Top 7 Essays on Literary and Artistic Works (Grade 11 Literature) - Best Selections

According to scholars, alongside Nguyễn Đình Chiểu's famous works such as "Ngư Tiều Y Thuật Vấn Đáp", "Văn Tế Nghĩa Sĩ Cần Giuộc", and "Văn Tế Nghĩa Sĩ Trận Vong Lục Tỉnh", the narrative poem "Lục Vân Tiên" stands as a monumental work in Vietnamese literature, profoundly influencing the folk culture of Southern Vietnam.

This piece was written by Nguyễn Đình Chiểu before the French colonial invasion. It consists of 2,075 verses, crafted in the form of a narrative poem, and features many beautiful artistic images that have been well received by the people. The male protagonist is portrayed as extremely filial and brave, saving the people and fighting invaders. The female protagonist, Kiều Nguyệt Nga, is dedicated to Lục Vân Tiên, adhering to the value of education. Scholars argue that this work has had a significant cultural impact, particularly on the people of Southern Vietnam.

"Lục Vân Tiên" reflects Nguyễn Đình Chiểu's ideals. Every character embodies his aspirations, life goals, and ideals, and also mirrors his own life. Through the characters, the poet harshly critiques the societal wrongs of his time.

Well-known verses from the poem, such as: “By the lamp, I watch the story of Tây Minh/ Laughing at the irony of 'human nature'/ Listen carefully, stay silent/ Keep virtuous deeds in mind, take care of your own conduct,” have resonated deeply with generations.

The epic poem "Lục Vân Tiên" is unique in its genre in Vietnam. Nguyễn Đình Chiểu integrated the essence of folk culture—from emotions and thoughts to everyday speech—making the poem accessible and beloved by the common people. It was soon adopted as a source for folk music.

"Lục Vân Tiên" not only appeared in multiple editions, but also contributed to the development of đờn ca tài tử, especially in the form of "ca ra bộ", which served as a precursor to cải lương theater. Furthermore, the poem led to the creation of a distinctive performance art, "Nói Thơ Vân Tiên".

This performance style has spread widely in the Bến Tre region and beyond, demonstrating the deep cultural significance of the poem. "Nói Thơ Vân Tiên" is still preserved in the memories of the elderly and passed down to younger generations.

Future generations will continue to preserve and promote Bến Tre’s rich cultural traditions, particularly by adapting the performance of "Nói Thơ Vân Tiên" for modern settings, including community events, social gatherings, and competitions.

To promote Nguyễn Đình Chiểu's works, especially "Lục Vân Tiên", cultural centers across Vietnam have long hosted Đờn Ca Tài Tử festivals and costume contests of Lục Vân Tiên and Kiều Nguyệt Nga. These festivals include reenactments of the epic poem. The Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has also supported this initiative, with future workshops planned for students, workers, tourists, and more.

Today, "Lục Vân Tiên" remains a well-loved work, with its characters like Lục Vân Tiên and Kiều Nguyệt Nga remaining etched in the minds of many. Though few remember the entire poem, iconic verses such as: “Remember, justice must be done/ A person who does not do this is not a true hero...” continue to resonate.

In the work *The Tale of Kieu* by Nguyen Du, the author reflects the social reality of the feudal era, exposing the brutal face of the ruling class, whose inhumanity is evident. The power of money and fame reduces women to mere commodities, traded by unscrupulous individuals. The Vương family, once living in peace, is torn apart when a silk seller falsely accuses them, bringing tragedy to their once-happy household. As the family faces turmoil, corrupt officials seize the opportunity to rob Thúy Kiều's family, aided by a network of bribed, dishonest authorities. The judge handling the case of her father is just another corrupt individual using his power for personal gain.

The power of money, heavy as a thousand pounds, lies in the hands of the wicked, shaping a force so strong that it can corrupt every human value, causing individuals to abandon their morals. Those tasked with ensuring justice instead distort it for financial gain. Thúy Kiều, a woman of great beauty and talent, begins to use her power and resources in an attempt to survive in a cruel world, eventually becoming a victim of the system herself. The humanistic value of *The Tale of Kieu* lies in how Nguyen Du elevates the qualities of an individual — from inner character to talent, appearance, and dreams. Thúy Vân is portrayed as beautiful, modest, and virtuous, embodying an ideal of purity and peace, while Thúy Kiều is described as exceptionally intelligent and gifted, with a beauty that could bring kingdoms to their knees. She possesses an extraordinary range of talents, from playing instruments to composing poetry.

The story of *The Tale of Kieu* presents both a reality of the feudal era and a powerful humanist message. The reality reflects the harsh social conditions, exposing the cruelty of the ruling class. Thúy Kiều's life changes drastically due to an unjust accusation made by a silk seller. Her peaceful existence is shattered, and she is pushed into a cruel fate marked by betrayal, manipulation, and suffering. The poem condemns the oppressive forces that trample on the rights of individuals, while emphasizing the values of freedom and justice. Thúy Kiều's 15 years of hardship serve as a tragic representation of the suffering of women in the past. Once a refined young woman, she is reduced to being a commodity, sold and mistreated time and again. She is deceived, forced into a brothel, and subjected to violence, humiliation, and exploitation.

Thúy Kiều's life serves as a damning indictment of a corrupt society that exploits and abuses women for personal gain. Her story is a direct accusation of the injustices perpetuated by the feudal system. This oppressive system forces a virtuous and talented woman like Thúy Kiều into the darkest corners of society, stripping her of her happiness and dignity. In addition, the work conveys Nguyen Du's deep empathy and sorrow for the suffering of those like Thúy Kiều. *The Tale of Kieu* is memorable for its artistic value and its profound humanistic message. The author's delicate and skilled portrayal of the characters' inner lives stands as a testament to his literary genius. *The Tale of Kieu* is a masterpiece, with Nguyen Du using his poetic talents to craft a narrative that exposes the evils of a decaying feudal system that exploits women for profit.

Nguyen Du expresses his deep sympathy for women, who, despite their inherent beauty, virtue, and talents, are often denied happiness by the harshness of life, forced into exile and suffering.

Nguyen Dinh Chieu lived in a tumultuous time, achieving early academic success but losing his sight at the age of 26. He returned home to become a doctor and a poet, gaining admiration for his exceptional talent and moral integrity. His writings motivated others and conveyed strong moral lessons. *Lục Vân Tiên* is one of his most notable works.

Written in the 1850s, *Lục Vân Tiên* reflects the author’s desire to help others and portrays the noble qualities of two main characters: Lục Vân Tiên, who is brave and righteous, and Kiều Nguyệt Nga, who is gentle and kind. The plot follows Lục Vân Tiên, who, upon hearing about the imperial examination, decides to leave his teacher and pursue his ambitions. On his way back, he encounters Kiều Nguyệt Nga, who is being attacked by thieves. He steps in to rescue her, highlighting the admirable qualities of both characters.

The character of Lục Vân Tiên is inspired by the traditional folk hero archetype—courageous, heroic, and quick to defend the helpless. He is the ideal hero of classical literature, representing the hopes and dreams of the people. With high ideals, Lục Vân Tiên is determined to help others, and when he encounters injustice, he immediately takes action:

Vân Tiên stepped to the side,

Broke a branch to use as a staff and charged the gang.

Even though he was alone and armed only with a stick, Lục Vân Tiên fearlessly confronted the numerous and dangerous bandits. His action demonstrates his heroism, skill, and noble heart. In the face of the bandits' threats, he remained undaunted: 'Vân Tiên charges left and right, just like Zhao Zilong breaking through enemy lines.'

Not only does Lục Vân Tiên possess a strong sense of justice, but he also behaves with respect and courtesy, particularly toward women. After driving the bandits away, he asks if the victims need assistance, and when they wish to thank him, he quickly refuses:

'Wait, stay seated. You are a lady, and I am a man.'

To Lục Vân Tiên, performing righteous deeds is an obligation, not something to be rewarded. His behavior reflects the chivalrous spirit of traditional heroes. He believes:

'Remember, if you see a wrong and do nothing, you are no hero.'

Lục Vân Tiên is the epitome of the ideal hero, and through him, Nguyen Dinh Chieu expresses his hopes and aspirations.

In addition to Lục Vân Tiên, there is Kiều Nguyệt Nga, who is modest, refined, and filial. She addresses herself humbly, saying 'this humble servant,' and speaks with great politeness: 'As a daughter, I dare not contradict my father, even if it means traveling a thousand miles.'

Her gratitude towards Lục Vân Tiên is immense, as he not only saved her life but also protected her honor. She feels deeply indebted to him and expresses her desire to repay him:

'What can I give you to express my gratitude?'

In the end, she decides to dedicate her life to him, serving him with devotion to repay his great kindness. Kiều Nguyệt Nga’s beautiful qualities and noble behavior earn her the admiration and affection of the people.

This excerpt from *Lục Vân Tiên* highlights the noble traits of both characters: Lục Vân Tiên’s righteousness and courage, and Kiều Nguyệt Nga’s modesty and grace. Together, they represent the ideals of the people and convey deeper messages from the poet.

In Nguyễn Du's *The Tale of Kiều*, the author reflects on the harsh realities of feudal society, exposing the ruthless, inhumane nature of the ruling class. The power of money and fame reduces unfortunate women to mere commodities, traded by exploitative men in society. The Vương family, once living in peace and happiness, faces ruin after a false accusation, bringing them into legal troubles. The corrupt officials take advantage of the situation to steal from Thúy Kiều's family, showing how power and wealth corrupt those who are supposed to serve justice. Even the judge handling her father’s case is bribed, exploiting his position for personal gain.

The power of money is immense, able to sway moral values and strip away human conscience. The officials who should restore justice are instead twisted by their greed, distorting the law to suit their desires. The life of a beautiful, talented woman like Thúy Kiều, whose fate seems perfect at first, soon takes a tragic turn, as she uses her beauty and abilities to survive in a corrupt world. *The Tale of Kiều* highlights the humanistic values that Nguyễn Du cherishes, portraying the ideal qualities of a person, from character to appearance, and the noble aspirations they hold. Thúy Vân, with her graceful beauty and gentle nature, represents tranquility and happiness, while Thúy Kiều, with her stunning, yet tragic beauty, epitomizes a woman caught in the turmoil of fate. Kiều’s remarkable talents stand in stark contrast to the stereotype that beautiful women are often lacking in intelligence. Nguyễn Du gifts her with an extraordinary range of abilities—music, poetry, and the arts, making her not only a symbol of beauty but also of brilliance. Her elegance and wit are unrivaled, as she captivates everyone she meets.

The social reality depicted in *The Tale of Kiều* reveals the cruelty of the feudal system, which imprisons the innocent, like Thúy Kiều’s family, in false accusations. This societal injustice sets off the chain of misfortunes that lead to Thúy Kiều’s own heartbreaking downfall. Initially a sheltered young lady, Thúy Kiều becomes a pawn in the hands of others, sold and exploited, losing her dignity and freedom. Her tragic life is a reflection of the suffering women endured in a patriarchal society. Through her story, Nguyễn Du condemns the cruelty of a system that exploits women and deprives them of their right to happiness. For fifteen years, Kiều endures one misfortune after another, from being deceived and sold into prostitution to enduring physical abuse, humiliation, and betrayal. Eventually, this unbearable life leads her to attempt suicide on multiple occasions, but she is always saved, only to face even worse fates.

Thúy Kiều’s story is a powerful indictment of the feudal system, which drove a virtuous, talented, and loving woman to ruin. Her hardships highlight the injustices faced by women in that society. Her life, filled with abuse and despair, is an accusation against the cruelty and degradation of the feudal system. Despite her many sufferings, Kiều’s story ultimately reveals Nguyễn Du’s deep empathy for women, especially those who were talented, virtuous, and deserving of happiness but were instead subjected to hardship. Through *The Tale of Kiều*, Nguyễn Du not only denounces the cruelty of the feudal system but also reveals the deep humanity and compassion he felt for women like Thúy Kiều. The work also showcases Nguyễn Du’s remarkable artistic talent, using vivid descriptions, internal reflections, and a masterful command of language to convey the complex emotions and injustices that characterize his protagonist’s life. The lasting power of *The Tale of Kiều* lies in its timeless portrayal of human suffering and resilience, especially in the face of an unjust world.

Across the globe, there are countless famous and awe-inspiring statues. Vietnam is home to one such grand and meaningful monument: the statue of Mother Thứ, located in Tam Kỳ city, Quảng Nam province. This monument represents the heroic spirit and deep humanity of a mother. Mother Thứ, born Nguyễn Thị Thứ, had 12 children, 11 sons and one daughter. During the two devastating wars of resistance, she sent her sons to defend the nation, and tragically, 9 of them never returned. In addition to the sacrifice of her children, she remained steadfast in her village, supporting the war effort by producing goods and sheltering revolutionary fighters. Her home contained five secret bunkers, and hundreds of soldiers were protected by her family during the war years. For her immense contributions, she was honored with the title 'Heroic Vietnamese Mother' by the state.

After Mother Thứ's passing in 2010, the government decided to build a monumental memorial to honor her and all other mothers like her. The memorial complex spans 15 hectares and features a towering 18.5-meter statue of Mother Thứ made from sandstone. On either side of her statue are granite faces, creating a sweeping arch over 120 meters long. The sheer scale of this statue mirrors the tremendous sacrifice and love she gave to her country.

The statue of Mother Thứ captures her with warm eyes, a mouth aged with time, and detailed wrinkles on her forehead and around her eyes. The portrayal of Mother Thứ is both gentle and strong. Surrounding her are faces whose identities are ambiguous, possibly representing her children or other heroic Vietnamese mothers.

More than just a popular tourist site, the statue of Mother Thứ stands as a symbol of gratitude. It honors the sacrifices of the past and serves as a reminder to future generations of the quiet yet profound contributions of Vietnam's heroic mothers.

When compared to other art forms, cinema is relatively young in Vietnam. However, that doesn't mean it has been less embraced. The film “The Scent of Burning Grass” stands as a testament to the appeal of quality cinema in Vietnam.

Released in 2012, the film captivated audiences for various reasons, particularly its subject matter. War has long been a popular theme in literature, music, and photography, with many works becoming iconic in Vietnamese culture. Yet, at that time, Vietnamese cinema was still finding its footing. By exploring this classic theme with a fresh perspective, the film garnered significant attention and respect. The involvement of renowned screenwriter Hoàng Nhuận Cầm, a poet and former soldier who left his school to fight against the Americans, further contributed to the film's success. Even more touching, the story was based on the beloved diary “Forever Twenty” by martyr Nguyễn Văn Thạc. The film was produced by the Vietnam Feature Film Studio. With these elements combined, “The Scent of Burning Grass” promised to be a heart-wrenching experience that brought to life the heroic years of Vietnam's struggle for independence and the beauty of its people amid the ravages of war.

While these factors attracted audiences to the theaters, it was the film's captivating, authentic, and emotional content that ensured its enduring legacy. From the ancient streets of Hanoi to the fiery battlegrounds of Quảng Trị, every scene was strikingly vivid. The main characters—four young students—decided to abandon their studies to fight for their country. Hoàng, Thành, Thăng, and Long embody the passionate spirit of youth, their innocence, optimism, and hunger for happiness, coupled with patriotism, courage, and determination to sacrifice for the nation's freedom. Events and locations in the film, such as the 81 days and nights of fierce fighting at the Citadel, the Thạch Hãn River, and American bombings, are all based on real historical occurrences. More than just a historical recount, “The Scent of Burning Grass” portrays the deep losses and sufferings of the people involved in the war. In the film, we feel the sorrow of leaving family, the pain of witnessing comrades fall, and the poignant moments of young soldiers who were stronger than steel. Before they left, the four friends took a picture together, vowing to return victorious. But as the war ended, only Hoàng survived. Each smile, each look exchanged between the characters leaves a lingering ache in the hearts of viewers. The film is truly a poignant epic of both people and the nation of Vietnam.

Not only does the film succeed in delivering a meaningful story, but it also shines in its cinematic artistry. The narrative unfolds through the memories of Hoàng, who is now an older veteran, adding a layer of authenticity and emotional weight. The film also skillfully blends poetic and realistic elements. Symbolic imagery, such as the blood on the statue of a girl when Thành, Thăng, and Long die, and the red scarf Long carries, appears throughout the film. The attention to detail in the portrayal of Vietnam's rural beauty, with scenes of village wells and train stations, was meticulous. The battle scenes took months of preparation to achieve the desired impact.

With all of these compelling aspects, “The Scent of Burning Grass” deservedly earned the Silver Lotus Award at the 17th Vietnam Film Festival and four Golden Kite Awards at the 2011 Golden Kite Awards ceremony. To this day, the story of the four young men, Hoàng, Thành, Thăng, and Long, remains cherished and continues to move audiences. Director Hữu Mười’s words about the film encapsulate its significance: 'Honoring The Scent of Burning Grass is honoring the past... We must never forget the past, for without it, there is no future.'

In the flow of medieval literature, every poet and writer has played a part in shaping the face of Vietnamese literature through various outstanding works across different genres. When discussing the national poet Nguyễn Du, readers from all generations inevitably think of his masterpiece “The Tale of Kiều.” As readers turn the pages of Kiều’s story, they feel the immense pain Kiều endures, but hidden beneath it all is the beauty of her spirit and character. The passage from 'When the drunkenness fades at the end of the night' to 'Who truly understands me, and with whom do I share this deep connection?' serves as a perfect example of this.

In the midst of a tragic situation in the brothel, Thúy Kiều is consumed by deep sorrow and grief over her fate, reflecting on her life.

'When the drunkenness fades at the end of the night,'

'I wake in shock, pitying myself, feeling deep sorrow.'

The line 'When the drunkenness fades, at the end of the night' introduces the nighttime, when the revelry ends. This is one of the rare moments Kiều is able to reflect on herself, facing her own emotions, thoughts, and struggles. In that brief moment, she 'wakes up' in shock, realizing the harshness of her life. The shock transforms into self-pity, a deep sorrow for herself, and this sorrow, when examined, reveals Kiều’s self-awareness of her own dignity. In this painful solitude, Kiều seeks to understand the reasons for her misery.

'When the stars once glittered brightly,

Now why are they scattered like flowers in the street?'

'The stars were once bright, but now they are dull,

Like a butterfly tired of the bee's sting.'

The author uses the technique of contrast effectively, with 'glittering stars' evoking a peaceful and happy past, juxtaposed against images like 'scattered flowers', 'stars dimmed by wind and rain,' and 'butterflies tiring of the bee’s sting,' illustrating the cruel and shattered present. Through this contrast between past and present, Nguyễn Du intensifies the feelings of defeat, shame, and despair Kiều faces in her plight. Moreover, the repeated rhetorical questions 'When, why, how' convey Kiều's internal questioning, a deep self-torment. In her sorrow and anguish, Kiều fully realizes the painful contrast between herself and others.

'While the Sở rains and the Tần clouds pass by,

How would I know what spring is like?'

Not only is there a stark contrast between past and present, but now Kiều’s internal conflict is also at odds with the external world. Her deep inner tragedy is evident in the last eight lines of the excerpt.

'The boat sails gently, the flowers in bloom,'

'Half the curtain closed, snow embraces the moonlight.'

'Every scene, though lovely, carries sorrow.'

'The sadness of the person makes the scene no longer joyful.'

The picturesque world of the brothel is depicted in rich imagery, with phrases like 'gentle winds', 'snow's embrace,' and 'moonlit nights.' Yet, beneath this beauty lies the harsh reality, full of humiliation and despair. To Kiều, the external world here feels fake, and she cannot find true companionship or a kindred spirit. Her indifference to everything around her represents her emotional numbness. Using the artistic method of 'describing the scenery to convey emotions,' Nguyễn Du skillfully reveals Kiều’s deep sadness and self-pity in this setting. Her heartache is expressed poignantly through numerous rhetorical questions.

In conclusion, the passage’s skillful use of contrast and vivid imagery highlights Kiều’s emotional state, illustrating the profound sorrow for her fate. And yet, hidden within is the beauty of Kiều’s character, which the readers come to appreciate.