Đinh Quang Anh Thái | Vang bóng một thời của Nguyễn Tuân

Summary

The video script features a reading session from the book 'Trước Đèn Đọc Sách' by Lãng Nhân Phùng Tất Đắc, highlighting the author's advocacy for a simple and slow-paced life. It also introduces 'Vang Bóng Một Thời' by Nguyễn Tuân, a collection of short stories and essays reflecting Vietnamese society and culture, with a focus on traditional values like tea ceremonies and the art of phở. The session invites viewers to explore these works at Tự Lực Bookstore in Garden Grove, California.

Takeaways

• 📚 The script is a reading from a book titled 'Before the Light of the Lamp' by Lãng Nhân Phùng Tất Đắc, which critiques modern civilization's materialism and advocates for a simpler, purer way of life.
• 🗓️ 'Before the Light of the Lamp' was first published in 1939 by Tân Dân Publishing House in Hanoi and was reprinted in Saigon in 1960 and 1974.
• 👤 Lãng Nhân Phùng Tất Đắc was a prolific writer from the 1930s, known for his contributions to various newspapers in both French and Vietnamese.
• 🏆 Lãng Nhân was also a political figure, serving as a member of the North Vietnamese Parliament in 1945 and was rescued from prison by his friend Trần Trọng Kim, the then Prime Minister of Vietnam.
• 📚 After moving to the South, Lãng Nhân became the director of Kim Lai Printing House, which published several of his works.
• 📖 Another work mentioned is 'Echoes of a Time' by Nguyễn Tuân, a collection of short stories and essays first published in 1940, reflecting the customs and lifestyle of the past.
• 📈 'Echoes of a Time' has been reprinted many times, with a special edition released in 2010 by Văn Học Publishing House in collaboration with Nguyễn Tuân's family.
• 🍵 The script includes a detailed narrative about the art of tea brewing and drinking, highlighting the cultural significance of tea in Vietnamese society.
• 📝 A short story excerpt from 'Echoes of a Time' tells a tale about a beggar who, despite his status, is invited to enjoy tea by a generous host, showcasing the social dynamics around tea drinking.
• 🍜 The script also discusses 'phở', a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup, and its cultural importance, as well as the unique way of naming phở shops after their owners.
• 😄 There is a humorous anecdote about how even national heroes and celebrities in Vietnam are associated with opening phở shops, reflecting the dish's ubiquity and cultural significance.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the book 'Trước đèn' by Lãng nhân Phùng Tất Đắc?

The main theme of 'Trước đèn' is to highlight the purity of the soul through various generations, against the backdrop of a materialistic and mechanical civilization that tends to make people more deceitful and lose their inner purity.

When was the book 'Trước đèn' first published?

The book 'Trước đèn' was first published in 1939 by Tân Dân Publishing House in Hanoi.

Who is the author of 'Vang bóng một thời'?

The author of 'Vang bóng một thời' is Nguyễn Tuân.

What type of literary work is 'Vang bóng một thời'?

'Vang bóng một thời' is a collection of short stories and essays.

How many times was 'Vang bóng một thời' reprinted until 1988?

'Vang bóng một thời' was reprinted multiple times, specifically in the years 1943, 1945, 1951, 1962, and the sixth edition was published in 1988.

What is the significance of the story 'Những chiếc ấm đất' in 'Vang bóng một thời'?

The story 'Những chiếc ấm đất' revolves around the art of tea brewing and drinking, reflecting the deep appreciation and respect for tea culture in the past.

What is the narrative technique used in the story 'Những chiếng Chiếc Ấm đất'?

The narrative technique used in 'Những chiếng Chiếc Ấm đất' involves storytelling between two characters, Sư cụ chùa đồi Mai and Cụ Sáu, discussing the art of tea brewing.

What is the anecdote about the beggar and his unique way of begging for tea in the story 'Những chiếng Chiếc Ấm đất'?

The anecdote tells of a beggar who only begs at wealthy households and requests to drink tea with them. He brings his own small tea pot and enjoys the tea, eventually pointing out an issue with the tea's taste, which surprises the hosts.

What is the cultural significance of 'phở' in Vietnamese society as described in the essay 'Phở' by Nguyễn Tuân?

In the essay 'Phở', Nguyễn Tuân describes 'phở' as a popular and beloved dish among all social classes in Vietnam, reflecting the country's culinary culture and daily life.

How does Nguyễn Tuân portray the naming conventions of phở shops in his essay?

Nguyễn Tuân portrays the naming conventions of phở shops as being simple and often based on the owner's name or a nickname, which adds a personal touch and builds trust among customers.

What is the humorous observation made by Nguyễn Duy Chính about Vietnamese culture and phở shops in the script?

Nguyễn Duy Chính humorously observes that in Vietnam, even historical figures and national heroes seem to have opened phở shops, as evidenced by names like Phở Quang Trung, Phở Nguyễn Huệ, and Phở Lý Thái Tổ.