THE ART OF ORGANIZING LANGUAGE TO DEPICT THE LOYAL RIGHTEOUS FIGURE IN THE PROSE OF SELECTED SOUTHERN CONFUCIAN SCHOLARS IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY

Nguyễn Ngọc Phú

doi:10.34238/tnu-jst.12805

THE ART OF ORGANIZING LANGUAGE TO DEPICT THE LOYAL RIGHTEOUS FIGURE IN THE PROSE OF SELECTED SOUTHERN CONFUCIAN SCHOLARS IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY

About this article

Received: 14/05/25 Revised: 30/06/25 Published: 30/06/25

Authors

Nguyen Ngoc Phu , Dong Thap University

Abstract

This study aims to elucidate how the art of linguistic organization in the prose of Southern Confucian scholars in the late nineteenth century vividly depicts the ideal of “loyal righteousness” and kindles patriotic fervor. Employing an interdisciplinary approach that combines literary history and stylistic analysis, the author systematically compiled socio‐historical materials, examined and compared manuscripts in Classical Han, Nom, and Quoc Ngu, and then delved into sentence structures and rhetorical techniques - from parallelism, repetition, and antithesis to allusion, reduplication, and rhythmic patterning - within exemplary proclamations, memorials, eulogies, and narratives. The findings reveal a harmonious fusion of three linguistic “palettes”: Classical Han lends scholarly gravitas and solemnity through allusive diction and symmetric composition; Nom contributes rustic authenticity and folk resonance via reduplicative words and idioms; and Quoc Ngu offers flexibility, melodic rhythm, and regional color, broadening the texts’ appeal to a wider readership. This subtle interplay not only enhances the persuasive power and emotive force of the prose but also affirms its unique aesthetic value, thereby helping to preserve and enrich the literary legacy of Southern Confucian prose.

Keywords

The art of structuring language; Prose; Southern Confucian scholars; Language; Loyalty and righteousness

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.34238/tnu-jst.12805

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