Instead of lingering in farewell with words of love and longing, Từ Hải asserts his certainty of success in his journey.

In the excerpt “Heroic Ambitions,” Nguyễn Du has skillfully created the image of a hero with a new ideal, combining exceptional artistic talent and deep insight. Từ Hải emerges not only as a person with great ambitions and aspirations but also as a compassionate figure, deeply caring for his beloved and confidante.

*The Tale of Kiều* is a masterpiece in Nguyễn Du's literary works and a significant contribution to the flourishing of Vietnamese literature in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Through *The Tale of Kiều*, the great poet Nguyễn Du not only shows his deep empathy and sorrow for Kiều’s troubled life but also conveys his longing for a hero who could save the people and quell chaos, represented through the figure of Từ Hải. In the excerpt 'Heroic Ambition', Từ Hải is highlighted in the first twelve lines with extraordinary qualities and noble ambitions of a true hero, one who 'bears the sky on his head and treads on the earth with his feet':

Half a year of fragrant love,
The warrior’s heart stirred in all directions.
Looking at the vast sky and sea,
With sword in hand, the horse trots along the way.

After enduring numerous life setbacks, it seemed that Kiều’s life would forever be crushed in sorrow and shame, yet Từ Hải appeared as a beacon of hope for her future. Meeting and being with Từ Hải was a rare moment of happiness in Kiều’s life. However, even in this rare happiness, her life could not quell the heroic spirit of Từ Hải:

“Half a year of fragrant love,
The warrior’s heart stirred in all directions.
Looking at the vast sky and sea,
With sword in hand, the horse trots along the way.”

After living happily with Kiều for half a year, Từ Hải decided to leave and fulfill his grand ambition. Từ Hải was a hero destined to 'conquer the world', with the desire to roam far and wide, 'a lone wanderer in a distant land'. Thus, even though he was living his happiest days with the woman he loved and cherished, the hero could not abandon his greater purpose: 'The warrior’s heart stirred in all directions'.

The author Nguyễn Du portrays Từ Hải’s departure through the swift and decisive action of the verb 'stirred', which emphasizes his decisiveness and rapid motion. The image of 'the vast sky and sea' is not just a metaphor for the expansive world where the hero is free to roam but also symbolizes the vast and extraordinary nature of his ambitions. The imagery of sword and horse 'riding along the straight path' highlights Từ Hải’s calm, composed, and dignified demeanor as he embarks on his journey.

Understanding Từ Hải’s ambition and determination, Kiều does not try to stop him but expresses her desire to follow him to take care of him:

“She said: 'As a woman, I must obey
Where you go, I too wish to follow.'”

Thúy Kiều wishes to follow Từ Hải, sharing in his responsibilities, fulfilling her duties as a wife, and honoring her bond with a benefactor who saved her life. While moved by Kiều’s devotion, Từ Hải resolutely declines, not wanting to be encumbered by romantic ties, and also wishing to protect her from the dangers of the battlefield:

“Từ said: 'You understand my heart
Why haven’t you overcome the common emotions of women?
When I have a hundred thousand soldiers
The sound of war drums shaking the earth, the banners flying high
Then I will bring you back as my wife.'”

Even though he understands Kiều’s feelings, Từ Hải still urges her to rise above typical feminine emotions, promising that when he achieves his great mission, he will return and take her with honor. Through these words, we see the noble qualities of Từ Hải, who is not swayed by emotion but remains resolute and decisive in his actions. It’s important to understand that his decision to leave is not out of coldness or prioritizing duty over love. He is a deeply emotional person, and rather than becoming sentimental, he aims to demonstrate his love and commitment through action, striving for success so that Kiều will not only have honor but also his deep affection.

The hero Từ Hải is a remarkable artistic creation by Nguyễn Du, both in terms of creative inspiration and narrative technique. How many more praises can we give to this extraordinary figure?

The excerpt 'Heroic Ambition' from *The Tale of Kiều* by Nguyễn Du focuses on Từ Hải – the ideal hero with extraordinary qualities. This is clearly portrayed in the first twelve lines of the poem:

"Half a year of fragrant love

The warrior's heart stirred in all directions

...............

Revealing his extraordinary nature

At that point, I will take you as my wife."

The first four lines of the excerpt highlight Từ Hải's desire to pursue his mission:

"Half a year of fragrant love
The warrior's heart stirred in all directions
Looking at the vast sky and sea
With sword in hand, the horse trots along the way."

While love and marital happiness are blooming, Từ Hải resolves to depart and leave his beautiful and talented wife to fulfill his noble aspirations. In ancient society, a man was recognized for his accomplishments and achievements. As Nguyễn Công Trứ once wrote:

"The ambition of a man spans across the north, south, east, and west,
To exhaust his strength in the vast world."

Từ Hải is a man who longs to 'roam' the world, so he is 'stirred in all directions'. He has a strong determination to make a name for himself. The verb 'stirred' here conveys a sense of swiftness and determination. Nguyễn Du places the hero in a difficult situation: on one side, the warm, loving marital life, a temptation; on the other, a vast world where he can express his talents. The noble warrior chooses to follow his dreams and ambitions without hesitation. Nguyễn Du honors Từ Hải by referring to him as 'trượng phu' – a man of great will and a hero. Even though Kiều’s beauty and their happy life together pull at Từ Hải’s heart, he resolves to set out on his journey to achieve his great ambition, to 'roam the world', without hesitation. His wish to conquer the world is understandable. The image of Từ Hải leaving with his sword and horse under the vast sky is powerful and majestic. Personal happiness cannot hinder the steps of a true hero. Từ Hải is not a man confined to one family, one village, or one town, but a man of the world, of the sky and earth (Hoài Thanh). He faces the universe with great resolve.

Every farewell carries sorrow, tears, and the farewell between Thúy Kiều and Kim Trọng is no exception:

"She said: 'As a woman, I must obey
Where you go, I too wish to follow.'"

Confucianism dictates that women must follow the 'three obediences': at home with their father, upon marriage with their husband, and after the husband’s death, with their son. Thúy Kiều subtly references this Confucian rule to express her wish to accompany her husband. In the height of their love, she does not wish to be separated from Từ Hải, who is not only her husband but also the benefactor who saved her from a life of disgrace. She wants to follow him, assist him, and share in the difficulties of life. Her desire is entirely reasonable, for a woman must follow her husband. Even though she faces hardships, Kiều is determined to stay with Từ Hải. But in the noble spirit of a true gentleman, Từ Hải responds:

"Từ said: 'You understand my heart
Why haven’t you overcome the common emotions of women?
When I have a hundred thousand soldiers
The sound of war drums shaking the earth, the banners flying high.
Then I will take you as my wife.'"

Though they understand each other deeply, Từ Hải asks why Kiều has not yet overcome her feminine emotions. This is a gentle reproach, questioning why, despite being a soulmate, she does not understand his actions. At the same time, it is an encouragement for her to endure the current hardships and look forward to a bright future. Từ Hải reassures Kiều with sincere and deep affection, promising that when he becomes an extraordinary and successful man, commanding 'a hundred thousand soldiers', he will return and marry her with honor, amidst the sounds of war drums and the sight of flags flying.

Through the first twelve lines of *Heroic Ambition*, Nguyễn Du presents Từ Hải as a noble figure, with his heroic spirit and exceptional ambitions. Từ Hải is an ideal hero in *The Tale of Kiều* by the great poet Nguyễn Du.

For Thúy Kiều, Từ Hải is not just the beloved husband she cherishes, but also the man she owes her life to, as it was Từ Hải who rescued her from the life of shame. Faced with Từ Hải’s decision to depart, Kiều knew she could not stop him, but her heart could not bear the thought of him leaving alone. She expressed her wish to accompany him, to care for and support him:

"She said: 'As a woman, I must obey
Where you go, I too wish to follow.'"

Thúy Kiều emphasizes the Confucian principle of 'a wife must follow her husband,' reflecting her desire to accompany him, to serve him and help him on his journey. Moved by her sincere request, Từ Hải was deeply touched but ultimately refused, fearing that Thúy Kiều, as a woman, would suffer hardships. To comfort her, Từ Hải made a promise: when he had built his great career, he would return to marry her with all honor:

"Từ said: 'You understand my heart
Why haven't you transcended the typical feelings of women?
When I have a hundred thousand soldiers
The sound of war drums will shake the earth, and the flags will fill the roads.
Then I will take you as my wife.'"

According to Từ Hải, Thúy Kiều had not yet overcome the typical emotions of a woman, and this was also an encouragement for her to not worry while he pursued his great mission. As a hero destined for greatness, Từ Hải was determined to leave and build a grand career, with the dream of commanding "a hundred thousand soldiers." Once his ambition was realized, he would return to take Kiều as his wife amidst the sounds of triumphant drums and the sight of banners flying in the sky.

Through these dialogues, Nguyễn Du reveals the immense ambition and noble spirit of the hero Từ Hải, who carries with him a vision of greatness.

In this excerpt, Nguyễn Du has created a completely new image of the character Từ Hải compared to his portrayal in "Kim Vân Kiều Truyện" by Thanh Tâm Tài Nhân. In Nguyễn Du's "Truyện Kiều", Từ Hải is no longer depicted as a mere bandit, but as an idealized, extraordinary hero. This version of Từ Hải merges the allegorical imagery of a character, characteristic of Nguyễn Du’s unique narrative style, with that of a cosmic human figure, grand and majestic.

After being ensnared and falling into the brothel for the second time, Kiều lives in constant suffering and torment. It is at this dark moment that Từ Hải appears like a savior, rescuing Kiều from the wretched life. However, despite their deep love for each other, Từ Hải’s burning ambition to build a great career cannot be overshadowed. That is why, just six months into their blossoming love, Từ Hải sets off once again, driven by his relentless desire for success:

"Six months of love, intense and warm,
A true man’s heart quickly swayed by the call of the four corners.
Gazing towards the vast, boundless sky and sea,
His sword and steed ready, set on a direct path."

Even though their love was passionate for six months, Từ Hải’s grand ambition and thirst for fame led him to be swiftly moved by the call of the four corners of the world. The phrase "four corners" serves as a symbolic and allegorical expression representing Từ Hải’s drive to achieve his great career. Similarly, the imagery of the "vast, boundless sky and sea" reflects the boundlessness of his aspirations. These metaphors elevate Từ Hải’s character, portraying him as a man of extraordinary stature, where love and personal matters cannot halt his progress. In the entirety of the work, Nguyễn Du uses the word "trượng phu" to describe Từ Hải, affirming his great spirit. The imagery of "his sword and steed, set on a direct path" conveys the calm, composed demeanor of this heroic figure on his journey to build his legacy.

For Thúy Kiều, Từ Hải is not only a loving husband but also a benefactor who saved her from the disgrace of the brothel. Therefore, when faced with her husband’s resolve to pursue his grand ambitions, Kiều asks to accompany him to care for and support him:

"She said: As a woman, I must obey
Where you go, I too wish to follow."

She wishes to fulfill the Confucian ideal of "following her husband" because, in her view, a wife must accompany her husband in all things, sharing both joys and hardships. But despite her heartfelt request, Từ Hải firmly declines, yet reassures her:

"Từ said: You understand my heart
Why haven't you transcended the typical feelings of women?
When I have a hundred thousand soldiers
The sound of war drums will shake the earth, and the flags will fill the roads.
Then I will take you as my wife."

In response to Kiều’s request to accompany him, Từ Hải gently reproaches her, saying: "Why haven’t you transcended the typical feelings of women?" This serves as both a reproach and an encouragement for Kiều not to focus too much on the personal matter of "following her husband" but to prioritize the great mission ahead. With his steadfast determination and grand ambition, Từ Hải assures her that he will build an empire, commanding "a hundred thousand soldiers," and when successful, he will return to claim Kiều as his wife amidst the sounds of victorious drums and flags flying high. When Từ Hải achieves his goal, he will bring Kiều into a life of prestige and honor as his true companion.

Through these words, Từ Hải’s heroic spirit is vividly portrayed. Instead of bidding a tearful farewell, his words are filled with dreams of future success and firm belief that he will return victorious.