Top 5 Best Essays Analyzing and Evaluating a Character from the Literature Texts in the 10th Grade Curriculum

Nguyễn Tuân is a writer famous for his lifelong quest to find beauty. Critic Nguyễn Đăng Mạnh once remarked, 'Nguyễn Tuân is the very definition of an artist. To him, literature must first and foremost be true to its form, and art must be authentic—if it is art, it must have a unique style.' However, Nguyễn Tuân was not a follower of formalism; he believed that talent must go hand in hand with integrity. This integrity encompasses pure love for the nation and the courage to stand firm against unjust authority and materialism. Before the August Revolution, his works often 'escaped from reality, searching for a bygone era' with refined pleasures like tea tasting and wine drinking. One of these passions was calligraphy, which is vividly depicted in his short story 'The Calligraphy of the Prisoner of Death,' from the collection 'Echoes of a Bygone Era.'

The story was initially titled 'The Last Stroke of Ink' and was first published in 'Tao Đàn' magazine. Upon its publication as a book, Nguyễn Tuân changed the title to 'The Calligraphy of the Prisoner of Death.' The story explores the theme: 'Beauty can arise from evil and vice, but it cannot coexist with them.'

'The Calligraphy of the Prisoner of Death' tells the story of Huấn Cao, a man with noble virtues and extraordinary talent. Huấn Cao was a master calligrapher. For opposing the ruling dynasty, he was imprisoned in Sơn Province, where he had a fateful encounter with the warden. Initially, the warden treated Huấn Cao with disdain, but after recognizing his noble heart and exceptional talent, he relented and requested a calligraphy. On the night before Huấn Cao's execution, an unprecedented scene unfolded: the prisoner, bound in chains, wrote graceful strokes on a white silk canvas, while the warden waited anxiously, trembling in respect. After finishing, Huấn Cao advised the warden to find a peaceful place to preserve his noble heart and love for beauty. Deeply moved by Huấn Cao’s words, the warden bowed and thanked the prisoner with great respect.

Nguyễn Tuân masterfully crafts the characters. The short story presents Huấn Cao as a heroic, unyielding, talented, and virtuous figure. He led a rebellion against the ruling dynasty and maintained his dignity even when captured. In a conversation between the warden and a clerk at the start of the story, Huấn Cao's fame is acknowledged: 'Isn’t Huấn Cao the man from Sơn Province, known for his swift and beautiful handwriting?' His calligraphy was highly admired, and he only offered it to those with pure hearts. He refused to write for power or wealth, asserting, 'I will never be coerced into writing for gold, silver, or authority.' Besides his talent, Huấn Cao possessed a noble heart. After recognizing the warden's sincerity, he agreed to write for him: 'I appreciate your noble intentions. I didn’t know someone like you, a prison warden, could have such refined tastes. I almost missed an honorable heart.'

The warden is also portrayed impressively in the story. He is an honest man who loves beauty but lives in a world full of deceit and cruelty. Despite this, the warden strives to maintain his purity of soul and hopes to display Huấn Cao’s calligraphy in his home. When he listens to Huấn Cao's advice, his actions demonstrate his noble character. 'The warden, moved, bowed and said, his voice choked with emotion, 'This ignorant man humbly accepts your wisdom.'

The story’s unique plot, along with the dramatic meeting between Huấn Cao and the warden, leaves a lasting impression. The use of contrasts is another significant highlight. The two characters embody opposites: one, a prisoner with exceptional talent and courage, and the other, a warden who represents law and order. The story also emphasizes the contrast between beauty and filth, light and darkness, especially in the calligraphy scene. The dark, prison cell contrasts with the 'immaculate white silk,' and the roles of the prisoner and the warden are reversed. The prisoner, shackled and bound, writes bold strokes that express his unyielding spirit, while the warden humbly waits. Through the use of delicate language and a slow rhythm, the story evokes a sense of ancient grandeur, allowing the reader to imagine the historical setting and the characters' personalities.

Throughout the story, Nguyễn Tuân affirms his belief in the radiance of beauty, even within the presence of evil and darkness. Through 'The Calligraphy of the Prisoner of Death,' the author emphasizes the existence of beauty in life, its power to redeem the soul, and its ability to bring people closer together, fostering mutual understanding. This short story leaves readers with unforgettable impressions.

The Sky Pillar God is a mythological story that describes the creation of the Earth as we know it. However, this is merely one of the many theories proposed by humanity, yet to be definitively proven. Despite this, the character of the Sky Pillar God stands out as an exceptional figure. In the grand narrative of creation, the myth introduces a lone god who plays a central role.

The story details the Sky Pillar God’s efforts in shaping the Earth. In the early days, when the world was still in its primordial state, the god emerged. The god constructed a pillar to separate the heavens from the earth, and then shattered it to create mountains, rivers, seas, and more. This event is often referred to as the 'beginning of the world' by many later generations.

The author constructs the Sky Pillar God through two primary aspects: appearance and work. The god is depicted as incredibly large, to the extent that the space around them seems cramped. 'The god was extraordinarily tall, with legs so long they seemed indescribable, each step taking them from one region to another, across mountains and valleys.' This exaggerated portrayal illustrates the god’s immense strength and grandeur, reflecting the people’s desire for a figure who could dominate nature. Once the god appeared, however, they seemed to feel an overwhelming loneliness. The god is described as sitting quietly for a long time before looking up, as if sensing something, and beginning their work.

Regarding the god’s actions, they appear contradictory, which may confuse the reader. The god constructs a pillar to support the sky, only to destroy it and form mountains, rivers, and seas. This contradiction might represent the god’s internal conflict, with solitude as their only companion in the vast space. All of the god’s tasks are grand in scale—tasks that humans, both in ancient times and today, have yet to achieve. The god’s labor is depicted in detail: 'Carrying stones, building pillars, tirelessly digging and constructing.' This portrays the god as a diligent, creative worker. The outcome of all these actions was the separation of the sky from the earth, and the formation of mountains, rivers, and seas. Through this, we can see the extraordinary power that the people of ancient times longed for in the Sky Pillar God.

The god also performs small, detailed tasks, such as 'counting sand, striking the sea, planting trees, building mounds.' These are not merely laborious tasks but require meticulous effort. Through these actions, the author reflects the collective strength of the people, working together like a giant, to shape the land.

We understand that the Sky Pillar God is merely a hypothetical and somewhat fantastical creation of the working people. The details, such as the god sitting idle counting time, constructing and destroying pillars, reflect the innocent and humble nature of the people at that time. The narrative structure is also carefully crafted, from the god’s arrival to the formation of the Earth. It reflects the ancient people’s dreams and highlights their imagination. Through the figure of the Sky Pillar God, the author expresses admiration for the farmers who contributed to creating the images we see today.

Like most other mythical stories with magical elements, the tale of the Sky Pillar God showcases the extraordinary power of deities through the figure of the Sky Pillar God. Through this, the people express their dreams and celebrate the human figures that emerge within the vast tableau of nature.

The epic 'Dâm Sân' is a well-known masterpiece not only among the Ê-đê people but also throughout Vietnam. With a creative flair and unique imagination, the folk author masterfully portrayed the hero Dâm Sân - a valiant and skilled leader of the community. These noble qualities are evident in the excerpt 'Dâm Sân Defeats Mtao Mxây.'

After learning that his wife, Hơ Nhị, was captured, Dâm Sân set off to Mtao Mxây's home to rescue her. There, a fierce battle ensued. With his immense strength and heroic spirit, Dâm Sân triumphed, defeating Mtao Mxây, and collecting many servants and riches. The folk author skillfully highlighted Dâm Sân’s greatness through this combat scene, bringing his many virtues into sharp focus.

Firstly, Dâm Sân is depicted as a physically powerful figure, with an impressive, muscular body. His robust physique is admired by the villagers: 'His calves were as thick as beams, his thighs as big as bellows, his strength was equal to that of a mighty elephant.' From his towering stature, one can sense the heroic aura and authority of this warrior: 'He carried weapons at his side and his eyes gleamed like those of a hawk hunting bamboo flowers.'

Beyond his physical appearance, Dâm Sân embodies invaluable qualities. When faced with challenges, he remains fearless and confident. Upon reaching Mtao Mxây’s home, he immediately issued a challenge without waiting for his enemy to speak: 'I challenge you to a duel!' When Mtao Mxây hesitated, Dâm Sân boldly retorted, 'If you don’t step down, I’ll split your current floor in half…' His assertive words not only struck fear into Mtao Mxây but also reinforced Dâm Sân's commanding presence. With just a few defiant words, he forced Mtao Mxây to submit.

Especially notable in this battle is Dâm Sân’s extraordinary strength and swift actions. In contrast to the feeble Mtao Mxây, 'whose movements were clumsy and slow like a dried gourd,' Dâm Sân's movements were precise, quick, and full of power: 'With each step, he leaped over hills.' Every motion demonstrated immense strength: 'When he danced above, the wind howled like a storm; when he danced below, it howled like a whirlwind.' Each time he raised his hand or leg, his might was unmistakable. Ultimately, after receiving guidance from the heavens, Dâm Sân quickly threw a worn pestle, striking Mtao Mxây’s ear and killing him on the cattle pen floor. This detail not only showcases his physical prowess but also his sharp intellect and quick thinking.

After his victory, Dâm Sân acquired vast wealth and many servants from Mtao Mxây. Through his unmatched skill and indomitable spirit, he earned the admiration of the villagers. As soon as Dâm Sân asked, 'Will you join me?' the people responded in unison, 'How could we not follow you?' This reflects the community’s deep respect and affection for their hero. Furthermore, the celebratory feast at Dâm Sân's house highlighted his prosperity and wealth. At this moment, Dâm Sân truly stood out as the leader of the village - a powerful and respected chief.

The folk author skillfully used artistic techniques to bring the character to life. By incorporating nature imagery and employing vivid comparisons and exaggerations, the author described Dâm Sân's beauty: 'His eyes gleamed like a hawk’s, his strength matched that of a bull, and his breath rumbled like a thunderstorm.' Additionally, the blend of the narrator’s and the character’s language further emphasized the qualities and actions of Dâm Sân, displaying the admiration and reverence the author had for him.

Through the excerpt 'Dâm Sân Defeats Mtao Mxây,' we are further impressed by the folk author’s ingenuity in crafting the hero Dâm Sân with idealized beauty and character traits. The excerpt also reflects the universal desire for a capable and determined leader, a yearning shared by people in all eras.

Nguyễn Dữ is one of the most renowned writers of Vietnam's medieval literature. His work *Truyền kỳ mạn lục* has achieved profound popularity among the public. The literary style of this work is artistically valuable, and its content carries deep philosophical significance. The stories, though filled with fantastical elements, are deeply rooted in real-life situations, reflecting the human condition and carrying significant humanistic values. One of the most impactful stories in this collection is the tale of Ngô Tử Văn in *Chuyện chức phán sự đền Tản Viên*, which explores the fight for justice in life.

Ngô Tử Văn, a character representing Nguyễn Dữ's ideals, was created through a lens of reality, with some artistic embellishments and imaginative additions woven into the narrative. However, all of these choices were intentional, aiming to express the spirit and purpose of the story.

The village where Ngô Tử Văn lived was home to a sacred temple, which for years had been the dwelling place of a monstrous northern invader causing great harm to the people. Upon discovering this, Ngô Tử Văn was filled with indignation. He was deeply concerned for the villagers and feared that their peaceful lives would be disturbed. After much contemplation, he decided that the only solution was to confront and eliminate the evil creature. Though aware that this might lead to unforeseen consequences, Ngô Tử Văn was resolute in his decision. He made the bold choice to set fire to the temple, thereby forcing the invader to flee. 'One day, he bathed, prayed to the heavens, and set the temple ablaze.' While burning a temple was not an ideal action, in this case, it was the only effective solution. Ngô Tử Văn's decision to act was driven by his desire to protect the people, and he was willing to take responsibility for his actions. How many others could have the courage and resolve of Tử Văn?

Although his actions were intended for the good, Ngô Tử Văn soon found himself in danger. The evil invader, far from understanding the situation, sought revenge. After setting the temple on fire, Tử Văn fell seriously ill, and one day 'two demon servants came to take him away,' dragging him to the underworld to stand trial before King Yama. The invader, using deceitful tactics, accused Ngô Tử Văn of crimes he did not commit.

'A straight tree does not fear being felled.' With his steadfast nature and unwavering commitment to justice, Ngô Tử Văn boldly recounted the truth, proving to everyone that his actions were just. In the end, justice prevailed, and the heavens did not disappoint him.

After being acquitted, Ngô Tử Văn returned home. Within a month, the Earth God came to him with an offer to serve as a judge at the Tản Viên Temple. The Earth God advised Tử Văn: 'Everyone must die one day, but as long as one is remembered for their good deeds, it is enough.' Ngô Tử Văn accepted the position, which symbolized his victory over the evil invader. It was a triumph of righteousness over wrongdoing, a reminder that good ultimately prevails, and that such victories bring peace and happiness to the world.

Ngô Tử Văn's victory over the evil invader carries profound significance. It affirms the existence and inviolability of justice. Despite hardships, justice will always triumph over evil. Overcoming challenges refines one's will and character, and through struggle, one gains a deeper appreciation for the meaning of life and the value of happiness. Nguyễn Dữ subtly expresses his hope for a hero of righteousness who would stand up to protect the nation and its people, as Tử Văn did for his village. This story reflects Nguyễn Dữ's quiet patriotism and deep concern for his people.

The struggle of Ngô Tử Văn against evil is commendable and admirable. His victory shines a light on the importance of justice in society, instilling a sense of hope and faith in humanity. Justice will always prevail.

Nguyễn Minh Châu once said, 'Literature and art are two concentric circles, with the core being humanity.' This truly reflects the essence of art, which lies in its portrayal of human beauty. Through every piece of literature, we encounter, meet, and understand various lives and destinies. And perhaps, I will never forget the character of Aunt Mây in the short story 'The People by the Châu River' by Sương Nguyệt Minh.

Set in post-war Vietnam, 'The People by the Châu River' tells the life story of Aunt Mây – a soldier returning after the American War. The narrative not only conveys the struggles and misfortunes of Aunt Mây but also reveals the devastating effects of war on human lives.

At the heart of Aunt Mây's character is the image of a person who was willing to sacrifice her life for national independence. A beautiful young woman with a blooming love, she chose to give it up and step into the battlefield, confronting the specter of death. Upon returning from the war, Aunt Mây was warmly welcomed by the villagers. 'Some reached out, offering comfort, others expressed sympathy.' Perhaps this was because the war had taken so much from her: an unfinished love, a vibrant youth, and her once lustrous black hair. Upon her return, Aunt Mây felt alienated in her own homeland, as everything had changed. The man she once loved, believing she had perished in battle, had married another. Her hair, once dark and shiny, now fell out and grew sparse. Worse still, she had lost her legs and had to rely on a prosthetic and crutches to climb onto the boat’s deck. Despite the relentless string of misfortunes, she remained resilient, living with unwavering optimism.

Aunt Mây is also a woman of loyalty and selflessness in love. On the battlefield, she wrote her lover’s name in her diary every day. The girl from the Trường Sơn mountains, amidst exploding bombs and gunfire, carried the pain and boundless love for the man she left behind. It seemed she would have a happy ending after the war, but... she returned to find that the person she loved had forgotten her – Uncle San, the man she had once 'held tight, leaning her head on his chest,' had moved on and started a life with someone else. Aunt Mây could not blame anyone; perhaps time had erased all the beautiful memories between them. Yet, when Uncle San suggested they 'start over,' she firmly rejected him, despite the sadness, pain, and love still in her heart. 'No!' she said. Though she still loved him, she understood that her happiness would come at the cost of another woman's life: 'Enough! It’s too late! Anyway, I’m just a woman who suffers. You should go.' For the happiness of the one she loved, Aunt Mây was willing to sacrifice her own. Such is the selfless love of a noble heart.

The author places Aunt Mây in an even more ironic situation when she assists in delivering the baby of Thanh – Uncle San’s new wife. In the torrential rain, Aunt Mây, with her injured legs, helps Thanh give birth. Despite the protests of her sister-in-law Ba, Aunt Mây gently reassured Thanh: 'Try your best, think about the baby. Come on, push... try your best.' It is hard to imagine that these words came from a woman whose happiness had been taken by the one now beside her. After the successful delivery, hearing the baby's cry, Aunt Mây felt 'a deep sorrow, mixed with yearning, joy, and sadness.' Perhaps she also felt a deep loneliness, as she was now left all alone. She mourned the misfortune of her own life. If only they had not been separated, if only there had been no war, perhaps she would now be happy with her own family. It is heart-wrenching to think of Aunt Mây’s fate.

Thus, the author, Sương Nguyệt Minh, places Aunt Mây in challenging circumstances to reveal her character. We see that war steals so much from a person: beauty, health, love... However, it can never crush the soul of a human being – one that is forgiving and noble.