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The poem "Tự trào" by Nguyen Khuyen is a representative work, showcasing the author's gentle self-mockery and satire about himself. Nguyen Khuyen, a person whose life is intertwined with concerns about society and human existence, presents a humorous, satirical self through each verse. Yet, the poem also does not lack depth, reflecting the author's failures and exhaustion in life.

Right from the first verses, Nguyen Khuyen writes:

"Neither rich nor distinguished,

Neither skinny nor fat, just mediocre"

The author admits himself to be an ordinary person, without anything special, lacking an outstanding appearance or a glorious life. "Neither rich nor distinguished" displays humility, with no ambition to reach for wealth or nobility, while "neither skinny nor fat, just mediocre" continues to depict a mundane image, without anything prominent. This is a way to mock his own status in the feudal society.

Nguyen Khuyen continues to describe his failure in pursuit of government service through the verse:

"The game is halfway through with no more moves,

The money’s not even gathered and the game’s already over."

The image "the game is halfway through" and "no more moves" is a metaphor for a deadlock, unable to continue life or career like a game of chess that has lost its strategic moves. "The money's not even gathered" and "the game’s already over" further clarify the failure in career, with nothing gained, only surrender and disappointment.

In the next two lines, Nguyen Khuyen humorously reflects on his own education:

"Opening my mouth to talk nonsense from books,

Sipping on drinks till the tavern is shut."

"Nonsense from books" might be a sarcastic way to talk about the learned knowledge that holds no practical value. "Sipping on drinks" is a satirical image of drinking and feasting, reflecting indulgence in life that brings no success or meaning. These verses reflect not only failures in career but also in studying and applying knowledge.

Finally, the author acknowledges his own dismay through the verse:

"Thinking of myself, I find myself tiresome,

Yet there’s a tablet and certificates."

"Find myself tiresome" expresses boredom, disappointment with oneself, while "tablet and certificates" symbolize fame and achievements. However, despite "tablets" or "certificates," the author still does not feel he has achieved anything significant, feeling his life lacks meaning and reality.

The poem "Tự trào" by Nguyen Khuyen is a work rich in satire, self-mockery. Through it, the author presents a critical look at himself, his failures in career and life. However, his writing also reflects a weariness, tiredness, and self-humor with his own life. With a simple yet profound style, Nguyen Khuyen conveys a message about humility, self-awareness, and self-mockery in life.

In life, every individual has moments of self-questioning and self-mockery. Nguyen Khuyen, with the poem "Tu Trao," humorously and profoundly expressed dismay and disappointment with himself. Through simple yet full-of-implication verses, the author recognizes the mediocrity in life, failures in career, and the fatigue with unfulfilled dreams. The poem not only expresses the author's self-mockery but also subtly reflects the deep facets of life and humanity.

At the beginning of the poem, Nguyen Khuyen uses simple, familiar words to portray a self-portrait:

"Neither rich nor distinguished,

Neither skinny nor fat, just mediocre."

The author does not hesitate to admit himself as average, not outstanding in both looks and status. The phrases "neither… nor… just…" evoke humility and create a playful tone, making readers feel the light yet profound spirit of self-mockery. Through these two verses, Nguyen Khuyen affirms his simplicity, without ostentation, amidst the bureaucratic scene.

However, the next two lines open to another layer of meaning, reflecting social realities and the author's stagnation:

"The game is halfway through with no more moves,

The money’s not even gathered and the game’s already over."

The image of “the chessboard” and “the card game” are vivid metaphors for life and Nguyen Khuyen’s career in bureaucracy. “Halfway through” and “no more moves” evoke a sense of disillusionment, despair when all efforts reach a dead end. “The game’s already over” showcases failure before circumstances, when traditional moral values no longer uphold. The author acknowledges his own powerlessness amidst a turbulent time.

The next two practical lines continue to emphasize the mixture of helplessness and resignation:

"Opening my mouth to talk nonsense from books,

Sipping on drinks till the tavern is shut."

The author frankly acknowledges his alienation in the era. “Nonsense from books” is an image of a scholar clinging to outdated academic theories. Meanwhile, "Sipping on drinks" is a manifestation of distraction through temporary pleasures to forget reality. Through this, Nguyen Khuyen reveals the inner conflict between ideals and reality, between responsibility and surrender.

Concluding the poem, Nguyen Khuyen sums up his life:

"Thinking of myself, I find myself tiresome,

Yet there’s a tablet and certificates."

The satire is strong, expressed through the word “tiresome” – the self-disappointment. However, even with self-criticism, Nguyen Khuyen still mentions “tablet and certificates” – unerasable marks of achievements he attained. The verse is both a self-mock and a gentle affirmation of his value.

"Tự trào" by Nguyen Khuyen is not just a poem of self-satire but also a profound voice of a great intellectual in a decaying era. Through it, readers can feel the heartache of a talented but stagnant person before the situation. With a humorous tone yet filled with bitterness, the poem is like a mirror reflecting Nguyen Khuyen’s soul – simple, humble but full of courage and intellect.