Tran Long Vu – 1677501 – TROY IT 01

Assignment 3 (ENG-2206): Literatures of Early Modern East Asia

1. Matsuo Basho’s The Narrow Road to the Deep North
Trip Details:
Basho’s trip to the Northeast lasted around five months, which took place in 1689. His companion
during the trip was Kawai Sora.
Places and Activities:
 Departure from Edo (Tokyo): Beginning of the journey.
 Nikko: Visiting the Toshogu Shrine.
 Shirakawa Barrier: Reflecting on the passage.
 Sendai: Visiting Matsushima Bay.
 Hiraizumi: Visiting historic sites and contemplating the past.
 Risshaku-ji (Yamadera): Climbing to the temple and writing poems.
 Tendo: Viewing rice fields and interacting with locals.
 Mogami River: Traveling by boat and composing poetry.

2. Luo Guanzhong’s Three Kingdoms

In this chapter, Dong Cheng plots against Cao Cao, believing Liu Bei (Xuande) is the right person to
protect the emperor. Liu Bei, cautious and observant, realizes the severity of the situation when
Dong Cheng reveals his plan during a wine party. As tensions rise, Cao Cao invites Liu Bei to his
garden, where they discuss the nature of heroes. Cao Cao praises Liu Bei, but Liu Bei remains wary,
sensing the underlying threat. Ultimately, Cao Cao's admiration for Liu Bei is mingled with
suspicion, setting the stage for further political intrigue and maneuvering.

3. Cao Xueqin’s The Story of the Stone

General:
Cao Xueqin wrote the novel during the decline of the Qing Dynasty, reflecting his own family's fall
from grace. The novel revolves around the love story of Jia Baoyu and Lin Daiyu, and the lives of
the aristocratic Jia family.
Chapter 96:
Jia Zheng's Activity: Jia Zheng is preparing for a ritual event.
Mother's Response: His mother is concerned and wishes to discuss family matters with him.
She is around eighty years old.
Daiyu's Plan: Daiyu hears from the maid about a plan concerning Baoyu's future. Due to distressed,
she reacts with worry and later falls ill due to the emotional strain.
Chapter 120:
Jia Zheng reunites with Baoyu during a religious ceremony. Baoyu is accompanied by a monk and a
Taoist priest. Jia Zheng interprets this meeting as a divine intervention, understanding it as a
moment of spiritual significance.

4. The Song of a Soldier’s Wife (Chinh phụ ngâm)

Author and Translator Biographies:
Đặng Trần Côn:
Đặng Trần Côn was born between 1710 and 1720 in Nhân-mục village, west of Thăng-long
(present-day Hanoi). He passed away around 1745 in his late thirties. Known for his dedication to
studies, he dug a shelter to study undetected during curfews. Despite failing a crucial examination,
he became a respected provincial education officer, sub-prefect, and censor. He was admired for his
free spirit, love of wine, and poetic talents, particularly in classical allusions. His most famous work
is "The Song of a Soldier’s Wife."
Phan Huy Ích:
Phan Huy Ích was born in 1749 or 1750 and died in 1822. Graduating with top honors in 1771, he
pursued a distinguished academic and public service career, holding high regard among rulers and
succeeding dynasties despite his mixed loyalties. Unlike Đặng Trần Côn, Phan composed
extensively in both classical Chinese and Vietnamese. His translation of "The Song of a Soldier’s
Wife" into Vietnamese was celebrated for its natural grace and emotional depth.
Song Composition:
The poem was composed during a period of turbulent war and separation. It reflects the sorrow and
longing of a soldier’s wife left behind as her husband goes off to battle. The main characters are the
soldier’s wife and her husband.

Description of Characters and Landscape:

The main characters are described with deep emotional resonance; the soldier's wife is sorrowful
and full of yearning, while the landscape around them is depicted in a melancholic tone. The
departure scene is painted with a sense of desolation, emphasizing the emotional and physical
separation of the couple. The landscape mirrors their internal states, with imagery of dust storms and
barren lands underscoring the harsh reality of their parting.
They Say / I Say Explaination:
The term “They Say” represents the arguments, ideas, and opinions of others that the writer engages
with. It provides context and shows the writer’s awareness of existing discourse. On the other hand,
“I Say” refers to the writer’s own argument or response to what “they say” It represents the writer’s
contribution to the discussion. Balancing “they say” and “I say” is essential for constructing a well-
rounded argumentative essay. It demonstrates critical thinking, engagement with different
viewpoints, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to academic discourse.