Top 10 Best Essays Analyzing the Excerpt "Thúy Kiều Repays Her Gratitude and Revenge" by Nguyễn Du

The excerpt "Thúy Kiều repays gratitude and seeks revenge" is a remarkable scene that highlights the author's compassion and the humanistic spirit of *The Tale of Kiều*. Nguyễn Du creatively uses transforming dialogues to portray gratitude and vengeance, celebrating Thúy Kiều's loyalty, compassion, and magnanimity, while condemning deceitful, cunning characters.

In this scene, Kiều shows herself to be a woman deeply appreciative of the kindness Thúc Sinh extended to her during her time of need:

"She said: the weight of kindness is heavier than mountains... Who would dare betray the old friend?"

Thúc Sinh rescued her from the brothel, sparing her from a life of dishonor, and in return, Kiều expresses deep gratitude for his selfless act, highlighting the immense bond between them. Thúy Kiều emphasizes loyalty and honor, affirming that Thúc Sinh is a "close acquaintance" whom she could never forsake.

Kiều’s heart is compassionate, and her actions reveal a person who is deeply grateful, embodying the virtues of loyalty and devotion. Her gift to Thúc Sinh—"hundreds of bolts of silk and thousands of pounds of silver"—shows the depth of her appreciation. Though her connection with Thúc Sinh means enduring more pain and humiliation, Kiều understands that Thúc Sinh is not to blame for her suffering, as it was Hoạn Thư’s betrayal that caused her pain. Years have passed, but Kiều's grief has not faded:

"Your wife is cunning and malicious... Her deep plots can never repay the justice done."

The reoccurrence of this old wound shows how deeply Hoạn Thư’s betrayal scarred Kiều. Nguyễn Du skillfully portrays Kiều’s dual voices—one for gratitude and another for vengeance—through a single line of dialogue.

After many years, when Kiều meets Hoạn Thư again, now in a position of power, she responds with a sharp greeting:

"Immediately, she greeted her: ‘Miss, are you here today?’..."

The harshness and venom in her words show Kiều’s bitterness toward Hoạn Thư. Repetition of phrases like "so easy", "so deceitful", and "old times, new times" emphasizes Kiều’s scorn. These words mirror Hoạn Thư’s nature—outwardly sweet but inwardly deadly.

Once a victim of oppression and suffering, Kiều has now become the judge wielding the scales of justice. This transformation reflects the desire for justice that Nguyễn Du saw in his time. After listening to Hoạn Thư’s reasoning, which blends logic and emotion, Kiều shows mercy and forgives her:

"I must say: truly, it is wise to speak the truth..."

She ordered, "Immediately forgive her, let her go."

Though this decision was unexpected, it aligns with the principles of compassion, virtue, and morality in Vietnamese culture. Having suffered and learned the pain of interfering with others' happiness, Kiều forgives Hoạn Thư, demonstrating her grandeur and nobility.

Nguyễn Du skillfully crafts dialogues to tell the story of revenge and gratitude, praising loyalty and condemning deceitful villains. The scene of Thúy Kiều’s revenge and gratitude stands out as a powerful moment that highlights the humanitarian spirit of the "Truyện Kiều".

The character of Thúy Kiều: Kiều’s act of gratitude demonstrates her deep sense of thankfulness and loyalty. From Kiều’s words, one can see how she highly values the help Thúc Sinh gave her in her time of crisis:

She said: "The debt of gratitude is as heavy as the mountains,"

"Do you remember the old times, Lâm Tri?"

"The Sâm Thương debt has not been fulfilled,"

"Who would dare to betray an old friend?"

Thúc Sinh rescued Kiều from the brothel, saving her from a life of shame. With him, Kiều experienced peaceful days in a loving family. She calls it a debt as heavy as the mountains. Kiều speaks of loyalty and devotion, praising the eternal bond of love. Thúc Sinh was an old acquaintance, a person whom Kiều could never betray.

She emphasizes the immense and lasting affection Thúc Sinh had shown her. Kiều’s words, using phrases like debt of gratitude, mountains, Sâm Thương, loyalty, old friend, and the calm tone she uses, express her deep respect and gratitude toward the man who once loved and saved her. Kiều’s heart is full of kindness, and her response to Thúc Sinh is one of deep gratitude and loyalty.

The material gift Kiều gives Thúc Sinh also shows her immense gratitude. It reaffirms how deep the bond from their time together at Lâm Tri was: "A hundred bolts of silk, a thousand pounds of silver." Despite all the suffering Kiều endures, it is not caused by Thúc Sinh but by Hoạn Thư, the true culprit. Kiều believes that no gift, no matter how valuable, could ever match Thúc Sinh’s kindness.

Thúy Kiều’s revenge is both resolute and compassionate: Even after many years, Kiều’s heart still holds resentment. Now, the roles have reversed: the victim is now the judge, sitting in judgment, with weapons drawn:

"Your wife, a wicked spirit,"

"This time, the thief meets the old woman."

"The ants crawl on the plate, still fresh,"

"Deep schemes must be repaid with equal depth."

While speaking to Thúc Sinh, Kiều mentions Hoạn Thư, showing that the wound Hoạn Thư inflicted on Kiều is still fresh. Kiều’s tone shifts dramatically: when speaking of gratitude, she is respectful and calm, but when speaking of revenge, she becomes sharp and critical. Nguyễn Du’s choice of two distinct tones and language styles in Kiều’s speech demonstrates his subtle and profound understanding of the character’s psychology.

After the night of the betrayal, many years have passed. Upon encountering Hoạn Thư again, Kiều stands as the victor, ready for revenge, greeting her with biting words:

"So quickly, you’re here now?"

"Women rarely have many hands,"

"In the past, there were many faces; now there are many schemes!"

"Easily swayed is the beauty's fate,"

"The more cruel, the more unjust the end."

Kiều’s actions and words are filled with mockery toward Hoạn Thư. She uses the same formal greeting from her time as a courtesan at the Hoạn household, but now it feels like a mockery, attacking the Hoạn family’s honor. Her words drip with disdain, repeating phrases to emphasize the shallowness of Hoạn Thư’s deceptive appearance.

Her mocking tone highlights her determination to punish Hoạn Thư as justice requires: "Deep schemes must be repaid with equal depth." From being an oppressed woman suffering through life’s harshness, Thúy Kiều has transformed into a judge delivering righteous justice. This part of Kiều’s story reflects the desire for justice in Nguyễn Du’s time. However, when Hoạn Thư offers a plausible defense, Kiều unexpectedly shows mercy:

"Well done: it's said,

"Wisdom must be measured with words."

"Granting mercy is a rare thing, indeed."

"Such actions reveal petty hearts."

"When wisdom reaches its limit, mercy must prevail."

The military order was given to spare Hoạn Thư.

Kiều’s mercy is unexpected and reveals her magnanimous heart. Nguyễn Du’s portrayal of Kiều’s words captures the complexity of her character, transforming her from an oppressed woman into a figure of grace and moral strength.

Nguyễn Du’s dialogues skillfully explore themes of gratitude, revenge, loyalty, and condemnation of betrayal, making this scene a profound representation of the human spirit in "Truyện Kiều".

Thúy Kiều, a woman of unmatched beauty yet cursed fate, has experienced countless hardships. Her life has led her from one misfortune to the next, from a series of trials to another, placing her in exceedingly difficult situations. She has tasted every bitterness life offers, and many times, she nearly gave up, resigning herself to fate. However, her life took a dramatic turn when she met Từ Hải, a heroic figure who saved her from her struggles. From that moment on, Kiều’s life transformed, raising her from a woman of low status to one of great importance, and thus began a series of dramatic events, most notably the scene of her gratitude and revenge.

Born with a kind and gentle heart, once Kiều gained her place in society and elevated her status, her first thought was to repay those who helped her during her troubled times, those who did not look down on her despite her lowly beginnings. As a judge now, the first person she summons is Thúc Sinh, a kind-hearted man, who trembles with fear before the commanding presence of the judge’s sword.

"The debt of gratitude is as heavy as the mountains,"

"Do you remember the old times, Lâm Tri?"

"The Sâm Thương debt has not been fulfilled,"

"Who would dare betray an old friend?"

In this passage from Kiều’s story, she expresses her profound gratitude to Thúc Sinh, who had rescued her from the brothel, sparing her from a life of shame. Though her life as Thúc Sinh’s second wife was far from ideal, as she lived a life of servitude under the oppressive rule of his first wife, Kiều is clear: this suffering was not Thúc Sinh’s fault. She speaks to him with a gentle tone, showing her sincere appreciation for his earlier kindness. She acknowledges that her present life is a result of his help, and she offers him a lavish gift to express her deep gratitude.

"A hundred bolts of silk, a thousand pounds of silver,"

"To repay the kindness as best as I can."

With such a gift, Kiều emphasizes how deeply she feels indebted to Thúc Sinh. No matter where life takes her, she will never forget those who helped her in her lowest moments. When speaking of gratitude, Kiều is soft, warm, and gentle, but when recalling the pain she endured, her voice becomes bitter and sharp, revealing the lasting wound that has not yet healed.

"Quickly, you have come to see me?"

"A woman, how many hands can she have?"

"In the past, there were many faces; now there are many schemes!"

"Easy is the fate of beauty,"

"The crueler it is, the more unjust the end."

These words are directed at Hoạn Thư, who had treated Kiều as little more than a servant, causing her immense suffering. Now, standing before Kiều, Hoạn Thư tries to maintain her composure, offering excuses to mitigate her guilt, and attempts to recall old favors to calm Kiều’s fury. With sweet words and an apology from her husband Trọng Kiều, she hopes to avoid punishment.

This scene shows Kiều’s immense compassion. Acknowledging that she has interfered with the happiness of another, causing pain, she still forgives Hoạn Thư. This mercy demonstrates Kiều’s understanding, wisdom, and forgiving nature.

Nguyễn Du, a masterful writer who excels in creating complex characters, uses rich language full of emotion. His portrayal of Kiều’s character in this scene is one of the finest examples of his narrative craft. The scene of Kiều’s revenge and gratitude stands as a valuable and powerful moment in the story, capturing the deep humanitarian spirit of "Truyện Kiều".

When we think of Nguyễn Du's "The Tale of Kiều," we immediately recognize it as a masterpiece of unmatched literary art. Filled with profound artistic values and deep content, the work has left a lasting impression on readers from various generations. Each excerpt presents a vivid, realistic scene of life. Among them, the scene of "Thúy Kiều’s Revenge and Gratitude" embodies the dream of a just society, where kindness is repaid and wrongs are avenged.

This excerpt falls within the second section, "Family Turmoil and Exile," but it can be considered the brightest, most glorious period in Kiều’s life, as she lives alongside Từ Hải and leverages his power to uphold justice.

In "The Tale of Kiều," the scene of revenge and gratitude is highly dramatic, showcasing a longing for justice in life. The excerpt consists of 162 verses (from line 2289 to 2450), with Thúc Sinh, the housekeeper, and Giác Duyên being repaid for their kindness, while Hoạn Thư and seven other individuals face retribution:

First, Bạc Hạnh, Bạc Bà,

On one side, Ưng, Khuyển, on the other, Sở Khanh.

Tú Bà with Mã Giám Sinh,

These criminals deserve their fate, don’t they?

Here, we will focus on two special individuals: Kiều’s gratitude toward Thúc Sinh and her vengeance against Hoạn Thư. The psychological depth and the way Nguyễn Du crafts the characters in this passage offer much for us to analyze and appreciate.

After being deceived by Sở Khanh, Kiều was forced by Tú Bà to serve men of ill repute. It was during this time that she met Thúc Sinh, a man of cultured background and the son-in-law of a high-ranking official. Initially, their relationship was casual, but it eventually blossomed into a deep connection. Thúc Sinh rescued Kiều, making her his concubine: "The heavenly maiden quickly escaped the worldly chains." Despite the suffering Kiều endured from his wife’s jealousy and abuse, Thúc Sinh later petitioned Hoạn Thư to allow Kiều to live in peace at the Quan Âm Temple, freed from her previous servitude. Though "less clever than women," Thúc Sinh’s love for Kiều was sincere, and he carried deep affection for her in his heart, despite the tragic circumstances.

Now the tables are turned:

Who knows when the country’s water and mountains will reconnect?

One might criticize Thúc Sinh for being weak or cowardly, but he is Kiều’s benefactor, having genuinely loved her and saved her from the fate of being “someone else’s wife.” This kindness is something Kiều will never forget.

The scene of gratitude unfolds solemnly, with Kiều using respectful language to speak of the bond between her and Thúc Sinh: "A debt of gratitude, heavier than a thousand mountains, Sâm Thương, the unfulfilled promise of loyalty, the old friend..." along with a tender tone, as if reminiscing the deep favors she had received from him.

The affectionate way she speaks reveals a heart full of gratitude and respect for a man who once loved and saved her. Kiều’s heart is compassionate and kind, and her treatment of Thúc Sinh reflects her deep sense of loyalty and respect:

She says: "A debt of gratitude heavier than a thousand mountains,

Do you remember, Lâm Tri, the old times?

Even Sâm Thương could not fulfill the vow of loyalty,

Who dares to betray the old friend’s trust?"

The gifts Kiều presents to Thúc Sinh are generous, truly reflecting her profound gratitude.

Hundreds of yards of brocade, a thousand pounds of silver,

To repay the heart, this is the appropriate way to honor a debt of gratitude.

Although Kiều is grateful to Thúc Sinh, she must also endure humiliation, being tortured by his wife’s cruel jealousy. In the past, she had been a servant, tormented by the first wife, but now the balance of power has shifted. Hoạn Thư, once the tormentor, now faces justice, while Kiều sits as judge, surrounded by "long swords and halberds":

His wife, wicked and cunning,

Now the old thief meets her match.

The ants are still crawling on the edge of the bowl,

But the deep plot will be matched with deep repayment.

You can easily see a sudden change in tone here. Previously tender and respectful, Kiều’s voice becomes sharp and biting when mentioning Hoạn Thư, full of resentment and hidden hatred. As soon as she sees Hoạn Thư, her greeting is dripping with scorn.

In a flash, she greets her:

"Miss, you’re here now!"

Not just a greeting, but a mocking response to her rival, Thúy Kiều also “welcomes” the "old friend" with a lash of sharp words straight to the face.

Women’s hands are rarely empty,

How many faces did the past have, and how many guts does this life have?

Kiều sternly warns Hoạn Thư, the one who caused her pain and suffering: The more cruel, the more unjust. As the "guilty party" on trial, surrounded by executioners, Hoạn Thư is fully aware of her crimes and predicament. She has little hope of escaping the sword’s justice.

Being clever and sharp-witted, Hoạn Thư quickly regains her composure and tries to defend herself. She offers a "kowtow" as a sign of respect, her hands bound. She first justifies her jealousy, explaining it as a common plight for women. By doing this, she speaks for all wives who have been wronged by their husbands.

No one can endure a shared husband or wife. Thus, her vengeance on Kiều is "only natural." Not stopping there, Hoạn Thư subtly reminds Kiều of old kindnesses: one, allowing Kiều to live in the Quan Âm Temple, writing sutras, and no longer forcing her to be a servant; two, when Kiều fled with the golden bell and jade, she let her go without pursuing her. This clever defense only brings up past facts, known only to those involved. "Think of it," she suggests, "remember it, reconsider it…"

Think back to when you were at the temple,

And when you left, not following the old feelings.

Hoạn Thư admits her guilt and asks Kiều for forgiveness:

I've caused great harm,

But perhaps you can show mercy and forgive.

Hoạn Thư’s words are heartfelt and reasonable. If Kiều were to hold a grudge, she might seem petty. Moreover, she is indebted to Thúc Sinh, so punishing Hoạn Thư would be unfair to him. In response to Hoạn Thư’s sincere, tactful plea, Kiều remarks: "So wise in your words," and orders her immediate release:

When you understand too much, then you should

Order the troops to release her right away.

Kiều’s actions here surprise the reader. Earlier, she spoke of Hoạn Thư with rage and contempt, but after hearing Hoạn Thư’s clever words, she grants her forgiveness. This act stems from Kiều’s compassionate heart, shaped by her many trials in life. She recognizes that she has trespassed upon the happiness of others and by forgiving Hoạn Thư, she removes her own bitterness, leaving her heart at peace.

Through his skillful character development and dialogue, Nguyễn Du reveals the distinctive traits of each character. Thúc Sinh is gentle but timid, Hoạn Thư is cunning and sharp, and Kiều is loyal, noble, and forgiving. This passage extends beyond Kiều’s personal story, embodying the universal aspiration for a just society where good people are rewarded and wrongdoers face their due punishment.

After enduring numerous hardships, Kiều has experienced every bitterness life has to offer. At one point, it seemed she was ready to give up on fate:

Knowing my body can't escape fate,

I'll face it with courage, despite my tears.

While Kiều was struggling, feeling hopeless, Từ Hải appeared. Meeting Từ Hải marked a pivotal moment in the life of this beautiful, talented girl from the Vương family. The heroic figure, fearless and unstoppable, not only rescued Kiều from the brothel but also elevated her from an insignificant position to that of a respected lady, and even higher, a judge.

The excerpt about Thúy Kiều's gratitude and revenge depicts her fulfilling her debts of gratitude to those who helped her in times of crisis, while also punishing those who were cruel and inhumane. Through Nguyễn Du's sharp writing, we witness Kiều's compassion and the dream of justice for the people: good deeds are rewarded, while evil deeds meet with retribution.

The passage is divided into two parts. The first twelve lines depict Kiều's repayment of gratitude. The remaining lines describe her revenge. Nguyễn Du’s portrayal of character is rich and varied. Sometimes he uses allegorical descriptions to depict appearance (such as in the scene of Thúy Kiều's sisters); at other times, he uses monologues or symbolic settings to express inner emotions (like in the scene of Kiều in the Ngưng Bích tower).

In this excerpt, Kiều’s character is revealed through dialogue. Nguyễn Du skillfully uses dialogue to depict the personalities of Thúy Kiều and Hoạn Thư.

True to her kind nature, Thúy Kiều chooses to repay kindness first, before seeking revenge. The first person she calls is Thúc Sinh: He is summoned with a sword. Facing the intimidating sight of a large sword and spear, Thúc Sinh is so frightened that his face pales, his body trembling, his steps unsteady.

This pitiable image perfectly matches Thúc Sinh’s character—kind-hearted, romantic, yet weak and incapable of protecting his love. Kiều's words show her deep appreciation for Thúc Sinh’s noble actions during her time of suffering:

She says: "The debt of kindness is as heavy as the mountains,

Do you remember Lâm Tri, the old companion?

Though Sâm Thương could not fulfill its promise,

Who could ever betray the heart of an old friend?"

Thúc Sinh freed Kiều from the brothel, saving her from a life of dishonor. Kiều spent a peaceful period with him, which she considered a debt of gratitude that she would never forget. She gently reassures Thúc Sinh with warm words. The term 'old companion' conveys a sense of intimacy and sincere gratitude.

When speaking to Thúc Sinh, Kiều uses elegant language, incorporating classical references. This manner of speaking is fitting for the scholar Thúc Sinh and expresses Kiều’s respectful attitude toward him.

In order to escape the life of being another’s wife, Kiều agrees to become Thúc Sinh’s concubine. However, her attachment to him leads her into a painful fate when she falls victim to his wife, Hoạn Thư. Kiều believes the pain she suffers is not caused by Thúc Sinh.

Thúy Kiều also understands Thúc Sinh's difficult situation: he loves her but is unable to protect her. She holds no grudge against him and offers gifts of immense value, saying, 'It’s my humble attempt to repay your kindness.' This shows that Thúy Kiều values honor deeply.

While speaking to Thúc Sinh, Kiều touches upon Hoạn Thư, whose betrayal caused her great emotional pain. The exchange between Kiều and Hoạn Thư is a dramatic scene filled with tension, revealing Kiều’s sense of revenge:

At once, she greets Hoạn Thư:

“Miss, you’ve arrived at last!”

“Few women possess such courage,”

“In the past and present, such a heart is rare,”

“What could be more painful than this?”

In addressing Hoạn Thư, Kiều uses simple, direct language, yet her words are laced with concealed satisfaction. Common phrases like 'a thief meeting an old lady' and 'ants crawling into a bowl' fit perfectly with the reversal of roles between Kiều and Hoạn Thư. Kiều’s actions reflect the people's sense of justice: the wicked must be punished in language the people can understand.

Every action and word from Kiều reveals her mocking, scornful attitude toward Hoạn Thư. She uses the same greetings as when she was a maid in the Hoạn household, but now, these words strike fear into Hoạn Thư’s heart, reminding her of the torment she put Kiều through.

Kiều's mocking tone is clear in the rhythm of the poem, as she stresses key phrases to emphasize her disdain: “few possess,” “rare courage,” “past and present,” “how bitter it is.” This repetition highlights the hypocrisy and cruelty of Hoạn Thư:

“Outwardly sweet and smiling,

But inwardly treacherous, capable of murder without a weapon.”

This tone reveals Kiều’s determination to punish Hoạn Thư for her past wrongs. At first, Hoạn Thư is shaken, but her cunning nature quickly allows her to shift the conversation and argue for her own innocence. She attempts to justify herself using common sentiments of women: "I’m just a woman, jealousy is natural for me." By using this reasoning, Hoạn Thư cleverly shifts the dynamic, making herself seem like a victim of circumstance.

Next, Hoạn Thư cleverly recounts the kindness she showed by allowing Kiều to copy scriptures at Quan Âm Pagoda. She also mentions that she didn’t stop Kiều when she fled: 'I didn’t hold you back when you left.' Hoạn Thư turns from a criminal into a victim of the oppressive system of polygamy.

In the final moments, Hoạn Thư admits all her wrongdoings: 'I’ve caused many troubles, but please forgive me.' This powerful plea strikes at Kiều's core values—her deep compassion and willingness to forgive.

In the face of Hoạn Thư’s manipulative words, Kiều acknowledges her intelligence and calm demeanor. Hoạn Thư corners Kiều with her arguments, forcing Kiều to choose between justice and mercy. Despite her earlier harsh words, Kiều chooses to forgive: 'Having considered your apology, I will release you immediately.' Hoạn Thư’s repentance and Kiều’s kindness reflect the popular belief that 'punish those who run away, not those who return.'

Hoạn Thư’s attempts to justify herself show her as a deeply cunning and manipulative individual. However, Kiều’s decision to forgive her is ultimately a reflection of her own noble heart. The story of Kiều’s gratitude and revenge once again underscores the virtues of compassion and justice in both the character of Thúy Kiều and in Nguyễn Du's work.

From her position as a victim of suffering, Kiều rises to become a figure of justice. This passage reflects the hopes and aspirations of the people in Nguyễn Du’s time for a just and righteous society.

The theme of repayment and revenge is a common motif in folk literature, especially in fairy tales. Those who have worked hard, lived righteously, or done good deeds are rewarded, while the wicked are punished. This represents the people’s desire for justice.

In 'The Tale of Kiều,' Nguyễn Du also presents a scene of gratitude and revenge. However, unlike typical fairy tales, this scene is not simply a manifestation of the people's longing for justice. Its appeal lies in the poet’s skill in depicting the psychological depth of the characters.

The excerpt, composed of 34 lines with three characters, has little description; most of it consists of dialogues between Thúy Kiều and Thúc Sinh, and the back-and-forth between Thúy Kiều and Hoạn Thư. Despite this simplicity, the personalities, voices, and traits of each character are vividly revealed. The excerpt clearly presents two scenes: one of gratitude and one of revenge.

The scene of gratitude: Thúc Sinh, when invited by the sword, "His face turned ashen, his body trembling. He trembled for many reasons: first, the sight of the swords and soldiers; second, seeing how Thúy Kiều had punished those who caused her so much suffering."

Thúc Sinh could never have imagined that he would be rewarded with "hundreds of rolls of silk, thousands of pounds of silver," as he had done little for Thúy Kiều. Even when he witnessed his wife’s mistreatment of Thúy Kiều, he did nothing to defend her.

So why was Thúc Sinh so generously rewarded by Thúy Kiều? To answer this, we gain a deeper understanding of Thúy Kiều, and also see Nguyễn Du’s masterful character construction. Thúy Kiều remains consistent throughout the work. Whether she is giving her sister Thúy Vân the chance at love, standing alone at the Nghiêm Bích Pavilion, or when in a position to repay kindness or seek revenge, Thúy Kiều is always deeply emotional and devoted:

She says: "The bond of affection, the love of the mountain,

Does Lâm Tri remember our past?

Though Sâm Thương failed to fulfill the vows,

Who would dare to betray an old friend?

Hundreds of rolls of silk, thousands of pounds of silver,

It is but a small token of gratitude…"

Thúy Kiều’s reasoning is clear: this is not mere repayment, but a return of the affection Thúc Sinh once showed her. In this sense, Thúy Kiều's actions are driven by emotion rather than logic. Though this may not satisfy some readers, it highlights the artistic value of the work: Nguyễn Du does not conform Thúy Kiều to a predefined mold.

Instead, he creates a lively, realistic character who thinks, speaks, and acts according to her nature. This is clearly evident in the next scene.

The scene of revenge: The target of revenge here is Hoạn Thư, Thúc Sinh’s wife. While she did not directly push Thúy Kiều into the brothel, Hoạn Thư was still responsible for much of Kiều’s suffering. As the embodiment of jealousy, she quietly arranged to have Thúy Kiều brought back, creating a cruel scenario where Thúy Kiều had to serve Thúc Sinh in front of her, delighting in the humiliation of both. Thúy Kiều would not forget that shame, and in her eyes, Hoạn Thư’s sin was deserving of death a hundred times over.

However, Nguyễn Du does not simplify matters. He silently observes the confrontation between the two women (whom Thúy Kiều refers to as "thieves, old women meeting each other"), and narrates their verbal battle. Nguyễn Du's brilliance lies in how he depicts this heated exchange, not favoring either side but letting events unfold naturally, creating one of the most lifelike, novelistic moments in the work.

The power dynamic between the two women has completely reversed. Previously, when Hoạn Thư controlled the situation, Thúy Kiều suffered both physical and psychological abuse. But now, Thúy Kiều is in control. With a simple gesture, she could utterly destroy Hoạn Thư.

How does Thúy Kiều begin her revenge?

Suddenly, she greets Hoạn Thư:

"Lady, you too have come to this point!

How many women are there like this?

In the past, what faces, in the present, what hearts!

The more vicious the beauty, the more sorrow it brings."

Nguyễn Du’s depiction is masterful. The once gentle and shy Kiều, who once "shyly hid beneath flowers," now faces her enemy, transformed into someone entirely different. If Kiều were to punish Hoạn Thư immediately, there would be little to discuss.

Instead, Kiều enjoys the pleasure of being superior, savoring the opportunity to use words to "tear skin and flesh" from Hoạn Thư, just as Hoạn Thư once treated her. With a mocking tone, Kiều addresses Hoạn Thư as "Lady," warning her about the "karma" of the world. Kiều is so confident in her victory that she welcomes the verbal sparring! Yet Hoạn Thư is worthy of her reputation.

"On the outside, she is sweet-talking,

But inside, she is deceitful, killing without a knife":

Hoạn Thư's spirit is broken,

Her head bowed, crying under the law.

She says: "I am just an ordinary woman,

Jealousy is just a natural feeling for us..."

There is a contradiction between Hoạn Thư’s outward demeanor and her inner words. If her spirit were truly broken, she could not defend herself so cleverly. Not only does she justify jealousy as a common woman’s trait, but she also mentions acts she believes were "favors" to Thúy Kiều: allowing her to write sutras in the attic, not chasing her when she fled...

These arguments are very shrewd, leaving Kiều little room to counter. It turns out that Hoạn Thư’s "broken spirit" is just a tactic to exploit Kiều's vulnerability. Faced with a chance to escape punishment, she uses all her cunning.

In the end, Kiều loses the verbal battle. After hearing Hoạn Thư’s "defense," Kiều relents and forgives her, even complimenting her: "Clever to the point of perfection, speaking wisely," and mutters to herself, "I have become the petty one."

This outcome may surprise readers, but it is entirely logical within the context of the work. The previous scene of gratitude with Thúc Sinh demonstrates that, no matter the situation, Kiều remains a deeply emotional and devoted woman.

This is an engaging excerpt, a brilliant creation by Nguyễn Du. By letting events unfold naturally and allowing the characters to reveal themselves through dialogue, Nguyễn Du advanced the art of character portrayal in classical literature. His realistic and vivid depictions of life as it unfolds are a key element of what has come to be known as the "realism of Nguyễn Du."

After enduring endless suffering and misfortune, it seemed as if Thúy Kiều's life would forever remain trapped in the "darkest night" of fate, with no hope of escape. However, upon meeting Từ Hải, she was not only able to live an ordinary life with a name and status but also received his help in repaying all her debts and settling past grudges. The excerpt "Thúy Kiều's Report on Gratitude and Revenge" vividly portrays this process of retribution.

Throughout her tumultuous life, Thúy Kiều carefully etched into her heart the faces of those who had shown kindness to her and those who had inflicted pain upon her. Now, with Từ Hải's assistance to settle old debts, she summoned those who had helped her to express her gratitude, while also calling upon those who had wronged her to face judgment and punishment. This excerpt is like a courtroom trial, where Thúy Kiều herself plays the role of the judge. She first addresses those who have done her good.

"She said: 'The debt of kindness is heavier than a thousand mountains. Lâm Tri, do you still remember? The bond of Sâm Thương, who will betray an old friend?'"

The first person Thúy Kiều wishes to repay is Thúc Sinh, to whom she owes a great debt of gratitude. He is the one who rescued her from the brothel and treated her with sincere love, as if she were his true wife. Her words, "Lâm Tri, do you still remember?" reflect the depth of her gratitude. By referencing the story of Sâm Thương, she conveys her heartfelt appreciation for Thúc Sinh's kindness.

Though she intends to repay him, Thúc Sinh shows immense fear and anxiety: "His face turned ashen, his body trembling." The words "ashen face" and "trembling" capture the panic and unease Thúc Sinh feels. When he hears Thúy Kiều accuse Hoạn Thư, his face is drenched in sweat. Though Nguyễn Du uses only a few brushstrokes, he effectively conveys Thúc Sinh's cowardice and lack of resolve.

While Thúy Kiều wholeheartedly repays those who have shown her kindness, she is equally clear and decisive when dealing with those who have wronged her, such as Hoạn Thư. Upon seeing Hoạn Thư, Thúy Kiều immediately declares: "The true culprit is Hoạn Thư."

This accusation is not only clear and decisive but also reveals the deep anger Thúy Kiều feels toward Hoạn Thư. In their conversation, Thúy Kiều speaks with a tone full of sarcasm:

"You, madam, have now come here. Women are not easily trusted. In the past, many people had two faces, but now they have the courage. Beauty is often cruel, and the more vicious, the more unjust."

The term "madam" is used sarcastically by Thúy Kiều, mocking Hoạn Thư's previous status and wealth, now reduced to facing Thúy Kiều. Her words are as heartfelt and sincere as those spoken to Thúc Sinh, but they are full of anger and bitterness toward Hoạn Thư. The final judgment is clear: "The more cruel you are, the more unjust the result will be," as if sealing Hoạn Thư's fate.

However, Hoạn Thư is a woman of cunning and worldly wisdom. When she is brought before the "court," she appears terrified, as though her soul has left her body. But her experience and ability to remain calm allow her to present a convincing argument:

"I am just a woman, and jealousy is a common emotion. Remember when I let you out to write scriptures, and when you escaped, I did not pursue you? How can a shared husband be easy to satisfy?"

At first, Hoạn Thư's justification that jealousy is simply "a woman's nature" strikes a chord with Thúy Kiều's forgiving side. But as she continues, Hoạn Thư recalls her past kindnesses toward Thúy Kiều, such as allowing her to write scriptures in peace and not chasing after her when she fled. Hoạn Thư even compares their shared suffering as wives of the same man, evoking sympathy from Thúy Kiều. Hoạn Thư's wisdom and sharp reasoning play on the emotions of those around her. Thúy Kiều even praises her: "So clever and persuasive in speech."

Through this excerpt, readers are not only treated to a fascinating trial but also witness Nguyễn Du's exquisite skill in character portrayal. His narrative allows us to truly understand the complexities of the characters, painting vivid and realistic portraits. This is truly an outstanding example of Nguyễn Du's literary brilliance.