Buzz
1. Reference Analysis Number 4
Structure
3 parts
- The first 6 lines: The bold, defiant posture in the imperial court.
- The following 10 lines: The fearless stance after retirement.
- The final 3 lines: A declaration asserting individuality and confidence.
Key Themes of the Poem
'The Inimitable Song' is one of the most iconic Vietnamese 'hat noi' (spoken song) poems, revealing Nguyễn Công Trứ's talent, ambition, and personal consciousness.
Study Guide
Question 1 (Page 39, Literature 11 Textbook, Vol. 1):
- The word 'ngất ngưởng' appears four times
- 'Ngất ngưởng' means unsteady, precarious, or leaning, referring to a rebellious, unconventional attitude towards life.
=> This reflects Nguyễn Công Trứ’s consistent lifestyle, both when in service to the state and in retirement, demonstrating his clear self-awareness of his skills and character.
Question 2 (Page 39, Literature 11 Textbook, Vol. 1):
Nguyễn Công Trứ exhibits great confidence and a deep awareness of his responsibilities, role, and talents. Even though he recognizes that serving as an official might be a restraint, he does so because it is a means to realize his ambition for the country and demonstrate his genius.
Question 3 (Page 39, Literature 11 Textbook, Vol. 1):
- He views himself as 'ngất ngưởng' because he is fully aware of his own talent and strength.
- He evaluates his own boldness:
+ In the imperial court: Mastery in literature; military skill; boasting titles beyond others.
+ In his lifestyle: Peculiar tastes, unconventional, sometimes carefree and rebellious.
=>> Affirming his strength and talents, positioning himself as a loyal servant with an untamed lifestyle, leading in this unconventional attitude.
Question 4 (Page 39, Literature 11 Textbook, Vol. 1):
- Students read the poem with expression.
- The freedom of the 'hat noi' genre compared to classical Chinese poetry:
+ Classical Chinese poetry: Strict rules regarding number of lines, rhyme, tone, and symmetry.
+ 'Hat noi' has some rules but offers more flexibility, allowing the poet to break conventions freely.
=>> The significance: Reinforcing the personal, unique mark of the poet's style.
Practice (Page 39, Literature 11 Textbook, Vol. 1):
Language Differences:
+ 'The Inimitable Song': Bold, free, defiant.
+ 'The Song of the Hương Sơn Landscape': Gentle, refined, conveying a sense of meditation.
2. Reference Draft 5
Question 1 (page 39, Literature 11 textbook)
The phrase “ngất ngưởng” is repeated four times at the end of lines 4, 8, 12, and the final line. Each repetition of “ngất ngưởng” carries a different meaning.
- The first “ngất ngưởng” refers to Nguyễn Công Trứ's military strategy and talent.
- The second “ngất ngưởng” points to his rebellious nature even after retirement.
- The third “ngất ngưởng” highlights his non-conformist lifestyle, distinguishing him from others.
- The final “ngất ngưởng” reveals his indifference toward fame and wealth, and his free-spirited enjoyment of life, unburdened by social constraints.
This repetition of “ngất ngưởng” in the poem serves to express a broader and more fascinating idea.
Question 2 (page 39, Literature 11 textbook)
Nguyễn Công Trứ was a Confucian scholar with a noble ambition for his country and people, driven by a lofty sense of purpose.
He served his king and nation, embodying the ideals of a true man, fulfilling his duty in society.
What stands out is that, despite the rigid social environment, he managed to uphold his societal ideals while preserving his unique character.
Question 3 (page 39, Literature 11 textbook)
In his poem, Nguyễn Công Trứ reflects on his own life, offering a self-assessment. He is aware of his capabilities and the actions necessary for the benefit of his country and people. He takes pride in having led an active life, contributing to society, while also being proud of his courage to live freely, disregarding the rigid societal norms.
He asserts his unique personality and challenges the conventional values, advocating for a free-spirited way of life beyond traditional constraints.
Question 4 (page 39, Literature 11 textbook)
The folk singing tradition has specific rules about the number of lines and stanzas, but writers can still break these conventions to create a more free-flowing work, experimenting with line counts, rhyme schemes, and rhythms.
This freedom in form complements the expression of new humanistic ideas, particularly the aspirations of Confucian scholars who sought to assert their identities, breaking free from the constraints of feudal rites.
Exercise
Question (page 39, Literature 11 textbook)
The language of “Bài ca ngất ngưởng” is bold, free-spirited, and rebellious, reflecting the author’s personality. It is filled with narrative sentences, making it easier to convey both the content and style of Nguyễn Công Trứ.
The language in “Bài ca phong cảnh Hương Sơn” is gentle, rich with descriptive terms for nature, and contains phrases influenced by Buddhism. This highlights the author's deep appreciation for the natural landscape and his spiritual connection with Buddhism.
Structure
Structure: 2 Parts
- Part 1 (first 6 lines): Nguyễn Công Trứ as a government official.
- Part 2 (the remaining 13 lines): Nguyễn Công Trứ after retiring.
Main Idea
The bold, independent style of Nguyễn Công Trứ, known as “ngất ngưởng,” in the rigid feudal society.
3. Reference Draft 1
Structure
- Part 1 (the first 6 lines): the perspective of a lofty lifestyle while holding an official position
- Part 2 (the next 10 lines): the philosophy of a free-spirited life upon retirement
- Part 3 (remaining section): the time after stepping down from office
Line 1 (page 39, Literature 11, Volume 1)
The word 'lofty' (ngất ngưởng) is a descriptive term often used to refer to something at an unstable height.
- The term is used here to describe something unusual, rising above public opinion.
- The title is repeated four times, becoming a symbol, representing a lifestyle and attitude that challenges societal norms, based on self-awareness, talent, and personal integrity:
+ It refers to the author's strategic abilities, talent, and arrogant attitude when in office.
+ It highlights his defiant nature as a commoner.
+ It affirms his pride in living boldly, beyond the conventions of status and wealth.
+ The author sees himself as superior, disregarding fame, wealth, and public opinion, unaffected by societal constraints.
Line 2 (page 39, Literature 11, Volume 1)
Nguyễn Công Trứ understood that holding an official position meant a loss of freedom, yet he chose to do so because:
+ He wanted to showcase his abilities and personal aspirations.
+ He believed he had already contributed his talents and energy, thus earning the right to live freely and arrogantly, above other officials in the court.
→ The term 'lofty' reflects a lifestyle that honors authenticity, individuality, and rejects the rigid adherence to the rules of Confucianism.
Line 3 (page 39, Literature 11, Volume 1)
Nguyễn Công Trứ narrates his own story, evaluating himself:
+ His narrative voice is bold and full of character.
+ He is fully aware of his talents and the unique nature of his lifestyle.
+ He is proud of his active contributions to society.
+ He takes pride in living authentically, unshackled by societal conventions and the demands of status.
Line 4 (page 39, Literature 11, Volume 1)
Many poets and political figures seem to express their innermost thoughts through this form:
+ The genre of 'hát nói' quickly became dominant, emerging as a unique literary trend.
+ 'Hát nói' is characterized by its flexibility and freedom, perfectly suited to convey new existential perspectives of the Confucian intellectual class.
Practice
The difference:
+ The language of the 'lofty' poem aligns with Nguyễn Công Trứ's own free, somewhat rebellious style.
+ The language of the 'Hương Sơn Landscape Song' is gentle and imbued with the serene beauty of nature, reflecting a deep appreciation for the environment.
4. Reference Draft No. 2
Structure
Part 1 (the first 6 lines): Nguyễn Công Trứ during his time in office.
Part 2 (the next 13 lines): Nguyễn Công Trứ after retiring from office.
Line 1 (page 39, Literature 11, Volume 1):
- The term 'lofty' is used four times.
- 'Lofty' in its original meaning refers to something high and unstable – here, it signifies Nguyễn Công Trứ's audacious, independent attitude, rising above the mundane, free from societal constraints.
Line 2 (page 39, Literature 11, Volume 1):
Nguyễn Công Trứ chose to serve as an official because he wanted to achieve recognition, contributing his talents and strategies to his country.
Line 3 (page 39, Literature 11, Volume 1):
- Nguyễn Công Trứ considered himself 'lofty' because he did what others dared not do, living in a way that no one else dared to.
- He believes his 'lofty' stance is unique, unmatched: 'Who in the court is as lofty as I am?'.
Line 4 (page 39, Literature 11, Volume 1):
The freedom in the 'hát nói' genre:
+ The number of syllables in each line is flexible, not bound by fixed poetic forms.
+ The rhyme and tone patterns do not adhere to rigid rules.
Meaning: This brings a sense of freedom to the poem, reflecting the bold, creative nature of the poet's personality.
Practice
+ 'Hương Sơn Landscape Song': uses vivid, evocative language, focused on imagery and painting a picture of the natural world.
+ 'Lofty Poem': contains more narrative-driven language, blending elegant literary expressions with folk-inspired simplicity.
Meaning
+ 'Lofty' represents Nguyễn Công Trứ's personal philosophy, showcasing his confidence and individuality not only in poetry but throughout his life.
+ 'Hát nói' is a hybrid form combining music and poetry, free-spirited and unrestrained.
5. Reference Draft No. 3
I. About the Author and the Work
1. The Author
Nguyễn Công Trứ (1778 – 1858), whose pen name was Tồn Chất and alias Ngộ Trai, was born into a Confucian family in Uy Viễn village, Nghi Xuân district, Hà Tĩnh province.
Nguyễn Công Trứ was diligent and passionate about learning. In 1819, he passed the national examination and became an official. Through his own life, he demonstrated exceptional abilities and enthusiasm in various fields, including culture, economics, and military affairs. However, his career as a government official was turbulent, with frequent promotions and demotions.
Nguyễn Công Trứ wrote mainly in chữ Nôm, and his favorite genre was 'hát nói,' a popular form of folk poetry. Though this genre had been prevalent for centuries, particularly in the late 18th century, Nguyễn Công Trứ was the first to adapt 'hát nói' to fit its structure and function.
2. The Lofty Poem is one of Nguyễn Công Trứ's finest works, written in 1848 using the ca trù form. The poem showcases his rebellious spirit and unconventional lifestyle, which often defied Confucian norms.
II. Guide to Analyzing the Poem
Structure:
- Part 1 (first 6 lines): Loftiness in the pursuit of career and fame
- Part 2 (next 12 lines): Loftiness in lifestyle and thoughts
- Part 3 (remaining lines): A declaration of ultimate loftiness
Line 1 (page 39, Literature 11, Volume 1):
In the poem, aside from the title, the word 'lofty' is used four times.
- The first 'lofty' signifies Nguyễn Công Trứ's military strategy, talent, and the proud demeanor he adopted while in office.
- The second 'lofty' refers to his defiant attitude even as a commoner.
- The third 'lofty' emphasizes his audacity, such as leading young women to the temple and engaging in activities like singing traditional songs, all of which he viewed as accomplishments.
- The final 'lofty' suggests that the poet considers himself superior because he disregards fame, wealth, and public opinion, pursuing whatever brings him pleasure without being confined by social constraints.
Line 2 (page 39, Literature 11, Volume 1):
Nguyễn Công Trứ recognized that being an official meant losing personal freedom, but he accepted this role as it was a way to demonstrate his talents and ambitions. Therefore, 'lofty' reflects his lifestyle—one that values honesty, individuality, and a free-spirited approach to life.
Line 3 (page 39, Literature 11, Volume 1):
In this poem, Nguyễn Công Trứ narrates his own story, evaluating himself. His narrative voice is assertive and full of character. Through the image of loftiness, he emerges as a person who has achieved greatness, with a free and unrestrained soul, and a mindset that challenges the rigid constraints of Confucian teachings.
Line 4 (page 39, Literature 11, Volume 1):
Compared to the strict, formal poetry of the Tang dynasty, 'hát nói' is far more flexible. It allows for variation in the number of lines and rhyme schemes, creating a freer artistic expression. This flexibility makes 'hát nói' ideal for conveying the bold new existential ideas of Confucian scholars who sought to assert their identities, free from the constraints of traditional rituals and hierarchical structures.
III. Practice
(page 39, Literature 11, Volume 1): In your opinion...
Compare the language used in Nguyễn Công Trứ's 'Lofty Poem' with that in Chu Mạnh Trinh's 'Hương Sơn Landscape Song':
- The language of the 'Lofty Poem' aligns with Nguyễn Công Trứ's bold and free-spirited style—proud, independent, and slightly rebellious.
- In contrast, the language of 'Hương Sơn Landscape Song' is more serene, steeped in the peaceful wisdom of Buddhism and a deep appreciation for the natural world.
