Top 6 Best Expository Essays on Author Nguyễn Đình Chiểu (Grade 10)

Nguyễn Đình Chiểu (1822 - 1888), born in Tân Thới village, Bình Dương district, Gia Định province (now part of Ho Chi Minh City), came from a Confucian family with his father originally from Thừa Thiên - Huế. In 1843, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu passed the imperial exam in Gia Định. In 1846, he traveled to Huế to continue his studies, but upon receiving news of his mother's death, he had to abandon his studies and return home to mourn her. During the journey, he suffered a severe eye disease that led to his blindness. Despite this, he did not succumb to fate. The poet opened a school, practiced medicine, and collaborated with local resistance leaders to strategize against the enemy while composing patriotic poems filled with intense hatred and fighting spirit.

Nguyễn Đình Chiểu’s life is a testament to his strong will, patriotism, and unyielding spirit in the face of foreign invasion. Though disabled, he remained a dedicated teacher, a compassionate healer, and a distinguished poet. In whatever role, he gave his all.

As a Confucian scholar, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu’s ethical and moral views reflect Confucian ideals. However, he was also a people’s intellectual, spending his life in rural communities among simple, sincere people. His moral philosophy, rooted in humanism, was infused with the everyday values of the common folk. Nguyễn Đình Chiểu’s concept of righteousness encompasses love for humanity, offering help to those in distress; it represents positive human relationships in society, including family bonds, friendships, and mutual aid.

The ideal characters in his epic, *Truyện Lục Vân Tiên*, are mostly ordinary people, born in impoverished rural villages (scholars like Vân Tiên, Tử Trực, Hớn Minh; common folk like Ngư, Quán, Tiều, and the elderly woman weaving). These characters have noble hearts, indifferent to fame or wealth, always ready to help those in need. Before Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, righteousness was considered an ideal virtue of the sages and noble classes. By the time of Nguyễn Trãi, it began to include the common people, urging rulers to embrace righteousness with the people and to fight against oppressive forces. Yet, it was only with Nguyễn Đình Chiểu that righteousness truly became a widespread principle among the people. This explains why the people, particularly those in the newly settled southern regions, warmly embraced Nguyễn Đình Chiểu’s works.

Nguyễn Đình Chiểu wrote patriotic poetry during the early period of the French colonial invasion to defend the homeland. This was a time of hardship and sorrow, but also a great period for the nation (Phạm Văn Đồng). The country gradually fell into the hands of the invaders, and the various resistance movements against the French were defeated. Many patriotic warriors from this generation, and those before, fell in battle. However, "The enemy’s gunfire shakes the land, but the people’s resolve shines through the skies." The patriotic poems of Nguyễn Đình Chiểu illuminated this truth. He mourned for the nation as it faced its first great suffering:

"The cries of the nation in turmoil, the emptiness of abandoned leadership; the sorrow of many defeated battles, the many losses we endure;"

(In *Văn tế Trương Định*)

He cursed the enemy fiercely:

"This land, this soil, has been generously nurtured by the ancestors; how dare you profane the lives and livelihoods of the people?"

(In *Văn tế nghĩa sĩ Cần Giuộc*)

He extolled patriotic figures like Trương Định who sacrificed themselves for the nation:

"Their hearts were not swayed by the emperor’s decree, but they led their troops across many miles to battle the enemy, bearing the heavy burden of resistance."

(In *Văn tế Trương Định*)

He immortalized the unsung heroes of the countryside: "Live fighting the enemy, die fighting the enemy, their spirits forever aiding the army" (In *Văn tế nghĩa sĩ Cần Giuộc*). Even as the borders of the country were "divided into foreign lands," Nguyễn Đình Chiểu continued to hold hope for a brighter future: "A refreshing rain will cleanse the mountains and rivers" (In *Xúc cảnh*), maintaining an unyielding attitude toward the enemy: "Better to live with a crooked bow than with a heartless nature" (In *Ngư Tiều y thuật vấn đáp*). His patriotic works profoundly met the demands of his time, motivating and inspiring the people’s spirit to defend the country.

The distinct Southern Vietnamese flavor in Nguyễn Đình Chiểu’s works is evident in his characters. Every Southern Vietnamese reader can find themselves in his characters through their language, their simplicity, their deep sense of loyalty and love, and their fiery hatred toward injustice. These people live freely, unburdened by formality, and are always ready to sacrifice for a just cause. They are quick-tempered yet full of affection. These traits reflect a unique aspect of the shared beauty of the Vietnamese people.

As noted earlier, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu and Nguyễn Trãi share similar views on righteousness. Nguyễn Trãi also based his moral philosophy on the welfare of the people, but it was under Nguyễn Đình Chiểu that the concept of righteousness truly extended to and resonated with the common people. This was a significant development in philosophical thought.

Nguyễn Đình Chiểu was a patriotic scholar, a prominent writer, poet, and devoted doctor for the people. Despite becoming blind in both eyes at an early age, he continued to create and left behind many valuable works. His literary career stands as a monumental presence, providing shelter to the Vietnamese literature of the 19th century.

Born in 1822 in Gia Định Province (now Ho Chi Minh City), Nguyễn Đình Chiểu came from a Confucian family originating from Thừa Thiên Huế. His father, Nguyễn Đình Huy, was the governor of Gia Định, and his mother, Trương Thị Thiệt, was from Tân Thới village. As a child, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu studied under a local scholar. When his father was dismissed from his position, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu was sent to Huế at the age of 11 to continue his education. He lived in Huế from 1833 until 1840, after which he returned to Gia Định and later returned to Huế for the 1849 exam.

In 1848, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu’s mother passed away in Gia Định. Upon hearing the news, he abandoned the exam and journeyed back to the South with his brother to mourn. Along the way, grieving for his mother and suffering from the harsh journey and inadequate food, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu became seriously ill and lost his sight. After his mourning period, he started a school and became a doctor. It was during this time that he began writing, using literature to uphold ethics and as a weapon against the invaders.

When the French forces attacked Gia Định in 1859, deeply moved by the devastation they caused and disappointed with the weakness of the ruling court, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu wrote the poem “Chạy giặc” (Running from the Enemy) to express his sorrow. After the defeat of the anti-French insurgents at Cần Giuộc, he wrote the “Văn tế nghĩa sĩ Cần Giuộc” (Funeral Oration for the Fallen Soldiers of Cần Giuộc) to honor the brave warriors.

When Nguyễn Đình Chiểu and his family left Thanh Ba (Cần Giuộc) for Ba Tri (Bến Tre), he wrote the poem “Từ biệt cố nhân” (Farewell to Old Friends) as he parted ways with friends and family. In Ba Tri, he continued his work as a teacher, doctor, and writer, serving the resistance against the French colonizers for over 20 years despite his blindness. His compassion for his people and his grief for their suffering motivated him to write numerous funeral orations.

Nguyễn Đình Chiểu passed away in 1888 at the age of 66 in Ba Tri. His death was mourned by people from all over Vietnam, and his funeral was one of the largest events in the Southern region at that time.

Nguyễn Đình Chiểu was not only a writer and a doctor but also a patriot. His life was a shining example of resilience and moral integrity, as he fought tirelessly for justice and the people's rights. He was a Confucian scholar who lived by virtue, maintaining his dignity even in the face of adversity. He was a devoted son, an exemplary teacher, and a patriotic poet who left behind many valuable works. His creative philosophy was rooted in using literature to promote virtue and fight for the right cause: “Literature is a weapon to support righteousness and eliminate evil.”

“Chở bao nhiêu đạo thuyền không khẳm

Đâm mấy thằng gian bút chẳng tà

(Dương Từ – Hà Mậu)

He was the poet who consistently expressed his beliefs through his works, advocating for virtue and justice. In other words, his poetry aimed to “carry ethics, reform the world, and teach people.” Every verse of his poetry was imbued with fairness, clarity, and a deep love for the people and the country.

Nguyễn Đình Chiểu was the first poet to successfully portray the image of the common people in Vietnamese literature, creating an eternal monument to the heroism of the Southern Vietnamese people in the fight against French colonialism. While his adherence to Confucian ideals might seem conservative, the core of these ideals centered on ethical responsibility and national consciousness, which gave his works profound social relevance and marked the beginning of a new era in epic literature.

Nguyễn Đình Chiểu’s life and works embody a pure and noble spirit. His literature shines with a light of virtue, compassion, patriotism, and exceptional artistic achievement, deeply rooted in the spirit of the South.

Nguyễn Đình Chiểu is considered a key figure marking the start of the literary movement in the late 19th century. His name symbolizes the patriotic spirit of the Southern people, and his works are eternal tributes to the fierce struggle of the Vietnamese against Western invaders during the early stages of their occupation of Vietnam.(*)

Nguyễn Đình Chiểu was born on July 1, 1822, in Tân Thới village, Bình Dương district, Tân Bình province, Gia Định, and passed away on July 3, 1888, in Ba Tri, Bến Tre. His life was marked by personal tragedies and national turmoil, which deeply shaped his worldview.

From a young age, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu followed his father, fleeing from war. Once a privileged son of a scholar, he was suddenly thrown into a life of wandering, vengeance, and violence. As an adult, he became blind, betrayed by wealthy relatives, and saw his official career end prematurely. Despite these hardships, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu maintained a close bond with the people. Even though blind, he rose to prominence by teaching, writing, and providing medicine to the community. He was always concerned with the state of the nation, undertaking multiple roles to aid the people.

Nguyễn Đình Chiểu demonstrated immense resilience and strength. It was through an extraordinary will and steadfast character that he overcame personal and historical challenges, standing strong in the face of the brutal wars of his time without faltering or losing hope. He embodies the highest moral virtues, serving as a shining example of filial piety, compassion, and patriotism during the late 19th century.

Though his literary career was significant, it was not the entirety of Nguyễn Đình Chiểu’s legacy. He was not only a writer but also a teacher, a physician, and a philosopher. His literary works are substantial enough to constitute a career in their own right. Nguyễn Đình Chiểu began writing after losing his sight, with most of his works composed in Nôm script. His works can be divided into two distinct periods: Before the French colonization of Southern Vietnam: His debut work, Lục Vân Tiên, is semi-autobiographical. During the French invasion of Southern Vietnam: His later work, Dương Từ-Hà Mậu, has been debated to be written before or after the French invasion, with some arguing it was a reflection of his teachings on Confucianism, later adapted to the changing political context. His work Ngư tiều y thuật vấn đáp discusses herbal remedies and medical practices but is infused with a deep patriotic spirit.

His other works include various Đường poetry, memorial writings, and patriotic proclamations, such as Văn tế nghĩa sĩ Cần Giuộc (1861), Twelve Poems and the Funeral Rites for Trương Định (1864), Ten Poems for Phan Tòng (1868), Văn tế nghĩa sĩ trận vong lục tỉnh (1874), Hịch kêu gọi nghĩa binh đánh Tây, and Hịch đánh chuột, though the exact dates of composition remain unclear. With these works, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu gained great respect and recognition. Despite several attempts by the colonists to bribe him, he steadfastly rejected their offers. (There are many phases of Nguyễn Đình Chiểu's resistance to the enemy.)

The life and literary career of the blind poet from the South are invaluable lessons in patriotism and the use of literature as a powerful tool for resistance. Nguyễn Đình Chiểu’s legacy continues to inspire to this day. While he never explicitly theorized about literature, his views on writing were distinct. He believed in a literature that conveyed moral values, different from the Confucian ideal and more aligned with the idea that literature should serve human welfare:

Ðạo trời nào phải ở đâu xa

Gẫm ở lòng người mới thấy ra

Though he emphasized the importance of Heaven’s Way, he believed that the highest virtue lies within human conduct. This ideology permeates his literary work, marking his writing as not only progressive but also closely connected with the Vietnamese people's cultural and revolutionary spirit: Literature as a tool for struggle, focused on humanity, with a spirit of compassion and resolve.

Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, whose courtesy name was Mạnh Trạch and pen names included Trọng Phủ and Hối Trai, was born on July 1, 1822, in Tân Thới village, Bình Dương, Gia Định, now part of Cầu Kho in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. His father, Nguyễn Đình Huy, a civil servant from Bồ Điền, Phong Điền in Thừa Thiên, held the position of an official in the local government under the command of Lê Văn Duyệt. His mother, Trương Thị Thiệt, was from Gia Định.

In his youth, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu witnessed the chaotic state of society, marked by uprisings against the Hue court, particularly the Lê Văn Khôi rebellion in Gia Định. This rebellion brought devastation to his family. His father fled to Huế, was stripped of his position, and later returned to take Nguyễn Đình Chiểu to a family friend to continue his studies. His eight years in Huế exposed him to the corruption and complexities of the court, while allowing him to absorb the capital's cultural traditions.

In 1843, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu passed the Tú Tài exam in Gia Định. At 25, he moved to Huế to study and awaited the Kỷ Dậu (1849) exam, but upon hearing of his mother’s death, he returned home. The grief over his loss led to him falling ill, ultimately losing his sight.

Back in Gia Định, after the mourning period, he began teaching, offering medical treatment, and writing poetry and prose. Living close to the people allowed him to understand them more deeply. It was during this time that he composed his first epic poem, Lục Vân Tiên, which discussed moral values and was semi-autobiographical, quickly gaining widespread popularity. One of his students, Lê Tăng Quýnh, who respected his talents and character, married off his sister, Lê Thị Điền, to Nguyễn Đình Chiểu. On February 17, 1858, when the French took Gia Định, he and his family fled to his wife’s village in Thanh Ba, Cần Giuộc. It was here that he wrote the immortal Văn tế nghĩa sĩ Cần Giuộc, praising the heroic sacrifices of local people in the battle against French troops at Tây Dương fort, where his classmate Đỗ Trình Thoại fell along with seven other soldiers. He also wrote the 3,448-line poem Dương Từ - Hà Mậu, criticizing the enemy’s exploitation of religion and denouncing those who remained indifferent to the nation’s plight.

As the French forces occupied the Eastern provinces, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu refused to live under colonial rule and moved with his family to An Đức village, Bảo An district, Vĩnh Long province, now part of Ba Tri, Bến Tre. There, he continued to teach, offer medical care, and maintain strong ties with patriotic scholars like Phan Văn Trị and Nguyễn Thông, as well as with the resistance forces. Upon learning of Trương Định’s death on August 19, 1864, he was deeply moved and wrote Văn tế and twelve continuous poems to honor the fallen hero. He also wrote ten funeral poems for Đốc binh Phan Tòng, who died in the Giồng Gạch battle (1868), using heartfelt and poignant language that made statements like: 'Tinh thần hai chữ pha sương tuyết, khí phách ngàn thu rỡ núi non'. After Phan Thanh Giản’s suicide following the loss of the Western provinces, he composed a poem in memory of him, subtly criticizing his actions.

During this time, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu produced some of his most poignant works, mourning the loss of comrades and compatriots who had died for the nation’s independence. His Văn tế nghĩa sĩ trận vong Lục tỉnh, an eloquent eulogy for the martyrs of the six provinces, powerfully conveyed his grief, with words that pierced the soul: 'Dân sa nước lửa bấy chầy, giặc ép mỡ dầu hết sức'. It is said that he personally conducted the memorial ceremony for the Lục tỉnh martyrs at Ba Tri market. After reciting the eulogy, he wept uncontrollably and collapsed in a faint.

His later work, Ngư tiều y thuật vấn đáp, written in his final years, was more mature and filled with deep sorrow for his country, torn by division, yet he remained hopeful. Although Bến Tre was not his birthplace, it became his home for 26 years, where he lived and worked through a period of great upheaval. He was eventually buried there. It is said that at his funeral, the fields of An Bình Đông, now An Đức, were filled with mourning people—friends, students, and even those he had healed, showing their gratitude for his great heart and noble character.

Over a quarter-century in Bến Tre, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu left a profound legacy, deeply influencing the people and contributing to the region's unyielding spirit of resistance. His poetry and writings continue to inspire generations, becoming a material strength to face and overcome even the most dangerous and difficult challenges.

In Vietnamese literature, few poets are as talented and virtuous as Nguyễn Đình Chiểu. He is one of the great poets of our nation, with immortal literary works that are deeply imbued with Vietnamese cultural values.

Nguyễn Đình Chiểu (also known as Cụ Đồ Chiểu) was born in 1822 in a feudal family in Tân Thới village, Gia Định, and passed away in 1888. Despite being a great poet, his life was filled with hardships and struggles. As the eldest child in a large family, and the son of a concubine, he faced a difficult and arduous life from an early age. At the age of 11, during the occupation of Southern Vietnam, his father sent him to Huế to stay with a friend. After eight years of studying there, he returned to the South to focus on his education and prepare for the imperial exams.

In 1843, he passed the Tú Tài exam at the age of 21. In 1846, he returned to Huế to continue his studies for the Hội exam. However, just before the exam, he received the news of his mother’s passing. He immediately returned to the South to mourn her, abandoning his studies. On his journey home, he fell ill. The long, hot journey and the grief of losing his mother worsened his condition, and he tragically lost his sight. His dreams of a successful career were shattered, and he now faced life with a disability. It seemed as though his future had come to an end, but he refused to succumb to fate. With determination and resilience, he overcame immense difficulties, turning his pain into the motivation to continue striving and to control his own destiny. He returned to Gia Định, where he taught, practiced medicine, and helped the people.

His life is a shining example of patriotism and unyielding resistance to foreign invaders. Though blind and unable to directly participate in the military struggle, he continued to discuss national affairs with Đốc binh and corresponded with Trương Định. During his time in Ba Tri (Bến Tre), Nguyễn Đình Chiểu still communicated with patriotic scholars and often wrote poems that supported the resistance, inspiring the soldiers on the front lines. Despite several attempts by the French colonizers to bribe him, he remained steadfast in his commitment to the independence struggle.

Before his passing, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu left behind a treasure trove of works that reflect his deep moral philosophy and cultural identity. Notable works like “Dương Từ-Hà Mậu”, “Lục Vân Tiên”, and “Văn tế nghĩa sĩ Cần Giuộc” helped establish his literary legacy. Especially, the epic “Lục Vân Tiên” is a masterpiece that left a lasting impression on readers. The character Lục Vân Tiên in the story is a metaphor for Nguyễn Đình Chiểu himself, as the trials and tribulations of Lục Vân Tiên mirror the poet’s own life. Under the skillful pen of Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, all characters in the story—whether protagonists or antagonists—are vividly and intricately portrayed, each with unique and diverse traits. His works impart valuable moral lessons about how to live as a good person in society.

Nguyễn Đình Chiểu will always be regarded as a great poet of our nation, and his poems continue to have a significant influence on the Vietnamese people. He and his masterpieces will forever live on in the hearts of every Vietnamese.

Nguyễn Đình Chiểu (1822 – 1888), whose full name was Mạnh Trạch and courtesy name Trọng Phủ, adopted the additional title Hối Trai after losing his sight. His father, Nguyễn Đình Huy, was from Thừa Thiên, and his mother, Trương Thị Thiệt, hailed from Gia Định. Born and raised in a Confucian family, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu was introduced to classical literature from a young age. In 1843, he passed the Tú Tài exam at the Gia Định examination school, and in 1846, he moved to Huế to prepare for further exams.

In 1849, just before entering the exam hall, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu received the heartbreaking news of his mother’s death. He was forced to return home to mourn, and during his journey, the hardship, illness, and deep sorrow led to him losing his sight. Despite this misfortune, he did not succumb to fate. Instead, he opened a school, taught, and practiced medicine for the poor, while also composing poetry to express his patriotic feelings and hatred toward foreign invaders and corrupt local authorities. Nguyễn Đình Chiểu remained steadfast in his moral integrity and his devotion to his country and people until his last breath.

Throughout his life, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu faced numerous personal tragedies. As a young man, he held high ideals of serving the king and helping the country, hoping to fulfill his ambition to serve the people. However, a series of misfortunes dashed his dreams: his mother’s death, interrupted studies, a broken engagement, and his eventual blindness. Few could endure such trials, but Nguyễn Đình Chiểu persevered through it all with extraordinary determination and an undying love for life.

His life was deeply intertwined with the lives of the poor working people. As a teacher, he not only taught knowledge but also moral lessons, healing both physical and emotional wounds. His heart beat in unison with that of the common folk, empathizing with their pain and suffering under foreign occupation. He discovered the noble qualities hidden in the humble lives of the laboring masses. These experiences elevated his thoughts, emotions, and literary creations. His profound compassion was reciprocated by the people of the southern region, who held him in great affection and reverence. When he passed away, the fields of Ba Tri were filled with thousands of mourning people. Nguyễn Đình Chiểu's name and legacy will forever live in the hearts of the people of the southern region and the entire nation.

His poetry immortalized the simple, honest laborers whom he admired and loved. Figures like Lục Vân Tiên, Kiều Nguyệt Nga, Hớn Minh, Tử Trực, and the humble characters of Ông Ngư and Ông Tiều became symbols of the Vietnamese working class in his works. Lục Vân Tiên, brave and chivalrous, epitomizes the spirit of selflessness, while Ông Ngư’s boundless compassion and the purity of Kiều Nguyệt Nga stand as examples of the virtues that Nguyễn Đình Chiểu held dear. These characters resonate deeply with the people of Southern Vietnam, who revered them as icons of righteousness and virtue.

The epic poem Lục Vân Tiên has had a lasting impact on the spiritual life of the Southern people. The story, deeply imbued with the values of benevolence and righteousness, became a cherished part of their daily lives. It offered moral lessons on love, friendship, loyalty, and compassion, forming the foundation of traditional Vietnamese ethics.

When French colonizers attacked and occupied southern Vietnam, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu’s thoughts on righteousness transformed into a fierce patriotism and resistance against foreign invasion. He expressed this sentiment passionately through his poetry, declaring:

Thà đui mà giữ đạo nhà,

Còn hơn có mắt ông cha không thờ

.Dù đui mà khỏi danh nhơ,

Còn hơn có mắt ăn dơ tanh rình.

Dù đui mà đặng trọn mình,

Còn hơn có mắt đổi hình tóc râu.

His resolute rejection of collaboration with the enemy further endeared him to the people, who admired his unwavering stance. What made his position even more commendable was that both his thoughts on righteousness and his patriotism were rooted in his deep concern for the working class. Through his famous works, such as *Chạy Tây*, *Văn tế nghĩa sĩ Cần Giuộc*, and *Ngư Tiều y thuật vấn đáp*, he made it clear that he stood with the people, condemning the cowardly and corrupt Nguyễn court for abandoning their ancestral homeland and ignoring the suffering of the common people.

Amidst the turmoil of war, the people of the countryside voluntarily took up arms to fight for their country, armed only with simple tools of daily labor. Farmers, wielding scythes and hay bales, confronted the colonial forces with unparalleled courage. They terrified the invaders and played an integral role in the ultimate victory. Though the battle was uneven, the sacrifices made by these brave fighters demonstrated the strength and resilience of the Vietnamese people in the face of foreign oppression. The deaths of nearly thirty guerrilla fighters in this struggle were mourned by their families, who found solace in the belief that they had died honorably, adhering to the principle that it is better to die with dignity than to live in shame.

Nguyễn Đình Chiểu's literary works, filled with deep emotion and admiration for these courageous warriors, celebrated their patriotism and heroism. He built a monument to them with his words, ensuring that their sacrifice would never be forgotten. Their selfless devotion to the country became a symbol of Vietnam’s unyielding spirit against foreign invaders. In Nguyễn Đình Chiểu’s philosophy, the relationship between the nation and its people was inseparable. His profound love for the people formed the cornerstone of his fierce nationalism, which manifested in his entire life and works.

With his immense contributions to the nation and to Vietnamese literature, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu will always deserve the unwavering love and respect of the people. Literary critic Hoài Thanh remarked on the deep connection Nguyễn Đình Chiểu had with the people, calling it the defining characteristic of his life and work: "The deep bond with the masses is the most remarkable feature of Nguyễn Đình Chiểu’s life, and it is the key factor in shaping both his character and his literary career."