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02 best sample essays analyzing the work "Bài ca ngất ngưởng"
Sample 1:
If "ngam khuc" expresses "a lonely person, painfully searching for their lost values," then "hat noi" is "a common form in ca tru reflecting a talented person's escape from constraints, mundane rituals, and worldly attachments, seizing the joy of the present moment." Mentioning "hat noi" is incomplete without referencing the work "Bài ca ngất ngưởng" by Nguyen Cong Tru, which offers a content suitable for its function and genre. The poem expresses the author's unconventional self, a lifestyle differing from Confucian ethics, based on self-awareness of talent and self-worth.
Nguyen Cong Tru was a poor Confucian scholar who passed the "Giai nguyen" exam and was appointed as an official, yet his career path was not smooth, full of ups and downs. Most of his works were written in Nom script, with "hat noi" as his favorite genre due to his exposure to the developed ca tru in Co Dam village near his hometown. The themes and content of his "hat noi" poems are diverse, such as love, money, the aspirations of men, and the enjoyment of leisure...
"Bai Ca Ngat Ngung," focusing on the theme of indulgence, was written in 1848, the year the poet retired and returned home to live a free and comfortable life. This is vividly depicted by the term "ngat ngung." According to Nguyen Dinh Chu, it is "meant to describe a posture, an attitude, a mentality, a person rising above the mundane, living among people as if not seeing anyone, walking through life as if knowing only oneself, a person living remarkably against the conventions of life."
The first six lines are a self-narration of the author's life showcasing talent in officialdom with significant events. The poem begins with a Han Chinese verse expressing the philosophy of life the poet pursued. Due to a playful, carefree inspiration, "hat noi" is structured uniquely, mixing Han Chinese with Vietnamese words. Most of the poems have a Han Chinese line at the beginning that introduces a pre-set idea. “Vu tru noi mac phi phan su” means all matters under heaven are my duties, showcasing human mastery in the universe, with a spirit of engagement and responsibility for worldly affairs. This poetic idea is repeatedly expressed in his various poems, like: “Vu tru chuc phan noi,” indicating worldly affairs are his duties, or “Vu tru giao ngo phan su,” suggesting all things in the universe fall under his responsibilities. He always identifies a positive way of living, engaging with life and contributing to it. He was influenced by the Nho (Confucian) ideal of manhood and inherited the spirit of predecessors like Pham Ngu Lao, Nguyen Trai, Nguyen Binh Khiem, and Phan Boi Chau, as shown in phrases like “Sinh vi nam tu yeu hi ki,” suggesting, “Shouldn't let heaven and earth just run its course”…
Subsequently, the poet speaks of himself, which is rarely seen in classical literature. During that period, the individual self was overshadowed, rarely appearing directly since classical people did not view themselves as the center but as part of a larger whole. But here, the author confidently expresses his personal character and individuality.
“Ông Hi Văn tài bộ đã vào lồng
…Có khi về Phủ doãn Thừa Thiên”.
Hi Van is Nguyen Cong Tru's alias. "Tai bo" means talent and elegance. He asserts himself as an “outstanding and exceptional talent” who has “entered the cage,” implying that serving as an official in the court is like being confined, losing freedom. The poet must be a broad-minded person, aspiring to greatness, and not fame or fortune, as he confidently expresses himself. He lists the academic ranks and high positions he held, with varying sentence lengths, rhythmic flexibility, and the repetitive use of “khi” (when) and Chinese-Vietnamese terms to show a proud, confident expression of his individual talent.
The rest is the poet’s narrative of his extraordinary lifestyle. Another Han verse “Do mon giai to chi nien” marks a turning point in his life, implying the year he returned the seal at the capital to retire, living life as he wished:
“Đạc ngựa bò vàng đeo ngất ngưởng
…Bụt cũng nực cười ông ngất ngưởng”.
With just four verses and “ngat ngung” appearing twice, the poet must love this lifestyle. The above verses use contrasting artistic ideas. A horse ornament is placed on the golden bull, a merciful figure depicted with sword and armor; mentioning swords brings thoughts of warfare, how could one be merciful? Visiting the temple for spiritual escape but “Got tien dung dinh mot doi di”... the stark contrast in the poet's persona creates his unique individuality.
Nguyen Cong Tru contributed significantly to the court and people, helping with water management, land reclamation, and achieving great feats in suppressing uprisings. Aware of his own talent, he chose a distinct life method and lifestyle. Foremost, he vowed to loyally serve the king and country, dedicating his talents and intelligence “bring all that exists into use” (devoting all life's aspirations). With his male aspirations:
“Chí làm trai Nam, Bắc, Đông, Tây
Cho phỉ sức vẫy vùng trong bốn bể”
After fulfilling the scholarly nationalist's responsibilities, he allowed himself to enjoy leisurely pursuits, with the idea that “leisure in life is gained.” Therefore, he did not worry about gain or loss, or praise and criticism, ignoring all to fully enjoy his pleasures:
“Được mất dương dương người thái thượng
Khen chê phơi phới ngọn đông phong”
The next two lines, with flexible, sudden rhythmic breaks 2/2/2/2, 2/2/3, list the author's pastimes, enriching the poem's tone and musicality:
“Khi ca, khi tửu, khi cắc, khi tùng
Không phật, không tiên, không vướng tục”
The repetitive “khi” and triplets of “khong” emphasize a free spirit, not shackled to earthly matters or worldly affairs, a carefree, serene attitude. Nguyen Cong Tru was enjoying the leisurely days of a talented artist: “Out of the reins, one’s feet are steady/ In the leisure of mountain and river, sober face drunk.”
In the end, the poet sums up his whole life with three lines affirming his talent and virtue:
“Chẳng Trái, Nhạc cũng vào phường Hàn, Phú
Nghĩa vua tôi cho vẹn đạo sơ chung
Trong triều ai ngất ngưởng như ông”
The poet places himself alongside renowned generals from the Han and Song dynasties in China. Trai, Nhac, Han, Phu refers to Trai Tuan, Han Fei, Han Ki, Phu Bat. He self-identifies, conscious of his virtues and talents. He roamed for his heart's content but fulfilled his loyalty to the king. As Tran Dinh Su opines about Nguyen Cong Tru, “Engage with the world without becoming worldly, roaming while fulfilling royal duties.” The poem ends with the author heroically exclaiming “ong” (grand), displaying personal self-congratulation, confidently asserting that there’s no one like him in the court.
“Bai Ca Ngat Ngung” with unique artistic techniques, using repetition and exclamation that clearly expresses speech intonation, achieving tonal cohesiveness and producing a defiant, arrogant, challenging voice. Utilizing colloquial, slang words from daily life creates lively mixed tones, both refined and vulgar. In a short poem, including the title, the poet uses “ngat ngung” five times, displaying his extravagant personality.
The poem vividly portrays Nguyen Cong Tru's portrait—a talented, distinguished figure, fulfilling his duty as a loyal subject while realizing his own aspirations. The poem contributes to the correct expression and function of the “hat noi” poetic form.
Sample 2:
In literature, besides the romantic, charming self that enchants, there also exists a resolute, proud self equally gripping. If Nguyen Tuan's "arrogance" manifests in a negative, proud reaction to life, showcasing his elegant style through sophisticated writings, placing himself above society, Nguyen Cong Tru similarly exhibits "ngat ngung," liberally in his talent, wisdom, and character. This is vividly expressed in the work "Bai Ca Ngat Ngung." The poem is the poet's assertion of his life attitude.
“Bai Ca Ngat Ngung” was composed in 1848 when Nguyen Cong Tru retired to his hometown after over 30 years serving as an official under the Nguyen reign. Throughout these 30 years, he sometimes served as a frontier guard, sometimes led troops in battle, yet other times served as a high-ranking official, experiencing both glory and hardship. As such, “Bai Ca Ngat Ngung” resonates like an autobiographical recount, where Mr. Hi Van proudly exhibits his talent, virtue, status, and displays a distinct, liberal lifestyle. This “hat noi” song contains two couplets, totaling 19 lines filled with rhythm, fluctuating melody, sounding leisurely, sometimes majestic, captivating when read. “Hat noi” is a national poetic form, tightly structured with a harmonious combination of poetry and music, making it appealing.
The poem opens with an assertion of the author's life view as a nobleman:
"Vũ trụ nội mạc phi phận sự."
(All matters in the universe are none other than my duties.)
Nguyen Cong Tru aims to assert his arrogance, claiming all matters in the world are his concerns. This demonstrates self-awareness and is a declaration by a skilled intellectual. Unlike most writers expressing only part of their viewpoint about life and feelings toward a particular aspect of it, Nguyen Cong Tru distinctly declares that no man of the world can evade duties tied to earthly matters. A real man never evades responsibilities within the universe. To substantiate this view, Nguyen Cong Tru illustrates his life's journey:
"Ông Hi Văn tài bộ đã vào lồng
Khi thủ khoa, khi Tham tán, khi Tổng đốc Đông
Gồm thao lược đã nên tay ngất ngưởng.
Lúc bình Tây, cờ đại tướng,
Có khi về Phủ doãn Thừa Thiên."
As someone with over 30 years of governmental experience, the author enumerates the roles he held: “Thu khoa, Tham tan, Tong doc Dong...” indicating his intelligence, exceptional talent, and strategic acumen, leading to many vital roles entrusted by the kingdom. This substantiates his unwavering, confident assertion made at the poem’s outset. The poet’s evidence is undeniable, supporting his initial argument.
It's presumed that only as an official, Nguyen Cong Tru showcased his extraordinary self, yet even in ordinary life or upon retirement, this persona persists, amplifying:
"Đô môn giải tổ chi niên
Đạc ngựa bò vàng đeo ngất ngưởng"
The image of “a horse saddle on a golden bull” illustrates the poet’s ridicule will towards life, always viewing his essence as grand, equal to life itself, enabling ridicule. Even Buddha chuckles at his “ngat ngung”:
"Kìa núi nọ phau phau mây trắng
Tay kiếm cung mà nên dạng từ bi
Gót tiên theo đủng đỉnh một đôi dì
Bụt cũng nực cười ông ngất ngưởng."
Departing official life, returning to simplicity, Nguyen Cong Tru’s lifestyle remained extraordinary. Phrases like “Tay kiem cung ma nen dang tu bi,” stemming from a life amidst courtly stratagems now seemed almost “benevolent.” Attending temples with leisurely “Got tien dung dinh mot doi di.” Indeed, Nguyen Cong Tru lived remarkably indulgently and wholeheartedly. Such levity that even Buddha’s smile is drawn by his respective independence. Few reach such indifferent, unburdened stature, yet in our poet’s life:
"Được mất dương dương người thái thượng
Khen chê phơi phới ngọn đông phong"
The official establishment now bears no meaning to him. No longer submissive nor ordering, praises, criticisms of office life now seem mere triviality. Liberated from worldly chains, he enjoys his life:
"Khi ca, khi tửu, khi cắc, khi tùng
Không Phật, không Tiên, không vướng tục."
Unencumbered by earthly matters, free to revel, sing, drink — a life more liberated than ever. After years serving and sacrificing for his country, he enjoys absolute freedom. This "ngat ngung" lifestyle, initially linked to official life, shines in retirement.
In the final three lines, he asserts, “none is as distinguished as he”:
"Chẳng Trái, Nhạc cũng vào phường Hàn, Phú
Nghĩa vua tôi cho vẹn đạo sơ chung
Trong triều ai ngất ngưởng như ông!"
Nguyen Cong Tru assures all of his loyalty, likening himself to commanders like Nhac Phi, Han Ki, Phu Bat... of the Han and Song dynasties. His contributions are unparalleled. An assertive, proud tone underlines his self-praise to highlight his contributions. Thus he states: “Trong trieu ai ngat ngung nhu ong!” Concluding it's an epitome of his vision on nobleman’s endeavors and duty. His affirmation seeks to engender awareness of each person, especially men, concerning life duties. Despite brevity, his affirmation expresses resolute determination, a testament from an official experienced in governance.
Throughout, the poem distinctly conveys the "ngat ngung"'s nature in Nguyen Cong Tru's work. His shared responsibility and service to his country serve as lessons for all, especially men, regarding their duties to life. This “ngat ngung” self isn't negative, but self-assertion, daring to live boldly — a life of gifted artistry.
Within a short poem, the author effectively communicates his lifestyle and perspective on life. The unique Nom poetic form distinguishes Nguyen Cong Tru's superior presence. Reading the poem enhances respect for those who’ve given their all during feudal times and appreciates the author's life's dynamic enthusiasm.
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