Top 6 Best Analyses of the "Oath of Vow" Excerpt from "The Tale of Kieu" by Nguyen Du for 10th Grade

A- BASIC KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE EXCERPT

1. Position of the excerpt

- Found in the section: "Meeting and Engagement", from lines 431-452 of the work "The Tale of Kieu".

2. Main content

- After their first encounter during a poetic afternoon, Kim Trong searches for a nearby lodging close to Thuy Kieu's house to meet her again. They exchange tokens as symbols of their bond. One day, while her family visits the maternal side, Kieu meets with Kim Trong. As dusk falls and her family has yet to return, she sneaks back to meet him again. The two pledge their eternal love beneath the "bright moon".

3. Structure of the excerpt

This excerpt can be divided into two parts:

- Part 1 (first 14 lines): Kieu hurries through the night to Kim Trong's house to make their vow.

- Part 2 (last 8 lines): The vow ceremony between Kim and Kieu.

B- GUIDELINES FOR ANSWERING QUESTIONS

Question 1: What is your opinion on the meaning of words like “hurriedly”, “firmly”, “straightforward”?

Answer:

- Words like “hurriedly”, “firmly”, and “straightforward” convey Kieu's anxiousness and urgency, portraying her emotional state and the unexpected rush she feels, even for herself.

- Why such haste? Kieu was racing against time, worried her parents would scold her for not asking permission. But deeper still, she was following the call of her heart.

Question 2: How does Nguyen Du describe the romantic and sacred atmosphere of the vow ceremony?

Answer:

- The vow ceremony takes place in a stunning, dreamy setting: Kim Trong, half asleep, is bathed in moonlight, with a faint light from the lantern. The soft sound of footsteps signals Kieu’s arrival, and he struggles to believe it’s her. Both seem lost in a dream-like world, under the vast sky.

- Their vow is solemn and sacred, marked by various ritualistic elements:

+ The fragrance of incense

+ The warm glow of candlelight

+ The brilliant moon, a symbol of eternal nature, bearing witness to their love

+ A vow written on paper

+ The exchange of a hairpin

The two young lovers, gazing up at the sky with the moon above, pledge their devotion under the watchful eyes of the heavens.

Question 3: How does this vow relate to the "Gift of Love" excerpt, showing Kiều’s consistent view of love?

Answer:

- The vow here directly leads to the exchanged gifts in the "Gift of Love" excerpt. By asking Thuy Van to help, Kieu shows her commitment and loyalty to Kim Trong. It illustrates her sincere love for him, a love she holds dear throughout her life, willing to sacrifice for it.

- Through the love of Thuy Kieu and Kim Trong, Nguyen Du conveys a humanitarian message, emphasizing respect for human happiness, especially for a talented and beautiful woman trapped in a cruel, unjust feudal society. This reflects a modern and progressive view on love in classical literature.

SUMMARY

The vow represents a profound commitment in love, solidifying trust and loyalty between the two. It gives their love a strong and lasting foundation. Nguyen Du creates a romantic atmosphere, highlighting Thuy Kieu’s character as she pledges eternal love with Kim Trong, using vivid descriptions, dialogue, idealization of characters, and ancient poetic styles to express deep emotional psychology.

I. KEY CONCEPTS
1. The beauty of the love between Thuy Kieu and Kim Trong (the first 10 lines)
+ The initiative of Kieu in love, a fresh perspective on love in Nguyen Du's writing.
+ Kim Trong’s passionate and respectful love for Kieu, a romantic, sacred space.
This highlights the sanctity of their love.
2. The longing for romantic happiness (the rest)
+ Kieu's words to Kim Trong subtly express her desire to overcome societal barriers: 'In the emptiness of the long night, a flower must bloom in search of another.'
+ The solemn vow made: 'A hundred years engraved with the word 'eternal'—a genuine, heartfelt promise that resonates with many lovers.
The yearning for love and fidelity in relationships.

II. GUIDELINES FOR THE COMPOSITION

Question 1

In the excerpt 'Oaths', Nguyen Du uses the words 'hurried' twice, along with 'hasty' and 'rapid'. These words convey a sense of urgency and impatience in the oath-taking scene, as if Kieu is racing against fate and time. More importantly, it reflects the power of love: 'She said, 'In the emptiness of the long night, a flower must bloom in search of another.'' Kieu is eager and active in her love for Kim Trong. This challenges traditional views on gender roles in relationships, where typically the man is expected to be the one pursuing. Here, Kieu takes the initiative, a progressive perspective for its time.

Question 2

The ethereal and sacred space of the oath-taking is vividly captured through Nguyen Du's imagery: 'Dusk feels like both waking and dreaming,' the 'soft rustling of lotus leaves,' the distant, faint glow of the moon, and the dim, almost ethereal light. Though beautiful, the scene is also uncertain, making Kim Trong feel as though he is in a dream. Some argue the scene could use more light, fragrance, and warmth, as human beings often feel isolated in the vastness of nature.

Question 3

The 'Oaths' excerpt connects with other passages, particularly the 'Giving Away the Love' scene. The sacred love between Kim Trong and Thuy Kieu is not only expressed in their emotional bond but also carries a spiritual quality: 'We swore an oath to write a joint chapter, our hair entwined as one, with a golden dagger dividing us...'. Their vow, witnessed by the bright moon, symbolizes the eternal commitment of the lovers: 'The full moon shone brightly in the sky, and they spoke their vow in unison.' These images tie together Kieu’s memories, from the incense burner to the connection with Thuy Van, all reflecting the beautiful, sacred love story.

The 'Giving Away the Love' passage logically extends the concept of love in Kieu's world. Additionally, the 'Oaths' segment helps readers better understand 'Giving Away the Love,' as it reflects Kieu's deep and beautiful vision of love.

A- KEY KNOWLEDGE FOCUS

1. Author:

Nguyen Du (1765 – 1820), his pen name was To Nhu, and his courtesy name was Thanh Hien. He was one of the most significant poets in Vietnamese literature.
Life
He came from a family with two great traditions: one of serving as officials and the other in literary pursuits. His father, Nguyen Nghiem, was a highly educated scholar who reached the rank of prime minister, and his mother came from a family of high-ranking officials. His half-brother, Nguyen Khan, also became an official, which laid the foundation for Nguyen Du to develop his literary talent.
During ten years of wandering in the northern lands, Nguyen Du experienced hardships, hunger, and witnessed the tragic fate of the people, which enriched his experiences and gave him a profound understanding of society and human suffering.
He was sent as an envoy to China twice. The first journey in 1813 allowed him to interact with the Chinese culture he was familiar with since childhood, and this trip had a deep influence on his poetry. The second trip, planned for 1820, was interrupted by illness, and he passed away before it could take place.
Literary Career
Works in Classical Chinese: Three collections of poems with 249 works, including Thanh Hien Thi Tap (78 poems), Nam Trung Tap Ngam (40 poems), and Bac Hanh Tap Luc (131 poems).
Works in Vernacular Vietnamese: Doan Truong Tan Thanh (The Tale of Kieu) and Van Chieu Hon.
The Tale of Kieu, a masterpiece of Vietnamese literature, is a national treasure and an invaluable part of the world’s literary heritage. It represents the rich tradition of Vietnamese culture, showcasing deep humanitarian sentiments while reflecting on the injustices of feudal society, with an enduring love for humanity.

2. The Work:

Excerpt Location: From line 431 to line 452 in The Tale of Kieu.
Summary: One day, when the family visited the maternal side, Kieu sought to meet Kim Trong. As dusk fell, she returned home, but upon hearing that her family had not yet come back, she went back to see Kim Trong. The two exchanged vows of eternal love under the moonlight.

B. EXERCISES AND GUIDED SOLUTIONS

Question 1: Page 116, Vietnamese Literature Textbook, Grade 10, Volume 2

Discuss the meaning of the words “vội” (hurry), “xăm xăm” (quickly), “băng” (swiftly).

Solution:
The words “vội,” “xăm xăm,” and “băng” describe the actions and urgency of Kieu’s footsteps as she rushes to meet Kim Trong under the moonlight.
Meaning:
They convey Kieu's urgency, her anxiety, and her fear of her parents’ disapproval of her unapproved actions. Kieu feels compelled to act quickly, driven by the desire to seize her fleeting moment with Kim Trong. These actions depict her boldness, even defiance of the strict feudal norms that oppressed women, as she pursues true love. This illustrates the deep desire for a free, authentic love, which was rare for women in the feudal society.

Question 2: Page 116, Vietnamese Literature Textbook, Grade 10, Volume 2
How does Nguyen Du describe the poetic and sacred atmosphere of the vow exchange?

Solution:
The scene of the vow exchange is beautifully described as an ethereal, romantic moment. Kim Trong is half asleep under the soft light of the moon, with a faint glow from a candle. Kieu’s arrival is sudden and unexpected, almost dreamlike, as they both find themselves in an otherworldly space under the vast sky.
The vow exchange is solemn and sacred, marked by rituals such as:
The fragrance of incense
The warm, soft glow of the candlelight
The bright moon, a symbol of eternal nature, witnessing their love
The written vow
The exchange of keepsakes: a lock of hair
Both lovers, their heads raised to the sky, with the moon overhead, affirming their pledge of love and loyalty.

Question 3: Page 116, Vietnamese Literature Textbook, Grade 10, Volume 2
Connect this excerpt with the “Trao Duyen” passage to demonstrate the consistent logic in Kieu’s view of love.

Solution:
The vow exchange leads to the passing of keepsakes in the “Trao Duyen” passage. Kieu’s entrusting of her love to Thuy Van is a way to express her unchanging devotion to Kim Trong, showing her sincerity and reverence for their bond. This reveals Kieu’s pure and lasting love, a love that she maintains throughout her life, willing to sacrifice and live for it.
Through the love story of Kieu and Kim Trong, Nguyen Du conveys a humanitarian message, emphasizing love, the human desire for happiness, especially for women in the feudal, unjust society. This reflects Nguyen Du’s progressive, modern views on love and humanity in the context of classical literature.

Extended Reference Section
Question 1: The Artistic and Literary Value of “Vow Exchange”
Solution:
1. Literary Value
Through the “Vow Exchange” passage, Nguyen Du creates a beautiful moonlit setting that symbolizes the longing for freedom in love by Thuy Kieu, a talented yet tragic young woman. The love between Thuy Kieu and Kim Trong transcends the constraints of feudal society, embodying purity and loyalty.
2. Artistic Value
Nguyen Du skillfully uses classical allusions and metaphors, such as “flowers reaching for the sky,” “moonbeams,” and “the stillness of the night.”
The use of sensory imagery, including vibrant metaphors, brings the scene to life and deepens its emotional impact.

I. Author
1. Biography
- Nguyễn Du (1765 – 1820), known by his pen name Tố Như and his alias Thanh Hiên.
* Era:
- A time full of upheaval: the country changed rulers multiple times.
- The feudal system was in decline, with peasant uprisings spreading throughout the land.
=> Reflecting on life and the nature of human existence.
* Origins & Family:
- Hometown:
+ Father's side: Hà Tĩnh – rich in cultural tradition and a strong emphasis on education.
+ Mother's side: Bắc Ninh – the cradle of Quan Họ folk singing.
+ Nguyễn Du spent most of his life in Thăng Long – a land with a thousand years of culture.
+ Wife's family: Thái Bình, known for its rich cultural heritage.
=> Exposed to diverse regional cultures, which shaped his artistic talent.
- Family:
+ Born into a noble and affluent family:
> Father: Nguyễn Nghiễm, a former Prime Minister during the Lê Dynasty.
> Brother: Nguyễn Khản, a high-ranking official in the Trịnh lords' court.
=> He had the opportunity to study classics and immerse in a wealth of cultural and literary knowledge.
+ Mother: Trần Thị Tần: from Bắc Ninh, intelligent, beautiful, and graceful.
=> Well-versed in folk culture.
=> The family had generations of officials with a strong literary tradition and a love for the arts.
* Personal life:
- Childhood and youth (1765 – 1789): Lived comfortably in the capital Thăng Long in an aristocratic family, which provided him with insights into the affluent life of the feudal elite.
- A decade of hardship (1789 – 1802): Lived a life of poverty and wandering, which gave him a practical, grounded view of life and led him to learn the vernacular language, spurring reflections on human existence.
- Career in the Nguyễn Dynasty (1802 – 1820): Held many high-ranking positions, traveled extensively, and was sent as an envoy to China.
=> This broadened his perspective on society and humanity.
- He passed away in Huế in 1820.
=> Conclusion: Nguyễn Du's life, marked by many ups and downs, enriched him with profound life experience and a deep soul.

2. Literary Works:
a. Main Works
* Works in Chinese characters: Around 249 pieces
- Thanh Hiên poetry collection (78 poems), written in Thái Bình and Tiên Điền.
- Nam Trung Miscellaneous Poems (40 poems), written while serving as an official in Quảng Bình.
- Bắc Hành Miscellaneous Notes (131 poems), written during his diplomatic mission to China.
* Works in Nom script:
- The Tale of Kiều (Truyện Kiều);
- The Ghost Offering (Văn tế thập loại chúng sinh);

II. Literary Work
1. Summary:
After their first meeting on a poetic afternoon, Kim Trọng sought a place near Thúy Kiều's home to be closer to her. They met again and exchanged tokens of affection. One day, while her family was visiting her mother's side, Kiều rushed to find Kim Trọng. As the evening fell, she returned home, only to learn that her family had not yet returned, so she went back to meet him. The two swore an eternal bond under the radiant moonlight.

2. General Understanding
a. Excerpt's Position: From lines 431-452.
Thúy Kiều visits Kim Trọng's house to talk. As evening approaches, she hears that her family is not yet back, so she returns to meet him again.
b. Structure: 2 parts:
- The first 14 lines: Kiều returns to Kim Trọng's house.
- The last 8 lines: The vow of Kim and Kiều.

3. Detailed Analysis
a. Kiều Returns to Kim Trọng's House
- Key words: xăm xăm, băng => decisive, bold, and strong actions.
=> Represents the assertiveness in love.
- Reasons:
+ Fear of her parents' reaction to her bold actions => she hurried to make the most of her time.
+ The intense pull of love urging her forward.
+ Kiều, being destined for greatness, was determined to fight against fate by choosing love, as uncertainty about the future pushed her to embrace the present.
b. The Vow Between Kim and Kiều
* Dreamlike Atmosphere:
- Kim Trọng dozes under the faint light of the moon and a dim lamp.
- The soft, silent footsteps of Thúy Kiều approaching.
- Romantic and elegant imagery: the fragrance of flowers, the evening moon, and the spring dreams
+ The lotus candle – adding more wax.
+ The incense burner – adding more fragrant smoke.
=> Creating an ethereal, dreamlike atmosphere.
* Emotions of the Characters:
- Kim Trọng: pensive, half awake, and unsure whether it's reality or a dream.
- Thúy Kiều: surprised and unsure if she's dreaming.
* Moment of the Vow:
- The moon: a witness to their vow.
- Their promise: eternal and unbreakable.
=> The love between Kim and Kiều is beautiful yet lonely, bound yet uncertain. Their vow is witnessed only by the moon and incense, not by any person or society.
d. Thematic Value
- Depicts a pure and sacred love.
- Reflects Nguyễn Du's fresh perspective on love.
e. Artistic Value
- Skillfully uses common expressions in a poetic and artistic manner.
- Incorporates many Chinese-Vietnamese words, classical references, and allegories.

III. Answer Guide for Textbook QuestionsQuestion 1 (page 116, Literature 10, Volume 2):

- In Thúy Kiều's haste, we see the inevitable changes in the love between the two characters.

+ The urgency of the vow night.

+ Words like “vội” and “xăm xăm” capture the haste, actions, and feelings of Kiều as she rushes to Kim Trọng's house.

- This represents Nguyễn Du's novel perspective on love, where the woman plays an active role in a romantic relationship.

- Nguyễn Du emphasizes Kiều's assertiveness, showing a new view of love.

Question 2 (page 116, Literature 10, Volume 2):

- The space during the vow is beautiful and poetic:

+ Kim sleeps lightly, half-conscious under the moonlight and a faint lamp.
+ Kim Trọng, surprised by Kiều's sudden appearance, feels as though he's in a dream.
- The vow scene is sacred and solemn, performed with ceremony:

+ The fragrance of incense
+ The light from candles
+ The moon, a vast and eternal witness to their sacred love.
Two lovers look to the sky with the moon above, as it witnesses their promise of everlasting devotion, representing their voluntary, loyal, and deep love for each other.
Question 3 (page 116, Literature 10, Volume 2):

- The excerpt of the Vow is closely related to the Trao Duyên excerpt because:

+ After their vow, their bond is further solidified with the moon and the wine cup.

The Trao Duyên excerpt continues this idea of Kiều's concept of love:

+ Even when love fades or life takes a tragic turn, Kiều remains steadfast in her devotion to her first love.

This excerpt serves as a foundation for understanding Trao Duyên and the unwavering loyalty Kiều holds for Kim.

Question 1 (page 116 Literature Textbook 10th Grade, Volume 2)

Discuss the implied meanings of the words “hurried”, “quickly”, and “swiftly”.

Detailed answer:

- The words “hurried”, “quickly”, and “swiftly” not only describe Kiều's emotions and feelings but also convey a sense of urgency, haste, and a sudden, unexpected reaction even from her own self.

- Why such haste? Kiều feels the need to hurry. She worries that her parents will scold her for acting without permission. However, deeper still, Kiều is following the call of her heart.

=> This is a fresh perspective on love by Nguyễn Du, where in the relationship between a man and a woman, the woman plays an active role. Nguyễn Du emphasizes Kiều’s agency, marking a new approach to the concept of love.

Question 2 (page 116 Literature Textbook 10th Grade, Volume 2)

How does Nguyễn Du depict the poetic and sacred atmosphere of the oath-taking scene?

Detailed answer:

- The night of the oath-taking is beautifully poetic and serene: Kim is drifting into sleep under the moonlight, the faint glow of a candle, and the soft steps of a dream figure approaching. He can hardly believe his eyes at the sudden appearance of Kiều. Both seem to be in a dreamlike world amidst the vastness of nature.

- The oath scene is marked by solemn and sacred rituals:

+ The fragrance of incense.

+ The warm glow of candlelight.

+ The bright moonlight, representing the eternal, vast nature, bears witness to their sacred love.

+ A written oath.

+ Exchanging tokens: a lock of hair.

The two young heads look up at the sky, with the radiant moon above as a witness to their vows, symbolizing their love, loyalty, and devotion.

Question 3 (page 116 Literature Textbook 10th Grade, Volume 2)

Link this with the excerpt from "Offering the Betrothal Gift" to highlight the consistent logic in Kiều's views on love.

Detailed answer:

- The oath-taking scene leads to the exchange of tokens in the "Offering the Betrothal Gift" passage. By asking Thúy Vân to help, Thúy Kiều honors her love for Kim Trọng. This demonstrates Kiều's sincerity and reverence for her love. It is a pure love that Kiều cherishes for her entire life. She dares to dream and live for love, even willing to sacrifice for it.

- Through the pure love of Thúy Kiều and Kim Trọng, Nguyễn Du conveys the humanistic idea of loving and cherishing the desires for happiness, especially for a talented woman in a corrupt, unjust feudal society. This shows that Nguyễn Du's view on love was progressive and advanced in classical literature.

Structure

Structure:

+ The first 14 lines: Kiều returns to Kim Trọng's house.

+ The remaining 8 lines: The oath-taking scene of Kim and Kiều.

Main idea

Describes a beautiful, sacred love while reflecting Nguyễn Du's progressive views on love.

I. General Overview

* Location of the excerpt: The excerpt "The Oath" spans lines 431 to 452, depicting the sacred oath exchanged between Kieu and Kim Trong, pledging lifelong loyalty to each other.

* Structure: This section is divided into two parts:

Part 1: The first 14 lines depict Kieu returning to Kim Trong's house.
Part 2: The remaining 8 lines describe the oath-taking scene between Kim and Kieu.

II. Study Guide

Question 1:

The meanings behind the words 'hurry,' 'rushing,' and 'swiftly' depict Kieu's emotional state and feelings, while also emphasizing her hurried, urgent actions, driven by the call of love and disregarding the rigid norms of Confucian society.

Question 2:

Nguyen Du describes the romantic and sacred atmosphere of the oath-taking ceremony:

The setting is within a house during a bright moonlit night, with a dim, gentle light from a lamp.
A written oath on paper, a lotus pedestal, incense burner adding fragrance, and the exchange of mementos like Kieu's hair are present.
The moonlight symbolizes the divine witness to the vow between the two lovers.
Under this celestial light, both heads tilt upwards, as the moon's radiant glow bears witness to their enduring promise, symbolizing their pure and devoted love.

Question 3:

Drawing connections with the excerpt "The Gift of the Broken Heart" reveals a consistent and logical view of Kieu's understanding of love:

The oath ties directly to the mementos Kieu gives to Thuy Van. The relationship between Kim and Kieu is spiritually bound (with the moonlight as a witness). Kieu remains sincere, revering her love with unwavering devotion. She dares to think, live, and sacrifice for her love, embodying a progressive view of love that Nguyen Du highlights through Kieu's character.