Moon as Imagery in the Tale of Kieu - Essay Example

The imageries in the tale are perceived as symbols that define a character. A common object used in the poem is the moon. Moon has a great significance to society, especially to Asian people whose cultural beliefs revolve around it. Thus concerning Asians, the author has used to convey the message more significantly. For instance, the Chinese believe in the goddess moon and as a result, make extensive use of images of the moon in their literature works. The imagery of the moon has been used to illustrate Kieu, who is the tale’s main character.

She is a beautiful, attractive lady and thus the author likens her to the moon to emphasize her character and striking physical appearance. The moon diligently and gradually shines from a crescent to a full moon within the same period year in and year out. Despite the weather changes, it is persistent to complete its course. Like the moon, Kieu faces many challenges and complications. However, her undeterred persistence and determined to retain her natural character and assume her role are alarming.

She even takes the risk of engaging herself in prostitution to defend her responsibility to her father. In addition, the moon has been used to describe other characters in the tale such as the Thuy sisters. Kieu and Van are both charming and physically attractive. Their beauty epitomizes that of the goddess moon in Chinese culture. Men who admire and praise her because of her enticing look illustrate the beauty of Kieu. Chinese believe in a goddess moon called Chang-ho, a moon ruler whom they highly praise due to her feminine beauty that surpasses any generation.

According to the author, Kieu deserves such a high position in society. Moreover, the changing aspects of her life are characteristic of those of the moon. Just as the moon changes from a crescent, which only shines with mild brightness, and grows into a full one to assume more lighting responsibility, so do her responsibilities increase as she matures. In addition, Kim and Kieu’s lover share such deep love that they pledge vows to the moon. As they do so, the moon is shining brightly and epitomizes their moods then.

Their happiness and excitement could be equated to the moon’s brightness. In addition, the poem ends with Kieu reuniting with her family and lover, Kim, after having been away for fifteen years. The author uses imagery to illustrate her happiness by saying the moon shone unusually bright at that time (Du 161). Her past fifteen years can be likened to the numerous nights that are slowly lit by the moon. The unusually bright full moon depicts a joyous return home. Imagery has also been used to illustrate the mental conditions of Kieu.

A crescent appears during the cold windy nights (Du 85). At this time, she is sitting at the window while waiting for Thuc. A crescent mood is used to illustrate her low mood since it produces less bright light as compared to the full moon just as she appears gloomy and dull. The presence of three stars surrounding the crescent shows that Kieu has missed Thuc. This is because, to a Chinese character, a crescent together with three stars represents the heart, which is also part of the name given to Thuc in Vietnamese.