Top 10 Best Essays Analyzing the Excerpt 'Our Country, Đại Việt' by Nguyễn Trãi

'Bình Ngô đại cáo' was composed by Nguyễn Trãi under the command of Lê Thái Tổ and was proclaimed in early 1428. This work is a monumental declaration of independence. The excerpt 'Our Country, Đại Việt' highlights a historic manifesto asserting that our nation has a rich culture, its own territory, traditions, sovereignty, and that invaders, acting in defiance of righteousness, will inevitably face failure.

The opening of this excerpt also serves as the introduction to the entire 'Bình Ngô đại cáo'. By laying the groundwork, the author affirms timeless truths:

'We have heard...

...The military aims to eliminate tyranny.'

Nguyễn Trãi emphasizes the core concept of humanity, which centers on 'putting the people first.' The well-being and prosperity of the people are the most important concerns. 'Humanity' here refers to the Confucian moral code, which entails righteous behavior and mutual compassion among people. Nguyễn Trãi embraced this ideology, focusing on the welfare of the citizens. A scholar's greatest ambition is to secure peace for the people, which is the greatest act of humanity. From this love for the people, comes the conviction that those who harm the people will be defeated. The tyrannical force referred to here is the invading Ming army. To assert national sovereignty, Nguyễn Trãi employs powerful evidence, as seen in the following lines:

'Just like our Đại Việt from the past...

...Along with the Han, Tang, Song, and Yuan dynasties, each ruled their own territories.'

The author references Vietnam's long-standing culture, stating that our lands have distinct borders, a different culture from China, and clear sovereignty. The author points out that our historical and cultural identity has been firmly established, parallel to the great dynasties of China, emphasizing that each nation has its own distinct territory. The proud legacy of Vietnam's resistance against foreign invasions is also highlighted:

'Though strength varies at times...

...Heroes have emerged in every era.'

This represents national pride and the valorous tradition of fighting off foreign invaders. Nguyễn Trãi passionately conveys the heroic spirit of the nation while warning potential invaders of the fierce resistance they will face:

'Thus...

...Evidence still remains.'

He provides examples of Chinese generals who, when attempting to invade Vietnam, were utterly defeated, because such actions are unjust and go against the natural order, ensuring their inevitable failure. The author firmly asserts that any invader acting unjustly will face defeat.

The strength of Nguyễn Trãi’s rhetoric lies in his combination of reason and real-world evidence. From this excerpt, we see his methodical reasoning and compelling arguments, which emphasize national pride, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

When it comes to the classical literature of our nation, one cannot overlook the great poet Nguyễn Trãi. Born in 1830 in Hải Dương, he was not only a brilliant political figure but also a distinguished author in our national literary history. He wrote numerous famous works in both Classical Chinese and the Vietnamese script, such as "Ức Trai Thi Tập" and "Quốc Âm Thi Tập". His masterpiece, "Bình Ngô Đại Cáo" (Great Declaration of Victory at Bình Ngô), written in Classical Chinese, is considered one of the finest literary expressions of indomitable will and profound patriotism, as well as a deep sense of national pride. The excerpt "The Water of Đại Việt" clearly reflects these themes.

"The matter of humanity lies in the peace of the people,

The army's task is to first eliminate tyranny."

The term "humanity" refers to actions done for the people, to the way people should treat each other, and to follow the path of justice. "Peace for the people" means to bring stability and tranquility to the population, so they no longer need to worry about foreign invaders. The author expands the concept of humanity, focusing on the welfare of the people. It is a guiding principle to prioritize the people's welfare, as the people's well-being is essential for the prosperity of a nation. For a country to be peaceful, one must first remove foreign invaders and tyrants, and this is a natural law. No country can thrive under the oppression and tyranny of an invading enemy, particularly the Ming invaders.

"Like our Đại Việt from ancient times,

It has long been known for its cultural civilization,

Its lands and boundaries clearly defined,

And its customs from the North and South are distinct;

From the Triệu, Đinh, Lý, and Trần dynasties,

Each era built the foundation of independence,

To face the Han, Tang, Song, and Yuan dynasties,

Each claiming imperial power in their own direction,

Though their strengths and weaknesses fluctuated,

Yet in every era, there were always heroes and talents."

Nguyễn Trãi continues to affirm the independence and sovereignty of our country. The Đại Việt people have a long-standing cultural civilization, a clearly defined territory, and rich traditions. Furthermore, the nation has a rich history, built through generations of nation-building and struggles to defend its sovereignty. By comparing the dynasties of our homeland to those of the northern invaders, he reaffirms the strength and sovereignty of Đại Việt. A vital factor in a nation's prosperity is the presence of talented people, patriots, and those who fight passionately for the nation.

With his awareness and national pride, Nguyễn Trãi emphatically proves that the southern lands are independent and untouchable. Invaders, those "whom heaven rejects and the earth cannot tolerate", will inevitably face defeat due to their immoral actions.

"Thus: Lưu Cung's ambition led to his failure;

Triệu Tiết's grand ambitions cost him his life;

At the Gate of Hàm Tử, Toa Đô was captured alive,

At the Bạch Đằng River, Ô Mã was slain."

The defeat of the enemy was inevitable. The Southern people, united in strength, with their indomitable spirit and commitment to righteousness, triumphed. These glorious pages of history record the battlefields where the enemy faced defeat, capture, and death. Locations like Hàm Tử and Bạch Đằng River stand as enduring witnesses to the victories of our people, forever immortalized in history.

"The past, when reviewed,

Its evidence remains."

"The Water of Đại Việt" is a vibrant anthem of our land and people. The sense of pride in our national heritage, combined with Nguyễn Trãi's eloquent pen, created sharp verses and arguments that are both precise and persuasive. Through this excerpt, I feel a deeper sense of pride in our nation's history, determined to study and honor the sacrifices of our ancestors for the peace we enjoy today.

In the history of our national literature, the immortal literary work 'Bình Ngô Đại Cáo' by Nguyễn Trãi is considered the second declaration of independence. This work is full of national pride. Just through the excerpt 'The Water of Đại Việt' (from the 8th-grade literature textbook), we can clearly see this spirit.

'Bình Ngô Đại Cáo' was written after Lê Lợi and the Lam Sơn army defeated the Ming invaders. The proclamation announced to the world the victory of the Vietnamese people, affirmed the country's independence, and warned the Ming soldiers about the unjust war of invasion.

The excerpt 'The Water of Đại Việt' is the opening part of this proclamation. Though brief, it establishes fundamental premises that highlight essential positive viewpoints, which are key to the entire work. These premises are the truth about humanity and justice, as well as the truth about the independent existence and sovereignty of the Đại Việt nation. The text begins with words full of humanity:

'The essence of humanity lies in bringing peace to the people,'

'The army must first remove the tyrants.'

The core of Nguyễn Trãi's humanitarian philosophy is 'peace for the people,' 'removing the tyrants.' Peace for the people means bringing stability and happiness to the citizens. To achieve peace, the first task is to eliminate the cruel rulers. The 'people' that the author refers to here are the citizens of Đại Việt who suffered under the harsh rule of the Ming invaders. Therefore, Nguyễn Trãi's concept of humanity is tied to patriotism and the nation. The 'tyrants' mentioned in the text are specifically the Ming invaders and, more generally, any oppressive foreign forces. The excerpt continues with lines full of pride:

'Just like Đại Việt from the past,'

'Its culture and civilization have existed for long,'

'Its mountains and rivers are well-defined,'

'The customs of North and South are different,'

'From the Triệu, Đinh, Lý, Trần dynasties, independence was established,'

'Alongside the Han, Tang, Song, Yuan, each claiming to be emperor of a region,'

'Although the strengths and weaknesses of the nations varied over time,'

'There have always been heroes in every generation.'

To assert the sovereignty and independence of the nation, Nguyễn Trãi relies on several key elements: the long-standing cultural heritage, territorial boundaries, customs and traditions, historical continuity, and distinct political systems. With these fundamental factors, the author has developed a comprehensive concept of the nation and people.

The persuasive power of Nguyễn Trãi's political writing lies in his seamless combination of logic and reality. Truly, Nguyễn Trãi confidently affirms the long-standing cultural tradition of our nation. In fact, we are proud because, in reality:

'The mountains and rivers are well-defined,'

'The customs of North and South are different.'

Our people have sovereignty and distinct cultural traditions that separate the North and South. We have a stable independence built upon glorious historical records. Just like the Han, Tang, Song, and Yuan dynasties in the North, our southern dynasties such as the Triệu, Đinh, Lý, and Trần had their own proud history. Moreover, throughout the ages:

'Although the strengths and weaknesses varied over time,'

'There have always been heroes in every generation.'

When compared to the national consciousness expressed in the first declaration of independence of the nation – the poem 'Sông núi nước Nam' – Nguyễn Trãi's work shows both continuity and a more profound development. The sense of national independence expressed in the 'Sông núi nước Nam' poem focuses on two aspects: territorial boundaries and sovereignty; however, in 'The Water of Đại Việt,' the national consciousness has expanded and deepened, incorporating new elements: a long-standing culture, unique customs and traditions, and an heroic historical legacy. It can be said that the national consciousness in the 15th century had developed far more profoundly and comprehensively than in the 10th century.

In the excerpt 'The Water of Đại Việt,' Nguyễn Trãi employs numerous expressions that emphasize the natural, longstanding nature of Đại Việt's existence. Words like 'from the past,' 'long-existing,' 'long divided,' and 'different customs' enhance the effect of the text. The use of comparisons and listing further strengthens the argument (the author positions Vietnam on par with China in many respects, such as political development and culture). Particularly, the parallelism in the sentences reinforces the artistic and factual certainty of the points being made.

As the opening section of the immortal literary work 'Bình Ngô Đại Cáo,' 'The Water of Đại Việt' affirms the patriotic ideals and compassion for the people held by the leaders of the Lam Sơn uprising. Moreover, this excerpt asserts the nation's position in many respects, reflecting the author's profound national pride.

Patriotism has been an enduring theme throughout the centuries of Vietnamese literature. In the early stages of national literature, this theme was explored to express the pride of every Vietnamese. Notable works include "Nam Quoc Son Ha" by Ly Thuong Kiet, "Pho Gia Ve Kinh" by Tran Quang Khai, "Bach Dang Giang Phu" by Truong Han Sieu, and of course, Nguyen Trai's "Binh Ngo Dai Cao." The excerpt below from this famous proclamation not only profoundly reflects the author's patriotism but also sparks meaningful reflections on the love for one's country:

“The key to righteousness lies in securing the peace of the people

....

Evidence still remains.”

The excerpt "Nuoc Dai Viet Ta" comes from Nguyen Trai's "Binh Ngo Dai Cao." Written at the end of 1427 or early 1428, after Le Loi and the Lam Son insurgents drove the Ming invaders out, the success of this revolution not only washed away the shame of losing the country under the Ho dynasty but also put an end to the brutal rule of the Ming. Written in such a context, "Binh Ngo Dai Cao" depicted over two decades of arduous struggles of the Lam Son insurgents, the sufferings endured by the nation, and the heroic victories of this liberation movement. Concluding the proclamation, Nguyen Trai declared to the world the long-lasting independence of the nation and promoted the ideals of righteousness for all humanity.

If "Nam Quoc Son Ha" by Ly Thuong Kiet is considered the first declaration of independence of the Vietnamese nation, then "Binh Ngo Dai Cao" by Nguyen Trai is the second, bold and patriotic declaration of national sovereignty. The excerpt "Nuoc Dai Viet Ta" is the clearest embodiment of this declaration. It begins with a proclamation of righteousness from the proclamation itself:

“The key to righteousness lies in securing the peace of the people

The army’s first duty is to rid the land of tyranny.”

This means that the essence of righteousness in the world is to ensure the people’s peace, and the military's primary task is to eliminate tyranny and defend the people. These two lines affirm the progressive idea that the foundation of governance is the people, a concept that has always been central to Vietnamese philosophy. In the feudal era, the concept of righteousness was often seen narrowly as doing good deeds or helping others. For instance, in Nguyen Dinh Chieu’s "Lục Vân Tiên," righteousness was shown by rescuing people in distress: Lục Vân Tiên saving Kiều Nguyệt Nga, the fisherman rescuing Lục Vân Tiên... “With all my heart in righteousness, I expect no gratitude.”

But Nguyen Trai, as a counselor for the king Le Loi, offered a deeper, broader understanding of this concept. At its core, righteousness for him was about loving and caring for the people, ensuring that they live in peace and prosperity. Furthermore, while soldiers in ancient feudal societies were often seen as defenders of the monarchy and aristocracy, Nguyen Trai emphasizes that the primary and noble duty of the army is to eliminate tyranny and secure peace for the people and the nation. This enlightened view could only come from a great patriot, a champion of the people.

Driven by his deep affection for the people, Nguyen Trai also displayed a profound sense of national pride. In the past, in "Nam Quoc Son Ha," the author of this divine poem asserted the nation's territorial independence. Now, Nguyen Trai has further affirmed the proud sovereignty of the Vietnamese nation:

“As for our Đại Việt, from ancient times

It has long been known for its civilization

The mountains, rivers, and borders are clearly defined

North and South customs are distinct

From the reigns of Triệu, Đinh, Lý, Trần, our independence was built

Just as China, the Han, Tang, Song, and Yuan each proclaimed emperors of their own regions

Though strength and weakness varied over time

Yet, heroes and great men have always emerged.”

“Our Đại Việt has long had its own civilization.” Civilization refers to the spiritual values that people have created—beliefs, philosophy, ethics, and more. A civilization is the mark of a nation that has a long and prosperous history. Additionally, the nation’s borders, “the mountains, rivers, and borders are clearly defined,” emphasize that the territory has always been distinct. This echoes the famous line from "Nam Quoc Son Ha" in 1076: “The mountains and rivers of Vietnam belong to the King of Vietnam, clearly defined by heaven’s decree.” Our national borders and territory have been well established in both history and in the collective consciousness of our people.

Furthermore, this sacred understanding has cultivated a sense of national pride and the preservation of distinct cultural practices: “North and South customs are distinct.” Customs refer to the habits and ways of life that shape the thoughts and behaviors of people. Along with civilization, these customs have helped form the unique cultural identity of Vietnam.

The nation’s independence is not only reflected in its distinct people and territory but also in its self-governance and the prominent individuals who shaped its history:

"From Triệu, Đinh, Lý, Trần, our independence was built

Just as China, the Han, Tang, Song, Yuan each proclaimed emperors of their own regions

Though strength and weakness varied over time

Yet, heroes and great men have always emerged.”

These lines name the dynasties of both Vietnam and China, confirming that the two nations were equal in status. The word “emperor” in the second line, “each proclaimed emperors of their own regions,” is used effectively. Traditionally, Chinese emperors saw themselves as “heaven’s sons,” while kings from other nations were often referred to as “kings.” In this proclamation, Nguyen Trai proudly states that Vietnamese kings are “emperors,” equal to the Chinese emperors: “each proclaimed emperors of their own regions,” thereby rejecting the notion of a superior China and affirming the equal sovereignty of Vietnam.

When talking about the great works of classical literature across all ages, the Bình Ngô Đại Cáo stands out. It is a declaration affirming Đại Việt's identity as an independent nation, marking the successful conclusion of the campaign to restore the country and reclaim its sovereignty. The declaration signifies the nation's newfound independence, breaking free from foreign rule, and heralding a new era of development. As such, the Bình Ngô Đại Cáo has become an enduring symbol of independence for the Vietnamese people. The central message of the declaration is encapsulated in the excerpt 'The Waters of Đại Việt'.

Throughout human history, there have been many famous declarations of independence that resonated deeply with public sentiment. The Vietnamese people have had three such iconic proclamations: 'The Rivers and Mountains of the South' by Lý Thường Kiệt, 'Bình Ngô Đại Cáo' by Nguyễn Trãi, and 'The Declaration of Independence' by Hồ Chí Minh. These proclamations are not only literary masterpieces but also powerful expressions of a nation's will to assert its independence, honor its heritage, and defend its survival against foreign threats.

Bình Ngô Đại Cáo, created in late 1427 after the victorious struggle against the Ming, opens with Nguyễn Trãi's declaration of the humanistic principles that guided the nation's struggle:

The essence of humaneness lies in securing the peace of the people.

The military campaign's goal is to remove tyranny.

This expresses a noble and progressive vision of humaneness, prioritizing the welfare of the people and the nation. Following this, Nguyễn Trãi affirms the undeniable truth of Đại Việt's independent existence:

Like our Đại Việt,

Long known for its culture and civilization,

Its mountains, rivers, and borders well defined,

Its customs distinct between North and South.

From the Triệu, Đinh, Lý, and Trần dynasties, independence was built,

While the Han, Tang, Song, and Yuan each claimed their own imperial territories,

Though strength fluctuated, heroes have always emerged.

This passage captures a profound view of the nation and its people. Before Nguyễn Trãi, Lý Thường Kiệt had already asserted the principle of national sovereignty in his declaration:

The rivers and mountains of the South belong to the Southern Emperor,

Its fate is written in the celestial records,

How can invaders cross these lands?

Your attempts will surely lead to failure.

For the first time in Vietnam’s history, Lý Thường Kiệt affirmed a natural truth: the rivers and mountains of the South belong to its people. This principle, rooted in divine order and the hearts of the people, has long been cherished. The poem 'The Rivers and Mountains of the South' was recited before the second war against the Song, igniting a fighting spirit that led to victory. Its echoes from the battlefront of Như Nguyệt can still be heard today. Nguyễn Trãi built upon Lý Thường Kiệt's vision, deepening and expanding it in a new, profound way.

While Lý Thường Kiệt's view of the nation focused on sovereignty and territory, Nguyễn Trãi expanded this perspective by adding three key elements: the cultural heritage, distinct customs, and the historical independence of the people. The nation, Nguyễn Trãi affirms, is built on a rich history, a unique culture, and a longstanding sense of sovereignty.

What is remarkable is Nguyễn Trãi’s deep and enduring awareness of the nation’s independence and sovereignty. Independence is not simply the possession of land and sovereignty, but also the presence of a rich cultural heritage. This cultural legacy, combined with customs, forms the nation's identity. The thousand years of Chinese domination failed to erase this heritage. It is this very cultural strength that sustained the Vietnamese people and allowed them to rise up against foreign domination. The nation's cultural traditions gave rise to a resilient spirit, ensuring the survival and development of the people through dark times.

Nguyễn Trãi’s view on the nation’s sovereignty became an immortal truth: the truth of national independence. The truth of independence, illuminated by the humanistic principles of serving the people and the nation, created a miraculous strength:

Thus:

Lưu Cung’s ambition led to his defeat,

Triệu Tiết’s pride brought his downfall,

The gates of Hàm Tử sealed the fate of Toa Đồ,

The Bạch Đằng River claimed the life of Ô Mã.

With these powerful and undeniable proofs, Nguyễn Trãi reaffirmed the nation’s sovereignty and independence with great pride. According to him, this independence was not a natural right, but the result of a long, painful struggle—one that required the sacrifice of many generations to achieve.

If the entire Bình Ngô Đại Cáo is a heroic epic of a people’s triumph and a burning desire to reclaim their independence, then the excerpt 'The Waters of Đại Việt' stands as the declaration of that spirit—proud, indomitable, and eternal. Though the years pass, the significance of this declaration remains timeless.

Nguyễn Trãi stands as one of the greatest national heroes, a remarkable scholar, and the most exceptional figure of the feudal era in Vietnam's history. He was entrusted by Lê Lợi to compose the 'Bình Ngô Đại Cáo', a timeless proclamation declaring the independence of the nation. The excerpt 'The Water of Đại Việt' is from the opening part of this declaration and holds significant importance in laying the foundation for the entire declaration.

In 1428, following the successful resistance against the Ming army, Nguyễn Trãi took up the task of writing the 'Bình Ngô Đại Cáo' to announce the victory to the people of Đại Việt.

The excerpt 'The Water of Đại Việt' is a powerful declaration of the nation's sovereignty, emphasizing the principle of humaneness and the sacred truth of the nation's independence. The first two lines introduce the Confucian concept of 'humaneness':

'The purpose of humaneness is to bring peace to the people
The army must punish the oppressors and eliminate evil.'

According to Confucianism, 'humaneness' means compassion, while 'righteousness' refers to actions in line with virtue. However, Nguyễn Trãi's version of 'humaneness' focuses on 'peace for the people' and the elimination of tyranny. Here, 'peace for the people' means ensuring the well-being of the citizens of Đại Việt, and 'eliminate evil' refers to the brutal Ming forces. The 'army of Lam Sơn' represents the forces of resistance against the invaders. For Nguyễn Trãi, 'humaneness' was not just about relationships between people, but also the relationship between nations.

This shift in the meaning of 'humaneness' in Nguyễn Trãi's thought shows a deeper development compared to traditional Confucianism. His succinct opening is almost like a proverb or philosophical proposition that stresses how the invasion of the Ming was morally wrong, the resistance against them was justified, and their defeat was inevitable. After establishing the principle of humaneness, Nguyễn Trãi affirms the existence of Đại Việt's independence and sovereignty:

'Like the country of Đại Việt, from ancient times,
It has always been known for its long-standing culture,
Its mountains, rivers, and borders are defined,
The customs of the North and South are distinct.
From the Triệu, Đinh, Lý, Trần dynasties, the foundation of independence was built,
Alongside the Han, Tang, Song, Yuan dynasties, each asserting their own sovereignty,
Though strengths and weaknesses varied,
There have always been heroes.'

Nguyễn Trãi presents fundamental elements that define sovereignty: the nation's name, cultural heritage, territory, customs, history, and distinguished individuals. He emphasizes 'cultural heritage' first because the Northern feudal rulers constantly sought to deny the existence of Đại Việt's culture, and in doing so, rejected its independent status. However, the Vietnamese people have always maintained their distinct identity, even as dynasties changed and history fluctuated. Cultural heritage, customs, and distinguished individuals have remained constant.

Moreover, Nguyễn Trãi expresses national pride through the term 'emperor'. While the Northern feudal rulers considered Vietnam a vassal state, conferring the title of 'prince' upon its rulers, the term 'emperor' affirms that Đại Việt's sovereignty is equal to that of the North. To enhance the persuasiveness, Nguyễn Trãi uses seemingly obvious, inherent terms such as 'long-standing', 'defined', 'distinct', and 'always'. Thus, Đại Việt has a long and profound history and cultural depth. To highlight the strength of the nation's moral righteousness and the truth of its sovereignty, Nguyễn Trãi provides historical examples:

'Thus:
Liú Gōng, who sought too much power, failed,
Triệu Tiết, with ambitions too great, perished,
The gates of Hàm Tử captured Toa Đô,
The Bạch Đằng River slew Ô Mã.'

The phrase 'thus' expresses the cause-and-effect relationship: those who violate justice will face defeat. These examples are given in chronological order, from Lưu Cung, the King of Nam Han, to Triệu Tiết, a general of the Song dynasty, and Toa Đô and Ô Mã, generals of the Yuan dynasty. Nguyễn Trãi's approach to these examples is flexible, sometimes emphasizing the defeat of invaders, sometimes celebrating the victories of the Vietnamese people. The affirmation 'The past shows / The evidence remains' further underscores that the power of righteousness is the unchanging truth of national independence.

The proclamation is built on solid reasoning, blending logic with emotion, rhetoric with practice, and an inspiring tone. The opening excerpt of the 'Bình Ngô Đại Cáo' shines brightly with the force of righteousness, written by the sharp intellect and patriotic heart of Nguyễn Trãi.

The excerpt, concise and profound, serves as the foundational theoretical base for the entire proclamation. It acts as both a stern moral lesson and a deep reflection of the core idea of humaneness in the path of righteousness.

Nguyễn Trãi is a distinguished historical figure known not only for his military expertise but also for being a renowned poet and writer. His works span both classical Chinese and vernacular Vietnamese literature, achieving remarkable mastery in both poetry and political discourse. Among his monumental literary contributions is the "Bình Ngô Đại Cáo" (Great Declaration of Victory over the Ming). The excerpt 'Our Country, Đại Việt' comes from the beginning of this famous work, showcasing Nguyễn Trãi's intellectual brilliance.

"Bình Ngô Đại Cáo" emerged during a time when our country had just triumphed over the Ming invaders. Nguyễn Trãi, following King Lê Lợi's command, composed a declaration summarizing the arduous yet heroic 15-year struggle against the invaders. The text serves as a powerful national epic, a patriotic anthem that affirms the righteousness of the war and ushers in a new era for the nation. The opening lines of 'Our Country, Đại Việt' firmly state the nation's sovereignty and its moral justification for the resistance against the invaders.

For Nguyễn Trãi, the concept of righteousness is inseparable from the well-being of the people. He believed that true peace could only be achieved through the elimination of the violent and tyrannical forces. The unity of these two ideas — peace and justice — forms the core argument in the work, one that is intricately linked to the subsequent sections, where he establishes the legitimacy of our nation's sovereignty through historical and cultural evidence.

The poem eloquently affirms our country's independence and cultural continuity through phrases such as: 'Our Đại Việt has always been renowned,' and 'Though our strength has fluctuated, our heroes never waver.' This reinforces the notion that our sovereignty is rooted in more than just political or territorial claims; it is a product of deep cultural and historical foundations that have been nurtured for millennia. Nguyễn Trãi's nuanced and multi-faceted approach demonstrates a profound understanding of national identity and sovereignty, marking a significant intellectual advancement from earlier declarations like the 'Nam Quốc Sơn Hà.' This declaration, rich in its cultural dimensions, reflects Nguyễn Trãi's deep pride and sophisticated worldview on the nation's place in the world.

The language of the declaration is straightforward yet impactful, using clear and convincing expressions to affirm the nation's independence. By comparing the Vietnamese people with the imperial dynasties of China, Nguyễn Trãi asserts the nation's inherent strength and sovereignty. The work's tone is bold and defiant, reinforcing the moral right of the people to resist foreign invasion. The concluding verses vividly depict the inevitable downfall of the foreign aggressors, emphasizing the catastrophic fate of those who challenge the sovereignty of Đại Việt. With its clear logic and fierce tone, 'Our Country, Đại Việt' stands as a monumental political treatise, embodying the pride, determination, and profound national consciousness of Nguyễn Trãi and the Vietnamese people.