Top 6 Best Lessons on the "Heroic Spirit" excerpt from Nguyễn Du's 'Truyện Kiều' for 10th Grade

A- BASIC KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE EXCERPT

1. Position of the excerpt

- It is part of the "Family Changes and Exile" from verses 2213 to 2230 in 'Truyện Kiều'.

2. Content of the excerpt

- This excerpt praises the heroic spirit of Từ Hải and reaffirms the deep bond between Thúy Kiều and Từ Hải, which is more than just a marital relationship but a profound understanding of each other’s hearts and minds.

- Kiều is deceived and falls into a brothel once more, her life nearly at an impasse when suddenly, Từ Hải appears and rescues her from disgrace. The two share a strong mutual understanding and live happily together. However, Từ Hải is unsatisfied with a peaceful life beside the talented and beautiful Kiều; he yearns for a grand career. After six months of bliss, he bids Kiều farewell to pursue his ambitions. This excerpt highlights Từ Hải’s heroic spirit.

3. Structure of the excerpt

The excerpt is divided into three sections:

- Section 1 (first 4 verses): The farewell between Từ Hải and Thúy Kiều after their time together.

- Section 2 (next 12 verses): The conversation between Thúy Kiều and Từ Hải, illustrating his heroic character.

- Section 3 (remaining verses): Từ Hải's resolve and character.

4. Meaning of the title

“Heroic Spirit”: It represents the noble ambition of a hero who strives for greatness, seeking to create a legacy and achieve something monumental that will be remembered throughout history.

B- GUIDELINES FOR ANSWERING QUESTIONS

Question 1: What do the phrases “four corners of the world” and “extraordinary appearance” mean? Find words that show Nguyễn Du’s admiration for Từ Hải.

Answer:

a) “Four corners of the world” is a phrase with great evocativeness, signifying Từ Hải's grand ambition. It refers to the entire world, the universal realm. In this context, it is synonymous with “Great ambition” or “The ambition of a true man”. These two lines expand the space of “the four corners” as vast as the sky and sea: “Boundless skies and seas,” “Straightforward journey ahead,” capturing the spirit of a hero. Compared to the feudal society, Từ Hải is a man “larger than life,” thus his image must be placed in the universe, among the heavens and earth.

b) “Extraordinary” describes a person of exceptional qualities, someone far above the ordinary. This is not merely a reference to one’s appearance (a man with a tiger’s beard and swallow’s jaw, wide shoulders, and tall stature) but, more importantly, to the person’s entire character, life, and career—an extraordinary individual (in this case, “extraordinary appearance” means “extraordinary person,” “extraordinary life,” “extraordinary career,” etc.).

c) The two phrases, “four corners of the world” and “extraordinary appearance,” not only have individual meanings but also form a literary image that highlights Nguyễn Du’s view of the hero. Heroes are individuals who are extraordinary, not ordinary, and they embody the universe itself, which is clearly depicted through the natural and cosmic imagery used to describe them.

d) In the excerpt, Nguyễn Du uses several words to express his deep respect and admiration for Từ Hải:

- Honorific words such as: “Great man,” “Four corners of the world,” “Extraordinary appearance,” etc.

- Words depicting grandeur and magnificence: “100,000 soldiers,” “A vast shadow stretching the road,” “Winds and clouds in the sky...”.

- Words indicating decisive action: “Quickly moved,” “Straightforward journey,” “Determined to leave...”

By portraying Từ Hải with admiration and praise, Nguyễn Du combines the heroic ideal with the dreams of the people, making Từ Hải an ideal hero figure.

Question 2: How does Từ Hải express his heroic ideals in his words to Thúy Kiều?

Answer:

Từ Hải’s heroic ideals are skillfully revealed through his farewell to Thúy Kiều, especially in his words to her.

* Unlike the farewell scenes between Kiều and Kim Trọng or Kiều and Thúc Sinh, this is the farewell between Kiều and a man of great ambition. Từ Hải’s resolve is unwavering. He believes that a hero must create a grand career to fulfill a dream of justice. After more than half a year together, his ambition urges him to leave. Therefore, Từ Hải’s departure is an inevitable and essential step.

Describing Từ Hải mounting his horse and “setting off on his journey,” Nguyễn Du first depicts Từ Hải’s heroic nature before focusing on Kiều’s farewell words, emphasizing his heroic status.

* In his words to Kiều, Từ Hải reveals his ideals and heroic nature:

- He views Kiều not as an ordinary wife but as his “trusted confidante,” someone who deeply understands his heart.

- Từ Hải’s speech is that of a great man, dignified and resolute, carrying an air of heroism. His speech is made more striking by the extraordinary, grand imagery: “100,000 soldiers,” “A drumbeat shaking the earth, shadows of soldiers fill the road,” “The world is boundless.”

Từ Hải’s words to Kiều are not just those of a lover to his beloved or a husband to his wife but, above all, the words of a hero to his “trusted confidante.” Through these words, we witness the character, qualities, spirit, and aspirations of a true hero.

Question 3: Comment on the portrayal of Từ Hải’s heroic nature (realistic or idealized) in this excerpt. Is this type of portrayal common in classical literature?

Answer:

Từ Hải is an idealized character. Nguyễn Du presents him as a hero of justice, a dream figure, thus a realistic description would not highlight these qualities. Instead, an idealized, symbolic portrayal is used.

- The poet paints Từ Hải with grand, awe-inspiring imagery: a man with a sword and horse, “covering the heavens and earth” (Hoài Thanh). The excerpt closes with an image of a flying mythical bird, “Winds and clouds have reached the right time to soar across the seas.”

- Nguyễn Du uses words like “great man,” “quickly,” “decisively,” “four corners of the world,” “universe,” “extraordinary,” “boundless world,” and “soaring beyond the limits” to evoke Từ Hải’s heroic qualities.

- The language and descriptive techniques, including the use of metaphor and idealization, emphasize the heroic ideal in Nguyễn Du’s writing. Từ Hải is portrayed as a model of heroism.

Heroes and warriors are traditional figures in classical literature. Từ Hải’s character aligns with the common portrayal of heroes in classical literature but also has unique features. Nguyễn Du skillfully embeds the heroic qualities into Từ Hải, making him a more relatable, human figure while still maintaining his idealized status.

CONCLUSION

This excerpt embodies Nguyễn Du’s dream of justice, encapsulated in the figure of Từ Hải—a heroic, noble man whose ambition and soul are boundless. The passage also demonstrates Nguyễn Du’s creative use of idealization and cosmic imagery in developing Từ Hải’s character. Từ Hải, as a heroic creation, stands as one of Nguyễn Du’s most remarkable achievements in both artistic creation and character depiction.

I - FUNDAMENTAL KNOWLEDGE TO UNDERSTAND

1. Context of the excerpt

After escaping the torment of Hoan Thu, Thuy Kieu thought she would lead a peaceful and simple life, but instead, she falls into the hands of Bac Ba and Bac Hanh, returning to a life of disgrace in a brothel. In her confusion and despair, Từ Hải suddenly appears, rescuing her from this miserable existence. However, their happiness is short-lived. Từ Hải grows dissatisfied with the peaceful life alongside the talented and beautiful Kieu. He longs to conquer the world and establish a great legacy. After six months of living together, Từ Hải bids her farewell and leaves to pursue his ambitions. This part of The Tale of Kieu appears between lines 2213 and 2230.

2. The "Chí khí anh hùng" excerpt embodies Nguyen Du’s romantic vision of a hero, showcasing exceptional qualities in many aspects. This passage highlights the noble virtues of the hero Từ Hải while also revealing the author’s deep admiration, praise, and affirmation of this character.

II - GUIDELINES FOR READING AND INTERPRETING THE TEXT

Question 1. In classical literature, using nature imagery to emphasize human traits was quite common. This is a symbolic method. Nguyen Du also employs the concepts “lòng bốn phương” (the ambition to achieve great success) and “mặt phi thường” (extraordinary qualities) to illustrate the vast, cosmic stature of the hero Từ Hải.

Words that express Nguyen Du’s admiration for Từ Hải include: “trượng phu,” “lòng bốn phương,” and “mặt phi thường” (terms used to exalt the character), with the word “thoắt” symbolizing the quick, decisive, and resolute nature of Từ Hải.

Question 2. This excerpt clearly reflects the heroic ideals of Từ Hải. Beyond Nguyen Du’s praise, Từ Hải reveals his own vision of heroism in his dialogue with Kieu:

Từ said: "Those who understand my heart,

Why are you still bound by ordinary feminine emotions?

...................................................

With a firm resolve, I will depart,

The winds and waves will take me far away.

From Từ Hải’s words, it is clear that the hero does not waver or falter because of love, prioritizing his lofty ideals. His actions are forceful and resolute, showing no hesitation when faced with the choice between personal happiness and his greater mission. Từ Hải is confident in his brilliant future:

When the ten thousand soldiers march,

The sound of drums shakes the earth, the banners flutter in the wind.

Then, I will bring her to my home as my bride.

He is certain that success is inevitable: “No need to hurry; a year will suffice.” His promise is concise, firm, and unwavering, reflecting the heroic spirit of a mighty general.

Question 3. Nguyen Du’s portrayal of the hero Từ Hải features two key traits: the symbolic nature of the character and his vast, cosmic dimensions. The heroic figure is a traditional archetype in classical literature, a model that has been refined by writers over time. Từ Hải embodies this archetype. Phrases like “Lòng bốn phương” express the universal ideal of the hero. The phrase “trông vời trời bể mênh mang” is symbolic (not describing a specific view) but evokes Từ Hải’s extraordinary stature. Other imagery such as “bốn bể,” “chim bằng,” and “gió mây” further emphasize this theme.

In keeping with the artistic conventions of classical literature, the hero is also characterized by brief and decisive thoughts and actions. Their rationality is emphasized, while their emotional depth is typically more simplified and understated.

A- MAIN KNOWLEDGE

1. Author:

Nguyễn Du (1765 - 1820), whose pen name was Tố Như and pseudonym Thanh Hiên, was a great poet in Vietnamese literature.
Life
He was born into a family with two strong traditions: one in public service and the other in literature. His father, Nguyễn Nghiễm, was a highly educated and prominent official, rising to the position of Prime Minister. His mother came from a noble family, and his half-brother, Nguyễn Khản, also held a governmental role. These factors helped shape Nguyễn Du's literary talent.
During ten years of wandering in the northern regions, Nguyễn Du experienced hardship, poverty, and witnessed the suffering of the common people. This enriched his understanding of life, fueling his reflections on society and the human condition.
He was sent on two diplomatic missions to China: the first in 1813, where he encountered Chinese culture that he had been familiar with since his youth, leaving a lasting influence on his poetry. He was unable to embark on the second journey in 1820 due to illness, which ultimately led to his passing.
Literary Career
Written in classical Chinese: Three volumes of poetry totaling 249 poems, including Thanh Hiên Thi Tập (78 poems), Nam Trung Tạp Ngâm (40 poems), and Bắc Hành Tạp Lục (131 poems).
Written in Vietnamese script: Đoạn Trường Tân Thanh (The Tale of Kiều) and Văn Chiêu Hồn.
The Tale of Kiều is a major classical Nôm novel.
Nguyễn Du's The Tale of Kiều is the supreme masterpiece of Vietnamese literature, recognized as a cultural and literary heritage of humanity. It embodies the national artistic tradition and showcases a deeply humanistic inspiration—emphasizing compassion, empathy, and a profound commitment to humanistic values that transcend time.

2. Work:

Origin: Excerpt from lines 2231 to 2230 of The Tale of Kiều
Summary: Kiều’s life seemed entirely hopeless until Từ Hải appeared and freed her from the brothel. Together, they lived happily, with Từ Hải as a hero and Kiều as an enchanting beauty. However, Từ Hải grew dissatisfied with their peaceful life and left after just six months, setting out on his own. This excerpt depicts the dialogue between the two before his departure, illustrating Từ Hải’s noble aspirations.

B. EXERCISES AND GUIDELINES

Question 1: Page 114 of 10th Grade Literature, Volume 2

Explain the meaning of the phrases “lòng bốn phương” (the heart of the four corners) and “mặt phi thường” (extraordinary face). Identify words that demonstrate Nguyễn Du’s admiration for Từ Hải.

Response:
Nguyễn Du’s life: Born during a time of profound historical upheaval, as Vietnam’s feudal system faced a major crisis with power struggles among the Le, Trinh, and Nguyen factions, and widespread peasant uprisings, including the Tây Sơn rebellion. Witnessing these social movements, Nguyễn Du understood the turbulent atmosphere of the era, seeing firsthand the suffering and despair of the people during wartime. Regardless of their status, death was inevitable.
He was born into a prestigious family, where both his father, Nguyễn Nghiễm, and his brother, Nguyễn Khản, held high governmental positions. He lived in wealth and privilege, observing the corruption, greed, and decadence of the political realm.
During the tumultuous years, Nguyễn Du had to rely on his wife’s family and spent nearly ten years in the northern regions, living in poverty. This period allowed him to travel extensively, engage with different cultures, and live closely with the working-class poor, whose suffering he deeply empathized with.
These experiences shaped his worldview, inspiring his poetry to reflect the pain and struggle of humanity, always concerned with the suffering of people throughout history.

Question 2: Page 96 of 10th Grade Literature, Volume 2
List Nguyễn Du’s major works and their main features.
Response:
Nguyễn Du’s major works: He wrote both in classical Chinese and Vietnamese Nôm script.
In Chinese: Thanh Hiên Thi Tập, Nam Trung Tạp Ngâm, Bắc Hành Tạp Lục.
In Vietnamese: Đoạn Trường Tân Thanh (The Tale of Kiều), Văn Chiêu Hồn.
Main features:
The common trait in his works is the reflection of the poet’s philosophy, character, and emotions.
Humanistic value: His works elevate the human spirit, demonstrating his deep sympathy for people, especially those who are downtrodden or unfortunate. This stems from his personal experiences and reflections on life and humanity.
Realism: His works critique the dark forces oppressing the people, denouncing feudal society while celebrating human beauty and the miraculous nature of love between individuals.

Question 3: Page 96 of 10th Grade Literature, Volume 2
How is the hero Từ Hải portrayed? His characterization leans towards an idealized representation using conventional literary techniques and a cosmic perspective. The traditional hero in classical literature is defined by resolute ambition and decisive action, characterized by logic over emotion.

I. Overview of the Work "The Heroic Spirit"
1. Position of the excerpt
The excerpt from lines 2213 to 2230 of The Tale of Kiều includes both the author's narration and dialogue, revealing the heroic spirit of Từ Hải.
2. Structure (3 parts)
- Part 1 (first 4 lines): Từ Hải's longing to set off on his journey.
- Part 2 (next 12 lines): Dialogue between Từ Hải and Thúy Kiều.
- Part 3 (remaining lines): Từ Hải's decisive departure.
3. Content value
Through Từ Hải's character, Nguyễn Du expresses the ideal of the perfect hero and conveys his vision of justice.
4. Artistic value
- Idealization of the hero character
- Majestic imagery, with symbolic allegories

II. Guide to Preparing the Lesson

Question 1 (Page 114 of 10th Grade Literature, Volume 2):

+ "Lòng bốn phương" means the will to travel across the entire world.

+ "Phi thường" refers to being extraordinary, exceptional.

→ These reflect Từ Hải’s qualities and talents.

The author uses various expressions to show admiration and respect for Từ Hải:

+ Honorific terms.

+ Words that describe grandeur and magnificence.

+ Terms that convey resolute action.

→ This portrays Từ Hải with reverence, highlighting the idealized hero and the people's dreams in this image.

Question 2 (Page 114 of 10th Grade Literature, Volume 2):

The language of Từ Hải in his conversation with Thúy Kiều shows that the hero does not allow personal love to overshadow his noble ideals.

He says: “My closest confidant understands

Why haven’t you yet rid yourself of common emotions?”

His tone and actions are strong, decisive, showing no hesitation when faced with the choice between personal happiness and his higher goals.

“Whenever ten thousand elite soldiers

...will carry you off as my bride”

The promise is brief, firm, and sincere, reflecting the heroic spirit.

Question 3 (Page 114 of 10th Grade Literature, Volume 2):

Depicting the heroic figure through idealized symbolic imagery, the character is portrayed using classical techniques of idealization:

+ The sword and horse heading toward distant lands.

+ The wind and clouds signify the beginning of the journey.

Imagery of a powerful, free flying bird soaring in the sky.

The poet uses words associated with a noble person: escape, decide, resolute, the four corners of the world, elite warriors, extraordinary, vast oceans, distant journeys.

Dialogue combined with descriptive techniques and personification emphasizes the idealized tendencies in Nguyễn Du’s writing. Từ Hải appears as an exceptional hero.

He embodies the archetype of the traditional hero in classical literature.

Nguyễn Du paints Từ Hải as a distinctive hero with qualities that set him apart, yet he is still relatable to ordinary life.

Question 1 (Page 114, 10th Grade Literature, Volume 2)

What do the phrases "the heart of the four corners" and "extraordinary face" mean? Identify the words that express Nguyễn Du's respect and admiration for Từ Hải.

Detailed Answer:

* Word explanations:

- "The heart of the four corners": This refers to the desire to roam across the world.

→ Từ Hải hears the call of the world rising within his heroic heart. Here, "four corners" represents the vast world, and the phrase symbolizes a man's ambition. "The heart of the four corners" is synonymous with "the ambition of a great man" or "the aspirations of a man of action"...

- "Extraordinary face" refers to outstanding qualities, being exceptional, or above others.

→ This not only refers to physical appearance (e.g., "Tiger’s beard and swallow’s jaw, noble brows / Five inches broad shoulders, ten feet tall") but more importantly to the remarkable qualities, character, and life of a person (in this case, "extraordinary face" equals "extraordinary person", "extraordinary life", "extraordinary career"...).

→ Both phrases, "the heart of the four corners" and "extraordinary face", not only serve as conceptual representations but are also literary images. These phrases are intertwined to emphasize Nguyễn Du's concept of a hero: heroes are exceptional, extraordinary, and larger than life, with a cosmic presence rather than being mere mortals. This is reflected in the poet’s use of natural imagery, linking the hero to the vast universe.

* Nguyễn Du uses numerous terms to express his admiration and respect for Từ Hải:

- Honorific terms such as: "hero", "the heart of the four corners", "extraordinary face"...

- Words depicting grandeur and vastness: "one hundred thousand elite soldiers", "the shadow of brilliance covering the streets", "the winds and clouds of the horizon"...

- Words describing decisive actions: "suddenly in motion", "on the straight path", "decisively leaving"...

→ Through these descriptions, Nguyễn Du conveys admiration and reverence, celebrating Từ Hải as the embodiment of the ideal hero, a dream cherished by the people.

Question 2 (Page 114, 10th Grade Literature, Volume 2)

How does Từ Hải express his heroic ideals in his words to Thúy Kiều?

Detailed Answer:

Từ Hải’s heroic ideals are delicately revealed by Nguyễn Du through the farewell scene with Thúy Kiều, especially in his words to her.

- Unlike the farewell scenes between Kiều and Kim Trọng or Kiều and Thúc Sinh, this is the farewell between Kiều and a great, noble hero. Từ Hải’s resolve and determination are unwavering. According to Từ Hải, a hero must forge a great legacy to fulfill the dream of justice. After more than half a year together, this yearning pushed him forward, and he realized it was time to leave. Therefore, Từ Hải’s departure is both inevitable and essential.

- The poet uses symbolic imagery, depicting Từ Hải riding his horse and "setting off on the straight path" before Kiều’s farewell, to elevate Từ Hải as a heroic figure.

- He views Kiều not as a typical wife, but as his "trusted confidante" (someone who understands his innermost thoughts).

- Từ Hải’s words carry the tone of a noble hero, full of dignity and resolve, infused with a heroic spirit. This is conveyed through the imagery of power and grandeur: "one hundred thousand elite soldiers", "the sound of drums shaking the earth, the brilliance covering the road", "no place in the four seas".

→ Từ Hải’s words to Kiều are not merely those of a lover to a beloved, or of a husband to his wife, but those of a hero to his trusted confidante. Through his words, we see the character, qualities, determination, and aspirations of a true hero.

Question 3 (Page 114, 10th Grade Literature, Volume 2)

What can be said about the style of description (realistic or idealized) of Từ Hải as a hero in this excerpt? Is this a common approach in classical literature?

Detailed Answer:

Từ Hải is an idealized character, and Nguyễn Du portrays him as the realization of justice through a celebratory lens. Therefore, realistic descriptions would fail to highlight this, and the poet opts for idealized, symbolic depictions.

a. The poet paints vivid images of grandeur and heroism, portraying a figure "with a sword on horseback" and "as if he could cover the entire sky" (as Hoài Thanh wrote). The excerpt ends by opening up the image of the soaring mythical bird, the wind carrying it across vast distances: "The winds and clouds have reached the farthest shores".

b. Nguyễn Du uses a system of terms signifying heroism: swift, decisive, resolute, the heart of the four corners, on the straight path, shaking the earth, covering the road, elite soldiers, extraordinary, vast horizons...

c. The dialogue, combined with the symbolic description using personification and idealized figures, further strengthens the poet’s inclination to idealize the character of Từ Hải. The imagery of Từ Hải emerges as one of extraordinary heroism.

The hero and warrior archetype is a traditional figure in classical literature. Nguyễn Du’s portrayal of Từ Hải fits within this classical tradition while offering unique, distinctive touches. Specifically, Nguyễn Du seamlessly integrates heroic qualities into Từ Hải’s character, blending them with human qualities, thus making him heroic without being distant from the everyday world.

Structure

Structure: 3 parts

- The first 4 lines: Từ Hải’s yearning to set out

- The next 12 lines: Từ Hải’s heroic ideals

- The final 2 lines: Từ Hải’s departure

Main Content

Through the character of Từ Hải, Nguyễn Du expresses the ideal of the true hero and conveys the dream of justice.

I. General Overview

* Excerpt Location: The excerpt of "The Heroic Spirit" spans from line 2213 to 2230, describing Từ Hải’s decision to leave and build his heroic career.

* Structure: The excerpt can be divided into three parts:

Part 1: The first 4 lines: Từ Hải’s desire to leave and his farewell after half a year of living together.
Part 2: The next 12 lines: The dialogue between Từ Hải and Kiều – highlighting Từ Hải’s heroic character.
Part 3: The final 2 lines: Từ Hải’s decisive departure as a hero.

II. Guide for Writing

Question 1:

* Meaning of the phrases:

"The heart of the four corners": The aspiration to establish a legacy and career.
"Extraordinary face": Referring to exceptional qualities and uniqueness.
→ This shows Từ Hải’s extraordinary, cosmic stature as a hero.

* Words reflecting Nguyễn Du’s respect and admiration for Từ Hải: Hero, the heart of the four corners, extraordinary face, swift, looking ahead, vast sky and sea, sword on horseback,…

Question 2:

Từ Hải expresses his heroic ideals through his words to Thúy Kiều:

Từ Hải accuses Thúy Kiều of not understanding him despite being his confidante, showing that he does not waver from his grand ideals for personal love. → His firm attitude and decisive actions demonstrate his choice between personal happiness and a higher calling.
Từ Hải is confident in a successful future: "What’s the rush? A year from now isn’t too late." → The promise of a hero is concise, firm, and resolute, fitting the stature of a commanding general.

Question 3:

The characteristic of Từ Hải’s description in this excerpt: the tendency to idealize the character through symbolic writing and cosmic inspiration, tightly linked together.

The heroic figure is a traditional literary character in classical literature, characterized by the “four corners” spirit, decisive actions, and brief, determined thoughts. The emotional side is relatively simple and less emphasized.