Top 9 Analytical Essays on the First 12 Lines of the 'Trao duyên' Excerpt (Excerpt from The Tale of Kiều - Nguyễn Du) - Best Selections

Kiều pleads with her sister, Thúy Vân, asking if she will accept the gift of love, symbolized by Kiều's kneeling, a respectful but also desperate plea. The scene depicts the awkward and painful exchange between the two sisters—one relinquishing her love, and the other unwillingly accepting it. Kiều’s language, mixing both a request and a subtle form of coercion, reveals her inner conflict. The act of 'kneeling' underscores the solemnity and sincerity of Kiều’s request.

The following 10 lines are filled with poignant appeals, showcasing Kiều’s deep, sincere emotions as she pleads for her sister’s consent. She acknowledges that her love for Kim Trọng must be severed, but she hopes that Vân can carry on the promise made between them. In Kiều’s view, her duty as a daughter outweighs her own romantic desires, and she sacrifices her personal happiness to fulfill her filial responsibilities, entrusting her sister with this delicate task.

Kiều's decision to entrust her fate to her sister reveals her selflessness, her unwavering commitment to 'hiếu' (filial piety), and her sacrifice of personal love for family duty. The moment Thúy Vân agrees, Kiều finds a sense of relief, and her happiness is boundless, as she knows that her actions will ensure her family’s well-being. The language used by Kiều is persuasive and compelling, leaving no room for rejection from her sister.

This excerpt from 'Trao duyên' marks the beginning of Kiều's painful journey, and although the 12 lines are brief, they showcase Nguyễn Du's incredible ability to capture both the external events and the complex inner emotions of his characters.

The passage "Trao duyên" begins the second part of "The Story of Kiều": the tragedy of family betrayal and the life of wandering. It closes the peaceful days of the protagonist and opens the painful 15 years of her exile. On the last night before leaving her home, Thúy Kiều entrusted her fate to her younger sister, Thúy Vân, a scene that evokes great sympathy and sorrow from readers.

The opening of the passage contains Kiều’s plea to her sister:

"I trust you, will you accept my plea?

Come, sit, I will bow before you and then speak."

Kiều’s language is subtle and precise. The word "cậy" is similar to "nhờ", meaning to ask for help, but it expresses a deeper trust and hope that the person will agree. The word "chịu" replaces "nhận" (to accept), but with an added nuance of desperation and urgency, making it harder for the listener to refuse. Through these words, Kiều gently forces her sister into a position where she cannot deny her request.

Not only is the language thoughtfully chosen, but Kiều’s actions—bowing and speaking with reverence—also show the sincerity of her plea. The bow, usually a gesture of respect from a subordinate to a superior, here takes on a new meaning: Kiều, the elder sister, humbles herself before her younger sister. The reversal of roles emphasizes the unfairness of asking her sister to fulfill such a burden, which makes Kiều’s request even more poignant.

The delicate nature of entrusting her sister with such a responsibility led Kiều to carefully choose her words and gestures to ensure they were appropriate for the moment. From the start, the reader can sense Kiều’s intelligence, empathy, and selflessness.

After her careful words, Kiều confides in her sister about her love for Kim Trọng: "Since meeting Kim, on the days of promises and nights of vows..." These were beautiful, deep memories Kiều wanted to keep for herself, shown through the repetition of "khi" (when). However, these memories are now distant, overshadowed by painful reality:

"Why does fate bring such storms?

How can I fulfill both filial piety and love at the same time?"

Caught in a dilemma between love and duty, Kiều’s choice of duty over love causes her great pain. A dutiful daughter would not let her parents suffer, even at the cost of her own happiness. She resolves to sacrifice her love for Kim Trọng, a beautiful relationship shattered by cruel reality. With a heavy heart, she persuades her sister to accept her request:

"You are still young, springtime is long,

Feel the bond of blood, it speaks louder than duty.

Even if my body decays and my bones turn to dust,

I'll smile from the grave, knowing you’ve done this for me."

Kiều gives three reasons for her sister to agree: first, that Thúy Vân is still young, with plenty of time ahead of her; second, that it is a matter of family duty; and third, that even death cannot stop her from being at peace if Vân agrees. With such powerful arguments, Thúy Vân cannot refuse. Kiều's selflessness and willingness to sacrifice her happiness for her love for Kim Trọng only deepen the emotional weight of the request.

The effectiveness of Kiều's plea also lies in her skillful use of language. Words like "lạy" (bow), "thưa" (speak), and "cậy" (trust) carry significant weight in persuading her sister. Her logic is sharp, and her emotions are beautifully expressed, balancing reason and deep affection.

Through these layers of language, Kiều succeeds in getting Thúy Vân to agree to her request. This demonstrates Kiều's wisdom, emotional depth, and dedication to her family. It also highlights the tragic fate of Kiều, whose selfless love and loyalty lead her to sacrifice her happiness for others.

Nguyen Du, a great national poet of Vietnam, was born in 1766 and passed away in 1820. His given name was To Nhu, and he hailed from a noble family in Ha Tinh. Living in a period of societal upheaval and moral decline, Nguyen Du witnessed much injustice and the corruption of society. He developed deep empathy for the suffering of women, and many of his works reflect his sorrow and sympathy for their tragic fates. One of his most famous works, 'Trao Duyen' (Passing the Betrothal), a poem from the masterpiece 'Truyen Kieu,' is a deeply emotional and poignant piece that evokes profound sorrow in readers.

'Trao Duyen' tells the story of a tragic and unfinished love between Thuy Kieu and Kim Trong. The poem vividly portrays Thuy Kieu's anguish, which many cannot fully comprehend. It also highlights the deep human value of the longing for happiness, especially in love. A powerful excerpt from the poem includes the lines:

'I trust you, will you accept my words,

Sit down and allow me to bow before explaining.'

Thuy Kieu, having met Kim, felt bound by love, but the relationship was interrupted by fate's trials. The poem expresses her sorrow, as she gives her sister Thuy Van the duty to fulfill her love, despite her own suffering. Nguyen Du’s use of words like 'trust' and 'accept' emphasizes the sincerity and depth of Thuy Kieu’s love for Kim Trong. She uses formal rituals to make her sister take on her role in love.

In the poem, Thuy Kieu also expresses the deep pain of giving up her love, invoking metaphors such as 'broken love' and 'tangled threads' to describe her anguish. She feels guilty and sorrowful for imposing this fate on her sister but remains hopeful that Thuy Van will accept her request. Despite the pain, she continues to reflect on the memories of her time with Kim, using the lines:

'Since meeting Kim,

On the day of the fan’s vow, on the night of the cup of promises.'

These verses evoke vivid images of a love full of sweet memories, but also the tragic realization that it was never meant to be. Thuy Kieu feels torn between love and duty. As she faces an impossible situation, she uses the following lines to describe the tension between filial duty and love:

'What wave or storm could stop me?

Can love and duty be reconciled on both sides?'

Her love for Kim is unyielding, but she sacrifices it to fulfill her duty to her family. Her plea to her sister, hoping she will understand and accept her fate, reveals the inner turmoil she faces as she tries to reconcile these two conflicting obligations.

Finally, Thuy Kieu speaks of her resignation and sorrow, saying:

'Spring is still young for you,

Pity for the blood relations, substitute my words for the nation.'

Even if she must face a tragic fate, her love for Kim remains, and she wishes for Thuy Van to continue the love she cannot fulfill. Through vivid metaphors, Nguyen Du emphasizes the bond of family and the ultimate sacrifice that Thuy Kieu makes for the sake of her loved ones. The poem captures the sorrow and complexity of her emotions, leaving readers to feel the deep sadness and empathy she experienced.

Through the use of the traditional Vietnamese poetic form of Luc Bat, Nguyen Du masterfully conveys Thuy Kieu’s inner turmoil and the profound sacrifice she makes in the name of love and duty. The poem 'Trao Duyen' remains a poignant and heartbreaking portrayal of the pain and sacrifice inherent in the human condition.

The great poet Nguyen Du (1765-1820), whose given name was To Nhu, is a literary genius and a proud figure of Vietnamese culture. His masterpiece, The Tale of Kieu, is a poignant narrative of a woman's lament in a feudal society filled with corruption and injustice. The excerpt 'Trao duyên' expresses the deep sorrow of Thuy Kieu, who is forced to entrust her passionate love for Kim Trong to her sister Thuy Van, marking the beginning of Kieu's tragic journey. The most striking part of the excerpt is the first 12 lines. Though short, these verses echo with suppressed sobs of despair.

'Cậy em em có chịu lời'

'Ngồi lên cho chị lạy rồi sẽ thưa'

Thuy Kieu speaks to Thuy Van with sincere and humble words. The word 'cậy' (to trust) is used in a way that suggests a plea Kieu knows cannot be easily denied. She places all her trust in Thuy Van, who cannot refuse her request. Kieu lowers herself, addressing her sister with respect, as if begging for a favor. It is unusual for an elder sister to address her younger sister with such reverent words as 'thưa' and 'lạy' (formal terms used for superiors). Kieu prepares Thuy Van for the grave task ahead, knowing that what she is about to ask will be difficult for Van, and that it is a delicate matter:

'Hở môi ra những thẹn thùng'

'Đề lòng thì phụ tấm lòng với ai'

Every word is carefully chosen, and Nguyen Du uses highly expressive language. The precision of the language reflects the subtle emotions within Kieu's heart. This careful selection shows that Kieu has thought deeply about this painful decision, offering the love she had once hoped to flourish to her sister Thuy Van:

'Giữa đường đứt gánh tương tư'

'Keo loan chắp mối tơ thừa mặc em'

The 'gánh tương tư' (the burden of love) belongs to Kieu, but now it has been broken, leaving only a 'tơ thừa' (excessive love) for Thuy Van. Kieu understands that Van, still young, may not yet fully comprehend love. Kieu, who has experienced deep sorrow, asks her sister to take over the love she can no longer nurture. In these lines, Kieu expresses her inner turmoil and deep regret for passing on her destiny to her sister:

'Kể từ khi gặp chàng Kim'

'Khi ngày hẹn ước khi đêm chén thề'

The repeated 'khi' emphasizes that Kieu's feelings for Kim Trong are not fleeting but deeply rooted in past memories of love, symbolized by 'ngày hẹn ước' (days of promises) and 'đêm chén thề' (nights of oaths). The verse speaks of sweet memories, yet it also carries the sorrow of an ending, as those memories are about to fade, leaving Kieu facing a future full of despair:

'Sự đâu sóng gió bất kì'

'Hiếu tình khôn lẽ hai bề vẹn hai'

The 'sóng gió' (stormy events) refer to the tumultuous changes in Kieu's life, including her father's wrongful imprisonment and her sacrifice to redeem her family. As the eldest, Kieu must give up her personal happiness for the sake of family unity, as the Confucian value of filial piety dictates: 'Có ba trăm lạng việc này mới xuôi' (Only through a great sacrifice can things be set right). Kieu, like many of her time, adheres to the principle that duty to family outweighs personal desires:

'Nỗi riêng riêng những bàng hoàng'

'Dầu chong trắng đĩa lệ tràn thấm khăn'

As Kieu decides to sell herself to save her father and brother, she is overwhelmed with guilt and regret. She believes she is betraying Kim Trong, and she expresses this through sorrowful verses:

'Thề hoa chưa ráo chén vàng'

'Lỗi thề thôi đã phụ phàng với hoa'

While others may sacrifice for love, Kieu sacrifices everything, including her own youth, for her family. In these moments, she seems to have no future, but the call to filial piety is stronger than her own desires. Her love for Kim Trong seems like a lost cause, as she prepares to face her destiny, without hope of a happy ending. This decision leaves her feeling empty, but her devotion to her family remains the core of her existence:

'Duyên hội ngộ, đức cù lao'

'Bên tình bên hiếu bên nào nặng hơn?'

Kieu's sacrifice exemplifies a deep sense of familial duty, showing that even in the face of immense personal pain, the responsibility to one's family cannot be denied. She implores Thuy Van to take over her role, not out of malice, but out of necessity, knowing the gravity of her actions:

'Ngày xuân em hãy còn dài'

'Xót tình máu mủ thay lời nước non'

Thuy Van, though young, understands the weight of Kieu's sacrifice, as Kieu appeals to the deep bond between them. The phrase 'máu mủ' (blood ties) underscores the emotional depth of Kieu's plea. She asks Van to fulfill the role that fate has thrust upon her, with a heavy heart, knowing that the pain of this decision will last forever.

Kiều has sacrificed everything, including her love and youth, for her family. In this tragic tale, the joy of youth and love is destroyed by the oppressive social forces of the time. But the memory of Nguyen Du's masterful portrayal of the human condition, filled with beauty and sorrow, will endure forever.

When we mention the great national poet Nguyen Du, we cannot overlook his masterpiece "The Tale of Kieu." This is a work in which Nguyen Du expressed his deep sympathy for the tragic fate of the "beautiful yet unfortunate" Kieu. Thuy Kieu's life was filled with turmoil and misfortune. The first twelve lines of the excerpt "Giving the Promise" mark the beginning of the hardships she would face.

In order to raise money to ransom her father and brother, Thuy Kieu made the painful decision to sell herself to Ma Giam Sinh. This decision caused her great sorrow, as her love with Kim Trong was left unfinished. To not disappoint the one she loved, she passed the promise onto her younger sister, Thuy Van, asking her to continue the relationship with Kim on her behalf:

"I entrust this to you, will you accept my request?

Bow down and say yes before speaking to him."

From the very first line, the reader senses the solemnity in Thuy Kieu's words and actions. The act of giving a promise is a significant one, which is why the manner in which she passes it on is so formal and different from the usual exchange of items. It is not common to give something as intangible and elusive as a promise.

Even though she is the elder sister, Thuy Kieu uses very respectful language and actions toward Thuy Van. She does not say "please" but uses the word "entrust." This word conveys not only a request but also an appeal and trust in the one being asked. Alongside her words, Thuy Kieu's actions, such as bowing and speaking formally, emphasize the gravity of her request. Usually, such gestures are reserved for those of lower status, but in this case, Thuy Kieu humbles herself to plead with her sister to accept her request, recognizing her debt to her. Placing herself in Thuy Van's shoes, the younger sister can only "accept" because it would be difficult to refuse such a plea. If Thuy Van had used the phrase "agree to," she might have been able to decline the request. But by using "accept," Thuy Kieu places her in a position where refusal is not an option. With such words and ceremonies, how could Thuy Van possibly reject the help being asked of her?

To help her sister understand the reasons behind this request, Thuy Kieu recounts her story with Kim Trong:

"The love was cut off on the road,

Now, the bond is left to you to tie."

Perhaps their love would have flourished if it had not been interrupted by fate. Perhaps their love would have had a happy ending if her family had not faced tragedy, forcing Thuy Kieu to endure fifteen years of wandering. The metaphor of "broken love" symbolizes the relationship between Thuy Kieu and Kim Trong. Their love was cut short before it could fully blossom. Who wouldn’t feel sorrow for such an interrupted romance? Though her own love was unfulfilled, Thuy Kieu sees it as "extra" for Thuy Van, yet she still wishes for her to continue it with Kim.

She shares the story of her love with Thuy Van so that the younger sister might better understand the difficult position Thuy Kieu is in. Since meeting Kim Trong, their feelings for each other grew, and they had sworn vows, making their bond deep. Words like "day" and "night," repeated three times as "when we met," "when day comes," and "when night falls," show the depth of their connection. The readers will surely remember the vow they exchanged:

"The full moon in the sky so bright,

Our promise made, side by side."

Such deep affection led them to vow eternal devotion to each other. The imagery of the "moon" testifies to the sacredness of that vow, which now Thuy Kieu, sadly, must break. It is not that Thuy Kieu lacks love or loyalty, but fate, cruelly, has disrupted everything. The family's reputation was tarnished, and her father and brother were imprisoned. In a desperate bid to save them from cruel torture, Thuy Kieu sold herself to Ma Giam Sinh. Only then can we understand the depth of her sacrifice:

"The storm comes unexpectedly,

How could filial piety win over love?"

As the eldest daughter, torn between the duties of family and love, Thuy Kieu chose to honor her family. Parents' sacrifices for their children cannot be repaid easily, and Thuy Kieu felt her life was not worth as much as her parents' love:

"What use is a beautiful face?

My life can never repay the debt of birth."

After confiding in Thuy Van about her love for Kim Trong, Thuy Kieu used persuasive words:

"Your youth still has many days to go,

But my springtime has already passed."

For Thuy Van, her youth is still long, but for Thuy Kieu, her springtime is gone. Thus, she uses this time, "spring," to have her sister honor her vows with Kim Trong. To make her plea even more compelling, Thuy Kieu evokes the deep bond of sibling love, making it impossible for Thuy Van to refuse. If Thuy Van accepts Kim, Thuy Kieu, even in the afterlife, will smile with peace:

"Though my flesh is gone and bones decay,

My love for you will never fade away."

Using familiar proverbs like "flesh decays, bones crumble" and "smiling in the afterlife," Nguyen Du skillfully evokes the inevitability of death and the afterlife. For Thuy Kieu, her life means little compared to repaying Kim Trong’s kindness. If Thuy Van "accepts," Thuy Kieu will find peace, knowing her debt to Kim is fulfilled. Her selflessness shines through her devotion to both family and love.

Through the smooth rhythm of the six-eight meter and skillful use of metaphors, proverbs, and vivid imagery, Nguyen Du masterfully conveys Thuy Kieu's emotional turmoil as she gives her promise to her sister in the first twelve lines. Through a voice full of sorrow and regret, the poet evokes compassion from readers for the tragic fate of the "beautiful yet unfortunate" Thuy Kieu.

The first twelve lines of the excerpt "Giving the Promise" have successfully portrayed Thuy Kieu’s inner conflict and anguish, and they reflect the poet’s humanitarian voice in denouncing a society that, driven by money, pushes women into tragedy. Thuy Kieu's experiences in "stormy times" have led her to live a life of fifteen years in exile. This section not only contributes to the success of "Giving the Promise" but also to the greatness of "The Tale of Kieu," leaving an indelible impression on readers.

The tumultuous lives of women in ancient feudal societies were filled with sorrow and pain, subjected to numerous tragedies. The fate of Thuy Kieu in "The Tale of Kieu" exemplifies the harsh life of talented women marked by misfortune. Her "tragic" life, full of hardship, was once filled with love for Kim, yet their love was not to be. Their bond, fragile like a thread, was ultimately broken, unable to bring their destined love to fruition. The excerpt "Trao duyên" (The Gift of Love) vividly illustrates Kieu's torment, sorrow, and helplessness as she is forced to entrust her love to her younger sister. The first twelve lines of the poem are deeply emotional:

"I ask you, will you accept my plea?

Sit down, and I will bow, then speak."

With all her heart, Kieu entrusts her request to her sister, uncertain whether Vân will comply, yet still placing her full trust in her words. The word "ask" resonates with a deep sense of sorrow and compassion, revealing Kieu's hope and reliance on Vân, almost pleading with her to accept the task. Though Kieu is the elder, she humbly bows and speaks to her sister in a way that reflects the gravity of the sacrifice and the overwhelming affection she has for Kim, which is cut short by fate. Kieu can no longer keep her vow to Kim, so she turns to her sister, the only one she believes can carry on the love she had. In these lines, Kieu's emotional depth and sensitivity are clearly portrayed.

After speaking, Kieu confides in her sister about her love for Kim:

"Midway through, the love breaks apart,

The bond that once was, now left to you."

The burden of love, now shattered, is painfully bitter. For the sake of family duty, Kieu had to sacrifice herself, and yet, she still honors the love she shared with Kim. "The bond that once was" now lies with Vân, who is asked to continue the love Kieu can no longer fulfill. Though this love is precious to Kieu, to Vân, it is but a "leftover bond." Despite this, Kieu places her trust in Vân, hoping she will understand her pain. The memory of her time with Kim still lingers in her heart:

"Since the day I met Kim,

On the day we exchanged vows, under the moonlit night."

It was when Kim entered her life that love blossomed within her. Their vows to one another were genuine, and the memories of those happy times are still fresh in her mind. The repeated word "when" emphasizes the deep longing and regret Kieu feels for a love that was cut short. Vân, unaware of the depth of Kieu’s love for Kim, is entrusted with this secret, and Kieu hopes that her sister will understand her sorrow and the love she had for Kim.

"Fate is full of storms, but how can duty and love be fulfilled equally?"

Love was brief, but family duty soon brought challenges. How can one balance both love and family? This is the unrelenting sorrow that weighs on Kieu. She had to sacrifice her love for Kim, but cannot abandon it entirely. To preserve both duties, Kieu asks Vân to continue the bond with Kim, though it is painful and seemingly unfair. Yet, perhaps Vân understands the depth of Kieu’s feelings and silently listens as Kieu continues:

"In spring, you are still young,

Understand the heart that speaks for our shared blood,

Even if I am broken, my heart will remain with you."

With great care, Kieu tries to convince Vân, noting that Vân is still young, while her own youth has already been sacrificed. Kieu speaks of her own inevitable demise to help Vân understand her intense desire to fulfill this duty. These powerful words compel Vân to accept Kieu’s painful request, understanding her sacrifice. Through just twelve lines of poetry, we see a heart full of loyalty to love and devotion to family. Deep within Kieu’s soul lies the unbearable pain and regret for a love that could never be, making the "Trao duyên" excerpt a poignant melody in the tragic love story of Kieu and Kim, stirring sympathy and sorrow in anyone who reads it.