Top 5 Essential Themes in the Work 'Who Named the River'

On several occasions, I have visited Hue, the poetic city, and I have embraced a gentle love for it. The beauty of Hue is something unique, blending human presence with nature in a harmonious way. Once you visit Hue, you will undoubtedly feel this connection. Who would come to Hue and not gaze upon the Perfume River as it flows along its banks? This river has become a defining feature of Hue, inspiring countless works of literature and art. One of the most famous pieces about the river is Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong's essay 'Who Named the River?' In addition to its enchanting, serene beauty, the river has historical significance for the nation and the culture of Hue itself. Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong, born in 1937 in Hue, is deeply connected to this beloved region. Although originally from Bich Khe village in Quang Tri province, he spent most of his life in Hue. His deep affection for this place shaped his soul, steeped in the cultural essence of Hue. After graduating from the Vietnamese-Chinese department of Saigon University in 1960 and the Philosophy-Literature department of Hue University in 1964, he taught at the prestigious Quoc Hoc School in Hue. In 1966, he joined the resistance against the American invasion and participated in literary activities, serving as the Secretary General of the Literary Arts Association of Thua Thien-Hue and later as the President of the association for Binh Tri Thien. In the context of the nation’s history, the Perfume River has been described as an epic written between the green fields. Over time, it has become a historical witness. The river has taken readers back to the country's turbulent yet heroic past, reminding us of the strategic role it played in defending the south of the country during ancient times. The river has been called the 'Great Wall of the South.' In Nguyen Trai’s 'Dai Viet Su Ky Toan Thu,' the river is referred to as Linh Giang, a river of history, which fought valiantly to protect the borders of the nation. In the 18th century, it reflected the rise of the Phu Xuan capital under the leadership of the hero Nguyen Hue. The 19th century saw the river carry the blood of numerous uprisings, and in the 20th century, it witnessed the revolutionary fervor of the August Revolution and the fierce battles during the resistance against American imperialism. Looking further back, Tuong’s words shine with pride for a river that, though gentle in name, has proven to be resilient and proud through centuries of historical upheaval. After peace returned, the river resumed its tranquil role, embodying the delicate femininity of the land. Throughout his writing, Tuong revealed the majestic beauty of the Perfume River. He understood deeply how this river, from its source to the East Sea, is intrinsically linked to the heroic history of the Vietnamese people. Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong, captivated by the beauty of the Perfume River, discovered the cultural cradle of the imperial city of Hue, a place born from the river itself. Through his profound knowledge of music, poetry, and traditional culture, he affirmed that 'the entire classical music of Hue originated from the waters of this river.' From court music to folk songs and traditional tunes, all have their roots in the flowing waters of the Perfume River. Anyone who has heard Hue’s folk music along the river can truly feel its poetic, romantic essence. Tuong further explored the interconnection between these melodies and the works of great poets like Nguyen Du, revealing the blend of poetry and music in Hue’s cultural tapestry. The river’s beauty is further revealed through Tuong’s exploration of the poetic qualities of the Perfume River. He references the influence it has had on many artists, who have never failed to be inspired by it. The river’s beauty is an eternal longing for something that remains elusive. The poet Tan Da once referred to this green river as a 'white river with green leaves.' It has appeared in the melancholic poems of Ba Huyen Thanh Quan and the heroic imagery of Cao Ba Quat, who described it as 'a river like a sword in the hands of youth.' Ultimately, the shifting beauty of the river has passed through the hearts and writings of many artists, enriching the national poetic tradition. It is said that Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong is a scholar with a deep understanding of Hue’s history, culture, and art. This is indeed true of the writer, as he has brought to light new and profound insights into Hue's literature. His deep love for the Perfume River has even inspired traditional artists who created wedding garments for Hue brides, using materials dyed to match the misty colors of the river. They combined a delicate blue-black fabric with red to create the unique violet hue of Hue. This discovery demonstrates Tuong’s deep knowledge of Hue’s culture and his creative, heartfelt writing style, which beautifully expresses his admiration for the Perfume River and Hue. The intellectual and poetic qualities in Tuong’s essay reflect a prose style that is both artistically gifted and scholarly. In 'Who Named the River?' the seamless blend of scenery, history, and Hue’s culture comes together with the writer’s sensitive soul, providing readers with a sense of the deep love and respect he has for the natural beauty of the region, for Hue, and for the country. Through this essay, readers are reminded of the timeless values that Hue and its river represent, values that remain vital in today’s world. The Perfume River does not merely nourish a culture of the imperial city but continues to enrich the lives of all who encounter it today.

Hue, the poetic land, has long been the cradle nurturing the souls of many talented artists who contributed significantly to Vietnamese literature. It is here that these artists, after maturing, returned to enrich their homeland with their voices. Tố Hữu's visits to Hue were more than just trips; they were journeys of the heart. On his first visit, he wrote:

"The road to Hue, our homeland
No matter how many rivers we cross, it always feels close"
(From 'The Road In')

"Hương Giang, oh, the gentle river
Our hearts, still yearning, day and night"
(From 'The Song of the Homeland')

The Hương River is not only a symbol but also a source of pride for the people of Hue. Hoàng Phủ Ngọc Tường, a native of the ancient capital, contributed significantly to the culture of his homeland with his remarkable writings on the Hương River in his work "Who Named the River?" In it, he beautifully describes the river's geographical charm, reflecting the gentle elegance of the river through his unique artistic perspective.

Hoàng Phủ Ngọc Tường was a writer with a distinctive style, specializing in essays. His works are known for blending intellectual depth and lyrical beauty, combining sharp arguments and diverse reflections derived from his profound knowledge of philosophy, culture, history, and geography. All of this is expressed through a succinct, introspective, and eloquent writing style. His famous essay, "Who Named the River?" was written on January 4, 1981, in Hue and was later published in a book of the same name.

In this essay, the author follows the river's path from its origin to its journey through Hue, capturing the beauty of the river from a geographical viewpoint. The first thing he emphasizes is how the river seems to become more vibrant upon entering the city of Hue: "Amidst the lush green fields of Kim Long's suburbs, the river follows a straight, peaceful path from the southwest to the northeast." This transformation is a natural consequence of love; just like a person searching for their true love, once they find them, joy fills their heart. The river’s joy is likened to the excitement of a girl in love, creating an image of tenderness and serenity. The river curves and flows gently, like a lover’s embrace, with the metaphorical "yes" unspoken but understood.

The river’s soft, graceful curves are depicted as a romantic symbol, its flow echoing the intimate bond between Hue and its people. Hoàng Phủ Ngọc Tường uses personification to make the river come alive, turning the Hương River into a woman who is shy, delicate, and full of quiet beauty. This river, like a beloved, is ever so tender, waiting to be adored and cherished.

Through the lens of geography, Hoàng Phủ Ngọc Tường not only portrays the river’s geographical features but also perceives it as an artist—both a painter and a musician. The river is painted as a piece of art, with vivid colors and images of ancient trees casting shadows over the riverside, and small boats flickering with lantern light. The bridge, appearing white against the sky, is like a delicate crescent moon. This imagery imparts a unique charm to Hue that modern cities lack. The author’s artistic sensibility reveals the river’s beauty, accentuated by harmonious colors, the green of palm trees, the shadow of bamboo, and the sparkling lights of floating lanterns.

In the realm of music, the Hương River flows as a slow, intimate melody that suits the mood of Hue. The poet Thu Bồn, in his work "Farewell," expressed his deep affection for this languid, slow current:

"The river moves slowly, it does not hurry
It flows into Hue’s heart, deeply, deeply"

Hoàng Phủ Ngọc Tường captures the essence of this slow flow, comparing it to the Neva River, which carries debris swiftly. The Hương River, however, moves gently, like a lover savoring every moment with their beloved. The river’s pace reflects the deep attachment it has to the city, reluctant to leave it behind. Time, like the river, seems to stop when one is in love, each second filled with tenderness.

The slow rhythm of the river is explained through both its real geographical features and the author’s heartfelt interpretation. The slow flow is due to the tributaries that spread across the fields, with small islands slowing the current. Yet, to Hoàng Phủ Ngọc Tường, the river's pace symbolizes its deep love for the city of Hue, wanting to stay and linger before departing. Through his writing, the river becomes a metaphor for the love and devotion the author feels for his homeland, emphasizing the eternal connection between the river, the city, and its people.

Through this excerpt, we see the enchanting and seductive beauty of the Hương River. To each reader, the river will evoke different emotions, but the success of this passage lies in Hoàng Phủ Ngọc Tường’s unique artistic style. His mastery of blending geography, culture, and poetry creates a vivid portrayal of the river that resonates deeply with all who read it. The description of the river’s soft curves and the comparison of the bridge to a crescent moon exemplify the harmony and balance in his prose.

In summary, the artistic brilliance of this passage is rooted in Hoàng Phủ Ngọc Tường’s unique style. Through the geographical lens, he imbues the river with life and captures its many facets—its beauty, its serenity, and its connection to Hue. The passage is part of a larger work where the author follows the river’s journey from the mountains to the sea, each perspective revealing new layers of the river’s mystique. The author’s deep affection for the Hương River is clear, as is his pride in its cultural significance. The river is not just a body of water; it is a symbol of Hue, and through this essay, it becomes immortalized in the hearts of readers.

If the people of Hanoi take pride in the Red River's heavy red sediment, the residents of Hue boast about their Perfume River, which gracefully flows through the ancient city of Hue, adorned with tombs and temples. This river has witnessed the many changes in history and the ups and downs of life. The river's waters have nurtured both the landscape and the people of Hue. This is why the people of Hue hold the Perfume River in great pride, as it embodies the essence of the city. The Perfume River is a proud symbol of Hue. Perhaps it is because of this significance that the river has become immortalized in poetry, music, and art. Hoàng Phủ Ngọc Tường, a native of Hue, reflected on this river with admiration, pondering who might have named it the Perfume River. His musings were captured in his literary work, 'Who Named the River?' Through his poetic prose, he presents a deep, thoughtful perspective, blending philosophical reflections with vivid metaphors about the relationship between the river, history, and its cultural significance in Hue.

Hoàng Phủ Ngọc Tường begins by describing the river's uniqueness and its powerful presence. It is the only river in the city, flowing gently through a serene delta before confronting fierce rapids. The Perfume River has a dual nature, both mighty and peaceful—its waters are described as 'a grand symphony of the jungle, roaring through the dense forests, crashing against the rocks in violent whirlpools,' yet it also possesses 'a gentle and captivating beauty, adorned with the vibrant red of rhododendron flowers.' The river's upper reaches exhibit a fierce and wild energy, reminiscent of the untamed spirit of a young woman, while the lower course of the river reflects a calmer, more intellectual and nurturing side, like a mother who brings life and culture to the region.

The journey of the Perfume River's upper reaches is portrayed as an arduous and mysterious adventure, hidden away in the caves beneath Mount Kim Phụng, where its waters are shrouded in secrecy.

Nguyễn Tuân, in his work 'The Boatman of the Black River,' once depicted the thundering sounds of waterfalls as 'an angry roar, a pleading cry, a taunting mockery,' likening it to the noise of a thousand wild buffaloes crashing through the jungle. Hoàng Phủ Ngọc Tường, too, uses such literary techniques to evoke the river's beauty, drawing comparisons and metaphors to convey the complexity of the Perfume River, which exists between the lush forests of the Trường Sơn mountains. The author gently reminds readers that focusing solely on the city’s face of the river will not give a full understanding of its nature and history. This realization invites a deeper emotional engagement with the river's journey and struggles.

This excerpt serves as a poetic exploration of the Perfume River. With the author’s skillful and insightful pen, the river is revealed from multiple perspectives—geographical, historical, cultural, and artistic. The writing seamlessly integrates narrative and descriptive elements, using artistic devices such as personification, simile, and metaphor. As a result, the river transforms from a mere physical entity into a living being with emotions and character—sometimes gentle and poetic, sometimes powerful and determined. The rich language and varied tone elevate the text into a masterpiece, 'Who Named the River?' a work that stands out in the author’s literary style.

The essay 'Who Named the River?' showcases the writer’s profound love for his homeland and the people of Hue. It demonstrates his broad knowledge and cultural appreciation. Through this piece, the author affirms his success as a writer, particularly in the essay genre, while expressing his personal, poetic voice. The piece conveys a lesson about the love of nature and homeland, reminding us that without our roots, we would not be who we are today. Perhaps that is why the poet Đỗ Trung Quân wrote:

'What is homeland, mother?'
'The teacher tells us to love it.'
'What is homeland, mother?'
'Anyone who leaves will always remember it.'

'Who Named the River?' is a unique exploration of the essay form, in which the author celebrates the natural beauty of Hue and affirms his scholarly talents. Thus, the Perfume River has become an eternal symbol, flowing continuously through time and in the hearts of its readers.

"Who named the river?" is a remarkable essay that showcases the graceful and scholarly writing style of Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong. This piece praises the Huong River as a symbol of Hue, especially from its upper reaches to the city itself.

Before becoming the tender and loyal companion of the ancient city of Hue, the Huong River had undergone a journey full of challenges and trials. In the author’s romantic, subtle, and artistic perspective, the river’s entire flow seems like the conscious search of a young woman in a fairytale for her true lover.

The description of the river flowing towards the plains and the outskirts of the city reveals a refined elegance, with beautiful imagery and a rich vocabulary. Through the fields of Chau Hoa, full of wildflowers, the river is portrayed as “a beautiful girl in a dreamy sleep.” Yet, once it leaves the mountains, the Huong River awakens with a burst of youth, like “a beautiful woman waking up from a long sleep,” filled with the desire of youth as it “flows continuously,” “turns sharp corners,” “forms a perfect arc,” “embraces the foot of the Thien Mu hill,” and “moves between the towering hills like ancient walls.”

At once strong and delicate, the Huong River represents the charming essence of Hue’s girl, beautifully depicted through poetic metaphors. Passing by Vong Canh, Tam Thai, and Luu Bao, the river appears “as soft as silk,” and when flowing between “two towering hills like citadels,” it gleams with shifting hues – “green at dawn, golden at noon, and purple at sunset.” As it passes ancient tombs and temples, the river carries a dignified beauty, shrouded in the peacefulness of surrounding pine forests. “The surrounding mountains are covered with mist, and the ancient moon casts shadows on the evergreen pines,” the river's serenity is compared to “the depth of philosophy, like an ancient poem,” only to awaken with vibrant life when it reaches the echoing bells of Thien Mu, echoing across the countryside to the sound of roosters crowing.

In conclusion, through the fine use of colors and emotional depth, Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong creates a beautiful portrait of the Huong River, harmoniously blending it with the diverse and natural scenery of Hue.

With a passionate love for Hue, a deep cultural understanding, and a wealth of poetic language, the author portrays the river as a magnificent work of art created by nature. The Huong River is not just a natural feature but a wellspring of poetic inspiration, closely tied to Hue’s classical music, and integral to the city’s cultural history. As a result, the Huong River has become an immortal symbol, flowing eternally in the hearts and memories of readers, nourishing the love for homeland and nation.

From the very moment the title is read, a question resonates in the reader's mind: "Who named the river?" – a question that echoes with a poetic air. From this fleeting thought, a flood of impressions about the beauty of the Huong River rushes in, stirring a wave of emotions in the writer's mind about the inherent grace of the river gently flowing through the ancient city of Hue. This question, mentioned several times throughout the work, gradually evolves into a profound contemplation, awakening the writer’s deep cultural knowledge and demanding expression on the page. Here, we see the great sources of inspiration that led Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong on his journey with the Huong River, and further, how it resonates deeply within countless readers, inspiring them to express their own deep love for their homeland.

After portraying the grandeur of the river's upstream, where it roams “among the towering trees of the dense forest,” and then as a “beautiful girl sleeping peacefully in the wild Châu Hóa fields” on the outskirts of Hue, the Huong River finally enters the city of Hue.

From a geographical perspective, the river meets Hue at the Giã Viên islet, curving gracefully into the city. The river's current slows significantly due to the presence of two small islands and its tributaries that branch out throughout the city. As a result, the river flows slowly, like a calm lake.

Through the artistic and passionate gaze of Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong, the Huong River emerges with its own distinct personality. Flowing from southwest to northeast, it “draws a straight line with perfect peace,” as if it had found its way home, like a girl who has discovered her true love, joyful and at peace. This girl’s form is “as soft as silk,” like “the silent affirmation of love,” both graceful and delicate. Tuong's view is not merely observational but is a lover’s adoration for the river, akin to a man gazing at his beloved. On both riverbanks, the scenery is filled with beauty: the distant and the near, the ancient and the simple, the elegant and the humble – life in all its forms. “Ancient banyan trees and huge mangrove trees spread their branches over the bustling fishing village; from these, the flickering lights of fishermen’s boats shine through the evening mist, a nostalgic soul of the past unseen by modern cities.” Then comes the river’s rhythm. In the eyes of poet Han Mac Tu, the river’s flow is sorrowful:

“The river's water weeps, as corn flowers sway.”

In the view of poet To Huu, it represents the rhythm of deep affection:

“Oh Huong River, calm and serene,

My heart, ever in love, day and night.”

For poet Thu Bon, the rhythm is one of tranquility:

“The river hesitates, the river does not flow.”

Compared to rivers like the Volga or the Neva, the author cherishes the slow, meandering pace of the Huong River even more. The way it flows is a reflection of the soul, a slower pace of life, where every moment is lived and felt. Looking at foreign rivers makes the author appreciate his own even more. The writer truly becomes a confidant of the Huong River, understanding its essence. According to the author, the river flows “deliberately slow” through the ancient city of Hue, as if to comfort people, reminding them not to be too sorrowful about life's inevitable changes or the swift passage of time. The river deliberately moves quietly, wanting to let the lanterns from the Full Moon Festival drift from the Hòn Chén Temple, moving gently as though reluctant to leave. Through its unique flow, the river reminds us that life holds many things worth holding onto. Additionally, without the author’s deep understanding of the river, who would know that the Huong River's sudden change in course after leaving Hue is driven by a deeply emotional reason? It wishes to return to Hue “to say a farewell before it reaches the sea.” Here, three kinds of deep affection come together: the river’s love for Hue, the love of the people of Hue for the river, and the author’s love for both the river and the ancient land of Châu Hóa. In the end, without the author's heartfelt connection, the river’s affection for Hue could never have become such a deeply emotional “spiritual object”!

If the Huong River could speak, it would surely say that it found peace by choosing Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong’s writings as its voice. Perhaps the author understands this trust, which is why each sentence soars with an extraordinary, ethereal beauty. Readers may sometimes feel that the words in this essay are not the author's but the river’s own song, flowing naturally as if the river itself is singing. These words flow smoothly, with a natural elegance, infused with the charm and romanticism inherent in the author's nature. The essay conveys many experiences, yet it remains light and elegant because of this quality. The writer’s lifelong experiences, deeply connected with the people, the culture, and the land, all contribute to this portrayal. Loving the Huong River, but that love does not prevent the author from appreciating other rivers around the world. Likewise, the fascination with observing the unique characteristics of other rivers deepens the special connection with the river that nurtured his life.