Top 5 Best Introductions to Nguyễn Trãi's Classical Chinese and Nom Poetry (Vietnamese Literature 10)

Nature's beauty is a common theme in Nguyễn Trãi's works. Behind every natural scene, the poet often subtly expresses his thoughts and reflections on life and human affairs. This is clearly demonstrated in the poem "Dục Thúy Sơn". Written in Classical Chinese and in the five-character regulated verse form, the poem has left a deep impression on readers with its poetic, picturesque imagery.

First, Nguyễn Trãi carefully describes the location of Dục Thúy Mountain:

"Hải khẩu hữu tiên san"

("At the sea's mouth, there is a mountain of immortals")

The phrase "tiên san" evokes the image of a mountain near the sea, resembling a mystical mountain, close to the entrance of the sea. Though the poet has visited this site many times, he still finds it as enchanting as an immortal land. The beauty of this place is created by its majestic and poetic landscape.

Looking at the stunning scenery, one cannot help but be captivated:

"Lotus flowers floating above the peak;

Heavenly scenery descending upon the earth."

The poet imagines the shape of the mountain resembling a pure lotus flower blooming in the clear water. The metaphor "lotus floating above the peak" demonstrates a fresh, innovative comparison. The lotus symbolizes simplicity and purity. By comparing the mountain to a lotus flower, Nguyễn Trãi emphasizes the purity and beauty of this land. In the following lines, the poet reinforces the view of the picturesque scenery by using the word "tiên" (immortal) once again, suggesting the mountain's divine, magical beauty. Standing in front of this sight, one might feel as if they are gazing at a "heavenly realm fallen to earth".

The image of nature in the first four lines is portrayed from a distant, wide perspective. The scene carries the aura of a celestial, magical world.

As the poem continues, the landscape of Dục Thúy Mountain becomes more vivid and tangible:

"The shadow of a pagoda reflected on the clear waters;

The light from the river shines like jade."

In his poem, Trương Hán Siêu once wrote: "The shadow of the pagoda on the river's surface," but Nguyễn Trãi takes a more creative approach. He compares the reflection of the pagoda in the water to a woman's hairpin made of jade. In ancient times, poets often used the beauty of nature to reflect human beauty. In "Dục Thúy Sơn", Nguyễn Trãi uses the graceful, delicate beauty of a young woman to describe the mountain’s reflection on the blue waves. This comparison is modern and unique. The innovative imagery continues in the next line: "The light of the water reflects the green jade hairpin." Here, the water's reflection is likened to the shine of a woman's jade hairpin. This suggests that the poet is not only observing nature with sharp eyes but also feeling it with a heart full of love, making the scene even more alive.

Like many of his other works, the final two lines express the poet's feelings and reflections:

"I think of Trương Thiếu Bảo;

The inscriptions on the stone tablet are now faded with moss."

While admiring Dục Thúy Mountain, Nguyễn Trãi still recalls his admiration for the great scholar Trương Thiếu Bảo. Looking at the moss-covered stone tablet, the poet is reminded of the historical figure who was once honored by many kings. These two lines, slow and succinct, express deep nostalgia and longing. Despite the passage of time and changes in the world, the words engraved on the stone still hold their value. Through these short verses, we feel Nguyễn Trãi's noble sentiment of "drinking from the well and remembering the source" and his sensitive, delicate heart.

With his beautiful imagery, rhythmic verse, and literary techniques such as similes and metaphors, the poet creates a beautiful picture of Dục Thúy Mountain. At the same time, he subtly expresses his thoughts on humanity, history, and the nation.

"Dục Thúy Sơn" is truly a magnificent work by Nguyễn Trãi, a man who deeply loves nature and his homeland. This poem reminds us of the majestic and poetic image of Dục Thúy Mountain and the noble sentiment that the poet conveys to the past generations.

Nguyễn Trãi was a brilliant political figure, poet, and writer who made significant contributions to Vietnam's literary heritage. His works express deep thoughts on human righteousness and his reflections on the complexities of life. One of his most renowned works is the poem "Thuật Hứng" from the "Quốc Âm Thi Tập".

Indeed, Nguyễn Trãi was a true hero, both in intellect and action. From the very first line of his poem, he subtly affirms his accomplished position: "Fame and honor are now in hand."

"Fame and honor are now in hand,

Good or bad, what does it matter?"

But tragically, virtuous individuals like him are often targeted by small-minded people. He was plotted against by corrupt officials, and despite being a man of integrity, he chose death over submission. He turned his back on fame to embrace a simple life, affirming that this was the right choice. His words convey his indifference to public praise or criticism, having lived with sincerity and no longer caring about idle gossip. In this way, we can confidently say that his decision was indeed the right one, embodying the noble character of a scholar who has freed himself from the cycle of fame and fortune.

Leaving behind the false glories, he now leads a peaceful, carefree life:

"A shallow pond, scooping up water spinach;"

A clear pond, growing lotus seeds."

These lines, written in a relaxed and measured rhythm, reflect the poet's tranquil life after withdrawing from public office. The subtle contrast between "shallow pond" and "clear pond," as well as between "scooping water spinach" and "growing lotus seeds," paints a picture of a life of simplicity and dignity. Though he once held high office, in his later years, he found contentment in humble pursuits such as water spinach and lotus—a symbol of his continued integrity.

The next lines further highlight Nguyễn Trãi's profound connection with the world, using classical imagery that exudes poetic charm:

"Autumn's harvest fills the warehouse with wind and moon,

The boat carries quiet music, its weight sinking in the air."

Returning to the tranquility of rural life, Nguyễn Trãi finds companionship in the wind and moon, and pleasure in the quiet music of the river. Few, on this earth, can enjoy life so serenely and beautifully as he did. He does not merely observe nature; he immerses himself in it, savoring the autumn as if it were a warehouse filled with wind and moon. His boat, once a simple vessel, now rides through a river laden with philosophical depth, moving gently through life. These lines show a man at peace with the natural world, embodying freedom and openness while still deeply connected to it.

Though living in the fields, his loyalty to his country and love for his people are never forgotten, as revealed in the final two lines:

"I hold a heart of loyalty and filial piety,

No matter how much it's worn or stained, it remains pure."

In classical Chinese, the word "bui" means "only". Nguyễn Trãi expresses his unwavering devotion to the nation and his parents, assuring that no matter how much hardship or corruption he may face, his heart remains pure, steadfast, and unyielding. These final verses serve as a solemn vow to his country and his ancestors.

The poem "Thuật Hứng" offers a gentle yet profound expression of Nguyễn Trãi's love for his simple, humble life, without ever forgetting his duty to his country and his people. It captures the essence of a man who, despite stepping away from worldly fame, continues to uphold his moral convictions. Truly, Nguyễn Trãi deserves the praise given to him by King Lê Thánh Tông: "Ức Trai's heart shines like the brilliance of the constellation Khuê."

Nguyễn Trãi was a brilliant strategist and one of the greatest poets of our nation. While he did not directly participate in battles, his writing alone was powerful enough to weaken many invading forces. His sharp pen and unwavering righteousness ensured that his enemies were defeated without even a fight. Beyond his well-known political writings, such as the "Bình Ngô Đại Cáo", we also admire his gentle, nature-infused verses in "Côn Sơn Ca". He excelled both in political poetry and in poetry that celebrates the natural world.

This poem was written during the years when Nguyễn Trãi retired to his homeland. These years were spent in the peaceful environment of Côn Sơn, and the poem captures the tranquility and beauty of nature as seen through his eyes. It is as if the verses are the musical notes of Nguyễn Trãi's soul, playing softly after he stepped away from the busy world of politics to embrace life in the countryside. The landscape of Côn Sơn comes to life in the poem, immersing us in its beauty:

"Côn Sơn's stream flows gently,

It sounds like a lyre next to my ear."

In this portrayal of nature, the use of sound, color, and vivid imagery highlights the serene beauty of Côn Sơn. Three comparisons are used to emphasize the charm of this place. The stream's sound is not just like the voice of a young woman singing in the night, as Hồ Chí Minh once said: "The stream's voice is as clear as a distant song." Instead, here it is likened to the harmonious sound of a lyre, making the poet feel as if he were sitting on a soft cushion of moss in the forest. The bamboo shadows and tall pine trees give a sense of peace. The green of the forest and the soft murmur of the stream blend seamlessly with the poet's soul. This tranquil environment inspires the poet to recite verses that feel like a gentle hum within the space around him.

The pine trees are compared to "pillows", indicating their abundance in Côn Sơn. Perhaps the dense growth of the pines and bamboo represents the shelter these trees provide for the poet's soul, offering respite from the dust of the world. They may even be seen as the poet's silent companions. For an artist, the beauty of nature brings comfort and inspiration. It is in this nature that Nguyễn Trãi finds solace as he withdraws from the world. But, as he enjoys this peace, the tone of his poem shifts, and he becomes reflective, as if reminding himself:

"Why wait so long to return,

Why waste half a life in the dust of the world?"

The poet expresses the correctness of his decision to retire. After half his life spent in service, Nguyễn Trãi had suffered at the hands of sycophantic courtiers. He had grown tired of court life, and his loyalty had been enough. The question, "Why waste half a life in the dust of the world?" serves as a self-reminder to the poet. Just like Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, who said, "I am foolish to seek solitude/ The wise go to the bustling world," Nguyễn Trãi too had to endure repeated royal invitations to return to court. Though grateful for the king's trust, he also feared the intrigues of the court.

He was a man of great virtue, integrity, and honesty, as described by Phạm Văn Đồng. And perhaps this internal conflict, torn between wanting to serve his country and avoiding the corrupt, scheming court, is the true tragedy for Nguyễn Trãi. His upright conscience could no longer bear the deceit of the political world, and once he became disillusioned, he knew he could never return. The poet reflects on the nature of life and fate, comparing the lives of historical figures:

"Dong Trac and Tài of the Eastern Han, and Nguyên Tải of the Tang dynasty had fame, wealth, and honor throughout their lives,

Yet left behind disgrace when they passed."

These two different paths in life highlight Nguyễn Trãi's personal philosophy. He chooses to live humbly, even with simple food and water, leaving behind a legacy of honor, rather than pursuing wealth and fame and leaving behind shame. Ultimately, the "good" and the "foolish" in life are simply driven by their own desires. And from these reflections, Nguyễn Trãi expresses his life philosophy:

"In this human life, we are like plants, our bodies will crumble and fade."

His perspective on life and death is not one of despair, but rather a reflection on the fragility of human existence. Like the saying, "The river has its bends, and people have their moments," human life is not always glorious or fortunate. Just like plants, we may have moments of wealth and happiness, but we also have times of hardship and disgrace.

The cycle of life changes constantly. Nguyễn Trãi wrote "Côn Sơn Ca" long before the tragedy of the Lệ Chi Viên incident occurred, but his philosophy about life and the state of the world resonates with the sadness of his era. In the end, whether one lives with honor or disgrace, death comes, and we are no longer aware of it. In the final lines of the poem, the poet expresses his deep yearning:

"May Sài Phủ and Hứa Do be reborn,

And listen to the song by the Côn Sơn shore."

Sài Phủ and Hứa Do were upright officials during the reign of Emperor Yao in ancient China. Both chose to live in seclusion, rejecting fame and wealth. The poet looks to them as role models, and in his final plea, he wishes for their rebirth so they may hear the song by the Côn Sơn shore. This verse reflects the poet's desire to find true companions, those who understand his soul.

Through this poem, we gain insight into Nguyễn Trãi's emotions and thoughts. His retreat to Côn Sơn allowed him to immerse himself in nature, which became his silent companion. The harmony between his poetic soul and the environment reflects his philosophical views on life, especially his thoughts on virtue and folly.

Nguyen Trai was a military strategist, politician, national hero, and an acclaimed poet and writer. In every circumstance, his focus was always on the welfare of the people and the nation. He had a deep love for nature, and during a period of suspicion, when he withdrew to live in the quiet of Con Son, he appeared to immerse himself in the beauty of nature. Analyzing his soul through the poem 'Summer Day Scene' reveals his profound connection to the natural world.

Throughout his literary career, Nguyen Trai left a priceless legacy for Vietnamese literature. In works like 'Binh Ngo Dai Cao,' he expressed a strong declaration of independence aimed at the people and nation. In contrast, in 'Summer Day Scene,' Nguyen Trai revealed the beauty of his soul through his love for nature's scenery.

'Summer Day Scene' is like a vivid painting of nature, skillfully depicted with words that evoke scents, colors, and sounds. Beneath the surface, the poet's beautiful soul is revealed amidst the simplicity of rural life.

His love for nature is evident from the very first line of the poem, where he expresses the mood of a character lost in nature:

'Then, I bask in the long summer day.'

The line has an unusual rhythm: 1/5. But this rhythm conveys the feeling of a long, leisurely day. The poet, while enjoying the shade of nature, cannot completely forget the concerns of life. This shows that the poet's emotions are not completely at ease, and the phrase 'long summer day' suggests a feeling of boredom and meaninglessness.

While many poets are inspired by the melancholy of autumn or the freshness of spring, Nguyen Trai is inspired by summer. A lover of nature, his expansive spirit and refined emotions helped him paint a stunning picture of summer with its vivid colors and fragrances:

'The leaves of the buckthorn tree spread wide, shading the yard.'

'The pomegranate flowers on the porch still bloom red.'

'The lotus in the pond emits its fragrance.'

The buckthorn tree's wide, spreading leaves, described as 'burgeoning,' convey a sense of vitality. The red pomegranate flowers, with their vibrant hue, seem to infuse life into the surroundings, as if they are alive in harmony with the green buckthorn leaves. The image of the red pomegranate flowers, found in Nguyen Du's 'The Tale of Kieu,' also evokes the vivid colors of summer.

The vivid red of the pomegranate flowers was chosen by the poet not only because it is characteristic of summer but also to emphasize the vitality of the season. Along with the pomegranate flowers, the lotus in the pond, with its soft pink hue and sweet fragrance, seems to be celebrating the season of summer. Here, we see that while the poet's initial emotions reflected a feeling of idleness, he has now become enchanted by the vivid life of summer and nature, and he joyfully immerses himself in the beauty of the scene. The poet captures the liveliness of nature in its colors and shapes.

Moreover, the scene is enriched by the sounds of rural life:

'The bustle of the fish market in the fishing village.'

'The persistent sound of cicadas in the evening.'

The phrase 'bustle' conveys the distant sounds of daily life in the fishing village. Readers can almost picture the lively fish market with vendors and buyers.

Summer also brings the deafening noise of cicadas, whose cries seem to urge the flowers of summer to bloom and spread their colors. Their sounds fill the peaceful space of the porch during the fading afternoon light.

Through this poem, it is clear that Nguyen Trai perceives nature with all his senses—sight, smell, and hearing. As a result, the 'Summer Day Scene' in his poem comes alive, brimming with energy and life. It is likely that his passionate love for nature and his refined sensitivity allowed him to observe, describe, and appreciate the summer landscape with remarkable precision and vividness.

Nguyen Trai's deep love for nature also reveals his inner emotions. While he seems to be content with the simplicity of rural life, the underlying theme of the poem reflects his deep concern for the nation and the people. Despite his apparent tranquility, his heart carries the burdens of his people and country. The poem expresses his longing for a prosperous and peaceful nation:

'If I had the Guqin to play, I would wish for prosperity everywhere.'

These last two lines encapsulate his profound hopes for the nation. The poet envisions playing the 'Nam Phong,' a melody symbolizing the hope for a prosperous and happy life for all. These lines express his deep concern for his people, demonstrating the poet's sense of responsibility for the nation's well-being.

This deep care for the people reminds us of the compassion shown by the poet Du Fu in his poem 'The Song of the House Destroyed by Autumn Winds':

'I wish for a house with a thousand rooms,

To shelter the poor scholars of the world,

Unbothered by the wind and rain, strong as the stone.'

Through this, we see a shared understanding and empathy between Nguyen Trai and Du Fu, reflecting the concerns of their respective eras. Despite withdrawing from public life, Nguyen Trai's heart was always heavy with the well-being of the nation. His life was dedicated to serving his people's needs, fighting for their freedom, and ensuring their happiness. His deep love for his country and people is what made him a renowned and beloved figure throughout history.

Through the analysis of Nguyen Trai's soul, we can perceive the depth of his emotions and thoughts. 'Summer Day Scene' not only presents a vivid and colorful picture of nature but also reveals the beauty of Nguyen Trai's spirit, capturing the essence of a national hero and a poet of immense talent.

Alongside its heartfelt content, the poem demonstrates Nguyen Trai's mastery of literary art. In this work, he skillfully combines the seven-character and six-character verse forms and employs the rich expressive power of Nom script to convey his emotions. The scenes of rural life are presented in a way that evokes intimacy and simplicity, capturing the true 'Vietnamese essence.' Unlike classical literature, which often rejected rustic imagery like the 'fish market' or everyday sounds, Nguyen Trai embraced these elements, bringing them into his poetry with warmth and affection, thereby creating a closer connection to the rural world.

Nguyễn Trãi is a model of a wise scholar who dedicated his life to serving the people. His humanitarian philosophy in 'Bình Ngô Đại Cáo' expresses his desire to protect the people from disaster and provide them with peace and prosperity. The work encapsulates Nguyễn Trãi's deep love for the people, reflecting his humanitarian ideals in a broader sense, not limited to any specific individual, class, or group, but extending to the entire nation.

Following the major victory in November 1428, Lê Lợi entrusted Nguyễn Trãi with the task of writing a declaration to announce the victory and usher in a new era for the nation. 'Bình Ngô Đại Cáo' is a powerful piece of literature, written in parallel prose, with a bold tone that declared the independence and sovereignty of the country.

The declaration of independence in 'Bình Ngô Đại Cáo' improves upon the earlier 'Sông Núi Nước Nam' attributed to Lý Thường Kiệt, as Nguyễn Trãi confidently equated Vietnamese dynasties with Chinese ones and added other crucial elements to assert the nation's sovereignty and independence.

Furthermore, Nguyễn Trãi introduced the principle of humanity, emphasizing the importance of the people as the foundation of society. His concept of 'nhân nghĩa' (humanity and righteousness) entails actions that ensure the people's peace and eliminate tyranny. His humanitarian philosophy is rooted in his deep love for the country and its people, where the king is the boat, and the people are the water—the boat floats on the water, but the water can also capsize it.

In contrast to Nguyễn Du, a globally recognized cultural figure and national poet, whose humanitarian views focused on love for humanity and advocating for the oppressed, Nguyễn Trãi's perspective was broader. His humanism extended to the entire population, focusing on patriotism, caring for the people, and fighting for their welfare and a better future.

For Nguyễn Trãi, 'humanity' meant loving the country, caring for the people, and addressing their needs, ensuring their peace, and fighting against tyranny to bring prosperity to them.

'Humanity lies in ensuring the peace of the people. The army must first eradicate tyranny.'

Nguyễn Trãi's philosophy of serving the people guided the national struggle for independence. The defeat of the Ming invaders was a just cause aligned with the will of the people. The invaders' cruelty sparked hatred, as they destroyed lives, the environment, and caused immense suffering among the people.

'How cruel, the South Mountain cannot hold all their crimes. How filthy, the Eastern Sea cannot cleanse their stench.'

Nguyễn Trãi's love for his country and people prevented him from standing by as they suffered. His humanitarian principles guided his actions, contributing to the Lam Sơn uprising and the defeat of the Ming forces. He exposed their invasion plans, articulating the people's anger and grief through powerful writing.

'Bình Ngô Đại Cáo' serves as an indictment of the invaders while celebrating the courage and resilience of the people. Nguyễn Trãi's humanitarian view helped him recognize the inherent goodness of the people, who remained strong in the face of adversity. His empathy for them led him to denounce the enemy's atrocities and assert his deep hatred for them.

'Reflecting on the great hatred, can we share the same sky? The enemy must be destroyed, we swear not to coexist.'

The Lam Sơn uprising was just and humane, aiming to achieve independence and peace for the people. After the defeat, sparing the enemy's lives and allowing them to return to their homeland demonstrated the compassion of the Vietnamese people. The concise, clear, and persuasive language of 'Bình Ngô Đại Cáo' highlighted Nguyễn Trãi's genius and dedication. He proclaimed independence and expressed confidence in the nation's future stability.

'From here, the nation's foundation is solid. The country will be renewed.'

Nguyễn Trãi always envisioned a bright future, where the king and the people united to ensure a prosperous and happy life for everyone. His humanitarian philosophy is a testament to his noble character. Nguyễn Trãi exemplified greatness, living by the highest ideals throughout his life.

The humanitarian philosophy in 'Bình Ngô Đại Cáo' is a lasting message, urging future generations to fulfill their duty to their homeland. One should strive not only for personal success but also for the well-being of all members of society.