Top 5 Most Notable Essays on the Beauty of Co To Island

The essay genre is a narrative form of writing with distinct characteristics that set it apart from short stories or novels. One such feature is its emphasis on realism and objectivity, as opposed to fiction or imagination. Although the writing style of an essay may seem simple, it requires the writer to convey real stories and images from life through a personal perspective. This is the author’s ‘I’, the lens through which they view the world. Some scenes or people may seem ordinary to us, but when viewed through the light of art, they suddenly come to life, as if touched by magic. Nguyen Tuan’s Co To is an exemplary piece of this genre, offering a perfect example of how an essay can capture life’s vividness. In this short essay (which is actually an excerpt), we witness the writer’s fine artistic perception.

The initial panoramic view of Co To Island introduces us to a space that feels different from anywhere else. The writer makes the familiar seem new, connecting the present moment with a distant past. The phrase ‘a clear, bright day’ is not just about the present, but also an evocation of history, stretching back hundreds or thousands of years. The clarity we experience today has been shaped over time, from when Co To first bore the mark of human life, and has withstood storms. This experience blends a deep historical culture with youthful freshness. The vibrant and rich colors of Co To’s sky and sea are perceived with an artistic sensitivity that distinguishes the ‘lush green’ of the trees on the island’s mountains from the ‘azure blue’ of the distant ocean. All of this seems to come alive after a storm.

Looking further, the view broadens, as the traveler gazes upon the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, stretching in all directions. The more the view opens, the deeper it feels, and the traveler feels a deep affection, as if they were a fisherman who grew up with the island’s waves. Co To is full of friends—North, Central, and South Co To—who share the island’s warmth, much like the brotherhood of sailors and soldiers living together in harmony.

The sunrise over Co To’s sea is a magnificent and extraordinary spectacle. For the writer, witnessing this event is a rare and precious experience. To ‘wait for the sun to rise,’ one must wake up at four in the morning, journeying through dark paths over rocky terrain. But the excitement and anticipation make it worthwhile. And indeed, nature rewards the writer with a marvelous view. The sunrise over Co To happens in two stages. The first stage is like an opening act, with a velvet curtain being drawn to reveal what lies beyond. The sky, compared to a freshly cleaned window, is startlingly clear, almost magical after the storm. This provides the perfect backdrop for the sun’s appearance. The writer’s patience in waiting for the sun to rise reflects their joy when the moment finally arrives. Comparing this awe-inspiring sight to an egg yolk is fitting, but Nguyen Tuan’s descriptive brilliance makes it even more striking: ‘Round and full, like the yolk of a plump egg.’ This bold and artistic comparison continues to expand as he places the yolk on a silver platter, with a horizon as wide as a pearl-colored sea, making the scene regal and graceful. The writer also compares the natural scene to an offering, but rather than presenting it to a higher power, it feels like a warm, personal gesture: ‘Celebrating the longevity of all the fishermen of the East Sea.’ Nguyen Tuan’s description marks a revolution in his own perception of life.

The heart of life—human life on this island—is symbolized by the fresh water well of Thanh Luan Island. While the sunrise is a dreamy, artistic moment, the well represents the simple, grounded reality of human life. The description of the well is not like the mythical wells of fairy tales, but something rooted in the islanders’ daily lives. People come to the well to bathe and collect water, just like a village well beneath a banyan tree, a symbol of home and community. The sense of reality is tangible, not imagined, as the writer feels the weight of the water as it splashes on their shoulders after watching the sunrise. The well also serves as a life-giving force, like the nurturing care of a mother. The writer finds a new perspective in the familiar gesture of a woman gently comforting her child, likening it to the ocean mothering her children, feeding them with fish. Even though the sea can be violent, it is also incredibly forgiving.

The artistry of Nguyen Tuan’s essay on Co To is distinctive. His perceptive gaze finds beauty in every detail, whether describing the sunrise or the colors of the sea at dawn, shifting from crystal-clear to the shimmering brightness of silver. The writer also draws on traditional ways of measuring time, calling the rhythm of life on the island ‘the season of the waves.’ His descriptions blend precise, vivid imagery with poetic rhythm, like when he describes the fall migration of birds as ‘a few autumn swallows fluttering on the rising sea.’ Even when breaking from the rhythm, Nguyen Tuan creates a sense of harmony and balance in his writing. His use of unique metaphors and expressions, like calling the island’s inhabitants ‘fishermen,’ and replacing animal references with inanimate objects, gives his writing a singular quality.

In conclusion, Nguyen Tuan’s artistic imprint is unmistakable in his essay on Co To, much like the saltiness of the sea surrounding the island. However, even great writers have their shortcomings. At times, Nguyen Tuan’s narrative veers off track, like when he adds excessive detail about the activities around the fresh water well. Mentioning the fishermen, their tasks, and the history of the cooperative can seem superfluous. Yet, this slight over-explaining is a minor flaw for a literary talent of his stature.

Everyone has their own preferences. Some enjoy watching the calm rivers flow, while others love the sight of lush green rice fields. As for me, I find joy in watching the sunrise over the sea. The image of the sun rising over the ocean on a clear morning in Nguyen Tuan's Co To has left me with a strange sense of excitement.

At the moment when the sky is still drenched in night mist, a thin, translucent fog blankets the sea. From where I stand, I can't see the distant islands, only a hazy, milky white expanse. The waves continuously crash against the white sandy shore, like an endless, silent love song.

In the east, a soft pink glow gradually spreads, and the sea begins to shimmer, changing color. The horizon, where the sea meets the sky, is as clear as a freshly cleaned window, free from clouds and dust. The sun slowly rises, growing fuller, round and warm, like the yolk of a plump egg. This rosy egg is placed delicately on a silver platter, as wide as a horizon bathed in the soft glow of the early morning sea. It looks like a sacred offering, made to celebrate the eternal life of the fishermen on the East Sea. The sunrise over Co To is a magnificent, radiant, and glorious spectacle.

The sun rises higher, casting thousands of pink hues across the sea. The water continues to shimmer, changing hues again. Now, the sky over Co To is even clearer and brighter. The trees on the island become greener, and the sea turns a deep, vibrant blue. Near the freshwater well on the edge of the island, people are bathing and collecting water to carry back to their boats. The scene is more lively than any marketplace on the mainland. Hero Chau Hoa Man is also collecting water for his boat, looking cheerful as he prepares for his long journey at sea.

As the sun rises higher, the sea seems even more enchanting. The blue of the sky blends seamlessly with the blue of the ocean, creating a stunning color unique to the islands of Co To. The sky is clear, the breeze gentle, and the early morning sun spreads its pink glow across the soft sand. From the harbor, the boats set sail, cutting through the waves. In the distance, the brown sails of the boats catch the first light of dawn, glowing like butterflies dancing on the sea. A seagull flaps its wings, flying low. Watching the seagull, the hearts of the sailors rise with hope for a beautiful day ahead. The waves still hum their eternal love song, occasionally crashing against the shore with foamy splashes.

The sunrise on the sea is truly breathtaking, like a beautiful lacquer painting. No matter where I go, my heart will always long for the beautiful, rich island regions of our homeland. I even dream of visiting Co To someday to witness the incredible beauty that nature has bestowed upon this island.

Nguyen Tuan is a celebrated author, known for his expertise in essays and reportage. His works reflect a unique style, brilliance, vast knowledge, and a rich, skillful command of language. The essay "Co To" is the conclusion of his reportage on Co To Island. In this excerpt, the writer conveys his vivid impressions of the island's nature and the hardworking people he encountered during his visit.

The essay opens with a vivid description of Co To Island after a storm. The island appears pristine and radiant under the clear morning sky: the sky is crisp, the trees are lush and green, the sea is a deeper blue than usual, and the sand is even more golden and crisp. It feels as though Co To’s earth, sky, and sea have been washed clean and restored to a stunningly pure state. The writer carefully selects key images—sky, sea, trees, and sand—paired with adjectives describing colors and light: the sky is clear and bright, the trees lush, the sea a deep blue, and the sand golden and crisp. The beauty of this scene is captured from the vantage point atop the island’s watchtower, where the writer can take in the entire island and feel a deep affection for it, much like the fishermen who have lived here for generations. After the storm, the natural beauty of Co To Island is truly breathtaking. Perhaps this beauty is further enhanced by the warmth and humanity that Nguyen Tuan infuses into his portrayal of the island.

It would be a missed opportunity not to mention the magnificent sunrise over the sea in this portrayal of Co To’s natural beauty. The scene is majestic, radiant, and grand, brought to life through Nguyen Tuan’s masterful prose.

Co To features the deep blue of the afternoon sea and the fiery red of the sunrise as the sun rises over the horizon at dawn. Nguyen Tuan rises early, at 3 AM, and heads to the tip of the island to witness this spectacular moment. In this passage, Nguyen Tuan offers a vivid and poetic description of the scene. After the storm, the horizon and sea appear as clear as a polished mirror, free of clouds and dust. The sun slowly emerges, rising fully to reveal its round, plump shape. It is compared to a radiant, full egg, set upon a silver platter, its size matching the entire horizon, and bathed in the soft, pearly glow of the sea’s warm, pink light. These comparisons are striking, yet what follows reveals Nguyen Tuan’s true artistic mastery: he compares the sun to a ceremonial offering, emerging from the dawn to celebrate the enduring vitality of the fishermen who rely on the eternal East Sea. The harmonious colors—red, pink, silver, and pearl—combine to create a scene that is both grand and timeless, dazzling in its beauty. This passage exemplifies Nguyen Tuan’s exceptional descriptive style, where the beauty of nature is intertwined with deep emotion, making the scene even more extraordinary.

The daily life of the island’s people further enriches the portrayal of Co To. The writer focuses on the freshwater well at the edge of the island, a hub of activity in the morning as the local fishermen gather water for their boats. The scene is peaceful yet bustling, with a steady rhythm of labor and movement: the well on Thanh Luan Island is surrounded by numerous people carrying water in wooden barrels and clay jars. This lively scene, bustling with purpose, is contrasted with a sense of peace, enhanced by a unique image that speaks to the island’s spirit. Nguyen Tuan compares the water gathering to a lively port, but with a refreshing, serene quality that is absent from any marketplace on the mainland. The comparison between the activity at the freshwater well and a port, combined with the tranquil atmosphere, highlights the unique charm of Co To’s fresh air and the deep sense of community that defines the island’s way of life.

The natural beauty and the daily life of the people on Co To Island come together in this essay, where Nguyen Tuan’s precise and evocative language paints a vivid picture of the island’s charm. This piece not only deepens our understanding of Co To, but also fosters a deep love for this remarkable part of our homeland.

Nguyen Tuan’s essay about Co To Island is a distinctive masterpiece, with the depiction of the sunrise over the sea sparking deep fascination, imagination, and admiration within me.

The scene of the sun rising over the sea is a beautiful and poetic image. This is the most captivating description in the entire essay. Like a precious gift, nature’s beauty is presented, waiting to be embraced, but not everyone is able to perceive it fully and delicately. For Nguyen Tuan, witnessing the Co To sunrise is not a simple, passive pleasure, but a deliberate, creative pursuit of beauty. Like an artist searching for perfection, Nguyen Tuan awoke at 3 AM, before the first light, climbing the rocky peaks of the island to sit and wait for the sun’s rise. The reader is touched by his profound love for “beauty,” and admires the effort and excitement he invests in his search, eagerly anticipating the moment of beauty’s arrival alongside the author.

The dawn is succinctly and evocatively described by the author: the horizon and sea appear as a clear glass, free from clouds and dust—both real and fantastical, pure and pristine. Nguyen Tuan skillfully sets the stage for the rising sun on the ocean: the sun gradually emerges, until it is fully visible. It is round and wholesome, like the yolk of a plump, natural egg. This comparison is striking, both realistic and dreamlike, a fusion of the tangible and the ethereal. The sun, at that moment, is gentle—not yet blinding or painful to the eyes—allowing one to admire its calm, benevolent presence like the yolk of a full egg. This comparison is not only grounded in careful observation but also a product of Nguyen Tuan’s rich, bold imagination. Moreover, his sharp eye for detail and artistic spirit transform his words into a vivid lacquer painting. His understanding of visual art enhances his descriptive prowess, making this passage glow with a surreal yet tangible beauty. Just as the reader is mesmerized by the sun’s comparison to a round, wholesome egg, they are then struck by another fantastical beauty: a rosy, deep, and majestic egg resting on a silver platter, with the platter’s width stretching across the entire horizon, bathed in the pink glow of the sea. The three adjectives—rosy, deep, and majestic—describe the sun’s color, shape, and presence, making it stand out against the silver platter, which spans the horizon, shining with a pinkish glow. The pink and silver colors evoke the sensual appeal of a lacquer painting, and these are the dominant colors of the scene.

The beauty of the sunrise over Co To is an invaluable gift from nature to those who have spent their lives devoted to the sea. It’s like a ceremonial offering emerging from the dawn, celebrating the longevity of the fishermen whose lives are entwined with the endless East Sea. The description is beautiful, in a classical and perfect sense. The image of the sun and sky over Co To Island, likened to an offering emerging from the dawn, is both solemn and grand, rich with humanistic qualities, honoring mankind and the laborers. One can feel as if nature itself is becoming more beautiful in tribute to humanity, offering a ceremonial gift to celebrate the fishermen who have labored by the sea for generations. At the same time, we receive Nguyen Tuan’s own ceremonial offering—a magnificent gift for the world of literature: his brilliant and elegant prose. At this point, the reader admires Nguyen Tuan not only for his literary brilliance but also for the beautiful soul that guides his work. His beautiful heart is always directed toward the working people of his country.

The painting of the Co To sunrise would lose much of its charm if the author had not included the birds that are never absent from the sea. A few autumn swallows fluttering above the brightening sea, and a seagull soaring in rhythmic flight. These final touches complete the painting, bringing it to life with poetry. These small, fleeting seabirds infuse the prose with soul. Perhaps this is the true artistry of Nguyen Tuan’s writing: blending prose and poetry.

Though I have never seen a sunrise at sea, Nguyen Tuan’s writing has allowed me to behold the magnificent, dazzling, and magical beauty of the Co To sunrise. I am grateful to the author for uncovering and “painting” this beauty in his prose, allowing me to cherish this distant island even more. Thanks to Nguyen Tuan, I have learned how to approach “Beauty.”

Nguyen Tuan is a major figure in modern Vietnamese prose. He wrote extensively about the new life and new people in the socialist construction of Northern Vietnam. Co To is an essay from his collection of writings, published in 1976. In this piece, Nguyen Tuan recorded his wonderful impressions of the Co To archipelago in the Gulf of Tonkin, alongside the hardworking fishermen whose labor contributes to the nation's wealth, all while expressing his deep and passionate love for nature and humanity.

The essay in the textbook is the final excerpt, divided into three parts, each describing either a natural scene or an activity of the people living on Co To Island. These descriptions radiate brightness, uniqueness, and vibrancy through the sensitive perceptions and artistic mastery of Nguyen Tuan. The scene of Co To after the storm appears as a stunning painting. Against the backdrop of the bright blue sky and turquoise waters, the lush green of the trees, the golden yellow of the sand, and the white foam of the waves crashing onto the shore stand out vividly. The scenery is described from high to low. From the island’s watchtower, Nguyen Tuan gazes out over the vast Pacific Ocean in all directions, turning 180 degrees to take in the entire view of Co To Island. The beauty of the landscape overwhelms him, and he feels an intense affection for the island, much like any fisherman who was born and raised here, living with the rhythm of the waves.

When reading this excerpt, one cannot forget the image of the sun rising over the East Sea. It is a rare and magnificent sight, depicted in a vast, boundless, pure, and pristine space: After the storm, the horizon and the sea are as clear as a glass pane, with no clouds or dust. The author uses a distinctive comparison, likening the sun to the round, full yolk of an egg, glowing with a warm, rosy hue, while the sea is described as a silver platter, as wide as the entire horizon, with a pearly pink tint.

This scene is truly majestic, ceremonial, like an offering emerging from the dawn to celebrate the longevity of the fishermen of the East Sea. In the distance, a few autumn swallows flutter, and a seagull flies by, rhythmically beating its wings as it signals the start of a new, promising day. The painting is filled with a spectrum of colors—red, pink, blue, silver—that interweave to create a vibrant, enchanting beauty.

The activities on the island are both bustling and joyful, yet peaceful. Around the freshwater well on Thanh Luan Island, many people gather early to fetch water. The fishermen fill their boats with fresh water, preparing for their fishing trips. The tranquility of island life is also expressed in the reflection of the author upon seeing Chau Hoa Man carrying her child, finding peace and comfort in the image, as though the sea itself were a nurturing mother feeding her children.

Nguyen Tuan has a keen sensitivity to the unique aspects of life on Co To. This is shown through his comparison of the freshwater well on the island, which feels like a lively, inviting marketplace, offering a refreshing, cool experience unlike any mainland market. The beauty of Co To’s sea is captivating. The allure of the ocean and its bountiful gifts have drawn many young men to the sea, where they seek to enrich their lives and contribute to the prosperity of the nation. The true owners of this vibrant island are the fishermen, who live day and night with the sea, accustomed to the harsh challenges posed by the weather.

The essay concludes with a scene of the fishing boats preparing to set sail, and Chau Hoa Man, gently cradling her child, standing on the beach to bid her husband farewell. These are the emblematic images of the hardworking, joyful lives of the diligent, simple fishermen on Co To. The portrayal of the island’s natural beauty and the daily life of its people is vivid, pure, and diverse, captured by Nguyen Tuan’s skilled and emotionally charged writing. In particular, the image of the sunrise over the sea is a radiant, magnificent, and poetic sight.

This excerpt has deepened my appreciation for one of the most famous landscapes of our country, further fostering my love, connection, and pride in the beautiful homeland of Vietnam.