Top 7 Best Analytical Essays on the First 8 Lines of the Poem 'Chí khí anh hùng' (Literature 10)

Từ Hải appears in the work as a legendary hero, one who stands proudly beneath the heavens and treads firmly upon the earth. When rescuing Kiều from the brothel, his actions are motivated by righteousness and his deep bond with her as a confidante. However, upon marrying Kiều, Từ Hải reveals his romantic side. Yet, despite his affection, he never loses sight of his identity as a warrior. In feudal society, a man was expected to possess ambition, striving for greatness in the vast expanse of the world. Từ Hải is a man with lofty ideals and the determination to achieve his noble goals. This is why, even during the peaceful and happy days spent with Kiều, Từ remains focused on his ultimate purpose. Despite the joy of love, his heart is stirred by a deeper calling, and soon his thoughts turn to the wide open sky and the path ahead, with his sword and steed ready for the journey.

The imagery of the third and fourth lines (the vast sky and the straight road) clearly reflects Từ Hải's heroic ambition. The poet first depicts Từ Hải preparing for his journey—his sword sheathed and his horse ready—before allowing the characters to exchange their farewells. Is this illogical? No, the phrase 'straight road' can be interpreted as 'hastily', meaning Từ Hải may have mounted his horse before bidding Kiều farewell. This moment of departure stands in stark contrast to the two previous farewells Kiều experienced. When she said goodbye to Kim Trọng, it was to send him home for a family obligation, filled with the longing of first love. When she parted with Thúc Sinh, the separation was laced with uncertainty, as both knew the difficulty of reconciling with his wife, Hoạn Thư. But with Từ Hải, it is the farewell of a hero on his way to fulfill his grand destiny. Hence, the nature of these three separations is profoundly different.

Từ Hải's words to Kiều during their parting reveal much about his character. First and foremost, he is a man of extraordinary ambition. When Kiều says:

'A woman's fate is to follow her husband,

If you leave, I too shall follow.'

Từ Hải responds:

'My dear, you understand me well,

Why haven't you transcended the conventional nature of women?'

In this response, Từ Hải conveys both a sense of advice and faith in Kiều. He hopes that she, as his confidante, will understand his path and that she will rise above the typical emotional attachment of a woman in love to embrace the role of the wife of a hero.

The poet skillfully blends Classical Chinese and colloquial language, using numerous metaphors and allusions. Notably, Nguyễn Du presents Từ Hải in an idealized light, with every word, image, and description aligning with this idealized portrayal.

Regarding vocabulary, the term 'trượng phu' (man of great ambition) is used only once in the work, exclusively to describe Từ Hải. Additionally, the word 'thoắt' in the line:

'In half a year, love was still strong,

The hero suddenly felt the urge to explore the world.'

Contrary to ordinary men who might forget their ambitions during happy moments, Từ Hải 'suddenly' remembers his life's purpose, even when immersed in marital bliss. This ambition fits Từ Hải's character, and he believes that fulfilling his lofty goals will earn him Kiều's respect and admiration. The phrase 'the urge to explore the world' implies that Từ Hải sees himself as a man of the world, not confined to one place or identity. The term 'dứt áo' (to cut off one's clothes) in the phrase 'decided to leave' reflects his bold, resolute nature as he departs from Kiều.

This doesn't mean Từ Hải isn't sad to leave Kiều; rather, it emphasizes his extraordinary ambition. The imagery of 'sword sheathed, steed ready, embarking on a straight path' symbolizes Từ Hải's heroic spirit, marking him as a true man of action in a feudal society.

In terms of dialogue and description, there are distinct features. Kiều knows Từ Hải is leaving with no home to return to, yet she still vows to accompany him. The word 'tòng' (to follow) is not just a simple reference to Confucian teachings that women must follow their husbands but also signifies Kiều's shared commitment to Từ Hải's mission, offering her support during times of hardship. Từ Hải's remark about Kiều not yet overcoming the emotional nature of women is not a harsh criticism but a wish for her to be stronger, to become the wife of a hero.

In just eight lines, Nguyễn Du masterfully captures the love between Kiều and Từ Hải, while also highlighting the immense ambition and heroic qualities of Từ Hải, who is determined to achieve greatness.

Vuong Thuy Kieu was a woman with exceptional beauty and talent, a rare gem who could hardly be found in society. However, the more talented and beautiful she was, the more tragic and difficult her life became. After selling herself to Ma Gian Sinh in exchange for money to save her father and family, Kieu's life took a dramatic turn.

Her life seemed to be filled with sorrow, but then Từ Hải appeared. A man who stood tall, as if he were walking on earth, brought Kieu's life back from the depths of misery. He gave Kieu a new identity and a life similar to any other woman's. In the excerpt 'The Hero's Spirit,' poet Nguyen Du portrayed Từ Hải as a noble hero.

Even though Kieu was with Từ Hải, he never once forgot his great aspirations and mission. After six months of happiness with her, Từ Hải bid her farewell to pursue his grand goals:

“Half a year of loving warmth

The hero’s heart was stirred for distant horizons

Gazing toward the vast heavens and seas

With a sharp sword and steady steed, he set off without delay”

“Half a year” signifies the time Từ Hải spent happily with Kieu. “Loving warmth” refers to their blissful moments, where love burned bright in their hearts. However, the hero's heart longed for his greater purpose, the vastness of the world awaiting his mission. His sword and steed symbolized his readiness to fight for his dream. The line “With a sharp sword and steady steed, he set off without delay” emphasized the heroic spirit of a man with unmatched determination.

Upon hearing Từ Hải’s decision, Kieu expressed her desire to accompany him. She wished to fulfill her duty as a wife while not wanting to be separated from him:

“She said: A woman’s duty is to follow

If you go, I too will follow you”

Từ Hải replied: A true confidante follows with understanding

But you still cannot escape the typical concerns of a woman”

Kieu spoke with great sincerity, expressing her desire to follow him wherever he went, to support him as a loving wife, saying that as a woman, she should always follow her husband. Từ Hải, though understanding her love, refused her, believing she was still bound by the limitations and vulnerabilities of a woman’s traditional role, and that it wasn’t necessary for her to follow him into the dangers of war.

Từ Hải, while acknowledging Kieu's deep love, was resolute in his decision. He knew that the dangers of the battlefield would be too harsh for her. The deeper his love for Kieu, the more determined he was to leave and win victories that would ensure a better future for her.

In these first eight lines, the author has vividly portrayed the hardships of women in the feudal era, the sacrifices they made, and also highlighted the steadfast will of the hero determined to return victorious.

There is a poet that every Vietnamese person knows well. There is a poem that for over 200 years, nearly every Vietnamese person can recite a few lines or verses. That poet, that poem, were once praised by Tố Hữu:

“Whose poetry shook the heavens and earth

It resonates like the eternal echoes of mountains and rivers”

No one else but Nguyễn Du and his masterpiece, Truyện Kiều. Each verse, each line is a "precious pearl" woven with the poet's diligent hands. Behind the fate of each character lies profound humanitarian values. It reflects the deep admiration for human dreams and aspirations, the outcry against the malicious forces lurking behind, and even more so, it portrays the realistic dreams of freedom and justice as seen in the opening eight verses of the “Chí khí anh hùng” section.

After a period of love with Thúc Sinh, Kiều again falls into the corrupt world of the brothel, returning once more to Tú Bà, to live the life of a lowly courtesan. It seemed as though her life would end in the darkness of despair and misfortune. However, in the midst of the storm, Từ Hải suddenly “appears like a bright star illuminating a chapter of her life” (Hoài Thanh). He rescues Kiều, restoring her rightful freedom. Together, they come as soulmates, with the hearts of true companions between the “heroic man” and the “willow girl.” But their happiness is short-lived. The restlessness of the warrior spirit rises once more, and the burning desire for grand achievement pushes the hero to embark on his path. This excerpt depicts the moment Từ Hải bids farewell to Thúy Kiều to leave. Unlike Thanh Tâm Tài Nhân in the “Kim Vân Kiều truyện,” who simply narrates, “Từ Hải lived with Kiều for five months, then bid her farewell to leave,” Nguyễn Du’s brilliant pen crafts a poignant scene of separation between the two lovers, completing the hero’s dream of conquering the world.

The first four lines vividly depict Từ Hải before his departure:

“Half a year of intense love in bloom

The hero's heart stirs, yearning for the four corners of the world

Gazing far into the boundless sky and sea

The sword in hand, the horse is ready, the hero sets forth.”

Nguyễn Du places the hero in two contrasting spaces: one side is the warm, intimate space of love with “the fragrant warmth of the hearth” filled with temptations that can easily bind any man. The other side is the vast cosmos calling him. As a true “man of virtue,” Từ Hải is not swayed by these temptations, decisively choosing his own path. He is not made for mundane desires but for monumental achievements — the work of a true hero. Understanding this yearning, Nguyễn Du honors him with the title “man of virtue.” This title only appears once in Truyện Kiều, and it is dedicated solely to Từ Hải. The simple love between husband and wife cannot hold the hero back. His mind is driven by higher aspirations. The gaze towards the vast sky and sea symbolizes his yearning for something greater, a place where a hero can freely pursue his ideals. The final image, “The sword in hand, the horse is ready, the hero sets forth,” not only captures the hero’s strength against the backdrop of the grand cosmos but also reveals his unwavering resolve, acting with determination. Here, we recognize similarities in Nguyễn Du’s poetry and that of his contemporaries, especially in the depiction of a hero before battle:

“The ambition of a man stretches over a thousand miles

Conquering the mighty mountain with ease like the lightest touch of a feather”

Or:

“The young man of noble lineage

Sets aside his scholarly pursuits for the military arts

With his weapon belt tightened, he marches forth

His whip cracking in the winds of autumn”

(Chinh Phu Ngâm - Đoàn Thị Điểm)

Both Nguyễn Du and Đoàn Thị Điểm elevate their heroes by drawing on the vast universe’s imagery. However, while the “ambition of a man” in “Chinh Phu Ngâm” speaks to a man seeking to establish his name and legacy in the world, Nguyễn Du’s “heroic ambition” centers on personal achievement and the pursuit of noble ideals. Hoài Thanh rightly stated, “Từ Hải, in the first four lines, is not of a family, a clan, or a village; he belongs to the earth and the sky, to all corners of the world...” This profound vision is brought to life by the poet’s masterful pen and deep admiration for the character. The few words used to describe Từ Hải leave a limitless depth of meaning.

As is often the case, separations are filled with tears and reluctant goodbyes. This is no different for Từ Hải and Kiều. She does not want to be left alone, cold in a desolate house, but wishes to share in his journey and achievements. Her words are full of longing:

She says: “As a woman, I am bound by duty

If you go, I too shall follow.”

Kiều’s wish to accompany him is in line with traditional Confucian values, which state, “At home, a woman follows her father; when married, she follows her husband; and after her husband’s death, she follows her son.” However, contrary to her hopes, Từ Hải responds immediately:

Từ Hải says: “You are aware of your duties

Why are you still caught up in the usual feminine emotions?”

At first, this seems like a reprimand, but in reality, it is a motivational message for his companion to rise above ordinary feelings and join him in pursuing his greater aspirations. Later, when reflecting on Kiều’s longing for Từ Hải, Nguyễn Du writes:

“The rose petal soars, yearning for the sky

Her eyes fixed, gazing endlessly towards the distant horizon.”

Through the first eight lines of “Chí khí anh hùng,” Nguyễn Du masterfully depicts the love between the “heroic man” and the “willow girl,” but without diminishing the hero’s grand ambition to achieve greatness.

The Tale of Kieu stands out not only for its artistic language but also for its unique and profound content. Nguyen Du reflects the harsh feudal society of his time—a society that had crushed him and others, including the heroine Kieu and countless other gifted individuals. This tragic backdrop infuses the work with a deep sense of humanity. The introduction of the character Tu Hai in the story adds a layer of brilliance, showcasing the heroic aspirations of the time. The image of Tu Hai, with his love and great ambition, is revealed through the very first eight lines of poetry.

After living together for six months, Kieu and Tu Hai had built a family. Just as their love was at its peak, Tu Hai's heart was drawn to the world beyond. It is often said that a hero's ambition is boundless, and the poet Nguyen Cong Tru once said:

"The ambition of a man spans all directions—north, south, east, and west."

A true man’s ambition is to live honorably, to bring glory to his family and ancestors. The social system, however, eventually tore Tu Hai away from Kieu. It was a system that imposed rigid notions of masculinity, but those very ideas also drove him to protect Kieu, creating a unique bond between them.

"Half a year of warm affection, A hero's heart moved to the four corners of the world."

And Tu Hai, ever ready, always held his sword and kept his horse prepared—knowing that his journey awaited. He was mentally prepared to leave without regret because, as a true man, "a man would rather shed blood than tears."

"Gazing toward the vast sky and sea, His sword and horse ready for the straight journey."

The surrounding space—vast, boundless, infinite—seems to mirror the determined figure of Tu Hai, who appears larger than life, his ambition extending toward the farthest reaches of the universe. Tu Hai was confident that he would achieve his grand aspirations. Meanwhile, Kieu only wished to follow her husband, sharing in both the dangers and challenges ahead.

"She said: A woman’s duty is to follow her man. Where he goes, I wish to go with him."

Tu Hai responds: "You are still trapped by the normal constraints of a woman’s heart."

Tu Hai scolded Kieu for not yet overcoming the typical emotions of a woman, but deep inside, he was concerned for her well-being. Nguyen Du brilliantly portrays Tu Hai as both an extraordinary individual with great ambition and will, and as a loving husband who cares deeply for his wife.

In the article titled 'One Aspect of the Genius Nguyễn Du: 'Từ Hải', published in Thanh nghị newspaper, issue 36, May 1943, the critic Hoài Thanh writes: 'Throughout the entire book Đoạn trường tân thanh (also known as Truyện Kiều), there is no moment where Nguyễn Du's pen is more joyous than when Từ Hải speaks or is mentioned. Who knows, perhaps Từ Hải is the greatest dream in Nguyễn Du's life.' This insightful observation from the critic is truly worth considering, especially after thoroughly reading Truyện Kiều and, moreover, exploring classic Chinese literary works that feature the character Từ Hải, particularly the novel Kim Vân Kiều by Thanh Tâm Tài Nhân, the book Nguyễn Du used as the foundation for his masterpiece.

Từ Hải in Nguyễn Du's Truyện Kiều is a complete hero. The term 'hero' and its synonyms constantly appear whenever the poet refers to him, whether through narration or by other characters' speech. In fact, the poet even lets the character refer to himself as a hero—such a confident individual! Of course, simply using such words isn't enough to prove a character's heroism. Nguyễn Du, fully aware of this, carefully constructs a unique space—an expansive, boundless space—for Từ Hải to emerge.

Additionally, the poet skillfully employs a descriptive style that emphasizes the extraordinary qualities of Từ Hải's appearance and actions, using exaggerated and symbolic imagery to highlight his superior character. In conclusion, to grasp the heroic spirit of this character, one could examine any part of Truyện Kiều that mentions Từ Hải or his deeds, accomplishments, and even his fate. However, despite the truth of this, many still focus on the moment Từ Hải bids farewell to Thúy Kiều to embark on his grand journey. Who says the heroic spirit of a man can only be clearly expressed when he is in the midst of a battle? Nguyễn Du doesn't entirely agree. He carefully describes Từ Hải's interaction with the beautiful woman, with the happiness he shares with her, thereby enhancing the portrayal of his extraordinary nature. This artistic choice is absolutely fitting. A beautiful woman is often a difficult challenge for men of great ambition, especially heroes.

Before narrating Từ Hải's departure, Nguyễn Du briefly mentions the couple's happiness without elaborating too much. While a bit more elaboration might have been acceptable, as the readers are likely sympathetic toward Thúy Kiều, who has suffered greatly in life, the poet understands Từ Hải well. Before achieving his great goal, he cannot bring himself to enjoy happiness with the beautiful woman, even if she is his soulmate. He leaves at the most difficult time, just when love is at its peak.

Half a year of sweet love

The hero's heart soon turns to the greater world.

Looking to the vast heavens and seas

His sword and steed set him off on his path.

With the phrase 'straight ahead,' Nguyễn Du captures the swift and decisive nature of Từ Hải. Everyone knows Từ Hải deeply loves and values Kiều, but his grand ambition outweighs this love, allowing him to part with her easily. He is a man who lives for love but also for the vast, limitless world. This sets him apart from other male characters in the story, such as Kim Trọng and Thúc Sinh. Moreover, he leaves not only to build a new life for himself but also for Kiều. He does not passively wait for fate but actively strives to claim what he believes both he and his beloved deserve.

The following verses

She says: 'As a woman, I must obey,'

'You go, and I will follow.'

Từ replies: 'You understand me well,

Why can't you escape the usual woman's fate?'

There seems to be a logical inconsistency in the order of events as told by the author: Why does Nguyễn Du describe Từ Hải 'setting off' before the dialogue between the two? Is this a flaw in narrative technique or intentional? According to Tản Đà, Nguyễn Du 'hurried the words.' While this criticism isn't entirely wrong, in literary art, the order of narration doesn't necessarily have to follow the story's sequence. It is a form of convention, and Nguyễn Du's decision makes sense in this case. He avoids letting a minor detail detract from the poem's main goal: to emphasize the resolute action of the hero Từ Hải. One could also argue that although Từ Hải hasn't physically departed, his mind is already on the journey, sword in hand, as he rides away on horseback. This direct approach creates a powerful image of a man whose presence is fleeting, yet his departure seems imminent.

Some believe this dialogue was created by Nguyễn Du, not present in the original Kim Vân Kiều. In fact, it exists in Thanh Tâm Tài Nhân's novel, but it is set in a different context: Từ Hải is redeeming Kiều, not taking her back to her homeland but instead building a house to live with her. When Kiều questions him, he clarifies: 'But now, I am alone, where should I send you?' Nguyễn Du took a different artistic approach, adhering to the narrative structure of Truyện Kiều and aligning better with his characters. He doesn't let Kiều dwell on trivial matters or have Từ Hải speak prematurely. He prefers to observe his characters during moments of separation, ensuring those partings convey something more significant than the events themselves.

Let's see how Từ Hải 'enlightens' Kiều when she insists on going with him. Initially, he questions her: 'Why can't you escape the usual woman's fate?' This rebuke, in essence, is praise, as in Từ Hải's view, Kiều is his 'true confidante,' and he wants her to remain so. The moment he speaks of mutual understanding, his deep thoughts and aspirations are revealed.

This analysis of the first eight lines of the excerpt from 'The Heroic Spirit' helps readers appreciate Nguyễn Du's vision of a hero, embodying a majestic spirit and a beautiful love story.

In general, to highlight the heroic qualities of a character, they are often placed in a specific situation, facing great trials. The saying 'Fire tests gold, and hardship tests heroes' and 'Hardship is the debt that heroes must pay' reflect this idea. Overcoming these challenges is essential to proving one's bravery and heroic spirit. What are these challenges? External and internal trials. Conquering external enemies or nature is difficult, but overcoming one’s own weaknesses is even harder. Many have triumphed over tyranny, but succumb to the temptations within. Ultimately, heroism is about the extraordinary. To achieve greatness, one must overcome the ordinary.

Nguyen Du not only depicts Tu Hai achieving extraordinary feats, but also emphasizes his heroic nature by placing him in a situation where he must overcome the ordinary. This excerpt 'The Heroic Spirit' exemplifies this. There are familial concerns and 'The usual nature of a woman' involved. On the surface, the trial Tu Hai faces seems to be one of 'heroes versus beauties'—where the beauty hinders him, but the hero rises above. This interpretation is not entirely wrong, but it is not entirely accurate either. Upon closer inspection, Kiều does not stop Tu Hải; Tu Hải does not abandon Kiều. Could it be a conflict between marital happiness and heroic ideals? Not quite, for after redeeming Kiều, Tu Hải has Kiều and lives with her. However, that alone does not suffice for him. Tu Hải desires to build a heroic legacy. Only then can a hero truly be worthy of the woman he loves. This reflects a conflict between small, ordinary happiness and grand, extraordinary happiness.

The poem naturally divides into two sections. The first part consists of the first four lines: Tu Hải's departure. The second part is the remaining lines: a conversation between Tu Hải and Kiều as he leaves. Interestingly, Nguyen Du portrays Tu Hải's departure first, followed by the farewell. Although not yet in the midst of his heroic acts, Nguyen Du highlights the grandeur of Tu Hải. Not through actions, but through his words—speaking to his wife—Tu Hải’s heroic spirit shines through. Tu Hải’s character is partially formed within the domestic space. This makes sense: the ordinary home space is not suitable for a hero’s stature; it could even stifle them. Only after leaving the warmth of his marital home does Tu Hải truly become himself. Indeed, Tu Hải is only truly himself in the vastness of the world:

Half a year of sweet home warmth,

The hero quickly turns his heart to the four corners of the world,

Gazing at the vast sky and sea,

Sword in hand, on horseback, heading straight out.

The intensity of love, the sweetness of happiness, may act as a catalyst or as something that dulls the spirit of a hero. A beautiful woman can inspire a hero, or she can ruin his heroic endeavors. Later, Che Lan Vien would speak of 'Happiness contained in a beautiful dress - A peaceful home casting its shadow on the soul,' symbolizing the idea of love and comfort, but also the potential to drain or destroy dreams. Tu Hải transcends the beautiful woman because for him, happiness is only half of life. His other half lies in his heroic ambitions. The word 'quickly' reveals Tu Hải’s heroic nature—he awakens swiftly to the call of his greater mission. He was born for the vast world, not for the confines of home. Only after leaving the warmth of his home does he come into his true self: the expansive world.

In the tale of Kiều, the word 'quickly' often signifies important changes. It can denote a tragic change, such as 'Quickly bought and quickly sold.' It can also signify a sorrowful moment like 'In the middle of spring, the branch of heaven’s fragrance quickly broke.' This word occurs quietly, yet it marks a significant turning point in Tu Hải’s life. From that moment on, he begins to truly live and die as a legendary hero. The word 'quickly' thus divides Tu Hải’s life into two clear parts: it marks the end of one phase and the beginning of another—his heroic journey.

Indeed, Nguyen Du portrays Tu Hải in a grand manner:

Gazing at the vast sky and sea,

Sword in hand, on horseback, heading straight out.

This is the image of a warrior. Readers of classical poetry might associate it with another figure from the 18th century in the poem 'Chinh Phuc Ngan':

His red robe like the sunset,

His white horse as pure as snow.

Both figures exude a majestic presence filled with heroic ideals. However, while the warrior is adorned with romantic hues through the proud and affectionate gaze of his beloved, Tu Hải is depicted with defiant lines against the vastness of the space. One is majestic with garments, while the other yearns for something even more grand.

Alongside the images of 'Striking the sky, stirring the waters, not caring who is above' or 'Roughened by the winds, a sword in hand, indifferent to the world’s concerns,' 'Gazing at the vast sky and sea, sword in hand, on horseback, heading straight out' is another perfect portrait that Nguyen Du creates for Tu Hải.

The second part is a dialogue. The author cedes the floor entirely to the characters. The characters express their essence through their own words. Kiều’s words reflect the proper speech of a dutiful woman, strong in resolve, while Tu Hải’s words are firm and decisive, reflecting the character of a true man, yet not cold-hearted. Kiều appeals to marital duty, and Tu Hải refers to the philosophy of true companionship. Kiều acts according to convention, while Tu Hải behaves in an extraordinary way. She wishes to accompany him, and he says:

She says: 'A woman’s duty is to follow her man,

If you go, I will follow.'

Kiều invokes the usual duty of a wife, as both a reason and a vow to persuade Tu Hải. She desires to be by his side, sharing both joy and sorrow. But will Tu Hải accept the ordinary? To accept the ordinary would no longer make him extraordinary. That cannot be the way of Tu Hải. However, he does not dismiss her coldly. Instead, he provides his own reasoning to persuade her. He holds the philosophy of true companionship in higher regard than conventional marital duties. When two people truly understand each other, they should not cling to societal norms:

Tu Hải says: 'A true friend understands the heart,

Why are you still bound by women’s conventional feelings?'

Through analyzing the first eight lines of 'The Heroic Spirit,' the author depicts Kiều’s unwavering love for Tu Hải, highlighting the heroic spirit of the man who is devoted to the country and believes in himself both on the battlefield and in love.

In Vietnamese literature, "The Tale of Kieu" is considered one of the most outstanding works. The story of a talented yet unfortunate girl, Vương Thúy Kiều, has captivated and moved the hearts of countless generations of readers. Especially, her romantic but troubled relationships contribute significantly to the allure of the work. Among them is the beautiful yet tragic love story with the heroic Từ Hải. Unlike Kim Trọng’s scholarly appearance, Từ Hải is portrayed as a hero with great ideals. The excerpt "Heroic Ambitions" beautifully reveals his distinct character.

Kiều escapes Hoạn Thư’s household but falls into the hands of Bạc Bà and Bạc Hạnh. Her life seems to fulfill the prophecy of Nguyễn Du: "Talent is always paired with misfortune." However, during her wandering journey, she meets the noble Từ Hải who saves her life when she is imprisoned in a brothel. After a passionate affair, Từ Hải decides to leave to build his career.

The passage begins with the portrayal of their farewell and Từ Hải's firm departure:

“Half a year of passionate love

The hero suddenly yearns for distant lands

He gazes at the vast sky and ocean

With his sword and steed, he sets off resolutely”

Throughout history, beautiful women have always been the most difficult challenge for men and heroes. But in this passage, Nguyễn Du elevates Từ Hải by portraying his noble response to love and romantic relationships, thus emphasizing his larger-than-life character. While most men would have been overwhelmed by such deep love, Từ Hải remains focused on his grand mission. Therefore, if Kim Trọng is considered the ideal lover, and Thúc Sinh the real love of Thúy Kiều, Từ Hải is the heroic figure who shapes her life.

Từ Hải is no ordinary man, for he is not someone to simply enjoy life with a beautiful woman. If he did not possess great ambition, he would not deserve to be called “hero” as Nguyễn Du aptly describes him. His decision to leave is completely in line with his character, and the expression “setting off resolutely” captures the spirit of a man with grand dreams. This demonstrates that, although Từ Hải deeply loves Kiều, his ambition transcends personal emotions, allowing him to leave without regret.

In ancient folk songs, there is a line:

“A man must live with honor and dignity

Go east to be calm, go west to be at peace”

Phan Bội Châu also expressed that:

“A man must be extraordinary in this life

Not to let the world change around him”

Similarly, Nguyễn Công Trứ believed that: “A man’s ambition stretches across the south, north, east, and west, fulfilling his strength across the seas.” From this, we see that Từ Hải’s departure is not simply out of love, but also to fulfill his obligations as a man, creating a new life for Kiều and himself. Từ Hải is not one to sit idly waiting for fate to decide. He is a man of action, actively taking what he and his beloved deserve. His gaze towards the vast sky and ocean symbolizes his grand vision, reflecting his heroic posture. Từ Hải departs with just his sword and steed, confidently setting off without lingering attachment. Yet, despite his grand ambitions, there is a touch of loneliness in his journey as he faces challenges alone. The first four lines highlight his noble stance, which is as vast as the universe. Even in the moment of departure, Từ Hải does not indulge in sentimentality but sets off firmly.

The next two lines reveal Kiều's feelings and her plea to follow Từ Hải:

“She said: A woman’s fate is to follow her man

If you go, I too will follow”

In Confucianism, women are bound by the duties of filial piety, first serving their father, then their husband, and later their son. However, here we see Kiều’s deep desire to accompany her husband, which is not just out of obligation but also a reflection of her love and respect for Từ Hải, the one who saved her from suffering. When Từ decided to leave, Kiều immediately expressed her willingness to go with him, regardless of where that might be. Her words reveal her deep love, understanding, and admiration for Từ Hải, as she is ready to devote her life to him.

Từ Hải’s response reflects his high ideals and deep love for Kiều. He first questions her with, “Why can’t you free yourself from the usual emotions of women?” His seemingly harsh words are meant to elevate Kiều. He sees her as his confidante and urges her to transcend ordinary emotions and become a woman of greater strength, not just a typical romantic partner. The true heroism of Từ Hải is not just shown in battle but in overcoming the obstacles of love and duty.