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1. Analytical Essay on the excerpt "The Sisters Thúy Kiều" by Nguyễn Du No. 4
2. Essay analyzing the excerpt "The Sisters Thúy Kiều" by Nguyễn Du No. 5
Nguyễn Du is a national poet and a world-renowned cultural figure. To this day, his work "Truyện Kiều" is regarded as a masterpiece of Nom poetry in Vietnamese literature. In it, Nguyễn Du demonstrates his mastery in various aspects, particularly in character development. Most of the portraits are vividly depicted and full of life. This is evident even in the excerpt "The Sisters Thúy Kiều".
In the first four lines, the poet does not describe but introduces the rank and overall beauty of the two sisters:
"Head of the family, the two beautiful girls,
Thúy Kiều is the older sister, and Thúy Vân is the younger sister.
Their appearance as elegant as the plum blossom, their spirits as pure as the snow,"
"Each has its own beauty, perfect in every way."
The term "ả" is used by the people of Nghệ An to address young women. "Tố nga" is a metaphor referring to the radiant beauty of young girls. Along with this metaphor is the symbolic image of "mai cốt cách" (the elegant structure of the plum blossom) and "tuyết tinh thần" (a spirit as pure as snow), evoking their delicate figures and noble personalities. "Tuyết tinh thần" represents a soul as pure and white as snow. Nguyễn Du also introduces the position of the two sisters, where the older sister is Thúy Kiều and the younger one is Thúy Vân, both with equal beauty and virtue, "Each has its own beauty, perfect in every way."
Next, Nguyễn Du goes into more detail describing the portraits of the two sisters, starting with Thúy Vân:
"Vân looks elegant, distinguished,
Her moon-shaped face, full and round, her brows perfect,
Her smile is as beautiful as a blooming flower, her voice as pure as jade,
Her hair softer than clouds, her skin fairer than snow."
The word "Trang trọng" is a Sino-Vietnamese term describing a graceful, dignified appearance, while "đoan trang" evokes the beauty of character and manner. Thúy Vân has an elegant and noble demeanor, a virtuous and proper character, which is typical of a well-bred girl. Her round, radiant face is as bright as a full moon. Her eyebrows are delicate and soft, and her smile is as radiant as a flower. Her voice is clear, and her words are as beautiful as pearls. Her hair is silky like the clouds, and her skin is smoother and whiter than snow.
For Thúy Vân, the reader perceives a gentle, serene beauty. Although few can compare to her, her beauty remains harmonious with nature: "The clouds are inferior to her hair, the snow yields to her complexion."
Before Thúy Vân's beauty, nature "yields" and "admits defeat"—not in conflict, but in peaceful submission. Does this foretell a calm, trouble-free life for her? The use of symbolic, metaphorical, and personified artistry by Nguyễn Du vividly and realistically brings Thúy Vân's portrait to life. Nguyễn Du then describes Thúy Kiều's beauty with a unique artistic approach:
"Kiều is even more graceful and charming,
In terms of beauty and talent, she excels beyond measure."
Thus, by describing Thúy Vân first, the poet uses her pure, gentle beauty as a backdrop to highlight the more refined, graceful, and talented beauty of Thúy Kiều. What makes Thúy Kiều even more special is that she is not just beautiful, but also a woman of exceptional talent.
"Her eyes are like autumn water, her brows like spring mountains,
The flowers are envious of her beauty, the willows resent her grace."
Using natural imagery and metaphorical artistry, the poet creates a vivid impression of Thúy Kiều's extraordinary beauty. When describing Kiều, the poet focuses on her eyes, for they represent not only physical beauty but also the intelligence and depth of her soul. While nature "yields" and "admits defeat" to Thúy Vân, with Thúy Kiều's unparalleled beauty, nature becomes "jealous" and "resentful". With this description, Nguyễn Du foreshadows the difficult and unpredictable future that Thúy Kiều will face.
Thúy Kiều is not only a beauty but also a woman of extraordinary talent. She is not just physically stunning, but also intellectually gifted and artistically accomplished: "Beauty claims the first place, while talent claims the second."
"She is naturally intelligent,
Skilled in poetry, painting, music, and singing,
Her music is masterful, a complete mastery of the five notes,
Her art surpasses even the finest musicians of her time."
Thúy Kiều excels in every area: music, chess, poetry, and painting. Her greatest talent, however, is her mastery of the lute. Kiều's playing reaches an ideal level of perfection according to the aesthetics of the feudal society at the time. In just four lines, Nguyễn Du captures her brilliance and artistry. The "lute of fate" composed by Thúy Kiều reflects the sorrow of a heart that is deeply sensitive and emotional.
Thúy Kiều's beauty is the perfect combination of appearance, talent, and character. The final four lines reflect Nguyễn Du's assessment of the lives of the two sisters: "Their lives are peaceful, the curtains drawn, the screens shielding them." Even though they have reached the age of marriage—when a woman ties her hair up and wears a hairpin—they continue to live under the protection of their family.
Through his distinctive portrayal of character, the use of symbolic metaphors, and the skillful use of the Vietnamese language, Nguyễn Du creates a vivid and harmonious portrait of the two sisters, each with her unique beauty, forming a picture that is both harmonious and contrasting.
3. Essay analyzing the excerpt "The Sisters Thúy Kiều" by Nguyễn Du No. 6
“The fate you carry is your own burden
Do not blame the heavens, whether near or far”
These two lines bring to mind a poet, a towering literary figure of our nation. None other than Nguyễn Du – a man born into an aristocratic family, with a wealth of knowledge. Throughout his wandering life, Nguyễn Du encountered various lives and fates, which gave him deep empathy for the suffering of the people.
It was from this understanding that he found the inspiration to write *Truyện Kiều*, a masterpiece that has entered the annals of world history. *Truyện Kiều* is based on the plot of *Thanh Tâm Tài Nhân* from China, but Nguyễn Du’s rendition stands out with its unique depth, drawing attention to the life of Kiều and the unfortunate fate of women. The excerpt *Chị em Thúy Kiều* reflects this idea to some extent.
*Truyện Kiều*, also known as “*Đoạn trường Tân Thanh*,” is a remarkable work written in chữ Nôm. Although inspired by the story of *Thanh Tâm Tài Nhân*, Nguyễn Du's *Truyện Kiều* carries a distinct freshness and vitality, impossible to confuse with any other work. The excerpt *Chị em Thúy Kiều* serves as a lively prelude. It opens with the description of the two sisters’ beauty, which is said to “tilt the water and the city”:
“At the forefront, two young beauties,
Thúy Kiều is the elder, Thúy Vân the younger,
The elegance of the plum tree, the purity of the snow,
Each possesses a beauty that is flawless.”
The opening lines of Nguyễn Du resonate with such delicate depth! Using the art of symbolism, Nguyễn Du does not hesitate to draw from nature's beauty – particularly the plum tree – to describe the beauty of the two sisters, highlighting an image as pure and lofty as snow.
“Each has her own beauty, flawless in every way.” This very specific, distinct beauty evokes admiration from all who behold it, leaving no room for jealousy. Each sister possesses a beauty so perfect that it captivates the heart. Nguyễn Du begins by describing the beauty of the younger sister, Thúy Vân, whose gentle beauty stirs the hearts of many:
“Vân looks majestic, unlike any other,
Her round face radiant, with a delicate smile,
Her laughter like the blooming of a flower,
Her hair outshines the clouds, her skin fairer than snow.”
Wow! Nguyễn Du’s portrayal of Thúy Vân’s beauty is both sweet and intoxicating. Through the constant use of symbolic art, which pervades the poem, he emphasizes Thúy Vân's serene, virtuous beauty. “Her round face radiant, her delicate smile” – a near-perfect beauty that is beyond compare. Nguyễn Du uses nature’s imagery to highlight Thúy Vân, as though confirming her perfection.
Nature and creation seem to have accepted her beauty, suggesting a calm and peaceful life ahead. Why is that so? Typically, though compared to nature, nature graciously acknowledges Thúy Vân’s beauty. Could it be that she is incredibly fortunate? Perhaps, indeed, she is, and she will lead a life of peace and happiness.
Seeing Thúy Vân’s gentle beauty, accepted by nature, one cannot help but feel a sense of sorrow for Thúy Kiều. Will nature and creation accept her beauty and talents?
“Her eyes like autumn waters, her brows like spring hills,
The flowers envy her richness, the willows pale in comparison,
Her beauty overwhelms the water, the city,
Her beauty demands one, her talent demands two.”
Still employing symbolic imagery, Nguyễn Du compares her beauty to “the autumn water” and “spring hills.” Her eyes are as clear as autumn waters, her brows as graceful as the spring hills. Her exquisite beauty makes “the flowers envious of her radiance, the willows pale in comparison.”
Through this symbolic use of nature, Nguyễn Du illustrates how nature itself seems to express anger and discontent. If nature feels jealous, it becomes evident that Thúy Kiều’s life will not be as peaceful as her sister Thúy Vân’s. Thúy Kiều’s beauty is not ordinary; if it were gentle and serene, nature would have no reason to feel envy.
Her beauty is of such magnitude that “it tilts the water and the city”! Through this unique description, Nguyễn Du immortalizes the phrase “tilting the water, tilting the city.” If Thúy Kiều’s beauty makes hearts race and sparks rivalry, her talent surpasses it even further.
“Her intelligence is innate, a gift from the heavens,
Her skills in poetry, painting, singing, and music are unmatched,
Her mastery of the lute is beyond compare,
Her skills are superior to the one who plays the zither.”
Not only is she beautiful, but she is also brilliant. Who would not love and cherish such a woman, gifted with both beauty and talent? The more people admire her, the more nature resents her. Thúy Kiều excels in all things: music, poetry, and art. Through the combination of realism and romanticism, Nguyễn Du has added a unique flavor to Thúy Kiều’s “envied flowers” and “jealous willows.”
With a gentle beginning and the “water-tilting, city-tilting” beauty of the two sisters, Nguyễn Du’s delicate and profound pen leaves a lasting impression, evoking admiration from all. The reader senses that the two sisters will lead peaceful lives with their parents and siblings. One might even marvel at the fact that, despite being of marriageable age, they have no thoughts of marriage and instead devote themselves to caring for their parents.
Through *Truyện Kiều* by Nguyễn Du, and especially the excerpt *Chị em Thúy Kiều*, we see the beauty and talent of the two sisters. With his exquisite writing and the art of symbolism throughout the poem, Nguyễn Du has crafted an outstanding introduction to this work. From there, Nguyễn Du has expressed the aspirations of the people of that time, and foreshadowed the tragic fate of Thúy Kiều.
4. Essay analyzing the excerpt "Chị em Thúy Kiều" by Nguyễn Du No. 7
Nguyễn Du is a literary genius and is considered one of Vietnam's greatest cultural figures. Throughout his life, he produced numerous valuable works, the most prominent of which is "Đoạn trường tân thanh", commonly known as "Truyện Kiều". In the Vietnamese Literature 9, Volume 1, there is an excerpt from "Chị em Thúy Kiều" taken from "Truyện Kiều", one of the most remarkable and unique passages that showcases Nguyễn Du's artistic talent in describing and portraying the human condition, contributing significantly to the success of the work.
The excerpt is found in the opening part of the work, introducing the family background of Kiều. When introducing the people in Kiều's family, the author focuses on describing the beauty and talents of Thúy Vân and Thúy Kiều. First, the four opening verses offer a general introduction to the two sisters Kiều and Vân:
"Head of the family, the two graceful girls,
Thúy Kiều is the elder, and Thúy Vân is the younger
Their appearance is as delicate as plum blossoms, their spirits pure as snow,
Each one is perfect, flawless in their own way."
Nguyễn Du uses allegorical and metaphorical techniques to broadly introduce the two sisters through many aspects such as their lineage, their role in the family, and their beauty (both individual and shared). They are the firstborn daughters of the Vương family, with Thúy Kiều being the elder and Thúy Vân the younger. Although the two sisters have different kinds of beauty, they both share a graceful, pure, and elegant beauty: physically, they are as refined as a plum tree; spiritually, they are as pure as snow (their souls).
This is a perfect beauty, holistic both inside and out, from appearance to soul – "flawless". Thus, in just four brief lines, the author captures essential information about the characters, while also highlighting the shared and unique beauty of the two sisters. This sets the emotional tone for the entire poem, helping readers appreciate the admiration of human beings in these verses. Moving on to the next four lines, Nguyễn Du skillfully shifts focus to more specific details about Thúy Vân's beauty:
Vân appears with a dignified and distinguished air,
Her round face shines, her smile full and gracious,
Her smile, like a blossoming flower, is modest and graceful,
Her hair, darker than clouds, her complexion fairer than snow.
In the very first line, the poet summarizes Vân's graceful demeanor with the phrase "dignified and distinguished". This reflects her noble beauty, composed and refined. Continuing to use allegorical imagery, the poet compares Vân's beauty to the most beautiful elements of nature, such as the moon, flowers, clouds, snow, and jade.
Under Nguyễn Du's pen, Vân's portrait comes to life, full of vibrant details from her face, eyebrows, smile, to her voice, hair, and skin. Every feature vividly stands out before the reader's eyes. Her round, full face resembles the full moon; her slender, delicate eyebrows are as sharp as a phoenix's eye; her smile is as bright and joyful as a blooming flower; her voice is pure and clear as jade; her black, shiny hair is more beautiful than the clouds, and her fair skin is softer than snow.
Vân's external beauty, harmonious and graceful, fits perfectly within the norms of Confucian society, so nature itself seems to accept her: "snow yields" and "clouds bow". From this, the reader senses Vân's calm, gentle personality and her peaceful, untroubled life. After portraying Thúy Vân's beauty, the poet focuses on comparing it with the beauty of Kiều:
Kiều is even more graceful and sophisticated
Her beauty and talents surpass that of Vân
Kiều's beauty is distinct and surpasses Vân's in both intellect and appearance. First, there is her outer beauty – her physical appearance. Continuing the allegorical method, the poet draws comparisons to nature to illustrate Kiều's stunning beauty with images of autumn waters, spring mountains, flowers, and willows, presenting her as an extraordinarily beautiful woman.
However, when describing Kiều, the author does not delve into specific details as with Vân, but rather focuses on one point: her eyes, "Autumn waters and spring mountains in her gaze": Her eyes are as clear and deep as the autumn waters; her eyebrows, elegant and delicate, resemble the spring mountains. This is the technique of "pointing out the eyes" for the character.
For the eyes are said to be the windows to the soul. Through Kiều's eyes, one can sense the purity, depth, and captivating nature of her inner world. Kiều's beauty transcends natural standards and the constraints of a traditional Confucian woman, thus: "Flowers envy her, willows are jealous of her," and even the lands and rivers are in awe:
Flowers envy the willows, pale in comparison
The waters and the city itself seem to lean toward her.
The use of personification (flowers envy – willows are jealous) combined with hyperbole (the idiom: Leaning waters, tilting city) serves not only to describe Kiều's beauty but also to foreshadow her fate. For this beauty evokes contradictions, disharmony (in contrast to Vân's "yielding" and "bowing", representing harmony and peace), signaling that Kiều's life will be full of hardships and challenges: "Two lives at the brothel, twice she wears mourning clothes".
Next, the poet shifts to Kiều's talents. While describing Vân, the poet focuses on her beauty, without delving into her talents or character. But when describing Kiều, the poet dedicates much more attention to her exceptional abilities: Beauty is enough, but talent outshines everything.
In just one line, the poet captures both Kiều's beauty and talent. In terms of beauty, Kiều is unparalleled, and in terms of talent, no one dares to surpass her. Kiều's talents are unmatched, and she excels in every art form: music, chess, poetry, and painting. All of these are elevated to an idealized standard according to Confucian aesthetic principles: "Her skills in music, painting, poetry, and singing are unrivaled".
Her musical talent is especially highlighted: "With skillful hands, she masterfully plays the strings of the Hò Cầm (a traditional instrument)", and she is also adept at composing music: "Her fingers create melodies, telling the story of fate’s tragedy." Each time she plays, she sings a song of "Tragic Fate," making listeners feel sorrow and melancholy. This song is a reflection of Kiều's soul, and it accompanies her tragic life, representing her sensitive and sorrowful heart.
In conclusion: Kiều's portrait represents both her character and destiny. Her beauty is so extraordinary that even nature itself seems envious: "The blue sky is accustomed to her rosy cheeks"; her talents are so remarkable that, according to the laws of fate, "Talent often brings misfortune," or "Talent and destiny are often at odds," predicting Kiều's life of beauty and brilliance but also misfortune and hardship.
Through these vivid character portraits, Nguyễn Du demonstrates his remarkable talent in capturing the essence of the characters. From their physical beauty, the poet expresses his predictions about their personalities, lives, and fates. Although in the opening of the excerpt, the author introduces Thúy Kiều as the elder and Thúy Vân as the younger, the poet chooses to depict Vân's portrait first, and Kiều's later.
This is a deliberate artistic technique called the "lever" effect. It emphasizes and highlights Kiều's unique, superior beauty, talents, and emotions. Although both sisters are described with allegorical imagery, their portrayals differ in depth and detail.
The poet uses only four lines to describe Vân, and dedicates twelve lines to Kiều. In Vân's description, the poet focuses solely on her beauty, while in Kiều's case, "Beauty requires one, while talent demands two." Despite this, each character comes to life vividly, concretely, and authentically, each with unique beauty, personality, and destiny. The final four lines offer a reflection on the lives of the two sisters:
They lived a life of comfort and luxury,
At the age where marriage was near,
With their curtains drawn, in peaceful solitude,
And the world outside oblivious to their quiet existence.
After presenting the portraits of the two sisters, Nguyễn Du concludes with remarks on their lives. They live in a well-off, well-educated family, at the age when marriage is soon to be arranged.
The idiom "Curtains drawn, veils up" refers to a secluded life, which is typical of a well-bred daughter who lives within the confines of her home, rarely engaging with the outside world, learning traditional domestic skills with strict decorum. The image of "bees and butterflies" is a metaphor for suitors with less than honorable intentions, and the two sisters, Kiều and Vân, pay no attention to them.
In summary, using allegory and nature imagery to evoke human beauty, Nguyễn Du successfully portrays the portraits of Thúy Vân and Thúy Kiều. Through this, we recognize the poet’s admiration for human beauty, talent, and his prophetic portrayal of a tragically talented soul, full of humanity.
5. Analysis of the excerpt "The Sisters Thúy Kiều" by Nguyễn Du, Number 8
The excerpt "The Sisters Thúy Kiều" is from the beginning of the work *The Tale of Kiều* by Nguyễn Du. Through his masterful use of characterization, Nguyễn Du not only brings out the unique beauty of the two sisters Thúy Kiều and Thúy Vân but also hints at their destinies. He truly deserves to be called the great poet of the nation.
Using the traditional method of allegory, Nguyễn Du compares the beauty of Thúy Kiều and Thúy Vân to the purity of nature:
"Head of the family, two beautiful sisters
Thúy Kiều is the elder, Thúy Vân the younger
With the elegance of the plum blossom, the purity of snow
Each with a unique beauty, flawless and perfect"
In introducing the two sisters, Nguyễn Du employs the method of allegory to highlight their delicate, graceful figures and pure spirits, comparing them to the plum blossom and snow. These traditional images elevate their beauty to an idealized level of perfection. The opening four lines set the stage, creating a foundation for the two sisters' portraits to gradually emerge.
Thúy Vân, as portrayed by Nguyễn Du, is a young woman of graceful, dignified beauty: "Vân looks dignified and different/ With a round face like the full moon, full eyebrows". Through these four lines, combined with metaphors, comparisons, and allegorical methods, Nguyễn Du captures the essence of Thúy Vân's beauty with great subtlety.
Her face is as round and full as the moon on a full night, her eyebrows beautifully full and pronounced. With terms like "dignified" and "elegant" to describe her demeanor, the poet accentuates her beauty. These external features also suggest a bright future, happiness, and peace ahead for Thúy Vân.
In contrast, Thúy Kiều is portrayed as a woman of both extraordinary beauty and remarkable talent. While the description of Thúy Vân is detailed, the portrait of Thúy Kiều becomes even more vivid, highlighting her brilliance:
"Kiều is more refined and charming
Her beauty and talent surpass her sister’s
Her eyes, like the autumn water, her brows like the spring mountain
Flowers envy her beauty, the willows are jealous of her freshness"
While Nguyễn Du provides a detailed description of Thúy Vân, when he comes to describe Thúy Kiều, he focuses solely on her eyes. He uses beautiful, pure natural imagery to convey her profound and emotional gaze: autumn water and spring mountain. The finest and most beautiful aspects of nature are embodied in her soulful eyes.
Beyond physical beauty, Nguyễn Du emphasizes Kiều's talent. He dedicates eight lines to underscore her extraordinary abilities, a quality often overlooked in the portrayal of women in traditional texts. Unlike other women who are depicted primarily for their beauty and virtue, Nguyễn Du also highlights Kiều’s brilliance:
"Her beauty can make rivers and cities lean
Beauty alone is one thing, but her talent surpasses all else
Her wisdom is a gift from the heavens
She masters arts, poetry, painting, and song"
Kiều excels in all arts: music, painting, poetry, and calligraphy. Her skill on the *hồ cầm* (a traditional string instrument) is unmatched. Furthermore, her composition of the "Bạc mệnh" song serves as both a showcase of her artistic ability and a prophecy of the sorrow and misfortune that will shape her life. Truly, the gift of talent is paired with the curse of fate, as expressed in the saying "Talent and misfortune go hand in hand".
Nguyễn Du subtly foreshadows Kiều's tragic destiny even in the description of her beauty. The words "envy", "jealousy", and "leaning" suggest the tension and challenges that her extraordinary appearance and gifts will create. The fifteen years of wandering and suffering that Kiều endures later in the story are a clear testament to these early hints of misfortune.
The excerpt "The Sisters Thúy Kiều" stands as a masterpiece of character portrayal in classical literature. Through skilled use of allegory, metaphor, and other literary devices, Nguyễn Du successfully paints not only the beauty but also the fates of the two sisters, leaving a lasting impression of the depth of their characters. His artistic mastery and use of these techniques contribute greatly to the success of the work.
6. Analysis of the excerpt "The Sisters Thúy Kiều" by Nguyễn Du, Number 9
Nguyễn Du, the great poet of the nation, is a world-renowned cultural figure. He left behind a vast body of work, rich in both realism and humanitarian value. Among his many masterpieces, one cannot overlook 'Truyện Kiều' - the crowning jewel of national literature. The work captivates not only through its content but also through its distinctive artistry in depicting people with remarkable realism and vividness. With his skilled pen, Nguyễn Du captures the essence of characters and their fates in just a few brushstrokes, as exemplified most clearly in the excerpt 'The Sisters Thúy Kiều.'
'The Sisters Thúy Kiều' is located in the opening part of the work 'The Meeting and Engagement'. The excerpt does not only introduce the background of the two sisters but also portrays the portraits of these two extraordinary beauties, each with their unique, unblended charm.
The poem begins with a symbolic style, as Nguyễn Du introduces the two sisters, Thúy Kiều and Thúy Vân. Kiều is the older sister, and Vân is the younger. They are the daughters of Vương Viên ngoại. These two characters are described as possessing an ethereal, graceful elegance—'mai cốt cách'—similar to the delicate, noble nature of the plum blossom.
They also embody the purity and pristine spirit of 'tuyết tinh thần'—their beauty is serene, gentle, and untainted. To emphasize their beauty, Nguyễn Du adds a line of commentary: 'Each has a unique beauty, perfect in its own right.' This comment not only highlights their individuality but also their flawless beauty.
With just a few succinct lines, Nguyễn Du provides the reader with rich, complete information and leaves a profound impression of the two sisters' beauty. After introducing them briefly, the next four lines are dedicated to describing Vân with the most elegant, graceful words:
Vân xem trang trọng khác vời
Khuôn trăng đầy đặn nét ngài nở nang
Hoa cười ngọc thốt đoan trang
Mây thua nước tóc tuyết nhường màu da.
Thúy Vân exudes an aura of dignified grace. From her presence, one perceives an air of solemnity, composure, and aristocratic elegance. Nguyễn Du focuses on her face: a round, bright face, as radiant as a full moon, with eyebrows gently arched, enhancing her beautiful eyes. Her smile is always radiant like blossoming flowers, and her voice is pure and clear like jade.
Her long, lustrous hair surpasses even the clouds, and her smooth, fair skin is more dazzling than snow. Thúy Vân embodies perfect, ideal beauty, fitting the societal standards of the time—her beauty is harmonious and in sync with nature. Even though Nguyễn Du uses symbolic and allegorical methods to describe her beauty, nature—represented by clouds and snow—'surrenders' to her, embracing and nurturing her. This foreshadows her peaceful, serene life in the future.
While the description of Thúy Vân only requires four lines, focusing mainly on her round, kind face, the description of Thúy Kiều spans twelve lines. The use of contrast highlights Kiều’s superior beauty compared to Vân.
Thúy Kiều possesses a sharp, captivating beauty, and the line 'so bề tài sắc lại là phần hơn' affirms her extraordinary beauty. Unlike Thúy Vân, whose face is meticulously described, Nguyễn Du concentrates solely on Kiều’s eyes: 'Làn thu thủy nét xuân sơn.' Her eyes are as clear and deep as autumn waters, and her eyebrows, delicate and refined, resemble the mountains of spring.
The choice to focus on her eyes is no coincidence. Eyes are said to be the windows to the soul, and by describing Kiều’s eyes, Nguyễn Du reveals her rich, profound inner world. They convey a personality that is sharp yet also full of sorrow and emotion. Her beauty is so striking that even 'flowers' envy her, and 'willows' resent her—'ghen' and 'hờn' reveal a sense of frustration and negativity, as though trying to eliminate a rival.
Her beauty transcends the conventional standards, provoking jealousy from nature itself. This foreshadows the tumultuous, troubled future that awaits her. Kiều’s beauty is not only external but also embodies intellectual brilliance:
Thông minh vốn sẵn tính trời
Pha nghề thi họa đủ mùi ca ngâm
In the medieval period, women’s talents were rarely acknowledged. Nguyễn Du boldly elevates the beauty of both form and intellect in a woman, making a significant statement about female empowerment. Thúy Kiều is portrayed as intelligent, perceptive, and gifted in all the arts: music, chess, poetry, and painting. Her musical talent stands out, with her melodies stirring deep emotions in all who listen. Her songs reveal a sensitive, refined, romantic soul.
Nguyễn Du gives special attention to describing Thúy Kiều’s beauty, symbolizing the fate of women with exceptional beauty—'hồng nhan bạc mệnh', or 'the beauty of a woman destined for misfortune,' as Nguyễn Du sums up: 'Sắc đành đòi một tài đành họa hai' and 'Chữ tài liền với chữ tai một vần,' or 'Talent follows fate, always entwined with disaster.' Throughout the narrative, Nguyễn Du reiterates the unfortunate fate of the beautiful woman, destined to endure many trials and tribulations.
The final four lines serve as the author’s general commentary on the two sisters. Born into a well-established, prosperous family, they live in a peaceful and sheltered environment, shielded from the outside world. Surrounded by love and protection from their parents, the two sisters, though approaching marriageable age, remain innocent and pure.
To portray their beauty, Nguyễn Du employs symbolic artistry and a series of metaphors—clouds, the moon, flowers, and snow—symbols of nature, to enhance the appearance of the sisters. To emphasize Kiều’s beauty, he uses the technique of contrast, describing Vân first, followed by Kiều, to highlight Kiều’s exceptional beauty.
Additionally, Nguyễn Du uses personification to subtly predict their destinies. Thúy Vân’s beauty, being 'surpassed by clouds and snow,' hints at a tranquil, smooth life for her. In contrast, Thúy Kiều’s beauty, which evokes 'jealousy and resentment,' foreshadows a life filled with hardship and storms.
Through his sophisticated use of symbolic and allegorical techniques, Nguyễn Du successfully portrays the beauty and talents of the two sisters. Their portraits also hint at their future personalities and fates, demonstrating Nguyễn Du’s brilliant artistry in character depiction.
7. Analysis of the excerpt 'The Sisters Thúy Kiều' by Nguyễn Du, No. 10
8. Analytical essay on the excerpt "The Sisters Thúy Kiều" by Nguyễn Du, version 1
The Tale of Kiều, written by the great poet Nguyễn Du, is not only an immortal masterpiece of medieval Vietnamese literature but also of the entire Vietnamese literary heritage. With its profound ideological values, it reflects and condemns the injustice and cruelty of the feudal system, as well as the tragic fate of women.
It also expresses humanitarian thoughts, deeply empathizing with human suffering, particularly the plight of women, while cherishing the beauty of women under the old regime. It can be said that even though Nguyễn Du lived in the feudal era, through The Tale of Kiều, we can see that his thoughts and ideas were far ahead of his time by hundreds of years, leaving a classic work that has had a deep influence on Vietnamese culture.
The Tale of Kiều serves as a significant source of inspiration, sparking many other cultural expressions such as fortune-telling with Kiều, quoting Kiều, Kiều performances, Kiều paintings, Kiều poetry, and even becoming a theme for various forms of performing arts, music, and painting. Not only that, The Tale of Kiều is one of the few works of Vietnamese literature that has been translated and published in over 20 countries.
The success of The Tale of Kiều comes not only from its realistic and humanitarian content but also from the artistic values, showcasing Nguyễn Du's masterful penmanship. These include his adept use of the national folk verse form, the six-eight meter, his artistic techniques in painting landscapes and emotions, as well as his symbolic and flexible use of metaphors, creating images that evoke more than they describe. The excerpt 'The Sisters Thúy Kiều' is one of the passages that clearly exemplifies Nguyễn Du's extraordinary skill in using symbolic imagery to describe human beauty.
Thúy Kiều, the main character of the work, comes from a prestigious family, described as 'gracefully ensconced behind curtains', and the excerpt 'The Sisters Thúy Kiều' is located in the section 'Meeting and Engagement' of the work, introducing Kiều's family background and her fateful connection with Kim Trọng.
The first two lines of the excerpt, 'At the head of the family are two outstanding daughters/Thúy Kiều is the elder, and Thúy Vân is the younger,' introduce the two sisters as the eldest daughters of the Vương family, with Kiều as the elder sister and Vân as the younger. Nguyễn Du captures their shared beauty succinctly with the line 'Mai cốt cách, tuyết tinh thần', which reflects his characteristic metaphorical style.
'Cốt cách' refers to their qualities and personalities, compared to the plum flower, one of the Four Gentlemen, symbolizing elegance, nobility, endurance, and perseverance in life. The use of 'snow,' fragile yet pure, light, refers to their 'spirit,' symbolizing the clear, pure soul of Kiều and Vân, young girls on the verge of womanhood, untouched by the harsh world.
Although they share these general traits, Kiều and Vân each have unique beauty in appearance, temperament, and spirit, as Nguyễn Du conveys in the line 'Each one is perfect in her own way,' suggesting that their beauty is incomparable, although Kiều, as the main character, stands out more.
To highlight Kiều's beauty, Nguyễn Du subtly and skillfully begins by describing her younger sister, Thúy Vân. This is similar to fashion shows where the finale model stands out, making a lasting impression. The description of Thúy Vân is concise, composed of four lines:
'Vân appears dignified and graceful'
'Her face is round, with gentle, full features'
'Her smile like a flower, her speech graceful and demure'
'Her hair is like clouds, her skin as fair as snow'
Overall, Thúy Vân's beauty represents the ideal beauty of the feudal society, symbolizing the kind of person with good fortune, a peaceful life, and little turmoil. Her fate seems destined to become a noble wife, which is why Nguyễn Du describes her demeanor as 'dignified and graceful,' a rare elegance that not all women possess.
'Her round face and full features' were considered attractive in old beauty standards, symbolizing good fortune. The 'moon' image suggests purity, gentleness, and refinement. Along with her full face, Vân's 'gentle brows' and 'clear eyes' indicate that she is thoughtful, well-mannered, and calm, all signs of a person of high moral character.
Along with her gentle expression, Thúy Vân's smile and voice are described as 'smiling like a flower, speaking like jade.' Her smile is as bright as a blooming flower, exuding warmth and kindness, while her voice is clear and melodious, like jade, a sign of her inner purity and charm.
Her beauty continues with 'Her hair like clouds, her skin as fair as snow,' with her long, dark hair symbolizing serenity and softness, while her fair complexion, compared to snow, suggests divine beauty, perfect and unblemished.
Through these four lines, Nguyễn Du employs symbolic imagery with elements like the moon, flowers, jade, clouds, and snow to describe Vân's elegant beauty. Her charm is refined and pleasing, reflecting a life of serenity and gentle happiness.
Unlike Thúy Vân, Nguyễn Du takes eight lines to depict Thúy Kiều's beauty, emphasizing the exceptional and rare nature of her appearance. The additional verses reflect that Kiều's beauty is beyond compare and truly extraordinary. We can clearly understand Nguyễn Du's intention through the lines 'Kiều is more exquisite, her beauty surpasses the rest.'
'Her eyes are like autumn waters, her brows like spring hills'
'Her smile outshines the brightest flowers, her grief surpasses the deepest willows'
'One or two would tilt rivers and cities'
'Her beauty demands one, her talent demands two'
'Her intelligence is a gift from heaven'
'She excels in poetry, painting, music, and singing'
'She plays the lute with mastery of the five notes'
'Her artistry far surpasses the best musicians.'
Compared to Vân, Nguyễn Du fully utilizes symbolic imagery to describe Kiều. While Vân's beauty was represented through detailed descriptions of specific body parts, Kiều's beauty is hinted at subtly, leaving the reader to imagine the full picture. 'Autumn water' in reference to her eyes suggests a beauty that is ethereal, delicate, and sorrowful. Likewise, 'spring hills' in reference to her brows hints at a delicate, harmonious beauty that evokes strength yet softness, a perfect blend of grace and elegance.
Nguyễn Du’s lines 'Her smile outshines the brightest flowers, her grief surpasses the deepest willows' reveal Kiều’s striking beauty, a smile so radiant that flowers would feel envious, while her grief and sorrow surpass even the melancholy willow trees, hinting at her destined tragic fate.
Nguyễn Du's use of 'One or two would tilt rivers and cities' illustrates that Kiều's beauty is so captivating that it could overthrow entire cities. He emphasizes that not only is she a stunning beauty, but she is also extraordinarily talented in poetry, music, and the arts. Her musical skill, particularly with the lute, is described as unmatched.
In summary, Kiều’s beauty, along with her talent, is presented as almost otherworldly, embodying both her brilliance and her tragic fate. Nguyễn Du’s portrayal of her suggests that a woman of such extraordinary beauty and talent is destined for a turbulent life.
Finally, the last lines return to describing the sisters' lives. Both come from a wealthy family, and thus their lives were quite comfortable. They were approaching the age of marriage, their lives peaceful and uneventful, 'living in silk and satin'. Though both had matured, they remained pure and untouched by the complexities of the world, unexposed to love or heartbreak.
The passage 'The Sisters Thúy Kiều' clearly demonstrates Nguyễn Du’s mastery in using symbolic and subtle imagery to convey deep meanings. It also reveals his humanistic thoughts, deeply respecting the beauty of the sisters, particularly Thúy Kiều, whom he paints not only with her external beauty but also with her inner grace, talent, and wisdom, showcasing the ideal of a woman whose beauty and brilliance are tragically doomed.
9. Essay analyzing the excerpt "Sisters Thúy Kiều" by Nguyễn Du, number 2
10. Analytical essay on the excerpt "Chị em Thúy Kiều" by Nguyễn Du, version 3
There is a belief that "The Tale of Kiều is a masterpiece that has been passed down for centuries and has a great appeal to readers." Indeed, with his talent and heart, Nguyễn Du created a timeless masterpiece. Among them, the excerpt "The Sisters Thúy Kiều" stands out as a prime example of his skill in portraying and describing characters.
This excerpt vividly portrays the two sisters, Thúy Kiều and Thúy Vân, not only depicting their physical beauty but also their personalities and fates. The opening lines introduce the two sisters with four verses:
"In the heart, two beautiful girls,"
"Thúy Kiều is the elder, Thúy Vân the younger,"
"With the grace of the plum blossom, and the purity of snow,"
"Each with their own perfect, flawless charm."
The two sisters are referred to as "tố nga," a term for a beautiful girl in ancient times. Thúy Kiều and Thúy Vân, two girls with slender figures like the plum tree and hearts as pure as the first snow of winter. Though their beauty differs, both are flawless and perfect. They seem to be the ideal standard of beauty at the time.
After introducing these beautiful and graceful girls, the poet proceeds to highlight each character's individual traits. In this passage, Thúy Vân is described as strikingly beautiful:
"Vân's face is soft and round,"
"Her features delicate, her expression sweet."
"Her smile like a flower, her hair flowing like a cloud,"
"Her skin as pure as snow, her beauty beyond compare."
Thúy Vân’s beauty is modest and graceful, in line with the ideals of ancient beauty. Her face is full and round like the full moon, her eyebrows sharp and distinct, her smile radiant like a blooming flower, her skin fair like snow, and her hair soft and flowing like the clouds. Using metaphors and comparisons with nature such as "moon, butterfly, flower, cloud, snow," the poet brings Vân's beauty to life, capturing the natural beauty of the character.
Vân represents the image of a modest, kind-hearted, and demure girl. Her beauty blends harmoniously with nature: "clouds bow down" and "snow yields" signify nature's acceptance and acknowledgment of her beauty. Looking at Thúy Vân’s appearance, one gets a sense of her peaceful and promising future.
While Thúy Vân's beauty embodies grace and nobility, Thúy Kiều’s beauty surpasses it in both elegance and talent, with 12 lines devoted to describing her with 4 lines outlining her physical features:
"Kiều's beauty sharp and refined,"
"Her talent and beauty surpass all,"
"Her eyes clear as autumn water, her brows fresh like spring’s peaks,"
"Her beauty makes flowers pale and willows green."
In ancient society, it was believed that nature represented the epitome of beauty, and humans were often compared to nature or depicted through symbolic images. The poet cleverly introduces Vân first, using this as a lever to accentuate Kiều's beauty. While Thúy Vân embodies modest beauty, Thúy Kiều is sharp, sophisticated, and perfect in both talent and looks.
Kiều’s beauty is not described in full detail like Vân's; instead, the poet uses more suggestive strokes to highlight key features. Her eyes are as clear and gentle as autumn lakes, and her eyebrows are as fresh and bright as the mountains in spring. This familiar use of metaphor and comparison with nature effectively captures Kiều’s flawless portrait.
Her beauty makes "flowers envy her vibrancy, and willows pale in comparison." The words "envy" and "resent" carry a sense of jealousy, reflecting nature’s reaction to Kiều’s overwhelming beauty—beauty so enchanting that it risks inciting disaster. This celestial anger could lead to a vengeful retribution according to the laws of nature: "The heavens are used to it, fair cheeks get angry."
While the poet only describes Vân’s physical beauty, with Kiều, both beauty and talent are present: Beauty demands one, talent requires two. The poet praises Kiều as an extraordinarily beautiful girl whose talent is so extraordinary that no one can match her:
"Intelligence is a gift from heaven,"
"Her skills in poetry, painting, music, and singing are unparalleled,"
"She masters the five musical notes,"
"Her performance surpasses even the finest of musicians."
In the past, being skilled in various arts like the cầm, kì, thi, họa was the ideal, and Thúy Kiều excelled in all these areas. Not only did she know them, but she also reached a level of mastery that earned the admiration of others. Among these, her talent in the "cầm" (zither) stands out. The sound of her zither evokes deep emotions, and perhaps the music she created in her youth foretells a tragic future: "A melody of fate, melancholy and sorrowful."
With her extraordinary talent and qualities, it is certain that the tranquil life she enjoys now is preparing her for the storm that is to come. There is an old saying: "Too much talent causes the heavens and earth to envy," or "Talent and misfortune are closely linked." As the passage concludes, Nguyễn Du reflects once again on the peaceful life of the two sisters Thúy Vân and Thúy Kiều:
"They live in prosperity,"
"In the prime of youth, nearing the age to be wed,"
"They live gently behind veils, sheltered by privacy,"
"While the bees and butterflies fly by, indifferent to them."
Living within the boundaries of propriety, in the "veiled room," the two sisters are approaching the age of finding suitors, but the word "indifferent" in the final line suggests their lack of interest in outsiders.
With all his talent and heart, Nguyễn Du vividly portrays these two characters, using the traditional hexameter verse form that is soft and subtle, with the structure and sequence reflecting his intentions. Alongside this, he uses familiar symbolic and metaphorical imagery (like "autumn waters," "spring peaks," "plum blossoms," "snow spirit," etc.), skillfully incorporating literary devices such as metaphor and personification to create vivid imagery.
Not only has he succeeded in vividly portraying the characters, but he has also used this portrayal to hint at their destinies. Especially Thúy Kiều’s portrait, which reflects the convergence of beauty, talent, love, and fate.
Thus, behind Nguyễn Du’s depictions and the foreshadowing of the characters' destinies lies the poet's heartfelt sympathy for the young girls of ancient society. This is the distinct feature of the excerpt: "The Sisters Thúy Kiều"—a passage that showcases the poet's exceptional talent in character portrayal.
