The “Trùng Vi Thạch Trận” – A Symbol of the Đà River’s Raw Power

“Trùng vi thạch trận” (literally, “myriad rock formations”) is a unique and powerful metaphorical image in Nguyễn Tuân’s poetic description of the fierce Đà River. Through these descriptive details, the author skillfully depicts a landscape that is both majestic and perilous, yet simultaneously harbors an untamed beauty and mystery.

1. The Perilous Ambush:

• “Nhiều đông Lan ra/ Sóng bọt đã trắng xóa cả một chân trời đá”:

– The image of “đông Lan” (a type of rock formation) spread across the landscape, white as “a sky of rock,” evokes a sense of imminent danger, a threat that the boatman cannot predict.

– The “whitecaps” signify turbulent currents, harboring a latent power capable of engulfing the boat at any moment.

• “Mai phục: creating a hidden danger, making it impossible for the boatman to assess”:

– The Đà River holds hidden “trùng vi thạch trận,” causing anxiety and uncertainty.

• “Không phơi bày kế hoạch tập trung ở lòng sông/ Tâm địa hiểm độc”:

– The danger of these formations lies in their concealed nature; they remain hidden, biding their time to attack.

• “Đá mai phục hết trong lòng sông”:

– The Đà River becomes a “battlefield” teeming with hidden “trùng vi thạch trận,” ready to “ambush” the boat at any given moment.

2. The Proactive Attack:

• “Mai phục sẵn nhận nhiệm vụ là vô lấy con Thuyền”:

– The “trùng vi thạch trận” have a specific objective: to “seize the boat.” This signifies their proactivity and aggression.

• “Chuẩn bị sẵn tinh thần chủ động hoàn thành nhiệm vụ/ Thận trọng”:

– The “preparedness” and “caution” of the formations suggest that they are not merely inanimate objects but possess a terrifying level of “awareness” and “intelligence.”

• “có chiếc nào nhỏ vào đường mặt sông/ Là một hòn đá ben nhổn dậy vô lấy con thuyền”:

– The “trùng vi thạch trận” are ready to act at the slightest opportunity, springing up quickly to attack the boat.

3. The Brutality and Cruelty:

• “Sự nghênh ngang hiếu chiến hung hăng”:

– The “trùng vi thạch trận” exhibit an arrogant, aggressive, and relentless nature.

• “Nhăn nhúm cau mày định mưu kế/ Chuẩn bị kế hoạch dự phòng để đe dọa tinh thần”:

– The “trùng vi thạch trận” not only attack directly but also “devise strategies” and “prepare contingency plans” to intimidate the boatman.

• “Mặt hòn nào cũng ngỗ ngược/ Nhăn nhúm méo mó”:

– The “twisted faces” of the rocks evoke a sense of savagery and cruelty, devoid of any mercy.

• “Rít lên như tuyếc pin thủy điện”:

– The “whistling” sound like a “hydroelectric dam” is a manifestation of their ferocity and brutality, striking fear into the hearts of those who hear it.

4. “Trùng vi thạch trận” as a Symbol of the Đà River’s Power:

• “Trùng vi thạch trận” is a unique and evocative metaphorical image representing the raw power and cruelty of the Đà River.

• It combines the elements of a wild and unforgiving natural world with a fierce and determined human spirit, illustrating the confluence of natural and human strength.

• The “trùng vi thạch trận” represent the ultimate test for the boatman, signifying the danger and challenges encountered when humans attempt to conquer nature.

Important Notes:

• The author employs a range of literary devices: metaphors, similes, and personification to depict the “trùng vi thạch trận.”

• This showcases the author’s profound understanding of nature, especially the wild, majestic, and perilous beauty of the Đà River.

• The image of the “trùng vi thạch trận” extends beyond a mere description of scenery and becomes a symbol of the trials and difficulties humans face in life.

Conclusion:

The “trùng vi thạch trận” is a unique and profound image in Nguyễn Tuân’s poetry. It not only highlights the immense power of the Đà River but also serves as a representation of the challenges and adversity faced by humans in their lives. Through his description of the “trùng vi thạch trận,” the author demonstrates his masterful artistry and his deep understanding of nature.