Top 5 Best Analyses of 'Entering the Lord's Residence' (Excerpt from 'Thượng Kinh Kí Sự') (Literature 11) - The Best Ones

Structure: 3 parts

+ Part 1: From the beginning until... thoroughly describing the East Palace: The scenery and lifestyle at the Lord's residence

+ Part 2: The rest: The process of diagnosing, prescribing for the crown prince, and the author's reflections

Lesson Content

The excerpt vividly depicts the lavish, privileged lifestyle at the Lord's residence, while revealing the noble, disdainful attitude of Lê Hữu Trác towards fame and fortune.

Analysis Guide

Question 1 (Page 9 Literature 11, Vol. 1):

- The scenery at the Lord's residence:

+ Passing through several gates, "Anyone who wishes to enter or exit must have a token"

+ Flower garden: Overgrown flowers, birds singing, the wind blowing

+ Crimson towers

+ Expensive objects, gold-leafed furniture

+ The crown prince's inner quarters: Passing through five or six layers of embroidered curtains, a room lit with candles, a gold-leafed bed, a dragon chair shining with gold leaf, the fragrance of flowers

=> The scene is magnificent and opulent

- The lifestyle at the Lord's residence:

+ Full of authority, with servants delivering orders

+ The Lord and the crown prince are spoken of with great respect: "The King is there, we cannot see him yet", "I am attending to the crown prince", "I am serving tea"...

+ One cannot directly see the Lord; before checking the crown prince's health, one must bow four times, and to see the crown prince's body, an inner official must ask for permission

+ Numerous concubines, servants, and 7-8 doctors for the crown prince...

=> The lifestyle is rich, privileged, and grandiose

- Lê Hữu Trác's attitude: Indifferent to opulence, disapproving of a life full of comfort but lacking freedom

Question 2 (Page 9 Literature 11, Vol. 1):

- Notable details: "Golden plates and silver bowls, food full of rare delicacies" or the description of the crown prince's quarters: passing through five or six layers of embroidered curtains, a room lit with candles, a gold-leafed bed, a dragon chair shining with gold leaf, the fragrance of flowers

- These details depict wealth, privilege, and show the power and extravagant lifestyle of the Lord's residence

Question 3 (Page 9 Literature 11, Vol. 1):

- The way of diagnosis, treatment, and thoughts when prescribing reveal that he is:

+ A skilled doctor, experienced in identifying the crown prince's illness

+ A person with great moral character, dedicated to healing his patient

+ Someone indifferent to fame and fortune

Question 4 (Page 9 Literature 11, Vol. 1):

- Notable narrative techniques:

+ Detailed, authentic, and meticulous descriptions (demonstrated in several parts describing the scenery and lifestyle at the Lord's residence)

+ Skillful and engaging storytelling

+ Vivid descriptions of the environment

Question 1 (Page 9, Literature 11, Volume 1)

* The scene at the lord's palace:

• The palace has numerous gates, around five or six, and intricate velvet drapes.
• Heavily guarded.
• The scenery is unusual: lush trees, birds chirping, and blooming flowers.
• The lord's palace features grand halls, golden thrones, silver plates, and richly adorned furniture.
• The heir's chamber is filled with a golden platform, wide chairs, and silk cushions.

=> The environment is extremely lavish and magnificent.

* Rituals and behavior at the palace:

• Entry requires an imperial decree and guards announcing arrivals.
• The palace is full of servants running errands, and officials rush to attend to their duties.
• During the audience with the heir, all discussions involving the king or crown prince are conducted with utmost reverence and courtesy.
• The king is always surrounded by concubines, and the author never meets the king in person, only hearing orders through the head official.
• The heir, though only five or six, has seven or eight physicians attending to his health, and every time they enter or exit his room, they must bow deeply.

=> These rituals show extreme nobility, and the lifestyle is one of indulgence and excessive luxury.

* The author's attitude towards the life at the lord's palace:

- The author's indirect commentary is seen in the detailed description of the journey into the palace, exposing the opulence and power there.

- Through direct observation, the author subtly expresses disapproval of such excessive luxury, hinting at a lack of vitality and real purpose in the lifestyle.

Question 2 (Page 9, Literature 11, Volume 1)

Details in the passage that emphasize the story’s realistic value:

• Contrasting details: the young heir sits comfortably on a golden platform while the elderly physician bows respectfully. The heir mocks with a childish remark, praising the physician’s skill in bowing.
• The author describes entering the heir's chamber: "Suddenly, I saw the head official open a spot in the velvet curtains, and we stepped inside. It was dark, with no visible exits. We passed through several layers of curtains..."

=> This imagery suggests a suffocating atmosphere, trapped in gold — symbolic of stagnation and discomfort.

=> The author's detailed and sharp portrayal reflects a disdain for the greed of the wealthy, highlighting their superficial ways.

Question 3 (Page 9, Literature 11, Volume 1)

The examination and mental process of the physician Lê Hữu Trác clearly depict his character:

• He wishes to treat the heir, but is conflicted with his sense of medical ethics and his duty to his ancestors.
• Despite opposition from others, he stands firm on his decision to proceed with treatment for the heir.

=> Lê Hữu Trác’s traits include:

• Deep knowledge and experience.
• Selflessness, valuing ethics over personal gain, and preferring a simple, quiet life in his hometown.

Question 4 (Page 9, Literature 11, Volume 1)

Notable features in the author’s journalistic writing style:

• Truthful, detailed, and sharp narration.
• Vivid, realistic depictions of scenes.
• The ability to choose subtle details that capture the essence of both events and settings.
• A tone laced with irony and satire.

Practice Exercise
Compare the above passage with "Old Stories from the Trịnh Lord’s Palace" (Excerpt from Vũ Trung tùy bút - Phạm Đình Hổ):
- Similarities: Both works vividly describe the luxury and excesses of life at the palace, with clear authorial criticism.
- Differences:
+ “Entering the Trịnh Lord’s Palace” is a journalistic piece that presents the grandeur of the palace with objective observation, utilizing a mix of prose, poetry, and commentary to create a lyrical quality.
+ “Old Stories from the Trịnh Lord’s Palace” is a reflective essay focusing on Trịnh Sâm's indulgent lifestyle, written with careful detail and a foreboding tone, using objective commentary to subtly criticize the corruption of the time.

Summary

On the early morning of February 1st, I received an urgent summons to the lord's residence. I was quickly carried on a stretcher, moving rapidly as if on a wild horse. Entering through the back door, I observed lush trees, chirping birds, and vibrant flowers. After passing through several gates and winding hallways, I was led to a large building known as the tea room. The furnishings were adorned with gold leaf. At that time, the emperor was in the room with the concubines, so I could not meet him. I was treated to a lavish breakfast with all utensils made of gold and silver. Afterward, I was escorted to the Eastern Palace to meet the crown prince, Trinh Can, who was ill from overeating and overdressing. Torn between fear of becoming entangled in power struggles and gratitude to the country, I prescribed medicine for the prince before returning to the capital to await further orders. Many friends and courtiers came to visit me during my stay.

Structure

- Part 1 (up to 'no opportunity'): The scenery of the lord's residence.

- Part 2 (to 'sitting in the tea room'): The state of the residence and the appearance of the sick prince.

- Part 3 (the remainder): Lê Hữu Trác's thoughts and feelings.

Question 1 (page 9, Literature 11, Volume 1):

* The Scene in the Lord's Residence

- One must pass through multiple gates and long winding corridors, with guards at every entrance, and only those with passes may enter.

- The garden within the residence is lush with trees, birds chirping, flowers in bloom, and the air filled with a fragrant breeze.

- Inside the residence, there are the grand hall, the prestigious rooms, and elaborate sedan chairs, hammocks, and gold-leaf decorations, along with other luxurious furnishings never seen by common folk.

- All utensils for serving guests are golden trays and silver cups.

- To enter the inner palace, one must pass through 5 or 6 layers of brocade curtains.

- The rooms are lit with candles, with gold-leafed tables, dragon chairs, and silk cushions.

⇒ The lord’s residence is extraordinarily splendid and unparalleled in beauty.

* The Daily Life in the Lord's Residence

- Servants rush ahead shouting directions.

- Guards at the gates announce arrivals noisily, with people constantly passing through like a weaving loom.

- The crown prince is mentioned with great respect, showing the deference of the court.

- The lord always surrounds himself with concubines, and the author could not meet him.

- The crown prince’s illness is attended to by 7 or 8 doctors constantly in service.

- The author must kneel four times when entering and leaving.

⇒ The residence is marked by strict rituals, formal speech, and servants, reflecting a life of extreme luxury and absolute authority.

* Lê Hữu Trác's View of Life in the Lord’s Residence

- While Lê Hữu Trác praises the beauty and grandeur of the lord’s residence, he remains indifferent to the material wealth and disagrees with the excessive, luxurious lifestyle that lacks fresh air and freedom.

Question 2 (page 9, Literature 11, Volume 1): The Most Notable Detail

- “A child of about 5 or 6 years old sits proudly on a golden couch while the elderly doctor bows four times before the child, who then smiles and praises him for his perfect bowing. Passing through 5 or 6 layers of dark curtains presents a golden but suffocating and lifeless atmosphere surrounding the crown prince. The surroundings are glittering, fragrant, with servants crowding around.

- This detail reveals the life of indulgence in the lord’s residence. The crown prince is pampered to the point of illness, and the atmosphere is stifling and devoid of vitality.

Question 3 (page 9, Literature 11, Volume 1):

- Lê Hữu Trác’s diagnosis demonstrates his skill as a doctor with rich experience.

- He is a doctor of high moral character and integrity.

- He particularly possesses noble qualities: disdain for fame, wealth, and power, and a love for freedom and a simple, humble life.

Question 4 (page 9, Literature 11, Volume 1): Distinctive Writing Style

- The meticulous observation and truthful recording of what he witnessed.

- Vivid descriptions of scenes.

- Skillful narrative progression that captivates the reader.

Practice (page 9, Literature 11, Volume 1)

Compare the two excerpts “Entering the Lord’s Residence” (Lê Hữu Trác) and “Old Stories from the Lord’s Residence” (Phạm Đình Hổ)

* Similarities: Both reflect the luxurious life within the lord’s residence.

* Differences:

- “Old Stories from the Lord’s Residence” by Phạm Đình Hổ:

+ Focuses on the exploitation of the people by officials.

+ The events are told in a scattered, disconnected way.

+ It presents a strong critique of the lord and his officials.

- “Entering the Lord’s Residence” by Lê Hữu Trác:

+ The events are recounted in a chronological, detailed, and accurate manner.

+ The critique is subtle and discreet.

+ Lê Hữu Trác’s indifference to wealth and his dedication to medicine are evident.

Summary

"Entering the Lord Trinh's Palace" is part of "The Chronicles of the Capital," a memoir by Le Huu Trac (Hai Thuong Lan Ong). The excerpt tells the story of the author's journey to the palace to treat the heir of the Trinh family, Trinh Can. Through this journey, the author presents a vivid and realistic portrayal of the lavish and powerful life in the palace, while also revealing his own disdain for fame and wealth.

Structure

- Part 1 (from the beginning to "the only trouble was the lack of opportunity"): The grandeur and power of the palace are showcased through Le Huu Trac's journey.

- Part 2 (the remaining excerpt): Le Huu Trac diagnoses and prescribes treatment for the heir's illness.

Question 1 (page 9 of the textbook): How is the scene inside the Lord’s palace described? What is the lifestyle like there? How do these observations reflect Le Huu Trac's perspective on life at the palace?

- The scene inside the palace: extravagant and magnificent.

+ The palace has rare plants, strange stones, dense trees, birds chirping, and blooming flowers.

+ The palace is large, with many expansive buildings and intricate pathways: "Hau Ma army station," "Grand Hall," "Quyen Bong," "Purple Pavilion," and "Tea Room".

+ The furnishings and decoration in the palace are luxurious and opulent:

→ Gold leaf decoration, items made from gold, and furniture unlike anything found in the outside world;

→ Dining items include golden trays, silver cups, and exotic delicacies;

→ The heir’s living space is decorated with velvet tents, golden couches, copper tables, gold-painted dragon chairs, and brocade mattresses.

- The lifestyle in the palace: full of ceremonies and strict protocols, with everyone being careful, as the Lord and the heir are treated like gods and revered with utmost respect.

+ The gatekeeper’s announcements are loud, and the officials come and go quickly, with everyone requiring a pass to enter the palace.

+ The palace guards are cautious and watchful of those entering and leaving.

+ Numerous concubines and beauties gather around the emperor.

+ In front of the heir, everyone must bow and show great deference.

- Le Huu Trac's observations convey his awe and unfamiliarity with the opulent, powerful life in the palace, which is unlike anything found in the world.

Question 2 (page 9 of the textbook): Analyze any details in the excerpt that you find particularly striking and that highlight the realistic value of the work.

+ The heir's living space: Dimly lit, with no doors, surrounded by five or six layers of velvet tents, with flowers and candles arranged and attendants standing by.

⇒ The heir’s residence is grand and luxurious, but it is like a sealed vessel, symbolizing an overly protected, confined life.

+ The heir’s illness: Living in a place of constant luxury, overeating, wearing excessive warmth, and weakening his body, leading to dry skin, protruding navel, swollen veins, and thin limbs.

⇒ The heir’s illness is a consequence of the overindulgent, extravagant lifestyle in the palace.

Question 3 (page 9 of the textbook): What does Le Huu Trac's way of diagnosing and treating the heir's illness, along with his thoughts when prescribing, reveal about his character as a physician?

+ Diagnosis: Le Huu Trac immediately identifies the cause of the heir's condition, and his prescription aims to restore the heir’s weakened natural health.

+ His thoughts when prescribing: Le Huu Trac hesitates whether to use a gentle approach, but ultimately chooses to be fully committed, with sincere intentions to heal the heir.

⇒ Le Huu Trac is a man who disregards fame and wealth, and demonstrates loyalty and righteousness.

⇒ Despite his great reputation, he remains humble.

⇒ He is a true and skilled physician, focused on healing and taking full responsibility for his prescriptions.

Question 4 (page 9 of the textbook): In your opinion, what are the distinctive features of the author's memoir style? Analyze those characteristics.

+ Detailed descriptive elements:

→ The author describes the palace in vivid detail, helping to create a clear picture of life there and indirectly expressing his astonishment and discomfort.

+ A neutral tone in writing, avoiding direct expression of emotions:

→ The author does not use rhetorical phrases, which creates an objective portrayal while subtly conveying his indifference toward wealth and materialism.

Exercise

Question 1: Compare the excerpt from "Entering the Lord Trinh’s Palace" with another memoir (or excerpt) from medieval Vietnamese literature you have read, and provide comments on the distinctive features of this excerpt.

"Entering the Lord Trinh’s Palace": The author recounts his journey to the Lord’s palace to treat his heir, portraying the extravagant lifestyle while expressing disdain for fame and wealth.
"The Hong Bang Family Story" (from Lĩnh Nam Chích Quái): This story explains the origin of the Vietnamese people (the Bách Việt) through the story of Lạc Long Quân and Âu Cơ, but told in a different way from the traditional folklore.

Distinctive features of the "Hong Bang Family Story":
→ The author transforms a folk myth into a historically grounded narrative, giving the characters Lạc Long Quân and Âu Cơ a more defined background.

→ The story affirms the noble origin of the Vietnamese people, celebrating the sense of unity and national identity.

Lesson Significance

The excerpt from "Entering the Lord Trinh’s Palace" holds deep realistic value. Through keen observation and a detailed, precise writing style, the author vividly depicts the luxurious, powerful life of Lord Trinh’s palace, while also expressing his disregard for material wealth and fame.

I. About the Author and Work

1. Author

- Le Huu Trac (1724-1791), also known as Hai Thuong Lan Ong, from the village of Lieu Xa, Duong Hao district, Thuong Hong province, Hai Duong (now part of Yen Mi district, Hung Yen province).

- He was both a renowned physician and a distinguished writer and poet.

2. Work: "Thang Kinh Ki Su" (Journey to the Capital) is a travel journal written in classical Chinese, completed in 1783, and was added as an appendix to the "Hai Thuong Yi Tong Tam Linh" collection. This work is written in the style of a travel narrative, a genre that emerged in the 18th century, documenting real events in a fairly complete manner.

"Thang Kinh Ki Su" recounts Le Huu Trac's journey from Huong Son to Thang Long to treat the family of Lord Trinh Sam. The narrative captures the grandeur of the capital, the luxurious life within the Trinh lord's palace, and the power and influence of the Trinh family. The story concludes with Le Huu Trac returning home, elated, to continue his contributions to medicine.

The excerpt "Into the Trinh Lord's Palace" details Le Huu Trac's arrival in the capital, where he is led into the palace to examine and prescribe for Trinh Can.

Structure

- Part 1 (from the beginning to "Let me examine the East Prince's pulse carefully"): The description of the Trinh lord's palace.

- Part 2 (the remainder): The process of examination and prescription, and the author's reflections.

II. Lesson Preparation

Question 1 (page 9, 11th-grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1):

* The excerpt from "Into the Trinh Lord's Palace" meticulously records the grandeur of the palace, described from the outside in, from the general view to the details:

- Many gates, six or seven layers of embroidered curtains

- Strictly guarded

- An exotic scene: lush trees, chirping birds, blooming flowers...

- Inside the palace, there are great halls, wealthy officials, purple chambers, red palanquins, golden plates, and silver cups.

- The crown prince's inner chambers feature golden platforms, wide chairs, silk cushions, and elaborate curtains.

=> An incredibly opulent and magnificent setting.

* Along with the lavish surroundings, there is a rigid and ceremonial way of life:

- Entry into the palace requires an imperial decree, with guards shouting orders along the path.

- Inside, a complex service system is in place: doormen announcing arrivals, officials rushing back and forth like busy threads.

- During the audience with the crown prince, all mentions of the lord and the prince must be conducted with utmost respect and decorum.

- The lord is always surrounded by concubines, and the author never sees the lord himself, only acting on orders and through the chief officer.

- Despite being only five or six years old, the crown prince has seven or eight physicians on standby, with attendants by his side. When the doctor enters or leaves, they must bow in respect.

=> These rituals and formalities underscore the unparalleled wealth and power, reflecting a life of luxury and indulgence in the Trinh lord's court.

* These observations highlight the author's view of life in the Trinh lord's palace:

- Indirectly, through detailed descriptions of the route into the palace and the ceremonial proceedings, the author exposes the excess and influence of the Trinh lord's court.

- Directly, through the author's reflections and personal judgments on the lavishness of the life there.

=> The author shows indifference to the wealth of the Trinh lord’s palace, subtly revealing dissatisfaction with a life too full of comfort and luxury, lacking vitality.

Question 2 (page 9, 11th-grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1):

The excerpt features several striking artistic details that highlight the work's reflection on reality:

- Contrasting details: The crown prince, a young child, sitting confidently on a golden platform while the elderly physician kneels to offer his respects. The crown prince then laughs and comments, "Very well done, old man!"

- The moment when the author enters the crown prince’s chamber to examine him: “Suddenly, I saw the chief officer open a gap in the golden curtains and step inside. Inside, it was pitch dark, and there were no visible doors. I walked through five or six layers of curtains…” This evokes an oppressive and suffocating atmosphere.

=> This detail reveals the root cause of the crown prince’s illness—a child trapped in the suffocating and sterile environment of the palace.

Additionally, the story contains many other distinct and insightful details that allow the reader to see the excessive luxury within the lord's palace.

Question 3 (page 9, 11th-grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1):

In diagnosing and prescribing for the crown prince, the reader can perceive the author’s thoughts, emotions, and profound reflections.

- The author feels conflicted about treating the crown prince, sensing it goes against his medical ethics, betraying the principles of his ancestors...

- When he decides to proceed with the treatment, despite opposition from others, the author remains steadfast in his decision, protecting his medical judgment.

=> The qualities of the physician:

- The author is a seasoned physician with deep knowledge.

- He is a doctor with strong medical ethics, disregarding fame and wealth, valuing a simple and peaceful life in his homeland.

Question 4 (page 9, 11th-grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1):

The artistic excellence in the author’s narrative style is evident in the following aspects:

- Detailed, precise, and sharp observations; vivid descriptions of scenes.

- Faithful documentation of events.

- Clever, engaging storytelling, particularly through the small, yet significant details that bring the scene and actions to life.

III. Practice(page 9, 11th-grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1)

Compare the excerpt...

The common thread in most essays is the reflection on reality and the author’s attitude toward that reality. However, each essay differs in how the author expresses their stance, selects artistic details, and presents the narrative.