Vietnam: What are the guidelines for preparing the shortest lesson "Đại cáo bình ngô"? What are the eligibility requirements for 10th-grade students to achieve the "Good student" title?

Guidelines for preparing the shortest lesson "Đại cáo bình ngô"

I. General Understanding

Context of Composition

"Đại cáo bình ngô" was written by Nguyen Trai in 1428 on behalf of Le Loi to announce the victory over the Ming army, affirming the independence of Dai Viet after a difficult resistance war. The work is a summary of the glorious history of the nation and marks a period of peace and prosperity.

Author Nguyen Trai

Nguyen Trai (1380–1442) was a world-renowned cultural figure, a major political, military figure, and a great poet of Vietnam. He stood out with his deep philosophy of benevolence, patriotism, and compassion for the people, clearly expressed through significant works like "Nation's Verse Collection" and "Đại cáo bình ngô."

Genre and Composition

Genre: Proclamation, an ancient debating literary form, usually used to announce significant events to the nation.

Composition:

State the philosophy of benevolence and affirm national independence.

Denounce the crimes of the Ming invaders.

Recount the arduous resistance and glorious victory.

Declare peace and conclude the war.

II. Content Analysis

Philosophy of Benevolence

Nguyen Trai defines the philosophy of benevolence as "peace for the people" (protecting the peaceful lives of the people) and "eliminating violence" (removal of violence and injustice). This is a noble ideal and guiding principle of the Lam Son uprising. This philosophy is affirmed in the line:

“Benevolence is to bring peace to the people,

The military's foremost task is to eliminate tyranny.”

Benevolence is not only a moral value but also the political and military foundation for building and defending the country.

Affirmation of National Independence

Nguyen Trai asserts that Dai Viet is an independent nation with distinct elements:

A long-standing culture: “Our Dai Viet has had a long-established culture.”

Clear territory: “Mountains and rivers delimit our borders.”

Distinct customs and habits: “Our customs in North and South are different.”

This is the basis to refute the invasion rhetoric of the Ming invaders while emphasizing the national consciousness of independence and self-reliance.

Denunciation of the Ming Invaders' Crimes

The crimes of the Ming invaders are exposed by Nguyen Trai in detail with intense indignation:

“Roasting blackened people on brutal fires,

Burying red children beneath disaster pits.”

The imagery of "roasting," and "burying" paired with powerful, accusatory prose clearly expresses the hatred for the invaders and a profound compassion for the people.

Process of Resistance and Victory

Initial hardships: The Lam Son insurgent army faced shortages of food and meager troop numbers. However, thanks to determination and steadfast will, the insurgent army overcame all challenges.

Glorious victory: Nguyen Trai recounts the catastrophic defeat of the Ming invaders:

“Ma Ky, Phuong Chinh, reckless as hungry tigers,

Ly An, Phuong Chinh, laid down arms in surrender.”

This victory stands as proof of righteous strength and national unity spirit.

Declaration of Peace

Nguyen Trai declares that the nation is free of enemies, ushering in an era of peace and prosperity:

“From now on, the state is stable,

The countryside from this restores anew.”

Majestic prose, affirming national pride and the aspiration for lasting peace.

III. Value of Content and Art

Value of Content

Affirms the independence and sovereignty of Dai Viet, delivering a powerful message of patriotism and national resilience.

Highlights the philosophy of benevolence, viewing the people as the source of the nation's strength.

Value of Art

Coherent structure, sharp arguments, persuasive reasoning.

Vivid, emotional language, harmoniously blending argumentative and lyrical elements.

IV. Answering Practice Questions

How is the philosophy of benevolence reflected in the proclamation?

The philosophy of benevolence is defined as "peace for the people" and "eliminate violence." This is a great philosophy, taking the people as the root, protecting their peace and eliminating harmful tyrannical forces.

What is the significance of the statement "Our Dai Viet has had a long-established culture"?

The statement affirms that Dai Viet is a nation with a long-standing culture and history, clear territory, and distinct customs, not dependent on any other nation, especially the North.

Why is the "Đại cáo bình ngô" considered Vietnam's second declaration of independence?

The work is considered the second declaration of independence because it affirms the independence and sovereignty of Dai Viet, completely refuting the invasion rhetoric of the Ming invaders, and issues a powerful proclamation of the nation's victory and peace.