Top 5 Best Analytical Essays on the 2nd Section of 'Phú sông Bạch Đằng' by Trương Hán Siêu (Literature 10)

The Bạch Đằng River continues to flow with serenity, yet the defeat of the enemy is beyond redemption. These are the heartfelt reflections of Trương Hán Siêu on the significance of the victories achieved on the Bạch Đằng River. The inspiration for the work comes from the sacred spirit of the Bạch Đằng River, intertwined with majestic nature and a sense of nostalgia, sorrow, and longing for the past. What’s remarkable is how these elements are skillfully conveyed through the art of storytelling, particularly through the image of the elders.

In the first section, the 'guest' character represents the writer's perspective, while in the second section, the elders become the voice of the collective. They not only symbolize the locals but also stand as witnesses of the past battles, with some of them having fought in those very wars. Their presence adds life to the battle scenes and ensures a natural flow of narrative. The elders serve as living history, recounting the naval battles of Bạch Đằng with deep reverence. At the beginning, they introduce the place to the guest: this is the battlefield where Ô Mã was captured during the Trùng Hưng period, and also the site where the Ngô forces defeated Hoằng Thao. The author creates a striking artistic space with two long lines (12 syllables each), laying a solemn and respectful foundation for the upcoming battle scenes.

The naval battle is depicted with short phrases, ranging from 4 to 6 syllables:

Countless fleets of ships,

Flags fluttering high.

The fierce soldiers,

Spears shining bright...

The sunlight and moonlight grow dim,

The sky and earth seem on the verge of collapse.

In this nostalgic atmosphere filled with echoes of past victories, the elders speak slowly and thoughtfully, offering great respect for the events. When the fleets with flags fluttering high and soldiers with weapons shining brightly appear, the imagery of a tremendous battle is brought to life. The battle is described with vivid detail, combining sound, color, emotions, and imagination, which conveys the intensity of the conflict on the river. Readers can clearly envision the massive forces of both sides and the fierce struggle, where neither side is victorious, and the very heavens and earth seem to shift, as though the battle could change the course of the world.

After these brutal, resolute, and courageous battles, the elders reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of both sides. The enemy is formidable but deceitful, having once wiped out the Southern tribes. In contrast, we are strong in our fighting spirit, with hearts devoted to our nation. But this very devotion can also be a weakness when fighting for a just cause. While justice may be unwavering, it must align with the will of the heavens (the heavens favor the righteous). Our ancestors have always taught that even in the most difficult battles, righteousness will prevail, and justice must be upheld against tyrants. Additionally, we have the advantage of a natural landscape that is hard to conquer, coupled with the brilliance and strategic insight of our commanders. These elements are what enable our nation to achieve glorious victories, overcoming foreign invaders. Thus, though time passes and the world changes, the shame of the enemy remains indelible. The elders emphasize not only our gratitude but also the significance of these victories. They are milestones in our nation's struggle, echoing as glorious victories throughout history. The moral element is always highlighted, leading to the following remark:

The unjust shall perish,

While heroes' names live on for millennia.

These words are not simply the thoughts of local people; they represent the voices of those who held weapons, whose feet once trod the battlefield. Here, time and space blend, creating a seamless narrative. The use of time and space is not just for superficial storytelling but for deeper reflection. It’s not merely a retelling; it’s an expression of emotion, a preservation of history. This technique creates a captivating and memorable narrative, preventing it from becoming dull or monotonous.

Trương Hán Siêu, a prominent cultural figure during the Trần Dynasty, held several significant positions in the royal court. He was also one of the most distinguished poets of the era. His famous work, *Phú sông Bạch Đằng*, stands as a representation of the patriotic literature from the Lý and Trần periods.

The poem consists of four main sections. The opening passage expresses the historical emotions of the character 'the guest' as they observe the beauty of the Bạch Đằng River. The subsequent section is a narrative where local elders recount the historical military victories on the river. The next part presents the elders' reflections and commentary on past triumphs. The final part is a poetic affirmation of the importance of human agency.

The character of the guest embarks on a journey through numerous famous locations: Nguyên Tương, Vũ Huyệt, Cửu Giang, Ngũ Hồ, and Tam Ngô, all picturesque and vast regions of China. These places, however, are visited only through books and the guest's imagination. In contrast, places like Đại Than, Đông Triều, and Bạch Đằng are real locations the guest has physically visited. These sites are equally vast and stunning, yet they also carry the weight of historical significance for the nation.

Through the guest's eyes, nature is depicted in various forms of beauty. The expansive, majestic landscape of the river is painted with lines like:

'The mighty waves stretch for thousands of miles,

Gracefully like the tails of pheasants.'

The first line evokes an image of endless waves, powerful and grand. The second line compares the boats sailing along the river to the graceful tails of pheasants, a metaphor that brings elegance and movement to the scene. The poem conveys a timeless beauty, evoking the harmony between water and sky: 'The sky and water are of one hue, the landscape eternal.' This sets the stage for a second portrayal of Bạch Đằng River’s beauty:

'The reeds line the shore, the riverbank is desolate.'

'The river hides broken weapons, the ground is littered with bones.'

The guest now witnesses a barren and eerie landscape, symbolizing the ghosts of past battles. The image of abandoned weapons and scattered bones connects the present to the haunting history of the river, which once saw intense warfare.

The character of the guest embodies the spirit of a wandering scholar, yearning to explore both physically and mentally, seeking knowledge from the natural world while reveling in the beauty of the homeland. While admiring the stunning landscapes, the guest feels a bittersweet nostalgia for the former glory of the battlefield now left in desolation. The river’s current, forever flowing, reminds him of the passage of time and the inevitable fading of past greatness.

In addition to the guest, the elders appear as significant characters, preserving the legacy of the heroic battles on the Bạch Đằng River. Whether real or symbolic, these elders seem to embody the voices of history, recounting the triumphs of past leaders such as Trần Nhân Tông and Trần Hưng Đạo, who overcame the Mongol invasions, and Ngô Quyền, who triumphed over the Southern invaders. The elders recount these victories in vivid detail, emphasizing the dramatic nature of the battles that shook the heavens: 'The sun and moon grew dim, the sky and earth seemed to shift.' These battles, intense and earth-shattering, saw the forces of justice triumph over evil. The elders highlight the strategic genius and moral righteousness of their leaders, which led to victory despite the enemy's might.

*Phú sông Bạch Đằng* is regarded as a pinnacle of classical Vietnamese poetry. Its structure is simple yet coherent, with the guest character being uniquely portrayed. The eloquent and powerful language, combined with vivid imagery, captures both the beauty of nature and the glory of the nation’s victories.

The poem reflects a profound sense of patriotism and national pride, celebrating the heroic victories on the Bạch Đằng River. It also praises the unyielding spirit of the Vietnamese people and the moral virtues of the nation, emphasizing the human element and the importance of leadership in securing the nation's triumphs.

Trương Hán Siêu was a cultural figure during the Tran Dynasty, born in Yen Ninh, which is now part of Ninh Binh City. A man of exceptional political and literary talent, he was highly educated, well-versed, and known for his integrity and forthrightness. As a follower of Tran Hung Dao, he held key positions across four Tran reigns and made significant contributions during the resistance against the Mongol invasions. Due to his accomplishments, he was deeply respected by the Tran kings, who referred to him as 'Master.' Upon his death, he was posthumously awarded the titles of Thai Bao and Thai Pho, and his legacy was honored by being worshiped at the National University’s Temple. During his lifetime, he left behind numerous works, including 17 poems and 2 prose pieces. His most notable work is the epic 'The Poem of Bach Dang River,' a landmark in Vietnamese literary history. The Bach Dang River is familiar to every Vietnamese, as it is a place that has been immortalized in history through many triumphant events. It has inspired various authors and poets, such as 'Bach Dang Giang' by Tran Minh Tong, 'Bach Dang Giang Phu' by Nguyen Mong Tuan, and 'Bach Dang Hai Khau' by Nguyen Trai. Among all works about the Bach Dang River, Trương Hán Siêu's 'Bach Dang Giang Phu' stands out as the most extraordinary, celebrating the river’s role in Vietnam's heroic past.

His work is a reflection of national pride and love for the heroic victories at Bach Dang River, vividly portraying the bloodstained, courageous battles of the past through the second section of the poem.

The poem begins with the image of elderly men asking about the poet’s thoughts:

'By the river, the elders ask,

What is it that you seek?

Some with staffs, leaning forward,

Others with light boats, trailing behind.'

The elders could be real figures the poet encountered on the river or possibly imaginary representations of his own inner thoughts. Regardless, their presence evokes memories of the historic moment at Duyen Hong, when a unified voice declared, 'We will fight!' This serves as a reminder of the glorious past and leads the reader back to those heroic times, as the elders’ words revive the great history:

'This is the battlefield where Trùng Hưng Nhị Thánh captured Ô Mã,

It is the same ground where the Ngô lords once defeated Hoằng Thao.'

The elders speak of the famous battle led by Tran Hung Dao in 1288, where his forces captured Ô Mã and obliterated thousands of invaders, leading to the line:

'Bach Dang, the site of a great battle,

Where bones scattered the land, and blood stained the river.'

The poem also references the 938 victory of Ngo Quyen, who used brilliant strategies to crush the Southern Han forces. It emphasizes that Bach Dang is not just a geographical location, but a symbol of Vietnam’s long-standing triumphs in the face of foreign aggression.

The poet transitions from nostalgic, gentle tones to a more forceful, concise rhythm, painting the fierce spirit of the past:

'Countless boats, banners fluttering,

Six armies marching, spears and swords gleaming.'

The exaggerated use of numbers and opposing imagery vividly portrays the strength and resolve of the Vietnamese forces. The river comes alive with waves of boats, and the battlefield is painted in brilliant, fierce colors. But even as the Vietnamese forces are ready for battle, the enemy is equally formidable:

'Behold: Tất Liệt's might, Lưu Cung’s deceit,

They thought one strike would destroy the four corners of the South.'

The poet draws on historical figures like Bồ Kiên of the Qin Dynasty to highlight the Mongol’s arrogance, similar to that of the Southern Han forces. This sets the stage for a tense, evenly matched confrontation between the two sides, suggesting an epic and uncertain battle:

'The outcome is still undecided,

Both sides stand firm, facing off.

The sun and moon grow dim,

The sky and earth seem about to change.'

The battle is portrayed as one of cosmic magnitude, where the very earth trembles with the clash of forces. The poet’s vivid language makes the reader imagine a battlefield filled with smoke, clashing swords, war cries, and the sounds of hooves and drums. The battle is intense, with ships sinking into the river, blood staining the waters. The poet’s careful use of grand imagery creates a living, vibrant scene of history, rich with color and sound, emphasizing the heroism and grandeur of the victory.

At the conclusion, the poet sharply defines the final triumph of the people:

'But in the end: Heaven favors the righteous,

And the invaders are defeated!

Much like the ancient battle of Xích Bích, where Cao Cao’s forces were scattered in the wind,

Or at Hợp Phì, where Bồ Kiên’s army was completely vanquished.'

The poet again references famous historical battles to highlight the invaders’ disgrace. By comparing the invaders to renowned military leaders like Cao Cao and Bồ Kiên, the poet emphasizes the strength of the Vietnamese forces, showing that no matter how powerful the invaders were, they were ultimately defeated. This reinforces the triumphant message of the poem, celebrating the victory and humiliation of the enemy.

The Bach Dang River is a place that every Vietnamese person holds dear, with a history rich in glorious victories. It continues to inspire authors and poets today, echoing the love and pride of the Vietnamese people in their homeland's history. Through his vivid, passionate language, the poet has captured the essence of Bach Dang, immortalizing its heroic past in a poem that still resonates with pride and nationalism.

The poem about the Battle of Bach Dang River is an eternal anthem, a perfect prose piece regarded as a 'timeless heroic literature' in our nation's history. With his profound knowledge and exceptional writing skills, Truong Han Xieu vividly depicted a grand and authentic scene of battle on the Bach Dang River, bringing it to life with immense vigor. Through the tales of the elders, the battle unfolds before the reader, full of energy and grandeur.

While the guest character is someone who has traveled far and wide, marveling at the magnificent landscapes of the world, the elder characters are those who witnessed the heroic battles fought by the forces of Tran Hung Dao on the Bach Dang River, especially in the fight against the Mongol-Yuan army. Therefore, when the guest reflects thoughtfully and expresses sorrow, the elders, with their vast experience, understand his concerns and respond warmly with a question:

"Beside the river, the elders ask,

What is it you seek?"

With their warmth and hospitality, the elders, like local tour guides, describe the battlefield along the Bach Dang River and the battle scenes with clarity and passion. As locals, they are immensely proud of this historic victory and share their stories with excitement and deep emotion.

At the outset, the elders recount the battle where King Tran captured the Mongol general, O Ma, and recall this very river, where King Ngo decisively defeated the army of Hoang Thao. The battle of Tran Hung Dao was meticulously planned, and the atmosphere was filled with fierce determination:

"At that moment:

Countless ships lined up,

Flags fluttered in the wind.

Six armies fierce and strong,

Spearheads and swords shone bright.

The battle was yet undecided,

North and south fought fiercely.

The sun and moon dimmed,

The sky and earth were on the brink of change."

The fighting forces were powerful, with shining weapons, countless ships, and a heroic spirit that filled the sky. The battle was so intense that the sun and moon seemed to fade, and it felt as if the heavens themselves were about to collapse. It was a battle where both sides were evenly matched, with neither able to claim an easy victory.

According to the elders, each side had its own strategies. The enemy had a massive army, strong forces, and deceitful tactics. Arrogant, boastful, and overconfident, they believed:

"Behold:

Attila the Great, full of strength,

Liu Gong's treacherous schemes.

They thought they could whip us once,

And sweep the southern kingdom away."

Our forces, however, were the righteous side, with strong forces and the people's support, united under heaven's favor. As the saying goes, the arrogant and oppressive must eventually face disgrace, while the just will triumph. Our victory was glorious, to be remembered for millennia, and the elders' words rang with joy and pride:

"But in the end, heaven sided with us,

The wicked were defeated!

Like the battle of Red Cliff, where Cao Cao's forces were scattered to the wind,

Like the battle at He Fei, where the enemy Biao Jian was completely wiped out."

Even though the river flows endlessly, the shame of the enemy cannot be washed away. The elders used the devastating defeats of Cao Cao at Red Cliff and Biao Jian at He Fei to mock the enemy and glorify our victory. They reiterated the righteousness of our national struggle. This is the eternal truth of history.

In their celebration of the victory, the elders expressed their deep gratitude to the brilliant leaders. The enemy's defeat was thanks to the strategic terrain, the talents, wisdom, and courage displayed on the battlefield. The strength and intellect of our people were the decisive factors in this triumph.

Through the reflections and musings of the "host" and "guest" characters, this poem breathes life into the heroic spirit of the East A period during the Tran dynasty. Truong Han Xieu skillfully built the image of the majestic Bach Dang River in the past and the quiet, solemn river that remains after these monumental victories, so that future generations will forever remember and be proud of the historic landmarks and glorious achievements of our ancestors.