Top 10 Analytical Essays on the Character of Từ Hải in Excerpts from "The Tale of Kiều" by Nguyễn Du

The Tale of Kiều by Nguyễn Du is a masterpiece that has solidified Nguyễn Du's fame. In this work, the author successfully creates vibrant, unforgettable characters such as Thúy Kiều, Hoạn Thư, Sở Khanh, Mã Giám Sinh, and Từ Hải.

The excerpt where Kiều meets Từ Hải occurs after she escapes Hoạn Thư’s grasp but unfortunately falls into the hands of Bạc Bà and Bạc Hạnh, marking her second fall into the brothel. This chapter captures Kiều’s sorrow and despair until fate intervenes, bringing her to Từ Hải. It is here that Kiều truly finds herself moved by this heroic figure.

"The heart of a woman can captivate even the most valiant of heroes." When Từ Hải meets Thúy Kiều, he is deeply impressed by her beauty, talent, and noble character. He immediately decides to redeem her and marry her. At this moment, Kiều transitions from being a girl in a brothel to a respected wife. The excerpt beautifully illustrates their romantic encounter, with Nguyễn Du painting Từ Hải as a heroic figure with a remarkable appearance and noble personality.

Từ Hải is portrayed as a true hero, a man with a grand presence, both humble and bold. When he meets Thúy Kiều under the serene autumn moonlight, the setting is picturesque and romantic. Từ Hải’s striking appearance is described in a way that conveys the heroic aura, with vivid details that emphasize his strength and charisma:

"With a lion's beard, a swallow's jaw, and brows like a monarch's,

His shoulders broad as five spans, his height as tall as ten feet."

He is a true hero, skilled in martial arts, with a mind for strategy and prowess in combat:

A hero of great repute,

With mighty strength and brilliant strategy,

Initially, his identity is cloaked in mystery, and his physical appearance and abilities are introduced before his name or origins are revealed. This method serves to pique the reader’s curiosity, highlighting Từ Hải’s extraordinary and enigmatic qualities: rebellious, indomitable, free-spirited, and dismissive of fame and power:

"Heaven above, earth below—he dominates the world,

His name is Từ, his family hails from the East."

"A wandering hero, wielding a sword and steering the nation's fate."

Từ Hải embodies the image of a noble man who defies heaven and earth, demonstrating a fearless and upright character. His firm stance on the ground symbolizes his steadfastness. Nguyễn Du’s depiction of Từ Hải reveals the author’s respect for this heroic figure.

Throughout his verses, Nguyễn Du expresses his admiration and affection for Từ Hải, an ideal hero who embodies the pursuit of freedom, grandeur, and perfection in life. Từ Hải represents a beautiful, noble character in The Tale of Kiều.

As an upright and noble hero, Từ Hải never criticizes Kiều for her background but instead recognizes her purity, wisdom, and virtue, immediately redeeming her and marrying her.

"I brought her name to the red mansion,

Both of us exchanged glances, and our hearts immediately entwined."

In their first encounter, their expressions were strikingly different. When Kiều met Kim Trọng, she was shy and reserved, as is typical of a young girl experiencing love for the first time: "Love is subtle, the outer shyness still lingers." But when Kiều meets Từ Hải, their mutual gaze signals instant attraction: "We exchanged glances, both hearts in unison."

In Nguyễn Du's poetry, every line conveys the mutual connection of two souls that find common ground in their emotions, reflected through their shared glances. Từ Hải’s visit to the brothel is not a casual romantic encounter but the meeting of two soulmates, a bond forged by fate. For Kiều, after enduring numerous hardships and romantic struggles, she finds solace in the arms of this hero, seeking stability and happiness.

"With one promise, we belong to each other,

For all eternity, in all things, we are one."

Từ Hải’s noble action of redeeming Kiều from the brothel and marrying her demonstrates his honor as a gentleman. He values Kiều not just as a woman of beauty but as a kindred spirit. Even though Từ Hải is moved by Kiều’s beauty, his actions reflect a deeper, sincere affection. After marrying Từ Hải, Kiều transforms into a virtuous wife, fulfilling her role with grace and loyalty, while their marriage blossoms with romance and harmony.

"A hero and a maiden of the green boat,

Destined to be a pair, as graceful as a phoenix and dragon."

In this excerpt, from the tone to the language, Nguyễn Du conveys his deep affection for the couple, Kiều and Từ Hải. When they unite, Kiều becomes a noblewoman, while Từ Hải reveals his romantic side, expressing heartfelt love for her. For Kiều, this marriage is a significant turning point, lifting her from her past as a woman in the brothel to a respected, empowered figure, with the opportunity to right the wrongs done to her.

Nguyễn Du greatly honors the love story of Kiều and Từ Hải, portraying them as an ideal couple. Through his verses, he paints Từ Hải as a noble hero, embodying courage, kindness, and the pursuit of freedom. The passage also reflects Nguyễn Du’s compassion for Thúy Kiều, for whom he wrote with deep empathy, portraying her as a virtuous woman who endured many trials in life.

In Nguyễn Du's *Truyện Kiều*, Thúy Kiều is a beautiful and talented woman, yet cursed with an unfortunate fate. Over the course of 15 years filled with trials, she experiences multiple farewells, both from loved ones and lovers. Unlike the painful and heartbreaking separations, like the one with Kim Trọng, who left her just as their love was blooming, or the separation from Thúc Sinh, as he returned to visit his first wife after a year of happiness with her, the farewell with Từ Hải is different. It marks a departure to build a great career, fulfilling the hero's ambition in a feudal society. The segment is aptly titled 'Heroic Ambition' to depict Từ Hải's imposing and majestic demeanor through his farewell with Thúy Kiều.

After escaping from Hoạn Thư's house, Thúy Kiều finds refuge with Giác Duyên, a monk who helps her. She lives with Bạc Bà, who, impressed by her beauty, urges her to marry his nephew, Bạc Hạnh. However, Bạc Hạnh sells Kiều to a brothel, forcing her to endure a life of shame and degradation. Then, Từ Hải arrives, and the two fall deeply in love. Từ Hải rescues her, and they live happily together, but after just six months, Từ Hải grows restless, feeling confined by the peaceful life with Kiều. He longs to leave, to pursue his ambitions, to build a great career, and fulfill his dreams as a man. The passage 'Heroic Ambition' from *Truyện Kiều* (verses 2213-2230) vividly illustrates the courage, ideals, and ambition of Từ Hải through his farewell to Thúy Kiều.

At first, Từ Hải’s heroic spirit is displayed when he decides to leave in search of greatness despite the sweetness of marital bliss. This period, particularly for a couple so deeply in love, would be considered a peak of happiness for ordinary people, but not for Từ Hải. His ambition drives him to seek a larger purpose, unwilling to settle for a simple life. He chooses to leave, putting aside his personal desires for a higher calling. His resolve is clear when he quickly leaves, determined to conquer the world and pursue his dreams of fame.

The term 'four directions' refers to the vast ambition of a man seeking to make a name in the feudal world. The phrase 'heart moved' indicates that Từ Hải had nurtured this ambition for a long time, and after six months of peaceful life with Kiều, his desire to achieve something greater was awakened. His departure is sudden and decisive, as described by the word 'quickly'. It marks his transformation from a husband to a hero, ready to pursue his grand aspirations.

The term 'hero' highlights Nguyễn Du’s deep admiration for Từ Hải, representing the author's vision of a figure who embodies extraordinary qualities and stands up for justice in society. Từ Hải's departure is not just an act of ambition but also a demonstration of his strong will. The verses 'The sword is sheathed, the horse is ready, and the journey begins' and 'He resolutely leaves' depict his swift and determined departure. The use of phrases like 'straightforward', 'resolute' emphasizes his decisiveness, showing his strong character.

Furthermore, Từ Hải’s heroic spirit is reflected in his conversation with Thúy Kiều. As an intelligent and understanding woman, she does not oppose his decision to leave but wishes to accompany him in his endeavors. Từ Hải, however, explains that she must stay behind until he has built his career and earned his glory, promising to return for her once he has achieved greatness.

In the first two lines, Từ Hải’s words 'You still have the mind of a woman, not yet free from the usual feminine concerns' express both a gentle reproach and encouragement for Kiều to rise above traditional female roles and become worthy of being his partner. He assures her that after achieving his goal, he will return for her, with a promise of a grand future. He uses vivid imagery like 'ten thousand troops', 'echoing drums', and 'a path full of triumph', to paint a picture of his future success. This gives Kiều hope and confidence in his return, reinforcing Từ Hải’s ambition and self-assuredness.

The image of the 'four directions' and vast sky emphasizes the limitless scope of Từ Hải’s dreams. The imagery of the heroic journey—'the wind and clouds are ready'—symbolizes his readiness to embark on a grand adventure to achieve greatness. His journey is not only one of personal ambition but also of the quest for justice and freedom in a restrictive society.

In conclusion, the 'Heroic Ambition' passage portrays Từ Hải as a character of extraordinary qualities, driven by a desire to achieve greatness. His journey reflects not only personal aspirations but also a yearning for justice and freedom. Nguyễn Du uses literary techniques to elevate Từ Hải into a heroic figure who stands for the ideals of justice and liberty, leaving a lasting impression on readers with his vision of a larger-than-life hero.

The hero Từ Hải is a remarkable creation by Nguyễn Du, both in terms of creative inspiration and artistic portrayal. Through the excerpt 'The Heroic Ambition' from *The Tale of Kiều*, one can observe many innovative elements in the development of the character, as well as the significance of his image.

'The Heroic Ambition' is a passage created by Nguyễn Du in *The Tale of Kiều*, not found in the original *Kim Vân Kiều Truyện* (by Thanh Tâm Tài Nhân). In Thanh Tâm Tài Nhân's story, Từ Hải is depicted as a rough figure, resembling a bandit, and he even failed his exams and engaged in trade. Nguyễn Du omitted these details and instead constructed a beautiful hero figure.

The hero is a traditional idealized character in classical literature. However, this figure does not frequently appear in Nguyễn Du's works. In *The Tale of Kiều*, Nguyễn Du only creates one heroic figure: Từ Hải. Từ Hải is Nguyễn Du's favorite character. The poet crafts the image of the hero according to his own perspective. Từ Hải is a fusion of two symbols: the idealized symbol and the cosmic man. This marks a unique innovation in Nguyễn Du's portrayal of the heroic figure, distinct from previous artists.

Before Nguyễn Du, the Lý-Trần literature had already established numerous heroic figures. These include two saintly kings in *Bạch Đằng Giang Phú* by Trương Hán Siêu, the lyrical character in *Tụng Giá Hoàn Kinh Sư* by Trần Quang Khải, and the lyrical figure in *Thuật Hoài* by Phạm Ngũ Lão. During the Lê Dynasty, in *Bình Ngô Đại Cáo*, Nguyễn Trãi also portrayed the heroic figure Lê Lợi. Most of these heroes blend realistic depictions with cosmic elements. They appear both with authentic traits:

'Seizing the spear at Chương Dương ferry'

'Gripping the spear at Hàm Tử pass'

and with extraordinary aspects:

'Spreading the spear across the land'

'Waving the spear over the rivers and mountains.'

In constructing the figure of Từ Hải in 'The Heroic Ambition', Nguyễn Du combines both stylized and cosmic portrayals. The two aspects—idealization and cosmic inspiration—are intertwined:

'Half a year of incense burning,'

'The hero quickly stirs the heart across the four directions.'

'Looking out to the vast sky and sea, '

'The sword on horseback heads straight ahead.'

The concept of 'four directions' here represents the entire world, including the North, South, East, and West. In ancient times, it symbolized the desire for the son to achieve great success in life. Thus, 'the four directions' symbolizes not just a cosmic man but also a symbolic representation of ambition for success and career.

Similarly, the imagery of 'looking at the vast sky and sea' and the references to great birds, wind, and clouds evoke both idealization and a sense of the vast cosmic scope of Từ Hải. This blend of symbolism helps to portray a grand, extraordinary, and idealized hero figure. This combination makes the heroic image in Nguyễn Du's work an ideal that cannot be realistically captured. Moreover, because it is idealized, the image of the hero Từ Hải is forever a dream of the poet, a wish for someone like him to fulfill justice for the suffering characters like Thúy Kiều.

The second innovation in Nguyễn Du's construction of the heroic image of Từ Hải in 'The Heroic Ambition' lies in the portrayal of the character's speech. Nguyễn Du lets two characters converse, with Thúy Kiều speaking first:

'She said: “As a woman, I follow your lead,

Where you go, I will follow with all my heart.”

Despite his love and respect for her, Từ Hải replies firmly and reasonably:

'Từ said: “You understand my heart,

Why cling to the typical female role?”

Từ Hải does not falter in his commitment to his high ideals because of love. In his words, the image of the 'hundred thousand soldiers' and the sound of drums evoke 'the great ambition and cosmic scope of the ancient hero.' He also emphasizes his determination and the inevitability of success with a simple remark: 'One year at the most—why rush!' Nguyễn Du does not need to describe in detail; just these few words bring the character to life with heroic spirit.

In reading 'The Heroic Ambition', we can see that when depicting the character's thoughts and actions, the author chooses verbs that convey speed, decisiveness, and determination: 'quickly', 'straight ahead', 'leaving without hesitation.' These words contribute to defining the heroic personality of Từ Hải.

Thus, it is clear that in 'The Heroic Ambition', Nguyễn Du introduced many innovative techniques in character portrayal. Thanks to these, Từ Hải's image has left a profound and unique impression on readers, standing out among other heroic figures. His deep affection for the character and his artistic talent allowed Nguyễn Du to achieve great success in crafting the heroic figure of Từ Hải in this excerpt.

Through the pen of Nguyễn Du, Từ Hải first appears as a heroic figure, standing tall with the heavens above and the earth beneath. When he rescues Kiều from the brothel, it is out of righteousness and his deep admiration for Kiều as a soulmate. However, when he marries Kiều, Từ becomes deeply affectionate. Yet, despite his love, Từ never forgets his heroic nature. In a feudal society, a man must always have the ambition to make his mark in the vast world. Từ Hải is a true hero with a grand vision and the resolve to achieve his noble goals. Even while living with Kiều in a period of peace and happiness, Từ remains focused on his higher purpose. At the peak of his happiness, his 'heart stirs with the four directions,' and his thoughts turn to the vast sky and sea, with his sword at his side, ready to embark on his journey. The imagery of 'the vast sky and sea' and 'a straight path' highlights Từ Hải's heroic spirit.

The author presents the image of 'the sword on horseback, ready for a straight journey,' before allowing Từ Hải and Kiều to bid farewell. Is this illogical? No, the term 'straight journey' can be interpreted as 'a quick departure,' not that Từ is speaking first before his departure. Therefore, we can imagine that Từ Hải mounts his horse and then bids Kiều farewell. This farewell is unlike any of the previous ones with Kim Trọng or Thúc Sinh. When Kiều bids Kim Trọng goodbye, it is a lover's farewell, filled with longing for the first love she must leave behind. When she parts from Thúc Sinh, it is because he must return home to seek permission from Hoạn Thư for Kiều to be his concubine, with little hope of a reunion. But the farewell with Từ Hải is the departure of a hero, embarking on a mission to fulfill his destiny. Thus, the nature of these three farewells is distinctly different. Từ Hải’s farewell speech to Kiều reflects his character. First, Từ Hải is an extraordinary man of great ambition. When he bids Kiều farewell, she says:

She said: 'As a woman, I must follow my husband,

If you go, I will follow you with all my heart.'

Từ Hải responded:

He said: 'My true companion understands,

Why haven’t you overcome the nature of a woman’s tenderness?'

In his response, Từ Hải expresses his hope that Kiều understands him and, as a soulmate, shares in all aspects of life. He encourages her to overcome the natural reluctance of a woman in love and to stand strong as the wife of a hero. He promises to return victorious, with a great legacy, to bring her back in honor:

When I have ten thousand troops,

The sound of drums will shake the earth, the flag will fill the roads.

Only then will I bring you home as my honored wife.

Truly, this is the farewell of a hero with great ambition, not the tearful, weak farewell of Thúc Sinh. For Từ Hải, a hero’s mission is the meaning of life. He believes that achieving his great goals will make him worthy of Kiều's trust and love. Secondly, Từ Hải is a man of immense self-confidence:

I am willing to wait a while,

Why rush, I can return in just a year!

From his thoughts, actions, and words, it is clear that Từ Hải is confident in his future. He is certain that within a year, he will return victorious, having built a vast empire. In this excerpt, the author skillfully combines classical Chinese-Vietnamese language with vernacular speech, using many symbolic images and allusions. Notably, Nguyễn Du reimagines Từ Hải as an idealized hero. All his language and descriptions align with this idealization.

In terms of language, the author uses the term 'hero,' a word that only appears in this context and refers exclusively to Từ Hải. The second significant word is 'suddenly,' in the lines:

In the heat of passion,

The hero suddenly feels his heart stir with ambition.

For someone lacking determination, it would be easy to forget their greater purpose while living in marital bliss. But Từ Hải is different; even in the midst of happiness, he 'suddenly' remembers his life’s mission. This resolve fits Từ Hải’s character, as he believes that accomplishing his great goals will earn the trust and love that Kiều has placed in him. The phrase 'the heart stirs with ambition' symbolizes Từ Hải’s broader worldview, showing that he is not bound by local or familial ties, but by the vastness of the universe.

The metaphor 'the wind and clouds reach their destination' is a beautiful and meaningful comparison. The author likens Từ Hải to a great bird soaring high, free to roam the vast seas. This image also captures the exhilaration of a hero fulfilling his destiny, departing with joy. This does not mean Từ Hải is not sad to leave Kiều, but rather emphasizes his heroic spirit. The image 'the sword on horseback, ready for a straight journey' shows Từ Hải mounting his horse and saying farewell, capturing his extraordinary nature as a true hero in a feudal society.

The descriptions and dialogue also carry special nuances. Kiều knows Từ Hải is leaving with 'no home in all four directions,' yet she is willing to follow him. The word 'follow' in this context is not just the Confucian concept of a woman’s duty to follow her husband, but also conveys a sense of shared purpose and partnership in the challenges Từ Hải will face. Từ Hải’s statement that Kiều has not yet overcome the 'tender nature of a woman' is not a criticism, but a hope that she will become stronger to stand by a hero’s side. Từ Hải promises that when he returns, he will have ten thousand soldiers, and Kiều believes in him. This shows their deep understanding and mutual respect.

This excerpt celebrates the heroic spirit of Từ Hải, an extraordinary man of reason, and reaffirms the deep connection between Kiều and Từ Hải as soulmates, not just as a married couple.

Nguyen Du's writing skillfully brings the characters in "The Tale of Kieu" to life with vivid detail, leaving a deep impression on the reader. The characters possess both universal and distinctive traits, especially in terms of their psychology and personality. A single verse is enough to reveal the essence of a character. The excerpt depicting the heroism of Tu Hai, who leaves to pursue his destiny and bids farewell to Thuy Kieu, is a prime example of Nguyen Du's masterful character depiction.

Tu Hai is a man of great passion, but above all, he is a warrior with a strong will. His ambition and determination to achieve his high goal form the foundation of his character. Tu Hai's desire to conquer the vast world becomes a force of nature, unstoppable and uncontainable. Living in a moment of bliss with Thuy Kieu, his heart is stirred by a deeper calling. Immediately, his thoughts turn to the wide, open sky and he prepares to leave with his sword and horse. The phrase "stirred by the four directions" refers to the inner urge to pursue his larger purpose. From the first two lines, we see that Tu Hai is not an ordinary man; he possesses the spirit of a hero. The imagery in the third and fourth lines (the vast sky and the straight road) powerfully conveys his heroic determination: Tu Hai rides alone with his sword!

The words Tu Hai speaks during his farewell reveal his heroic character. Tu Hai is a man of great ambition and cannot remain confined to a life of domestic bliss. In a moment of happiness, he is instantly reminded of his calling and the importance of his mission. For Tu Hai, his career is not just a means of survival; it is the key to fulfilling the trust and expectations of his true companion. Therefore, there is no lingering sorrow or complaints during the farewell. Moreover, his admonition to Kieu, urging her to transcend ordinary emotions, encourages her to become the wife of a hero. In the future, Kieu's longing for him (as expressed in her poem "The petals of the rose floating in the air - Eyes straining towards the far horizon") will reflect not just the yearning for her distant lover but also for Tu Hai's success.

Tu Hai is a man of great self-control and confidence. Even in the harshest circumstances, he considers himself a hero, certain that his future will be full of achievements. Now, as he sets off with only his sword and horse, Tu Hai firmly believes that within a year, he will return with great accomplishments.

Tu Hai is a character idealized by Nguyen Du. Through his choice of words and artistic imagery, Nguyen Du presents Tu Hai as an extraordinary man.

The term "Truong Phu" refers to a man of great ambition. The phrase "quickly deciding" captures Tu Hai's decisive nature. The four words "stirred by the four directions" indicate that Tu Hai is "not just from one household, one clan, or one village, but a man of the world, of the four corners of the earth" (Hoai Thanh). The phrase "throwing off his cloak" in the line "Determined, he threw off his cloak and left" highlights Tu Hai's extraordinary resolve during his farewell: while the one left behind clings to the cloak, the one departing discards it resolutely.

Furthermore, Tu Hai's extraordinary nature means that his departure cannot be like anyone else's. The image of "The wind and clouds have gathered, it's time to set sail" illustrates the grand vision of a great hero. Tu Hai leaves with only his sword and horse, yet he is confident that when he returns, he will command an army of one hundred thousand soldiers. While the specifics of how he will achieve this are not mentioned, Kieu believes in him, and the reader, too, is not left with doubts.

Nguyen Du succeeds in using language, imagery, and idealized artistic techniques to transform Tu Hai into an iconic, extraordinary figure with vivid and concrete qualities.

The heroic spirit is taken from the second part of Gia Bien and Luu Lac in Nguyen Du's Tale of Kieu. This part was creatively written by Nguyen Du and does not appear in the original Chinese text. The excerpt vividly depicts the hero Từ Hải, while also conveying meaningful messages through his character.

The text narrates the farewell between Thúy Kiều and Từ Hải after six months of passionate love. Từ Hải embarks on a journey, showing his determination to achieve grand ambitions. Even before this excerpt, as soon as Từ Hải appears, Nguyen Du introduces the image of the hero through his external appearance:

"His beard like a tiger's whiskers, his jaw sharp as a swallow's"

"His shoulders five spans wide, his body ten spans tall"

Or his talent:

"A true hero, a master of both skills and strategy."

To highlight this greatness, the first four lines of poetry portray a hero full of grand dreams and noble aspirations:

"Half a year in the warmth of love,"

"The man of great ambition is moved in all directions."

"Looking out at the vast sky and ocean,"

"The sword on his horse, ready to journey forward."

At the peak of his happiness with Thúy Kiều, Từ Hải decides to leave to fulfill his great mission. Usually, men struggle to abandon personal happiness, but Từ Hải is different. Despite being in his most joyous period, deep inside, his burning ambition still waits for the right moment to act. His departure is swift, demonstrating a sudden change in his resolve.

As soon as he thinks of his grand ambitions, he immediately wants to depart. His stance of "looking out" reflects his confident, determined, and steadfast character. Nguyen Du uses powerful words to describe Từ Hải's resolve: "A true hero," "Moved by all directions," and "The vast sky and ocean," indicating a grand space where Từ Hải can realize his ambition.

Through the first four lines, Nguyen Du skillfully portrays a heroic figure with great dreams, noble aspirations, and a large, encompassing will. The dialogue between Từ Hải and Thúy Kiều further highlights the hero's characteristics. First, Từ Hải's words express his deep feelings for Thúy Kiều. He understands her concerns about his departure and reassures her, clarifying the emotional bond between them. He also scolds her for not yet overcoming the typical concerns of a woman:

"You are my trusted companion,"

"Why are you still trapped by the typical concerns of a woman?"

Từ Hải, a man of ambition, believes that his wife, as his confidante, must be strong and understanding, not behaving like ordinary women. To reassure Thúy Kiều, he promises:

"When I have ten thousand elite soldiers,"

"The sound of drums will shake the earth and the sky,"

"I will return to honor you as my wife."

This promise shows Từ Hải's deep respect and care for Thúy Kiều. He also explains that her desire to accompany him is impractical: "The world is vast, where would you go with me?" He reassures her that one year later, he will return in glory to bring her with him. Từ Hải’s words reflect the hero's grand aspirations to build a powerful army capable of shaking the world. His departure is driven by his desire to fulfill this great mission, showing his commitment to his larger cause over personal love.

Từ Hải's ambition is further expressed in his assertion that within one year, he will complete his mission and return. For a man aiming for greatness, one year is incredibly short, demonstrating his self-confidence and trust in his abilities. Through his dialogue with Thúy Kiều, Từ Hải's grand, powerful dreams and his deep love for Thúy Kiều are vividly captured.

The last two lines emphasize Từ Hải's determination: "I will depart resolutely, as the winds of change have come." The words "resolutely," "depart," and "leave" convey Từ Hải’s strong and decisive action. The image of the mythical bird flying high in the sky is used to symbolize the hero's lofty ideals, great ambition, and noble dreams.

Using symbolic and metaphorical techniques, Nguyen Du successfully portrays Từ Hải, a hero with great aspirations, ready to soar in the world. This image of Từ Hải also conveys Nguyen Du's belief in justice and the pursuit of his own destiny.

Từ Hải is a dream of Nguyễn Du, a dream of a hero, a dream of freedom and justice. Therefore, Từ Hải is a person with great ambition, an extraordinary individual. He comes from a dream and remains as a legend. In 'Truyện Kiều,' he embodies an epic personality, bringing the most vibrant and heroic pages to the long, sorrowful world of 'Đoạn Trường Tân Thanh.' The excerpt 'Chí Khí Anh Hùng' is a typical passage that clearly portrays Từ Hải's heroic spirit.

When Kiều is deceived and sent to the brothel for the second time, she is overwhelmed with sorrow and despair. Fortunately, Từ Hải unexpectedly appears, regards Kiều as a close friend, and rescues her from the brothel. Both are from the lower classes (a woman in the brothel, a bandit leader), despised and disregarded by the decaying feudal society, and they come together in a bond of deep friendship. Từ Hải admires Kiều's intelligence and cleverness, while Kiều recognizes Từ Hải as a rare hero with unparalleled ambition. Although Kiều loves and respects Từ Hải, she cannot hold him back from pursuing his heroic path. It is time for Kiều to let Từ Hải go and fulfill his heroic destiny. Từ Hải's character and spirit are expressed through the skillful use of classical Chinese and vernacular language, rich imagery, and allusions. Notably, Nguyễn Du reimagines Từ Hải through an idealized lens, and every word, image, and description aligns with this idealistic approach.

'Half a year of burning incense, still so fresh'

'The hero suddenly feels his heart stir for all directions.'

'Half a year' refers to the time Từ Hải and Kiều spent together, an amount of time too short to quench the passionate bond between the 'heroic man and the graceful woman.' However, Từ Hải quickly decides to leave, reminding himself that he is a warrior. In feudal society, a man must have the ambition to soar across the vast sky and earth. The term 'trượng phu' (heroic man) is used here for Từ Hải and is the only time Nguyễn Du employs it. 'Trượng phu' means a man of great ambition. The word 'thoắt' suggests sudden action, reflecting Từ Hải's decisive nature. If he were a man without resolve, he might have forgotten his higher purpose while in marital happiness. But Từ Hải is different; even in happiness, he is immediately reminded of his life's purpose and goals. This resolve aligns with his nature, and Từ Hải believes that fulfilling his great mission will prove worthy of Kiều's love and respect. The phrase 'stirring his heart for all directions' (according to Tản Đà, it means 'thinking about the vast world') suggests that Từ Hải is not just a local man but someone destined for the world. Thus, he looks toward the vast sky and the endless seas, with his 'sword sheathed and steed ready' as he sets off:

'Looking at the vast sky and seas'

'With his sword sheathed and steed ready, he sets off straight ahead.'

The vast sky and sea, the straight path, clearly symbolize Từ Hải's heroic spirit. Nguyễn Du creates the image of 'the sword sheathed and steed ready,' before allowing Từ Hải and Kiều to say their farewell. Is there a logical inconsistency? No, because 'straight ahead' can be understood as 'quickly' rather than a literal journey before the farewell. One could imagine that Từ Hải mounts his steed before saying farewell to Kiều. His words reflect his heroic character. First, Từ Hải is an extraordinary person, and as they part, Kiều says:

'As a woman, my duty is to follow you.'

'You go, I will follow with all my heart.'

Từ Hải replies:

'I said: A true friend knows each other's heart'

'Why are you still trapped in the common woman's thoughts?'

In his response, Từ Hải conveys a message of trust and encouragement to Kiều. He wants Kiều to understand him, that as close friends, they must share everything in life, and he encourages her to rise above the typical feminine concerns to be the wife of a hero. He promises that after achieving his mission, he will return to bring her home with honor:

'When I have ten thousand elite soldiers,'

'The sound of drums shaking the earth and the sight of banners filling the sky.'

'I will return to bring you as my wife.'

Indeed, this farewell reflects the spirit of a hero with a grand ambition, unlike the weak and sentimental partings seen with other characters. To Từ Hải, heroism is the essence of life. Moreover, he believes that only by achieving greatness can he be worthy of Kiều's trust and love. Secondly, Từ Hải is extremely confident in life:

'Wait a little while.'

'What does a year matter in the grand scheme of things!'

From his thoughts, appearance, actions, and words at the farewell, Từ Hải demonstrates his confidence in life. He believes that in just a year, he will achieve greatness and return with a grand accomplishment.

'With determination, he leaves.'

'The wind and clouds are ripe for his journey.'

The phrase 'determined to leave' highlights the strong, extraordinary nature of Từ Hải at this parting. The image of 'wind and clouds ripe for his journey' is a beautiful and meaningful metaphor. Nguyễn Du compares Từ Hải to a great eagle soaring high and far across the vast sea. The poem also expresses the joy of a person whose ambition is finally being realized. Farewells and reunions, opposites that follow one another, give greater meaning to life’s stages. Without them, life would be monotonous and dull. While reunions bring joy, farewells carry sorrow and sadness. Perhaps that's why literature often focuses more deeply on partings.

In 'Truyện Kiều,' Nguyễn Du portrays three partings. The first is Kiều seeing Kim Trọng off as he returns home for his uncle’s funeral, filled with longing for a first love. The second is Thúc Sinh's departure to ask Hoạn Thư for permission to marry Kiều, a hope of reunion that is uncertain. Từ Hải’s parting, however, is the farewell of a hero embarking on a journey to fulfill his destiny. The nature of these three partings is entirely different. Yet, with his masterful artistry, Nguyễn Du successfully portrays Từ Hải’s character with its distinct marks.

Through the form of a farewell, the excerpt 'Chí Khí Anh Hùng' carries Nguyễn Du's longing for freedom and justice. Từ Hải is like an eagle, flapping its wings to stir the heavens and the earth. Only those wings can protect the victims living under the dark skies of 'Truyện Kiều.'

After half a year together, Kiều and Tu Hai built a home filled with love, but at the peak of their affection, Tu Hai "suddenly felt the call of the four corners". It is said that a true hero's spirit lies across the four corners of the world. Nguyễn Công Trứ once wrote, "The ambition of a man should span north, south, east, and west, spreading his power across the seas". A man must live to honor his family and lineage, to make his mark on the world. Perhaps it was the feudal system that drove Tu Hai away from Kiều – for it imposed upon him the expectations of masculinity. Yet, it was this very expectation that led him to protect her, creating the unique essence of his character.

“Half a year of love’s sweet scent,

The hero’s heart soon yearns for the four corners.”

Tu Hai was always prepared – his sword was always ready, his horse waiting – he knew that sooner or later, he would depart. He was ready to leave without regret, for he was a man of honor, a man who believed "A true man would shed blood, but never tears".

“Looking toward the vast sky and sea,

The sword in hand and the steed set forth straight ahead.”

The vast space around him, endless and boundless, mirrors the resolute and unwavering stance of Tu Hai. He seemed to merge with the universe, becoming colossal, as if his will and ambition reached to the farthest corners of the universe.

“With firm resolve, he donned his armor and departed,

As the wind and clouds heralded the start of his journey.”

Tu Hai was no longer an ordinary man – Nguyễn Du depicted him as a celestial being, riding the winds and clouds, crossing mountains and seas, enduring every trial. His heart remained unchanged, still "firmly resolved" to go, still "ready to leave". For:

“Born a man, his fate lies in his will,

Sworn to change the world, with courage to move mountains.”

He wanted to offer Kiều a life of happiness. Confident in his abilities, he was like the legendary hero Đào Uyên Minh, who boldly stated "In my youth, I shed tears for my destiny, yet I rose to wield my sword, traveling alone".

“When I gather ten thousand elite soldiers,

The sound of war drums will shake the earth, banners will fill the streets,

My extraordinary feats will be clear,

Then I will bring you to my home as my bride.”

Tu Hai believed in his ambition – to become a general commanding an army of ten thousand, to shake the earth with his war drums, and to show the world his greatness. Once he achieved this, he would bring Kiều to his home with all the honor she deserved – a position of respect, making those who had wronged her tremble with fear. He knew that such a time was near, "Maybe just one year, what’s the rush?".

“She said: A woman’s place is to follow her man,

If you leave, I will follow you with all my heart.”

Tu Hai replied: "Your loyalty is understood,

But have you not yet overcome the natural feelings of a woman?"

Tu Hai, while admonishing Kiều for her attachment to her feminine nature, also expressed his concern for her:

“If now, the world offers no shelter,

Where will you go, burdened with this uncertainty?”

He was torn – wanting Kiều to be like a heroic figure, like Mộc Lan, who followed her husband across countless miles:

“She marched with the army for ten thousand miles,

Crossing mountains and passes as if flying,

The general fought a hundred battles and fell,

The warrior returned only after ten years.”

But at the same time, Tu Hai did not wish for Kiều to endure hardship – at the beginning of his journey, he would live as a wanderer, sleeping on the ground and under the stars. How could a delicate lady like Kiều bear such a life? This reflected his deep love and concern for her – a love rarely found in a warrior. This concern for his wife is truly admirable.

Nguyễn Du masterfully portrayed Tu Hai – a man of great ambitions and extraordinary actions, who, despite all his heroism, returns to being a caring, loving husband. As John S. Mill once said, "The truth always triumphs over evil; it is the sweetest lie that is repeated until it becomes widespread." In the same way, the story of "Truyện Kiều" tells of Tu Hai – a hero in the eyes of Kiều and those who share her fate, but ultimately brought down by dark, corrupt forces. Yet, in his brief appearance, Tu Hai embodied the hope for a life of fairness and happiness – a life that Nguyễn Du dreamed of for all people.