Introduction
In this article, we will delve into the life and works of Nguyễn Du, a literary genius and cultural icon of Vietnam. Known as the “Great Poet”, Nguyễn Du lived from 1765 to 1820, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that has captivated readers for centuries. Let’s explore the expertise, authority, credibility, and experience encapsulated in his literary masterpieces, particularly his renowned work, “Truyện Kiều” (The Tale of Kiều).
Nguyễn Du’s Life and Journey
Nguyễn Du’s life was marked by trials and challenges. After experiencing personal loss, including the death of his father and eldest son, he returned to his ancestral village in Tiên Điền, Nghi Xuân district, Hà Tĩnh province. Despite his family’s scattered state and the dilapidation of his ancestral home, Nguyễn Du found solace in the land provided by his relatives in Thuận Mỹ village. Here, he earned the nicknames “Hồng Sơn liệp hộ” (the hunter of Hồng mountain) and “Nam Hải điểu đồ” (the fisherman of the South Sea).
Nguyễn Du’s Achievements
In 1802, Nguyễn Du was appointed as the Phù Dung magistrate (Khoái Châu district, Sơn Nam province) by Emperor Gia Long. His tenure continued with his appointment as the magistrate of Thường Tín district, Sơn Nam province, in November of the same year. Notably, in 1803, Nguyễn Du was selected to accompany the Qing dynasty envoy and received an honorary title from Emperor Gia Long. Throughout his career, Nguyễn Du held several positions, including his role as the provincial chief of Quảng Bình and as an envoy to China.
Literary Legacy and Contributions
Nguyễn Du’s literary contributions span both Hán (classical Chinese) and Nôm (Vietnamese vernacular script). His Hán compositions include the “Thanh Hiên thi tập” (a collection of poems by Thanh Hiên) containing 78 poems, the “Nam trung tạp ngâm” with 40 poems written during his tenure in Huế, Quảng Bình, and other locations in southern Hà Tĩnh. Additionally, his “Bắc hành tạo lục” consists of 131 poems written during his mission to China.
Nguyễn Du’s Nôm works include “Đoạn trường tân thanh” (The New Epic), which is commonly known as “Truyện Kiều.” This masterpiece is a verse novel comprising 3,254 lục bát (six-eight) verses. It tells the story of a young woman named Thúy Kiều, who endures 15 years of misfortune, love, and sacrifice in a cruel and unjust feudal society.
The Value of Truyện Kiều
“Truyện Kiều” holds immense value in multiple aspects. Firstly, it sheds light on the injustices and cruelty inherent in the feudal system, particularly the suffering endured by women in Vietnamese society. Secondly, it extols the virtues of love, justice, and the beauty of the human spirit. Nguyễn Du’s opus depicts a vision of freedom and fairness in a society marked by harsh norms and practices surrounding love and marriage.
The characters in “Truyện Kiều,” such as Kim and Kiều, embody these ideals and represent the beauty of talent, character, filial piety, compassion, loyalty, and heroism. Through the character Từ Hải, a heroic figure who dares to defy an unjust society, Nguyễn Du conveys a longing for justice, freedom, and democracy in an unfair and oppressive world.
Recognition and Impact
Nguyễn Du’s contributions to Vietnamese literature and global culture have garnered widespread acclaim. His work has been translated into over 30 languages, with French, English, and Korean versions leading the way. Furthermore, “Truyện Kiều” has elevated Vietnamese literature onto the world stage, leaving an indelible mark on the international literary community.
In honor of Nguyễn Du’s significance, he was recognized as one of the world’s cultural icons by the World Peace Council in 1964. Additionally, in 2014, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially celebrated Nguyễn Du alongside 107 other cultural figures. His contributions continue to inspire generations of Vietnamese writers and artists.
Commemorating Nguyễn Du
To celebrate the 250th birth anniversary of Nguyễn Du, various activities were organized in 2015. These events were led by Hà Tĩnh province, in collaboration with government bodies, cultural organizations, and universities. The Nguyễn Du Memorial Site, which includes his tomb and other historical landmarks, received special recognition as a national heritage site.
Conclusion
Nguyễn Du’s life and literary achievements exemplify expertise, authority, credibility, and experience. His works, particularly “Truyện Kiều,” not only expose the injustices of feudal society and champion the values of love and justice but also showcase the pinnacle of Vietnamese literature. Nguyễn Du’s legacy has transcended national boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on the world’s cultural landscape. As we commemorate the 250th birth anniversary of this literary genius, we honor Nguyễn Du as a true cultural icon and a source of pride for Vietnam. To learn more about Nguyễn Du and his remarkable contributions, visit Kienthucykhoa.com.
