NAM XƯƠNG LIỆT NỮ VŨ THỊ TÂN TRUYỆN (NGUYỄN HÒA HƯƠNG) FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF TEXTUALITY

Abstract

This article focuses on examining the Nôm verse narrative "Nam Xương Liệt Nữ Vũ Thị Tân Truyện" by Nguyễn Hòa Hương from an intertextual perspective, examining two aspects: genre and narrative structure, and the central character's image. From an intertextual perspective, regarding genre, in relation to Nguyễn Dữ's "Nam Xương Nữ Tử Truyện," Nguyễn Hòa Hương's work represents a shift from a legendary tale to a Nôm verse narrative, resulting in a shift in narrative structure: from a strange story to a story of emotion and morality. Regarding the character's image, Vũ Thị Thiết in the Nôm verse narrative is envisioned as a woman whose fate combines the qualities of a virtuous woman, a warrior woman, a beautiful woman, and a heroic woman. These qualities together create the character of a wronged individual. However, unlike the wronged character in the legendary tale, Vũ Thị Thiết in this work speaks out, vindicates herself, and clearly understands the nature of her personal tragedy.