Literary conversation with daffodils with the late writer Nguyen Huy Thiep

When they first appeared on the literary scene, the works of writer Nguyen Huy Thiep caused a heated literary debate. The book Conversations with Narcissus and… includes important essays written by writer Nguyen Huy Thiep during the period when the literary debate about him was taking place (1988 - 1992).

Along with that are articles in the form of essays (signed Duong Thi Nha) printed sporadically in the newspapers Tien Phong, Nong Nghiep Viet Nam, Phu Nu Ho Chi Minh City... from 2000 onwards; articles about portraits, introductions of literary friends and his opinions on young contemporary writers.

Along with short stories, essays - literary criticism is also a genre that will make readers remember writer Nguyen Huy Thiep forever.

In this collection of essays and criticisms, writer Nguyen Huy Thiep discusses many issues in literary theory, criticism and creation, such as the writer's mission, the value and beauty of literature, literary genres...

In particular, he made many comments and suggestions about the current literary situation in the country, about the opportunities and difficulties, the things that need to be improved... Those were frank and thorny personal comments, which he called "blatantly" saying things that people still avoid or "don't dare" to say. In addition, he also wrote about his colleagues, literary friends and poets that he respected.

With his opinions and comments, writer Nguyen Huy Thiep affirmed: “I do not consider my opinions as the truth, I only present “erroneous” thoughts for people in the literary world to consider”. Perhaps he hopes that his thoughts can contribute to the development of the country’s literature, better fulfill its tasks, and gain a worthy position in society.

Like many other writers, writer Nguyen Huy Thiep ponders a lot about the mission, function, or “vocation” of literature - which he believes should not be overemphasized, lest it create “worship and fear”. At the most basic level, he believes that “literature is the science of man”.

That science needs to guide people towards good things: “Writing about life, writing about people is also to find beautiful and simple “truths of life” to serve as a “common mirror” for everyone. That is also the mission. Valuable literature is literature that has the ability to produce noble people and noble feelings.”

The conversation with the daffodils eventually ended. Writer Nguyen Huy Thiep wrote: “I know that neither I nor the flowers will remain in this world forever.” But with his heartfelt words, readers can feel the worries and expectations for the country’s literature, and what he left behind will still create ripples in the literary world, urging people to think and act. Because the path of a poet and writer is long and full of hardships.

QUYNH YEN

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/tro-chuyen-van-chuong-voi-hoa-thuy-tien-cung-co-nha-van-nguyen-huy-thiep-post790022.html