Top 6 Best Lessons on "Kiều at the Ngưng Bích Pavilion" for 9th Grade

A. MAIN KNOWLEDGE

The excerpt about Kiều at the Ngưng Bích Tower is a successful portrayal of a character in the Truyện Kiều, especially through the artistic technique of using scenery to express emotions. This passage reveals Kiều’s lonely and sorrowful situation, as well as her loyal and filial heart.

B. EXERCISES AND GUIDANCE

Question 1 (Page 95 of the textbook) Analyze the natural scenery in the first six lines of the poem.

Answer: The spatial and temporal features around the Ngưng Bích Tower:

Space: The view from the tower unfolds in various dimensions from the character’s perspective. In terms of height: The moon is brilliantly shining in the sky, appearing closer to Kiều, as it is now her only companion. In terms of width: The vast and boundless space is marked by still, silent sand dunes, swirling dust, and endless mountain ranges shrouded in mist. This space is immense, desolate, and overwhelming, with not a single soul in sight.

Time: From the morning (early clouds) to late night (dim lights), Kiều is alone, feeling helpless and sorrowful, overwhelmed by her plight.

The natural scenery illustrates Kiều’s isolated, imprisoned situation, devoid of freedom, surrounded by the quiet and empty Ngưng Bích Tower. Her emotions are of loneliness and despair, pitying her fate. Words like “helpless,” “split heart,” etc., emphasize her emotional state. It can be said that Kiều has fallen into absolute solitude. Although the scene at the Ngưng Bích Tower is picturesque and poetic, it is desolate and devoid of human warmth, aptly reflecting the tower’s name, which signifies the confinement of a person’s youth.

Question 2 (Page 95 of the textbook) The next eight lines directly express Kiều’s longing.

a. In her situation, whom does she long for? Who does she think of first and why? Is her longing logical?

b. While it is the same feeling of longing, Kiều expresses it differently for different reasons. How does the author use words and images to clarify this distinction?

c. What do you think of Kiều’s heart as expressed in her longing?

Answer:

a. The next eight lines directly express Kiều’s longing. First, Kiều thinks of Kim Trọng. In the feudal society that values filial piety, Nguyễn Du allows Kiều to long for Kim Trọng before her parents, and this has its reasons. She met her parents only before her journey with Mã Giám Sinh. Additionally, her self-sacrifice to save her father and brother brings some comfort. But for Kim Trọng, since their separation, neither side has heard from the other. Moreover, Kiều feels guilty towards Kim Trọng due to her family’s circumstances, which prevented her from keeping her promise to him.

b. Kiều’s way of expressing her longing is quite different:

In her longing for Kim Trọng, she recalls their vow beneath the moon and feels heartache for him who has been waiting in vain, “Tưởng người dưới nguyệt chén đồng.” She imagines him waiting for news of her back at his home. She also expresses her unwavering loyalty:

Chân trời góc bể bơ vơ

Tấm son gột rửa bao giờ cho phai?

This rhetorical question reflects Kiều’s anguish over parting with Kim Trọng. No matter where her journey takes her, her feelings for him remain constant, unaffected by time or space.

As for her longing for her parents, Kiều deeply regrets not being able to care for her aging parents. She imagines how everything has changed in her hometown, and the greatest change is her parents’ advancing age.

Every time Kiều thinks of her parents, she remembers “the nine deep words of gratitude” and feels guilty for not fulfilling her duty to her parents. Although it is still longing, the way she expresses it differs, with distinct reasons behind her thoughts.

In terms of artistic techniques, the author uses many symbolic words and images, such as “chén đồng,” “tin sương,” “tấm son,” “quạt nồng ấp lạnh,” “sân lai,” “gốc tử,” to express love and filial piety. The rhythmic pattern of 2/2/2 and 4/4 further deepens the sadness and loneliness of Kiều’s emotions.

c. Despite Kiều’s self-sacrifice for filial duty, in her distress, she continues to think of Kim Trọng and her parents, overlooking her own situation. Through this excerpt, Kiều’s character is revealed as one of noble sacrifice, unwavering love, and deep filial piety.

Question 3 (Page 96 of the textbook) The final eight lines describe scenery through Kiều’s emotions. Are these scenes real or imagined? Each element of the scenery has unique qualities, yet they all share a common role in expressing Kiều’s emotions. Analyze and prove this.

b. What do you think of Nguyễn Du’s use of repetition in the final eight lines? How does it contribute to expressing Kiều’s emotions?

Answer:

a. In the final eight lines of this excerpt, Nguyễn Du masterfully applies the technique of “scenery reflecting emotion” (tả cảnh ngụ tình). The scenery is depicted through Kiều’s feelings; her emotions color the surroundings, and the surroundings, in turn, reflect her inner state:

The small sail in the distance seems like Kiều’s life, adrift and directionless.

Buồn trông cửa bể chiều hôm

Thuyền ai thấp thoáng cánh buồm xa xa?

The flowers are tossed and scattered like Kiều’s life, overwhelmed by the harsh winds of fate.

Buồn trông ngọn nước mới sa,

Hoa trôi man mác biết là về đâu?

The withered grass hints at the sadness and despair Kiều feels as her life withers away in captivity.

Buồn trông nội cỏ rầu rầu,

The sky and earth form an endless, mournful green, suggesting the overwhelming sadness that fills Kiều’s heart.

Chân mây mặt đất một màu xanh xanh

The tumultuous waves seem to mirror the chaotic forces of life that surround Kiều.

Buồn trông gió cuốn mặt duềnh,

The crashing waves sound like the roaring storms of her fate.

Ầm ầm tiếng sóng kêu quanh ghế ngồi.

b. The phrase “Buồn trông” is repeated four times in these eight lines, like waves of emotion surging, intensifying Kiều’s sorrow. The use of repetition emphasizes the endless nature of her sadness, gradually narrowing from a distant view to a more intimate feeling of despair. By the end of the passage, the scene becomes a visceral portrayal of Kiều’s loneliness, sorrow, and sense of impending doom. The poet also uses many evocative descriptive phrases like “xa xa,” “thấp thoáng,” “man mác,” “rầu rầu,” “xanh xanh,” and “ầm ầm” to create an atmosphere that mirrors her inner turmoil. These words intensify the feelings of sadness, spreading outward and amplifying the ominous, distant mood. In particular, the final line, with its depiction of the waves not crashing but “roaring,” gives a sense of dread, hinting at the tumultuous future awaiting Kiều.

Practice Exercise

Exercise 1: Page 96 of the textbook, Vietnamese Literature 9, Volume 1

What is the technique of “scenery reflecting emotion”? Analyze the use of this technique in the final eight lines of the excerpt (Buồn trông cửa bể chiều hôm... Ầm ầm tiếng sóng kêu quanh ghế ngồi)

Answer:

The technique of “scenery reflecting emotion” (tả cảnh ngụ tình) refers to the practice of depicting nature or surroundings (the environment, the world around) to reflect the emotions, feelings, and thoughts of the poetic character. Along with other techniques like sketching, symbolism, and dynamic-static descriptions, this technique plays a crucial role in the success of Nguyễn Du’s work Truyện Kiều.

Analysis of the technique of “scenery reflecting emotion” in the final eight lines of the excerpt from Kiều at the Ngưng Bích Tower (excerpt from Truyện Kiều by Nguyễn Du):

First two lines:

Describing scenery: The boats with full sails pass back and forth at the harbor under the Ngưng Bích Tower, where Kiều is confined. The harbor is busy, with sails high in the wind, making the boat move swiftly across the sea, disappearing in the distance, with the sails just barely visible, now hidden, now reappearing.

Describing emotions: Kiều’s sadness and longing grow as she sees the distant sails, symbolizing her desire to return home, to her parents, and to Kim Trọng. The more she watches the sails, the more she yearns to be reunited.

Next two lines:

Describing scenery: The image of flowing water, or more specifically, a waterfall cascading down from above, accompanied by flowers drifting downstream.

Describing emotions: Kiều compares her fate to those drifting flowers—beautiful and fragrant, yet helpless against the rushing current of life. Her destiny is no longer in her control, but in the hands of those who sold her, like Tú Bà and Mã Giám Sinh.

Next two lines:

Describing scenery: A vast, endless field of grass that has turned withered and faded, as autumn approaches, replacing the vibrant spring grass.

Describing emotions: Kiều feels her life is fading just like the dried-up grass, as she is trapped in a sad fate, having been sold into captivity.

Last two lines:

Describing scenery: Strong winds whip the waves into a frothy surge, as if they are crashing directly into Kiều, where she sits observing the surroundings.

Describing emotions: Kiều’s anxiety about the unpredictable future, uncertain of what is to come. She fears the stormy days ahead and wishes for peace.

I. General understanding of the excerpt from Kiều at Lầu Ngưng Bích (Excerpt from Truyện Kiều)

1. The Work

The excerpt from Kiều at Lầu Ngưng Bích is found in the second part (Gia biến and lưu lạc) of the work. After learning that she has been deceived and sold to a brothel, Kiều, feeling humiliated, contemplates suicide. Tú Bà locks her in Lầu Ngưng Bích to carry out a new plan.

2. Structure of the work

Part 1: The first 6 lines
Content: Description of the natural scenery at Lầu Ngưng Bích
Part 2: The next 8 lines
Content: Expressing Kiều's emotions regarding Kim Trọng and her parents
Part 3: The final 8 lines
Content: The sorrowful and melancholic mood of Thúy Kiều expressed through the depiction of nature.

II. Guidance on lesson preparation

1. Question 1 on page 95, Vietnamese Literature 9, Volume 1

Understanding the natural scenery in the first 6 lines

The characteristics of the scenery before Lầu Ngưng Bích: In the first six lines of the excerpt, the space is recreated through the perceptions and eyes of the character. The vastness and desolation of the land and sky are portrayed with images like "vast surroundings, stretching far", only seeing tall mountains, distant hills, golden sands, and distant dunes...
The passage of time as experienced by Thúy Kiều is represented by the image of "morning clouds and evening lights", a repetitive cycle of time where day and night merge, creating an endless, monotonous loop.
From the natural scenery, one can feel Thúy Kiều's tragic and helpless situation, trapped, deprived of freedom. Her mood is one of deep loneliness, sadness, and homesickness, overwhelmed with despair.

2. Question 2 on page 95, Vietnamese Literature 9, Volume 1

The next 8 lines express Kiều's deep longing

a) In her current situation, she first thinks of Kim Trọng. This is quite logical and matches the mindset of a girl in her situation, showing the subtlety and brilliance of Nguyễn Du. As she thinks of Kim Trọng, she recalls the night they swore vows under the moon, feeling sorry for him as he waits in vain, longing for her. Then, she remembers her aging parents, who are alone with no one to care for them. She imagines her parents with gray hair and old age, still worrying and hoping for her back home, making her heart ache even more.

b) To express Kiều's longing and emotions, the author uses exceptionally delicate and profound words and images. Nguyễn Du employs idioms such as "heated fan, cool embrace" and the phrase "separated by several rain and shine" to convey Kiều's worries and concerns about her parents. He also uses many symbolic images like "copper cups, frost-scented tea, red lacquer trays, heated fans, leafy lawns, tombstone roots..." to reflect her painful feelings for Kim Trọng.

c) From her longing, we see that Thúy Kiều is a devoted lover, a daughter who is deeply filial to her parents. Even in the most difficult and unfortunate circumstances, she continues to think of her loved ones and forgets about her own suffering and plight.

3. Question 3 on page 96, Vietnamese Literature 9, Volume 1

The final 8 lines depict the scenery through the character's emotions

a) The scenery in this excerpt is not a real place but a reflection of the character's state of mind. The landscape is her inner turmoil, each element reflecting a piece of her emotional landscape.

She looks at a distant, uncertain sail on the water, much like her own drifting life in the current of fate
“The water flows low, the flower drifts aimlessly, unsure of where it will go” – this mirrors her own uncertain destiny, adrift in the tide of life
In the scene of flowers floating aimlessly on the water, her sorrow is palpable, as her fate seems scattered, drifting, without direction. In the faint greenery of the vast sky and earth, she mourns her fading life, unable to change her fate.
She hears the wind and waves crashing, which are, in fact, the cries of her heart, seeking help in the midst of life that is trying to crush her. She feels dread and fear as looming disasters threaten to overwhelm her.
b) Nguyễn Du's use of repetition in the final 8 lines with the phrase "Buồn trông" introduces the character's deep sorrow, and her sadness seems to overshadow the entire space and time.

III. Practice

1. Question 1 on page 96, Vietnamese Literature 9, Volume 1

The art of depicting nature to reflect emotions is a literary technique that uses the environment to express the character's inner thoughts and feelings, as well as the emotions of the author.

The technique of using nature to reflect emotions in the final 8 lines

The small, distant sail represents Kiều’s life adrift in the world.
The flower battered by the wind symbolizes her uncontrollable fate, drifting with no direction, indifferent to life’s struggles.
The fading, monotonous grass mirrors the dullness of her life, a life she endures in silence.
The wind and roaring waves are the storms of her life, the voice of her heart crying out in fear, dreading the disasters and dangers that could strike at any moment.

Question 1. Analyze the natural landscape depicted in the first six lines:

- Characteristics of the space before Lầu Ngưng Bích (note the space that opens out in width, depth, and height through the perspective of the character).

- The perception of time through Thúy Kiều's emotions (pay attention to images such as the moon, 'early morning clouds, late night lamps').

- From the natural scenery, what can be inferred about Thúy Kiều’s situation and emotional state? Which words help convey this atmosphere and her mood?

Answer:

The natural setting in the first six lines:

- Space: Open, vast, expansive with soft, cool hues, bright yet sorrowful, a space solely dominated by nature.

- Time: Extended and closed off, with Kiều only accompanied by the 'early morning clouds, late night lamps'.

→ This natural scene reflects Kiều's deep solitude and vulnerability, showcasing her sorrow, confusion, and overwhelming feelings of displacement in a foreign land. Nguyễn Du captures her inner turmoil through selected phrases such as the desolation of 'early clouds, late lamps', creating a mix of emotions and external circumstances, as if her heart is torn apart...

Question 2. The next eight lines directly express Kiều's longing and sorrow.

a) In her current situation, who does she think of? Who does she think of first, and who later? Is this order logical, and why?

b) Although both are expressions of longing, they are depicted differently due to varying reasons. Please analyze the author's use of language and imagery to clarify this.

c) What do you think of Thúy Kiều’s heart through her expressions of longing?

Answer:

- In her plight, Thúy Kiều thinks of both Kim Trọng and her parents. The first person she remembers is Kim Trọng. This is entirely in line with human psychology and the author’s depiction of the delicate, respectful love between Kim and Kiều.

- Using monologues and classical references, Nguyễn Du skillfully portrays Thúy Kiều’s longing:

* Longing for Kim Trọng:

+ Kiều recalls the old vow, filled with regret.

+ She feels for Kim Trọng, who has been waiting in vain.

+ She reflects on her own fate, lost and wandering, unsure when she will stop yearning for him.

* Longing for her parents:

+ Kiều feels sorrowful when thinking about her aging parents waiting day and night for news of her.

+ She worries about who will take care of her elderly mother, especially during times of illness.

+ She frets over her parents’ declining health.

→ This shows Kiều’s deep filial love and devotion.

→ From this, we can see that Kiều is a person full of love and sacrifice. Even though she herself endures great suffering, she always thinks about others: longing for her lover, concerned about her parents' well-being.

Question 3. The final eight lines describe the scene through Kiều’s emotional state.

a) Is the scene real or imagined? Each element of the scene has unique features, yet they also share common traits that reflect Kiều’s mood. Please analyze and prove this point.

b) What do you think of Nguyễn Du's use of repetition in the final eight lines? How does this repetition help express Kiều’s emotional state?

Answer:

a) In the final eight lines, Nguyễn Du applies the artistic technique of using nature to express emotions in a remarkable way. The landscape is described through Kiều's emotions, with the emotions blending into the landscape, and vice versa:

The distant small sail at the edge of the sky represents her uncertain life, lost in the vastness, unsure of where to go or what her future holds. 'Sorrowful at the sight of the distant shore in the evening, a boat drifts with a faint sail far away.'

The crushed flower, scattered by the waves, mirrors her own life being battered by the storms of fate. 'Sorrowful at the sight of the water rushing away, flowers drift aimlessly, not knowing where they are headed.'

The withering grass in the vast land symbolizes her life entering a period of decay and fading. 'Sorrowful at the sight of the dying grass, the horizon and earth stretch in endless green.'

The rising waves echo the turbulent storms of her life that seem to surround her. 'Sorrowful at the sight of the wind sweeping the surface of the water, the booming sound of waves crashing around her seat.'

b) The phrase 'Sorrowful at the sight of' repeats four times throughout the eight lines, like successive waves of emotion, heightening the profound sorrow, blending with the distant-to-close imagery, and gradually focusing on her internal feelings, making the solitude and sadness even more intense. The repetition of this phrase, along with the many onomatopoeic words such as 'distant,' 'faint,' 'aimless,' 'withering,' 'green,' 'booming,' creates a deeper atmosphere of gloom, spreading across the scene. Each repeated image intensifies the growing emotional tension. In the last line, the crashing waves are no longer just a sound but an overwhelming force that surrounds her. This evokes a sense of fear, foreshadowing the coming trials and turbulence in Kiều's future.

Practice

Question 1. What is the artistic technique of using nature to express emotions? Analyze the artistic technique of using nature to express emotions in the final eight lines ('Sorrowful at the sight of the distant shore in the evening… the booming sound of waves crashing around her seat').

Answer:

The technique of using nature to express emotions is the art of describing the landscape in a way that reveals the thoughts, feelings, and emotional states of the character.

The final eight lines of the poem 'Kiều at Lầu Ngưng Bích' are an exemplary use of this technique. Through each scene at Lầu Ngưng Bích at dusk, Nguyễn Du vividly portrays Kiều's sorrowful mood:

'Sorrowful at the sight of the distant shore in the evening

A boat drifts with a faint sail far away.'

……………………

'Sorrowful at the sight of the wind sweeping the surface of the water

The booming sound of waves crashing around her seat.'

The repetition of 'Sorrowful at the sight of…' opens each six-character line, echoing four sails, creating a mournful, lingering rhythm. The sorrow within the character permeates the scenery, where Kiều gazes upon an endless expanse of water and sky, feeling overwhelmed by the uncertainty. Her gaze at the distant sail stirs thoughts of her wandering journey and deepens her longing for her family. The drifting flower symbolizes her helpless fate, drifting in uncertainty. The vast green field of grass evokes her despair and a sense of hopelessness. The wind and the booming waves, like the turbulence in her life, bring fear and anxiety about the storms yet to come. Each scene stands as a metaphor for Kiều's suffering fate. 'Sorrowful at the sight of…' becomes the refrain of the poem, also representing the refrain of her emotions. This poem is a remarkable example of the technique of using nature to express emotions.

Structure:

+ Part 1 (first 6 lines): The natural scenery at the Pavilion of Quiet Rest

+ Part 2 (next 8 lines): Kiều's longing for Kim Trọng and her parents

+ Part 3 (last 8 lines): Kiều's despair and sorrowful mood.

Instructions for preparing the lesson

Lesson 1 (page 95, Vietnamese Literature 9, Volume 1)

- In the first six lines, the natural scenery before the Pavilion of Quiet Rest is observed through Kiều's perspective

+ Context: Imprisoned at the Pavilion of Quiet Rest, she is left in a pitiful solitude

- The scenery around the Pavilion of Quiet Rest is vast, emphasizing Kiều's desolation and isolation: distant mountains, near moon, an expanse of emptiness...

- The endless, repetitive cycle of time and space heightens Kiều's sense of loneliness and grief

- This situation, combined with the setting, reflects Kiều's frustration and helplessness, trapped in a dire and unresolvable circumstance.

Lesson 2 (page 95, Vietnamese Literature 9, Volume 1)

- The next eight lines reveal Kiều's longing for her lover and her family.

The order of her longing is in line with her emotional progression: she first misses her lover and then her parents.

- The order is logical as Kiều sacrificed herself for her family. While imprisoned at the Pavilion, she longs for Kim Trọng, unaware that he would be left to mourn for her absence.

b. The author uses symbolic imagery:

Tưởng người dưới nguyệt chén đồng

Tin sương luống những rày trông mai chờ.

- The “bronze cup” recalls the solemn oath made under the moon between Kim and Kiều. Yet now, they are separated.

+ Kiều imagines Kim Trọng anxiously awaiting her.

+ The “red heart” metaphor symbolizes Kiều’s unshakeable loyalty to Kim Trọng.

- The longing for her family is expressed through allusions like “Sân Lai” and “Quạt nồng ấp lạnh”, conveying Kiều’s concern for her aging parents.

+ Kiều worries about her elderly parents being left without care.

+ Kiều’s filial piety is evident in her deep affection and concern for her family.

→ Kiều is a character with a strong sense of love and filial duty, sacrificing her own suffering to think about her lover and family.

Question 3 (page 96, Vietnamese Literature 9, Volume 1)

a. The scenes are imagined by Kiều as each landscape reflects her inner turmoil.

- Longing for her parents and homeland, Kiều watches the “distant sail” at dusk.

- Kiều mourns her lost love, feeling sorrow for the uncertain fate of her relationship, “The drifting flower, not knowing where it goes.”

- Kiều is despondent about her own life, stuck in a hopeless situation, “the sound of waves crashes around her seat.”

→ Each scene and detail embodies Kiều’s emotions. The scenery shares a tone of sadness and despair.

- The phrase “Buồn trông” is repeated four times in the eight lines, representing waves of emotion that amplify Kiều’s sorrow, as her view shifts from distant to close.

- The author portrays Kiều’s inner conflict, trapped in a hopeless situation, with no escape.

- The rising storms symbolize the suffering that awaits Kiều in her uncertain future.

Exercise

Lesson 1 (page 96, Vietnamese Literature 9, Volume 1)

- The art of using nature to reflect emotions is a hallmark of classical literature. It goes beyond mere description of landscapes.

- The use of scenery to express emotion in the final eight lines

- The scenery is viewed through the lens of Kiều's emotional state, with a distinct color reflecting her inner turmoil.

Buồn trông cửa bể chiều hôm/ Thuyền ai thấp thoáng cánh buồm xa xa: evokes images of distant journeys, leaving a safe haven.

- The anxiety about her fate is conveyed: Buồn trông ngọn nước mới sa/ Hoa trôi man mác biết là về đâu

- The landscape is tinged with the “sadness” of her mood. “Buồn trông nội cỏ rầu rầu”

- A sense of foreboding about an uncertain, painful future: “The waves roar, surrounding her seat.”

→ The eight lines express Kiều’s loneliness, helplessness, and anxiety about her future, embodying the theme of isolation and despair.

Answer to question 1 (page 95, Literature Textbook for 9th grade, Volume 1):

Let's analyze the natural scenery in the first six verses:

- The characteristics of the space in front of the Ngưng Bích Pavilion.

- The passage of time as perceived by Thúy Kiều.

- How does the natural scene reflect the situation and mood of Thúy Kiều? What words help express this situation and mood?

Detailed solution:

- Characteristics of the space at the Ngưng Bích Pavilion:

+ Vast, boundless, expansive: "distant mountains", "close moon", "vast". The space opens up in height and distance. The image of the pavilion is isolated, precariously situated, and solitary in the vastness.

+ Empty, desolate, without any sign of life: "yellow sand", "pink dust", "this sandbar", "that distance" -> negating life, evoking the disarray of the scenery.

- The perception of time through Thúy Kiều's senses:

+ The images of the moon, morning clouds, and evening lamps convey the cyclical nature of time. Along with spatial imagery, this regular passage of time intensifies Kiều's loneliness and sorrow.

+ "Khóa xuân": the imprisonment of youthful spring.

- The situation and mood of Kiều: imprisoned, feeling lonely, sorrowful, and ashamed.

Answer to question 2 (page 95, Literature Textbook for 9th grade, Volume 1):

The next eight verses express Kiều's feelings of longing.

a. In her current situation, who does she miss? Who does she miss first, and who later? Does this order make sense? Why?

b. Even though both longings are similar, they are expressed differently due to various reasons. Please analyze the artistic use of language and imagery to clarify this.

c. What can you conclude about Kiều's heart based on her longing?

Detailed solution:

a.

- Kiều misses her parents and Kim Trọng.

- She misses Kim Trọng first, then her parents.

- The order is logical because: Nguyễn Du has Kiều miss Kim Trọng first, which aligns with the character's emotional development in this particular situation, ensuring authenticity. In her current plight, humiliated by Mã Giám Sinh and pressured to entertain guests, Kiều's emotional state is marked by sorrow over "the untouched purity", the sadness of remembering her first love and the regret over a lost beautiful romance.

b.

- Kiều misses Kim Trọng, imagining that he is also longing for her, waiting for news but receiving none (Tưởng người dưới nguyệt chén đồng – Tin sương luống những rày trông mai chờ); Kiều’s emotional state is one of pain, sadness, and despair: Bên trời góc bể bơ vơ – Tấm son gột rửa bao giờ cho phai.

- Kiều misses her parents, feeling for them standing at the door waiting for news of her (Xót người tựa cửa hôm mai), lamenting their aging in the face of the cruel passage of time (Sân Lai cách mấy nắng mưa – Có khi gốc tử đã vừa người ôm), filled with regret for not being able to repay their love (Quạt nồng ấp lạnh những ai đó giờ).

c. Kiều sacrifices herself for filial piety, and even in her sad condition, her thoughts are occupied by Kim Trọng and her parents, forgetting her own plight. In this passage, Kiều is depicted with a noble and selfless heart.

Answer to question 3 (page 96, Literature Textbook for 9th grade, Volume 1):

The last eight verses describe the landscape through Kiều’s emotions.

a. Are the scenes real or imaginary? Each element has its own characteristics but also shares common traits that reflect Kiều’s emotions. Please analyze and provide evidence for this.

b. What do you think of Nguyễn Du's use of repetition in these last eight verses? How does this repetition contribute to expressing the mood?

Detailed solution:

a. In the last eight verses of this excerpt, Nguyễn Du employs a unique artistic method of portraying the scene to reflect emotions. The scenery is described through Kiều’s emotional state, the mood pervading the environment, and the environment in turn reflecting her emotions:

- The characteristics of the natural landscape mirror Thúy Kiều’s emotional states:

+ Missing her parents and homeland, the scene is:

Gazing at the sea at dusk,

A distant boat with a sail barely visible.

+ Longing for her lover, feeling the pain of a lost love, the scene is:

Gazing at the newly fallen water,

Flowers drifting aimlessly, uncertain of where they go.

+ Feeling sad and anguished over her situation, the scene is:

Gazing at the wind sweeping over the sand dunes,

The booming sound of waves crashing around the chair.

Thus, each image and detail of the natural scene encapsulates Kiều’s emotional state. Each landscape represents a different emotion, but all convey sadness, as encapsulated by the phrase: "The sad person cannot be happy amidst the scenery".

- The repetition of the phrase “Gazing at the sea” four times in these eight lines mimics the repetitive waves of emotion, making the sorrow seem endless and vast. This, combined with the shift in perspective from distant to close-up views, mirrors the tightening grip of Kiều’s loneliness and sorrow as the stanza progresses. The rising winds suggest a foreshadowing of further hardships, a grim premonition of the future struggles she faces, reflecting her troubled life ahead.

Practice

What is the technique of using scenery to reflect emotions? Analyze the artistic use of scenery to reflect emotions in the last eight verses.

Detailed solution:

- The technique of using scenery to reflect emotions is an art where the landscape is used to express internal feelings. The scenery is not merely a depiction of the natural world, but also a canvas that reflects emotional states. The scenery is the medium, and the emotions are the message.

- Analyze the last eight verses:

+ Missing her parents, homeland, the scene is:

Gazing at the sea at dusk,

A distant boat with a sail barely visible.

+ Longing for her lover, feeling the pain of a lost love, the scene is:

Gazing at the newly fallen water,

Flowers drifting aimlessly, uncertain of where they go.

+ Feeling sad and anguished over her situation, the scene is:

Gazing at the wind sweeping over the sand dunes,

The booming sound of waves crashing around the chair.

The scene at Ngưng Bích Pavilion is viewed through Kiều’s emotional lens: the distance between objects decreases, the colors intensify, and the sound shifts from stillness to motion, all reflecting Kiều’s escalating sadness, confusion, and dread. Nguyễn Du’s portrayal of nature serves a dual purpose: to reflect the external world and to depict the inner world, skillfully using the natural landscape as a tool to convey emotional depth and highlight the character's personality.

Structure

Structure: 3 sections

- The first six lines: Kiều’s lonely, sorrowful, and anguished situation.

- The next eight lines: Kiều’s longing for Kim Trọng and her parents.

- The last eight lines: Kiều’s sorrowful and anxious mood expressed through her view of the landscape.

Main idea

Feeling Kiều’s loneliness, sorrow, and her filial piety.

A Brief Overview of the Work Kiều in the Pavilion of Ngưng Bích
1. The Position of the Excerpt
This excerpt is located in the second part: Family Crisis and Exile. After being deceived and humiliated by Mã Giam Sinh, scolded by Tú Bà, Kiều firmly refuses to accept life in the brothel. In pain and anger, she contemplates suicide. Fearing the loss of her investment, Tú Bà advises her to live separately in the Pavilion of Ngưng Bích, promising to marry her to a respectable man once she recovers, but in reality, she confines Kiều there to execute a new, more despicable and brutal scheme.
2. Structure
- The first six lines: Kiều's lonely and pitiful situation
- The next eight lines: Kiều's longing for Kim Trọng and her yearning for her parents
- The last eight lines: Kiều's sorrow and foreboding of a turbulent future
3. Thematic Value
The excerpt vividly depicts Kiều's lonely, sorrowful, and pitiful condition, her deep yearning for loved ones, and her loyal, filial, and forgiving heart while imprisoned in the Pavilion of Ngưng Bích.
4. Artistic Value
The excerpt excels in its depiction of inner emotions using the unique technique of scenery serving as a reflection of one's feelings, which is regarded as one of the most distinctive techniques in Truyện Kiều.

Question 1 - Page 95 SGK

Examine the natural landscape in the first six lines:

- What are the characteristics of the space before the Pavilion of Ngưng Bích? (Pay attention to the space expanding in terms of width, distance, and height from the character’s perspective.)

- What is the time like based on Thúy Kiều's perception? (Notice the images of the moon, "early clouds and late-night lamps").

- What can the natural scenery reveal about Thúy Kiều's situation and emotional state? What words contribute to expressing her condition and mood?

Answer:

- The phrase “locked in spring” shows that Kiều is actually being confined.

- She is isolated in an immense and desolate space: the two 14-character lines evoke the vastness of the landscape: “All around, endless stretches far away,” “distant mountains,” “near moon,” as if suggesting the Pavilion of Ngưng Bích, isolated amidst the boundless sky and water. From the pavilion, one can only see blurry distant mountains and sand dunes, with no other human presence or interaction.

- The images of “distant mountains,” “near moon,” “yellow sand,” and “pink dust” could be real, or they might be symbolic images evoking the vast, overwhelming space, through which Kiều’s loneliness is expressed.

Question 2 - Page 95 SGK

The next eight lines directly convey Kiều's longing:

a) In her situation, who does Kiều miss? Who does she miss first and who second? Is it logical for her to miss them in this order, and why?

b) While both are expressions of longing, the ways in which she misses each person differ, as do the reasons behind these feelings. Analyze the author's use of language and imagery to clarify this.

c) What is your assessment of Thúy Kiều's heart through her longing?

Answer:

Kiều’s nearly absolute isolation ignites a multitude of emotions of sadness and yearning.

a) Missing Kim Trọng first
- Thúy Kiều misses Kim Trọng first and her parents second. This is a testament to the poet Nguyễn Du’s deep understanding of the character. The poet praises the tender, blossoming love between Kiều and Kim, while also fully sympathizing with the tragedy of their broken love, where Kiều’s heart is constantly bleeding in sorrow.

- While in the brothel, Kiều endured humiliation, later being forced to serve customers at the Lâm Tri pleasure house. The greatest sorrow for her was the enduring purity of her love for Kim. Thus, she misses Kim Trọng first, which aligns with the psychological pattern.

- In her longing for Kim Trọng, Kiều reminisces about the time they were happy together, recalling the vows exchanged. She feels sorrowful imagining that Kim is waiting for her in vain. She envisions Kim also longing for her and waiting for news of her:

Tưởng người dưới nguyệt chén đồng

Tin sương luống những rày trông mai chờ

- Feeling pity for him, she then feels pity for herself. Kiều’s sorrow, pain, and sorrowful fate are reflected in her words:

Bên trời góc bể bơ vơ

Tấm son gột rửa bao giờ cho phai

b) Missing her parents
- Missing Kim Trọng is imaginary, while missing her parents is full of regret. She aches for her parents as they await her return in the morning (tomorrow) and evening (today), despite their old age and frailty, while she cannot be with them to take care of them.

- Time passes, “through several days of rain and shine,” indicating not only the distance that has separated them for many seasons but also the relentless effects of nature on both the landscape and people. The metaphor of the gốc tử tree in Kinh Thị conveys Kiều's longing and filial devotion. The image of the gốc tử also symbolizes the aging parents, highlighting Kiều's deep filial love, which is moving and deserving of admiration.

Question 3 - Page 96 SGK

The last eight lines describe the landscape through the lens of Kiều's emotions:

a) Is the landscape here real or imaginary? Each element of the landscape has its own characteristics, but also shares common traits that reflect Kiều's emotional state. Analyze and demonstrate this.

b) What do you think of Nguyễn Du’s use of repetition in the last eight lines? How does this technique help express Kiều's emotional state?

Answer:

The scenery serves both as a natural painting and as a reflection of Kiều’s emotional landscape. The depiction of the surroundings around the Pavilion of Ngưng Bích is one of the finest examples of the art of blending the external scenery with the inner emotional world.

The last eight lines express Kiều's sorrowful thoughts using the artistic technique of “using scenery to reflect emotions”:
- To convey Kiều’s emotions, Nguyễn Du uses the expression “the mood is reflected in the scenery, and the scenery reflects the mood.” Every detail of the landscape at dusk by the seaside, from the faint sails on the horizon to the drifting flowers and the “sad grass,” the loud waves—all reflect Kiều’s emotions: isolation, an uncertain fate, homesickness, and longing for her lover and parents, as well as a feeling of fear and helplessness. Indeed, the landscape around the Pavilion of Ngưng Bích is viewed through Kiều’s emotional state: the scenery shifts from distant to near, the colors change from light to dark, and the sounds move from silent to loud, mirroring the gradual intensification of Kiều’s sorrow, which becomes anxious and fearful. The gusting wind and the crashing waves near the pavilion foreshadow the storms of fate that are about to shake Kiều’s life. And indeed, shortly afterward, Kiều falls into Sở Khanh’s trap, leading to her further degradation in the brothel.

Practice
What is the technique of “using scenery to reflect emotions”? Analyze the use of this technique in the last eight lines.
Suggested answers:
a) The technique of expressing a character's inner feelings through the outer landscape (using scenery to reflect emotions)
- In the first section, the poet uses the natural scenery as a backdrop for the character's inner turmoil.
- In the final section, Nguyễn Du uses comparisons and metaphors with nature to richly convey the character’s emotional states.
b) Creative use of language
- Subtly integrating cultural references: “tin sương,” “người tựa cửa,” “quạt nồng ấp lạnh,” “sân Lai,” “gốc tử.”
- The language is delicate (with words like “bẽ bàng”) and rich in color (e.g., “yellow sand,” “pink dust”), with soothing sounds (“the waves are warm”).
- The repetition and use of reduplicative phrases create a highly emotional effect: “vast,” “faint,” “drifting,” “sad.” The phrase “buồn trông” at the beginning of the sixth line sets a melancholy tone. The repetition of “buồn trông” serves as a refrain for both the poem and the character’s emotional state.
For more information, refer to the analyses of the art of using scenery to reflect emotions in the Pavilion of Ngưng Bích excerpt from Kiều.

Summary
Based on the responses above, remember: Kiều in the Pavilion of Ngưng Bích is one of the most successful depictions of a character’s inner emotions in Truyện Kiều, especially through the art of using scenery to reflect emotions. The poem vividly portrays Kiều’s lonely, sorrowful situation and her loyal, filial heart.