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1. Essay on "Ai đã đặt tên cho dòng sông" - Version 4
I. General Overview of the Essay Ai đã đặt tên cho dòng sông
1. Author
Hoàng Phủ Ngọc Tường is a talented and scholarly essayist known for his remarkable skill in writing.
2. Work
The essay "Ai đã đặt tên cho dòng sông" is an outstanding piece written in Huế.
II. Analysis of the Essay Ai đã đặt tên cho dòng sông
Question 1 (page 203, Vietnamese Literature 12, Volume 1)
The author describes the upper course of the Huong River with a beauty that is both powerful and fierce, "free-spirited and wild," but also gentle, captivating, lyrical, and poetic at times.
Hoàng Phủ skillfully depicts the stunning, graceful, and poetic imagery of the Huong River: "a symphony of the forest"; "thundering through the forest canopy, forceful through the rapids," swirling like a whirlwind, yet at times gentle: "gentle and enamored amidst the dazzling red azalea blooms of the forest".
The author’s distinctive word choices include phrases such as: a symphony of the forest, gentle and enamored...
The use of literary devices such as similes and personification: "The Huong River lived half its life like a free-spirited and wild girl" and "The old forest has instilled in it courage, a free and pure spirit..."
Question 2 (page 203, Vietnamese Literature 12, Volume 1)
The Huong River’s character changes as it moves into the plains, nearing the outskirts of the city of Huế. According to the author, the river "tames its primal power" to "take on a gentle, intellectual beauty, becoming the nurturing mother of the fertile land".
Hoàng Phủ Ngọc Tường’s deep understanding and mastery leave a lasting impression on the reader, with striking, unique comparisons: "The Huong River still carries the echoes of the Trường Sơn" and "The river is as soft as silk, with boats gently rowing like tiny shuttlecocks". The hills create vibrant reflections in different colors: "green in the morning, golden at noon, purple in the evening".
The tranquil beauty of the Huong River at the outskirts of Huế is concretized through two lines of folk poetry:
"Mountains surround it, wrapped in mist"
"A moon that’s as old as time, the pine trees standing through the ages"
Question 3 (page 203, Vietnamese Literature 12, Volume 1)
* As it flows into the city of Huế, the river becomes joyful and particularly slow and gentle.
The author uses creative imagery and comparisons: "Over there, at the end of the road, it sees the white bridge of the city reflected clearly in the sky, as small as a crescent moon... That’s the slow, romantic rhythm that belongs to Huế". The author compares the characteristics of the Huong River to rivers like the Seine, the Danube, and especially the Neva, with ice floes drifting quickly like seagulls’ boats. Through this, the unique beauty of the Huong River is revealed, as is the beauty of the river that mirrors the soul of Huế’s people: loyal and gentle.
Question 4 (page 203, Vietnamese Literature 12, Volume 1)
The author discovers and expresses the beauty of the Huong River from geographical, historical, and cultural perspectives. Thus, the river emerges vibrantly, impressively, and refreshingly in Hoàng Phủ Ngọc Tường’s writing. It can be said that he adheres to his principle of showcasing beauty and contributing to the glory of culture and the homeland.
Question 5 (page 203, Vietnamese Literature 12, Volume 1)
Distinctive features of Hoàng Phủ Ngọc Tường’s writing style:
Masterful, scholarly, and broad-ranging knowledge.
He looks at things from multiple angles, adding depth to his writing.
Unique and evocative comparisons, rich in imagination, often associating the beauty of the Huong River with the elegance of a woman.
2. Essay on "Who Named the River?" No. 5
Author – Work
1. Author
Hoàng Phủ Ngọc Tường is one of the notable writers specializing in writing literary essays. His distinctive style combines intellectual depth with lyrical expression, blending sharp argumentation with multi-dimensional reflection drawn from his broad knowledge of philosophy, culture, history, geography, and more. All of this is presented in a thoughtful, concise, and captivating narrative style. In 2007, he was awarded the State Prize for Literature and the Arts.
2. The Work
"Who Named the River?" is a remarkable literary essay, written in Huế on January 4, 1981, and published in the collection of the same name. The essay is divided into three parts, with the excerpt presented here as the first section.
Answer to Question 1, page 203, Vietnamese Language 12, Vol. 1
- The upper reaches of the Huong River are closely connected to the magnificent Truong Son mountain range. Here, the river undergoes a rugged journey, revealing a wild, untamed beauty filled with vitality:
+ Like a grand symphony of the forest, roaring through the dense trees, surging through the rapids, and swirling like a whirlwind into the mysterious depths.
+ Like a free-spirited, untamed girl of the Di-gang ethnicity.
+ Possessing bravery and a free, pure soul.
- The author's writing style when describing the upper reaches of the Huong River is marked by majestic imagery, unique and unexpected comparisons, and a creative approach to symbolism.
Answer to Question 2, page 203, Vietnamese Language 12, Vol. 1
- The author’s keen observations and detailed descriptions of the river’s winding paths and unique features (such as the Tuần Junction, Vọng Cảnh, Tam Thai, Lựu Bảo) demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the river's geographical characteristics.
- A series of surprising, vivid comparisons and metaphors add depth and texture to the narrative.
- The writing is concise, captivating, and masterfully executed.
- The rich, evocative language adds layers of imagery and emotional resonance.
=> This writing style creates a powerful aesthetic effect: it not only highlights the multi-faceted beauty of the river (its intellect, poetic charm, and serene depth) but also reflects the river’s bold, independent character, showcasing the author’s deep affection and profound understanding of his native river.
Answer to Question 3, page 203, Vietnamese Language 12, Vol. 1
- When the Huong River flows into the city of Huế, it becomes more cheerful, graceful, and full of life, much like a young woman encountering her true love:
+ Upon reaching Huế, the river moves steadily, confidently following a straight path;
+ When it meets the city, it gracefully curves, softening as it flows towards Cồn Hến, like a silent “yes” to love;
+ The river gives Huế a slow, tender flow, a special “slow” rhythm exclusive to the city; its hesitant flow mirrors a heart torn between leaving and staying… a deep emotional pull;
+ As it exits the imperial city, the river looks back, yearning to meet Huế one last time at the Bao Vinh town.
=> This depiction of the Huong River entering Huế reveals the author’s deep connection to the city, reflecting his passionate and enduring love for both Huế and the river.
Answer to Question 4, page 203, Vietnamese Language 12, Vol. 1
- In history: the Huong River embodies a majestic, proud beauty, intertwined with the history of Vietnam’s founding and defense (it participated in battles to protect the southern border of Đại Việt, reflected the glory of the Nguyễn Huệ capital in the 18th century, stood resilient through the 19th-century uprisings, and witnessed the struggles of the August Revolution and the subsequent wars against France and the U.S.).
=> The Huong River is a symbol of time, its epic tales resonating through the lush green landscape.
- In poetry: the river’s beauty is versatile, ever-changing, never repeating itself in the inspirations of artists—whether subtly appearing in Nguyễn Du's *The Tale of Kiều*, unexpectedly shifting hues in Tản Đà’s poetry, embodying grandeur in Cao Bá Quát’s verses, or symbolizing resurrection in Tố Hữu’s poems.
Answer to Question 5, page 203, Vietnamese Language 12, Vol. 1
- This excerpt highlights Hoàng Phủ Ngọc Tường’s distinctive writing style: elegant, introspective, subtle, and artistic.
- The masterful blending of intellectual depth and lyrical beauty, with sharp reasoning combined with multi-dimensional reflection, showcases his vast knowledge of philosophy, culture, history, and geography.
Practice
Question (page 203, Vietnamese Language 12, Vol. 1)
“Among the beautiful rivers across the country... at the foot of Mount Kim Phụng”
- The beauty of the concept:
+ It builds various emotional states, capturing the river’s moods.
+ The Huong River becomes a living entity, with a soul, personality, and essence.
- Imagery: vibrant, shimmering, mystical, and warm, reflecting the river's characteristics.
- Language: succinct, precise, conveying the river's spirit and the poet's emotional resonance as he contemplates the river.
Structure
The structure (2 parts):
- Part 1 (from the beginning... the homeland and its river): the journey of the Huong River.
- Part 2 (remaining): the historical and poetic significance of the Huong River.
Main Content
This excerpt from the essay *Who Named the River?* presents a concise and poetic portrayal of the Huong River.
3. Essay on "Who Named the River?" No. 6
I. A Brief Introduction to the Author Hoàng Phủ Ngọc Tường
- Hoàng Phủ Ngọc Tường was born in 1937 in Hue, his hometown is in Bích Khê village, far from Triệu Long, Triệu Phong district, Quảng Trị province.
- He completed his secondary education in Hue, graduated from Saigon University of Pedagogy in 1960, and from Hue University in 1964.
- In 1966, Hoàng Phủ Ngọc Tường joined the resistance against the US by moving to the revolutionary base and participating in artistic activities.
- He was once the General Secretary of the Literature and Art Association of the Thừa Thiên-Huế region, the Chairman of the Literature Association of Bình Trị Thiên, and the Editor-in-Chief of Cửa Việt magazine.
- In 2007, he was awarded the State Prize for Literature and Arts.
- Major works: The Star on Phu Văn Lâu Hill, Many Lights, Who Named the River?, The Fruits Around Me, The Mirage Mountain…
- Writing style:
+ A perfect blend of intellectual depth and lyrical beauty, sharp arguments with multi-dimensional reflections based on a rich knowledge of philosophy, culture, history, geography…
+ An inward, concise, passionate, and elegant writing style.
II. A Brief Introduction to the Work Who Named the River?
1. Context of Creation
- Who Named the River? is an outstanding essay written in Hue on January 4, 1946, and published in a book of the same name.
- The essay consists of 3 parts, with the text belonging to the first part.
2. Structure (2 parts)
- Part 1 (from the beginning to “homeland and native land”): The journey of the Perfume River
- Part 2 (the rest): The historical, cultural, and poetic beauty of the Perfume River.
3. Content Value
- Hoàng Phủ Ngọc Tường truly deserves to be called “a poet of nature” (Lê Thị Hướng). With his passionate, skilled, and concise writing, he has truly enriched the soul of the natural landscape of the homeland.
- The Perfume River has indeed become the “brocade” of the nation’s territory. This essay contributes to nurturing love and pride for the river as well as for the homeland.
4. Artistic Value
- The genre is an essay.
- The writing style is inward, concise, subtle, and artistic.
- Rich imagination and a broad knowledge base in many fields.
- The language is rich, full of imagery, poetic, and employs various rhetorical devices (similes, personification…).
- There is a harmonious combination of emotion and intellect, subjectivity and objectivity.
III. Answering Questions
Question 1:
* The Perfume River’s upper reaches are depicted by the author in the excerpt:
The Perfume River is described with contrasting images:
- The river is “the anthem of the ancient forest” with dramatic, powerful rhythms when it “roars through the dense forest, fiercely passing through rapids, swirling like a tornado into mysterious depths.” Yet it is also gentle and enchanting “amid the long stretches of bright red azalea flowers in the forest.”
- The river is like “a free-spirited and wild gypsy girl,” with “courage and a free, pure soul” but also like “a girl who has subdued her instincts,” “possessing a gentle beauty and intellect,” “the mother of silt,” mysterious and untamed.
=> The Perfume River embodies the beauty of the people of Hue, is part of Hue, or perhaps the river itself helps shape the unique character of the people of Hue.
* These images and details show the unique writing style of the author.
+ The author uses vivid, descriptive words that accurately depict the grandeur, wildness, and romantic beauty of the Perfume River.
+ The successful use of similes and personification, along with fascinating, precise, and evocative language, creates an alluring depiction of a river full of spirit and life.
Question 2:
The section describing the Perfume River flowing towards the plains and the outskirts of the city once again brings forth the river's romantic beauty with the author's sharp pen:
- When leaving the mountainous region, the Perfume River is like a fairy awakened, brimming with youth and the longing of springtime:
+ “Flowing continuously, rounding a sudden bend,”
+ “Bending smoothly in soft curves,”
+ “Suddenly drawing a perfect arc toward the northeast, embracing the foot of the Thiên Mụ Hill, slowly heading towards Hue.”
+ “Flowing between two rows of imposing hills like citadels, with sudden high points”
=> The author’s figurative language and bold associations bring the Perfume River to life, as if it were an aware, charming daughter of its homeland.
- The author sees the Perfume River through various states and aspects of beauty:
+ Sometimes “soft as silk” when passing Vọng Cảnh, Tam Thai, Lựu Bảo.
+ At other times, reflecting “many shades of colors”: “morning green, noon gold, evening purple” as it flows past the southwestern hills of the city.
+ At times, it exhibits a “most solemn beauty,” “like philosophy, like ancient poetry” when passing tombs and temples.
+ And at times, it appears fresh and youthful when hearing “the bell of Thiên Mụ pagoda echoing on the other side, among the rural villages resonating with rooster calls.”
=> The author skillfully combines narration and description to highlight the Perfume River’s beauty, both powerful and gentle.
- The Perfume River is compared to: “A beautiful maiden sleeping dreamily in the wild Châu Hóa fields, waiting to be awakened by her lover.”
=> The unique imagery and the keen observation of the author, combined with rich figurative language, make the river unforgettable and impactful for the reader.
Question 3:
The Perfume River in the city outskirts has its own distinctive features.
- The river is “brighter, more cheerful, among the lush green plains of the Kim Long area…”
=> It reflects the mood of someone returning home, “finding the right path” back with eager anticipation.
=> A unique comparison: using the word “yes” hesitantly, shyly, and sacredly in love to describe the river’s gentle, soft shape=> a romantic perspective from the writer.
- The artist’s reflections:
+ Comparing the Perfume River to the Seine of Paris, the Danube of Budapest => these rivers are the souls of their capitals, cultural symbols of nations, highlighting pride in the Perfume River and Hue.
=> The uniqueness of the Perfume River in this passage lies in the details and the reflections of someone who deeply loves and understands both the river and the city of Hue.
Question 4:
The author perceives the Perfume River from multiple angles:
a. In relation to history: The Perfume River embodies the beauty of an epic chronicling the glorious centuries of the nation:
- In the 15th century, in Nguyễn Trãi’s Dư địa chí, it was called Linh Giang, a “river of the frontier, valiantly defending the southwestern border of Đại Việt over the medieval centuries.”
- In the 18th century, it “reflects the image of the Phú Xuân citadel of the hero Nguyễn Huệ.”
- In the 19th century, it “witnessed the tragic history, with the blood of uprisings.”
b. The Perfume River is also linked with life and poetry:
- “There is a poetic stream about the Perfume River,” “that river never repeats itself in the musings of artists.”
=> The Perfume River is an endless source of inspiration.
- The Perfume River has a simple yet extraordinary beauty:
+ When responding to the call of the nation: “it knows how to sacrifice itself for a heroic cause.”
+ When returning to normal life: “It is a gentle daughter of the land.”
=> History – heroic, and everyday life – simple, adapting gracefully to each situation.
- This beauty ensures that the Perfume River never repeats itself in the inspiration of artists. Each poet has a unique discovery of its beauty.
=> The Perfume River offers endless, fresh inspiration for artists.
Question 5:
The unique artistic style of the author in this passage:
- Besides comparisons, the author uses many rhetorical devices such as personification, metaphor, and emotionally charged expository writing that acts as an artistic lever, full of imagery and emotional appeal.
- The deep love and pride for the homeland and the river make it glow with mystical beauty, diverse like life and the human soul.
- Especially the author’s miraculous imagination, profound knowledge of geography, history, cultural arts, and personal experiences.
- The delicate, skillful, and refined inward approach.
- The lyrical tone rich in reflection and philosophy.
- The combination of painting, music, and poetry.
=> The writer has made the essay Who Named the River? a great success.
Practice
The Perfume River at the city’s outskirts:
Once reaching the plains, the Perfume River changes, revealing many diverse beauties:
- Changes:
+ Changes in character
+ Changes in shape
=> The author suggests that these changes are not due to natural terrain but are intrinsic qualities of the river itself. Upon reaching the plains, the river becomes gentle, soft, and flexible. The bold imagery and associations portray the Perfume River as a beloved daughter of the homeland.
- Diverse Beauty: The beauty of the Perfume River is like a painting with many lines:
+ Multi-colored and ever-changing beauty
+ A solemn beauty with philosophical, ancient poetry tones
+ Joyful beauty amidst the green plains of the suburbs
+ Dreamlike beauty in the mist as it passes through bamboo groves and rows of palm trees in Vĩ Dạ village.
=> Hoàng Phủ Ngọc Tường is not just writing about the Perfume River as a natural landscape of Hue, but as a child of the land, a part of Hue's romantic, lyrical nature. The comparisons and wide-ranging, free associations of the essay's style have been maximized for high artistic effect.
=> In the author’s deep, romantic perspective, the Perfume River’s journey is like a search for the lover of a beautiful, graceful, and affectionate girl.
4. Lesson on "Who Named the River" No. 1
Question 1 (page 203, Literature 12, Volume 1):
a. The beauty of the river's upper reaches as depicted by the author:
- The river is portrayed with a vibrant, wild, mysterious, and profound beauty, at times gentle and captivating.
+ The untamed power of the river is illustrated through a comparison: a wild forest's epic, with vivid images of strength as shown through the rapids and waves crashing into deep, mysterious chasms.
- A gentler, more captivating beauty: brilliant colors.
- The river is personified, likened to a free-spirited, wild girl, shaped by the ancient forest into a strong, independent, pure soul.
b. The opening of the passage reveals the author’s exceptional talent: captivating imagery, precise and evocative language that brings the river to life with a poetic charm.
- By the end, the author fully reveals the river's essence, its deep soul, guiding the reader toward the next section.
Question 2 (page 203, Literature 12, Volume 1):
The passage describing the river’s flow toward the plains and outskirts of the city reveals:
+ The author's skill in observation and use of language.
+ A profound understanding of the river's geography and characteristics.
+ The subtle, intriguing use of metaphor and comparison.
+ A deep knowledge of cultural and literary contexts.
- All these elements blend together, enhancing the artistic effect as the author contrasts the timeless beauty of the river with the fresh, modern aspects of the scene.
Question 3 (page 203, Literature 12, Volume 1):
The river’s beauty as it flows into the city is unique:
+ The wild, gentle, and solemn beauty of the river.
+ The river is explored through new perspectives, revealing different emotions and moods.
+ The river’s encounter with the city is like a romantic rendezvous, becoming joyful, peaceful, and particularly serene and poetic.
+ The author’s writing reaches new heights as they vividly capture subtle feelings through beautiful metaphors and comparisons.
- The author expresses a deep affection for this river, truly understanding and appreciating its beauty.
Question 4 (page 203, Literature 12, Volume 1):
The author emphasizes many aspects of the river’s poetic nature—its gentle, dreamy, wild, romantic, elegant, and ancient qualities.
+ From a cultural and historical perspective, the author portrays the river with distinct character traits.
+ The author vividly recreates the historical image and unique qualities of the people of Hue, particularly highlighting the gentle, graceful beauty of a Hue woman.
+ The author’s perspective is fresh and distinctive, with a creative and unique expression.
Question 5 (page 203, Literature 12, Volume 1):
Distinctive features of the author’s writing style:
- The author’s deep, sincere love for their homeland and the subject they describe, making the river appear radiant, mystical, and varied, almost alive in its portrayal.
- Brilliant metaphors and an extensive understanding of geography, history, culture, art, and personal experiences.
- Clear, rich language that vividly describes and evokes feelings, rich in poetic quality.
- Mastery of literary devices: similes, personification, metaphors.
- A harmonious blend of emotion, intellect, subjectivity, and objectivity.
Practice
The passage I find most striking and appealing is:
“Among the most beautiful rivers in the country… at the foot of Mount Kim Phung”
- The brilliance of the idea:
+ The author explores various emotional states and sensations of the river.
+ The river, at this point, becomes a living entity with a soul, character, and identity.
- Imagery: vibrant, shimmering, mystical, and warm, reflecting the essence of the river.
- Language: concise and impactful, capturing the spirit of the river and the poet’s emotional response to it.
5. Lesson on "Who Named the River?" Number 2
A. KEY KNOWLEDGE FOCUS
1. Author
Hoàng Phủ Ngọc Tường, born in 1937 in the city of Huế, with roots from Quảng Trị, completed his secondary education in Huế. He graduated from Saigon University in 1960 and Hue University in 1964. In 1966, he joined the resistance movement against the US war, contributing to it through literary activities. He was the General Secretary of the Trị Thiên – Huế Literary and Art Association, President of the Bình Trị Thiên Literary and Art Association, and Editor-in-Chief of Cửa Việt magazine.
Hoàng Phủ Ngọc Tường is renowned for his essays, characterized by a brilliant blend of intellectual depth and lyrical beauty, combining sharp argumentation with a multidimensional mindset shaped by his rich knowledge of philosophy and cultural geography. His writing style is introspective, concise, passionate, and masterfully crafted.
In 2007, he was awarded the State Prize for Literature and Art.
Notable works: 'The Star on Phu Văn Lâu Peak' (1971), 'Many Flames' (1979), 'Who Named the River?' (1986), 'Flowers and Fruits Around Me' (1995), 'Illusionary Mountain' (1999), …
2. Work
'Who Named the River?' is an outstanding essay written in Huế on January 4, 1981, and published in a collection of the same name. The essay is divided into three parts, with the text in the textbook representing the first part.
The excerpt is divided into two parts: Part 1 describes the river's journey through the homeland, and Part 2 discusses the river's role in history and poetry.
B. EXERCISES AND GUIDANCE
Question 1: Page 203, Textbook, Literature 12, Volume 1
How does the author describe the upper reaches of the Perfume River? What images, details, and artistic techniques highlight the unique style of the author's writing?
Answer:
The upper reaches of the Perfume River are portrayed as a wild, mysterious, and deep force, yet at times gentle and mesmerizing. The river's strength and wildness are expressed through comparisons such as 'the epic of the ancient forest' and vivid images like 'thundering among the ancient trees.' The river's power is further emphasized by the rapids, whirlpools, and mysterious abysses. Its gentleness and charm appear in bright colors, such as 'the dazzling red miles of wild rhododendron flowers.' The river is personified as a free-spirited gypsy girl with a brave heart and a pure soul, shaped by the ancient forest. The journey of the river to the city reveals its strength and beauty, showing the author's exquisite literary skills, imaginative metaphors, and evocative language that captivate the reader with the river's living spirit.
Question 2: Page 203, Textbook, Literature 12, Volume 1
What qualities of the author's writing are revealed in the passage describing the Perfume River flowing into the plains and outskirts of the city? What aesthetic effects does this writing style create?
Answer:
Under Hoàng Phủ Ngọc Tường's pen, the Perfume River appears as a beautiful girl, gently sleeping among the wildflowers of Châu Hóa, waiting for her lover to awaken her. The author uses geographical knowledge to vividly depict the river's continuous flow, curving gracefully in soft arcs. The river's color changes throughout the day: green in the morning, golden at noon, and purple at sunset. It resembles a soft silk scarf draped across a young woman's body. The river is portrayed as timeless, deeply philosophical, and connected with the ancient tombs and ruins of the Nguyễn Dynasty. The author's use of cultural and literary knowledge helps create a picture of the Perfume River as a peaceful and serene presence on the outskirts of Huế, embodying both the beauty of nature and the cultural soul of the city.
Question 3: Page 203, Textbook, Literature 12, Volume 1
What unique characteristics does the Perfume River exhibit when flowing through the city of Huế? What does the author's discovery of the river's uniqueness reveal about the author's feelings toward Huế and the river?
Answer:
When the Perfume River reaches the city, it reveals a distinct beauty. It flows slowly, as if savoring its time in the city it loves. The river's pace is different from other rivers, perhaps because it is reluctant to leave its beloved city. This reflects the river's deep connection to Huế, as well as the author's special affection for both the river and the city. The river is likened to a talented woman playing music in the quiet night. The author does not forget the cultural beauty associated with the river, describing it as a gentle and faithful lover. Through vivid and poetic images, the author conveys a passionate love for the river, using tender and evocative language: 'the small white bridge in the city, like a crescent moon,' and 'the river bending gently like a soft bow.' These images of the river highlight its graceful beauty, as if it were hesitant to leave the city. As the poet Thu Bồn wrote, 'The river lingers, the river does not flow; it flows into the heart, so Huế is very deep.'
Question 4: Page 203, Textbook, Literature 12, Volume 1
What qualities of the Perfume River in history and poetry does the author emphasize? Analyze the author's unique perspective.
Answer:
The author highlights the river's poetic qualities: its gentle beauty, wildness, charm, and historical significance. The river represents the unique character of Huế's people, with its graceful, fleeting, yet profound essence. From the perspective of cultural history, the author paints a picture of the river as both an untamed force and a refined, timeless beauty. The author's distinct perspective offers insights into the river's cultural and historical importance, as well as its poetic, multifaceted nature.
Question 5: Page 203, Textbook, Literature 12, Volume 1
What distinctive features of the author's writing style are evident in the excerpt?
Answer:
The author's writing reflects deep passion for his homeland and subjects, presenting them as ethereal, mystical, and multifaceted, like life itself. His extraordinary ability to draw connections, along with his vast knowledge of geography, history, culture, and art, shapes his vivid, rich language. The use of imagery, similes, personification, and metaphors makes the text emotionally powerful. The writing blends subjective feelings with objective analysis, offering a harmonious balance between emotion and intellect.
Practice
Exercise 1: Page 203, Textbook, Literature 12, Volume 1
What passage in the essay do you find most impactful? Analyze the distinctive ideas, imagery, and language used by the author in that passage.
Answer:
The passage I find most impactful is: '[...] Among the beautiful rivers I have heard of in other countries, only the Perfume River belongs to a single city. Before reaching the tranquil delta region, it has already lived a life full of intensity, thunderous through the ancient forest, wild with its rapids and whirlpools, yet sometimes gentle and enamored, with miles of dazzling rhododendron flowers. In the Trường Sơn Mountains, the Perfume River lived half its life like a free-spirited gypsy girl. The ancient forest shaped it into a courageous and pure soul. But as it left the forest, the river quickly became a graceful and intelligent beauty, a mother of the fertile lands, bringing culture to the land. If one only focuses on the river's appearance as it enters the capital, they will miss its deeper essence, its journey and spirit that it hides in the depths of the forest, locking it away in the caves beneath Kim Phụng Mountain [...]'.
Distinctive ideas: The river is compared to a wild gypsy girl in the mountains and a cultured, nurturing mother once it reaches the delta.
Imagery and language: The author uses vibrant imagery, combining knowledge from various fields like art and music, creating a colorful picture dominated by warm tones (the bright red of rhododendron flowers). Strong action verbs emphasize the power and speed of the river.
Through his deep understanding of culture, history, geography, and literature, Hoàng Phủ Ngọc Tường’s refined, introspective, and skillful writing style stands out.
6. Essay on "Who Named the River?" No. 3
Exploring the Author and Work of Who Named the River?
1. The Author
- Hoàng Phủ Ngọc Tường, born in 1937 in Hue City, with his roots in Bích Khê village, Triệu Long commune, Triệu Phong district, Quảng Trị Province.
- He completed his secondary education in Hue, graduated from the Saigon University of Education in 1960, and from the University of Hue in 1964.
- In 1966, Hoàng Phủ Ngọc Tường joined the revolutionary forces, contributing to the anti-American resistance through literary and artistic activities.
- He served as the General Secretary of the Literature and Art Association of Tri Thiên - Hue, President of the Literature and Art Association of Bình Trị Thiên, and Editor-in-Chief of the Cửa Việt magazine.
- Hoàng Phủ Ngọc Tường is a writer specializing in memoirs, blending intellectual depth with lyricism, combining sharp political commentary with multidimensional reflection, drawing on rich knowledge in philosophy, culture, history, geography, and more.
- In 2007, he was awarded the State Prize for Literature and Arts.
- His major works include: Ngôi sao trên đỉnh Phu Văn Lâu (1971), Rất nhiều ánh lửa (1979), Who Named the River? (1986), Hoa trái quanh tôi (1995), Ngọn núi ảo ảnh (1999),...
2. The Work
- Who Named the River? is an outstanding memoir written in Hue on January 4, 1981, published in a collection of the same name. The work is divided into three parts, with the text below excerpting the first part.
- Summary: This memoir praises the Perfume River and, more broadly, the beautiful, poetic, and romantic region of Hue, celebrating Hue’s glorious history, culture, and the soul of its people. It reflects the author's deep emotional connection to Hue and his profound understanding of the cultural heritage of the ancient capital.
- Structure of the Memoir:
+ Part 1 (from the beginning … to the homeland): The journey of the Perfume River.
+ Part 2 (remaining sections): The Perfume River in history and poetry.
Question 1 on page 203, 12th grade Literature textbook, Volume 1
How does the author describe the upper reaches of the Perfume River? Through what images, details, associations, and artistic techniques can we demonstrate the unique style of the author’s writing in this memoir?
Answer:
* The upper reaches of the Perfume River reflect a powerful, wild, mysterious, and deep beauty, yet at times, it is gentle and captivating.
- The river’s wild, untamed character is shown through comparisons such as: “a grand symphony of the ancient forest”, and vivid images like: “roaring through the deep forest trees”. The river’s power is depicted through rapids and whirlpools, like whirlwinds crashing into dark, secretive abysses...
- Its gentle, captivating nature: brilliant colors (“the dazzling red stretches of rhododendron blossoms in the forest”).
- The river is anthropomorphized as a free-spirited gypsy girl, with the forest having instilled in her courage, a free, pure soul.
* Right from the start of the text, readers sense the distinctiveness of Hoàng Phủ Ngọc Tường’s style as he writes about the Perfume River’s upper reaches: magnificent imagery, unique associations, creative metaphors, and surprising comparisons.
- At the end of the paragraph, the author introduces the full picture of the river (its profound soul), leading the reader to the next section.
Question 2 on page 203, 12th grade Literature textbook, Volume 1
How does the author describe the Perfume River as it flows toward the plain and the outskirts of the city? What qualities of the author’s writing are evident here? What is the aesthetic effect of this style?
Answer:
- In this part, the river is compared to “a beautiful girl, lying in a dreamy sleep,” who is awakened by her “expected lover.” The author’s geographical knowledge enables him to describe the river’s winding course and its many tributaries in detail.
- This passage showcases the author’s keen observational ability and rich figurative language, enabling him to create vivid, colorful, and striking sentences: “The Perfume River still flows in the echo of the Truong Son range,” “The water turns a deep green,” “it flows between two ridges like walls, the river soft as silk, with boats as small as a shuttle.” Amidst these hills is the eternal slumber of kings, hidden within the solitude of pine forests and the grandeur of royal tombs spreading across the upper reaches.
- Drawing on cultural and literary knowledge, the author evokes an impression of the river’s deep, philosophical beauty, like ancient poetry, tied to the walls and royal tombs of the past.
Question 3 on page 203, 12th grade Literature textbook, Volume 1
What is the distinctive characteristic of the Perfume River as it enters the city of Hue? What does the author’s discovery of the river’s unique qualities reveal about his feelings for Hue and the river?
Answer:
* When the river enters the city of Hue, it exhibits a unique beauty.
- If earlier, readers sensed the wild, gentle, and tranquil beauty of the river, now the river is revealed in its emotional aspect.
- The Perfume River meeting the city feels like a love affair, becoming joyful, and especially slow, gentle, and soft.
- The author’s writing truly flourishes in this section, capturing the river’s beauty with striking imagery, delicate feelings, and surprising, delightful metaphors that reflect a passionate love for the river.
- These are tender, romantic strokes: “the white bridge in the city reflecting perfectly on the sky, small like a crescent moon,” the Perfume River “bends gently towards the Hiến Islet,” that curve making the river seem as soft as a whispered “yes” of love, “a thousand floating lanterns making the river more radiant,” the river seems hesitant as if it is reluctant to leave the city...
As Thu Bồn’s verse expresses:
The river lingers, the river does not flow
The river flows into the heart, making Hue deep.
Question 4 on page 203, 12th grade Literature textbook, Volume 1
What qualities of the Perfume River does the author emphasize through history and poetry? Analyze the author’s unique perspective and discoveries.
Answer:
- The author emphasizes the Perfume River’s poetic qualities—gentle, romantic, wild, passionate, sophisticated, and ancient.
- From a cultural and historical perspective, the author portrays the river’s unique characteristics and links it to historical images, reflecting the special qualities of the people of Hue. The beauty of Hue’s women is especially highlighted—delicate, ethereal, and very graceful.
- The author’s distinctive viewpoint: viewing the river from the perspective of traditional culture, full of poetic beauty.
Question 5 on page 203, 12th grade Literature textbook, Volume 1
What distinctive features of the author’s writing style are evident in this excerpt?
Answer:
The distinctive features of the author’s style in this excerpt include:
- A reflection of the soul through deep love and pride for the homeland, imbuing the subject with a mystical, poetic, diverse essence, like life itself, like the human soul.
- A remarkable ability to evoke powerful imagery, coupled with a rich understanding of geography, history, culture, and the author’s personal experiences.
- Clear, rich, flexible language, full of images and poetic qualities, utilizing many rhetorical devices such as metaphors, personification, and comparison.
- A harmonious combination of emotion, intellect, subjectivity, and objectivity.
Conclusion
The excerpt from the memoir Who Named the River? is a concise and poetic narrative about the Perfume River. The distinctive feature that makes the excerpt so captivating is the deep emotions derived from a rich understanding of culture, history, geography, and literature, combined with a refined, inward, subtle, and artistic writing style.
