Luận án hồi ký, tự truyện hiện đại việt nam từ góc nhìn diễn ngôn thể loại 1

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING
HO CHI MINH CITY UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION

Nguyen Thi Quynh Nhu

MEMOIR AND AUTOBIGRAPHY IN VIETNAM MODERN
LITERATURE FROM PERSPECTIVE OF GENRE DISCOURSE

Specialty: VIETNAMESE LITERATURE
Code: 62 22 01 21

SUMMARY OF PHD DISSERTATION IN
VIETNAM LANGUAGE AND CULTURE

Ho Chi Minh City, 2022


The project was completed at Ho Chi Minh City University of Education

Scientific supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Thi
Reviewer 1: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh
Reviewer 2: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vo Van Nhon
Reviewer 3: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Kha

The dissertation will be protected before the thesis review board
at university level at Ho Chi Minh City University of Education
on ……. hours …..… day ……… month ……. year 2022

Further information of the dissertation can be found at:
- National library of Vietnam
- Library of Ho Chi Minh City University of Education

- General Sciences Library of Ho Chi Minh City


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INTRODUCTION
1. The urgency of the thesis
1.1. In the Vietnam literary picture, memoir and autobiography are prose
genres of special value. Although they are two different genres, there is a
border between them that is difficult to distinguish clearly. In terms of
similarities, memoir and autobiography are literary genres that recreate the
past. But the art paradigm of each genre is different. The artistic nature of
autobiography allows the author to create complete images. Meanwhile,
memoir require the accuracy of events and the objective judgments of the
memoir writer. However, such standard paradigms are only conventional.
These normative paradigms are only conventional. It have relative meaning
and mutability. Therefore, understanding the genre interaction of memoir and
autobiography is interesting for researchers.
1.2. It is not random that in the late 90s of the twentieth century to the beginning
of the twenty-first century, on the literary forum appeared many autobiographies
and memoirs of writers, critics, writers, artists, journalists, revolutionary
generals,... The authors have created a vivid array in literary life, which reveals to
readers more literary facts, literary destinies and problems complexities of the
past, etc. All have been recreated in a new, not simple, one-way view that is
more tolerant and understanding. Those early movements signaled the farreaching influence of memoirs and autobiographies on contemporary literary life.
1.3. Currently, a new research paradigm that complements the theory-based
research paradigm reflects a fairly strong development in the humanities and
social sciences. Those are cultural and literary phenomena positioned in the
discourse network around it. When studying discourse problems, we not only
study words, but also study the rules, ideas, social issues, etc.. that govern the

author's writing process. By studying discourse theory, readers will find that
language is not only a tool of reflection but also a construction of content.
1.4. The study of memoir and autobiography in Vietnam modern literature
from perspective of genre discourse is a promising approach. The thesis does
not examine all memoirs and autobiographies in in Vietnam modern
literature. The thesis mainly researches memoirs and autobiographies within
the scope of literature of writers, poets and critics. They are the ones who
receive the attention and appreciation of professionals and readers. From
there, the thesis will explore memoir and autobiography in terms of


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ideological code and artistic code of the genre. This can bring about a more
comprehensive and objective assessment of memoir and autobiography in
Vietnam modern literature. In addition, the thesis will contribute to clarifying
the nature of discourse - an issue of increasing interest and application in
literary research in Vietnam. With these meanings, the study of the thesis can
contribute a practical reference for those who are interested in theory, literary
criticism, and those who teach and study literature in schools at all levels.
2. Research objectives
The thesis researches influence of genre code on memoir and
autobiography in Vietnam modern literature. With a double-action
mechanism, the genre code both stipulates that writers must comply with the
specific requirements of the genre's core and can expand the scope of
reflection to bring about new artistic effects. From there, the study of memoir
and autobiography in Vietnam modern literature from the perspective of
genre discourse will better define the content, ideology and art of the work
through the ideological codes and the artistic codes.
With the selection of modern Vietnamese literary memoirs and
autobiographies to survey, we would like to see the main trends and nuances

in memoir and autobiographical discourse. Besides, we would like to see the
contribution of memoir and autobiography genres in Vietnam modern
literature. From there, readers get important documents for research and
teaching.
3. Research subjects and scopes
Research subjects of the thesis is the memoirs, autobiographies in
Vietnam modern literature from the perspective of genre discourse. With
discourse theory, we do not learn all the interpretations of discourse by
scholars but only go into some typical concepts as a fulcrum for the
development of the thesis. In which, we orient our research model based on
three main approaches to the concept of discourse: discourse as a static
structure of speech, discourse as speech ideologically stylized and discourse
as a product created from social institutions associated with power,
knowledge, and truth. At the same time, the thesis borrows the concept of
code in information theory to determine the genre code of memoir and
autobiography.
Research scopes: During the research process, the thesis does not
survey all modern Vietnamese memoir and autobiography works, but selects
some samples of memoir and autobiography in modern Vietnamese literature.
These samples meet the criteria of genre characteristics, public interest, and


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critical acclaim. In addition, the thesis pays more attention to the typical
authors and works for each period. These authors and works are consistent
with the discursive tendency of the research thesis.
Specifically, the author gives four criteria for selecting samples for
studying memoir and autobiography in Vietnam modern literature as follows:
1. Genre criteria: the thesis examines memoir and autobiographical
works of literary and artistic value, clearly reflecting artistic thinking and

satisfying the requirements of the genre.
2. Author criteria: the thesis only focuses on studying memoirs and
autobiographies of writers, poets, theorists and literary critics - who have
authentic and professional artistic thinking with a pen imbued with creativity
and art. Therefore, memoirs and autobiographies that the thesis focuses on
are mainly literary works.
3. Works criteria: the works surveyed in the thesis are works that
bring high aesthetic value, make great contributions to literature and art. In
addition, these are also works that have received high praise from readers,
researchers, and literary critics. The thesis does not examine the memoir and
autobiographical works of politicians, generals, editors, journalists, people
working in the entertainment field (singers, actors, models, football players,
etc). Anonymous individuals in society, or individuals who order, pen, and
write memoirs and autobiographies will not be the subject of this research.
The thesis does not explore works published on the internet, or published
abroad, but focuses on memoirs and autobiographical works officially
published in the country.
4. Context criteria: the thesis only focuses on a number of memoirs
and autobiographies typical of literary stages in the three periods 1900 1945, 1945 - 1975 and after 1975. These are the critical periods. marks the
formation and development of memoirs and autobiography in modern
Vietnamese literature.
4. Research methodology
To study the thesis, we use the following research methods:
Type method: Memoir, autobiography are genres in the type of
narrative prose. In the process of developing the thesis, we will learn the
artistic characteristics of the genre, find out the artistic conventions that
govern the process of constructing discourse. Since then, the thesis can see
more clearly the influence of genre code on modern Vietnamese memoir and
autobiographical discourse.

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Interdisciplinary research method: This method is used in the thesis
to examine modern Vietnamese memoir and autobiography in the cultural
environment in which it was born and moved. From there, determine the
historical and social context, the specific power mechanisms that govern the
strategy of creating all kinds of discourses in memoir and autobiography.
Systematic method: studying memoir and autobiographies from the
perspective of genre discourse requires a systematic view in the general
movement of modern Vietnamese literary genres. From there, the thesis explains
the change in genre code of memoir and autobiographical discourse in each
literary period.
Comparative method: in order to better clarify the discourse
characteristics of the authors in modern Vietnamese memoirs and
autobiographies, the thesis will compare the works of the authors on the same
thematic axis or the time of composition. The comparative method also helps to
compare the genre frame of autobiography, memoir, etc. to see genre
characteristics as well as genre interaction.
In addition, the thesis uses the sampling method, sample analysis, and
the operations such as synthesizing, proving, commenting in order to explain the
problem more clearly and specifically.
5. Contribution of the thesis
The thesis for the first time poses the problem of studying memoir
and autobiography in Vietnam modern literature from the perspective of
genre discourse (artistic discourse in memoir-based compositions,
autobiographies of writers, poet, critic in modern Vietnamese literature).
Through the study of the discourse of memoir and autobiography
based on ideological codes and artistic codes, the thesis indicates the basic
points in the genre style of memoir and autobiography in Vietnam modern
literature.

The results of the thesis can be a reference for the research and
teaching of Vietnamese literature.
6. The structure of the thesis
Besides Introduction, Conclusion, and References, the thesis is
divided into four chapters as follows:
Chapter 1: Overview of the research situation
Chapter 2: Theoretical basis and practical basis of studying memoir and
autobiography from perspective of genre discourse


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Chapter 3: Memoir and autobiography in Vietnam modern literature from
perspective of the ideological code
Chapter 4: Memoir and autobiography in Vietnam modern literature from
perspective of the artistic code
CHAPTER 1
OVERVIEW OF RESEARCH SITUATION
1.1. Research on discourse in Vietnam
1.1.1. Discourse theory study
In the world, the study of discourse has been studied since the early
years of the twentieth century. From the mid-twentieth century onwards, the
concept of discourse was widely used, especially in the fields of the social
sciences and humanities.
The study of discourse theory has been of great interest to our
country's authors. Some outstanding works are introduced such as: Pioneers
of postmodern thinking by Phuong Luu, The aesthetic social nature of
literary language, The concept of discourse in literary research today by
Tran Dinh Su, Some basic points in the narrative discourse of G. Genette by
Nguyen Manh Quynh, Three approaches to the concept of discourse by
Nguyen Thi Ngoc Minh,…

The above works have shown the influence and pervasiveness of
discourse theory to the branches of knowledge. The works are translated and
introduced to a large number of researchers as well as readers. That is the
motivation for Vietnamese authors to learn, deepen and apply this theory in
the context of Vietnamese literature.
1.1.2. Research on the application of discourse theory to Vietnamese
literature
The application of discourse theory to the study of Vietnamese
literature has been studied by many researchers and literary critics. Among
them, some outstanding works are: Discourse on sexuality in Vietnamese
fictitious prose from the early twentieth century to 1945 (2012) by Tran Van
Toan, Colonial Discourse in Lover by M. Duras (2011) by Nguyen Thi Ngoc
Minh, Dialogue and inner monologue in the short story Chi Pheo by Nam
Cao (2013) by Nguyen Thi Thu Hang,…
Besides the articles, there are also theses and dissertations of
domestic authors. Typical are: Contemporary Vietnamese fiction - viewed
from the perspective of discourse (2012) by Nguyen Thi Hai Phuong,


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Chronicle as a type of discourse (2013) by Nguyen Thi Ngoc Minh,
Vietnamese short stories 1945 - 1975 as the active field of discourse (2014)
by Hoang Thi Thu Giang, Autobiography, Memoirs - Autobiography of
Nguyen Hong, Ho Dzenh, To Hoai from the perspective of artistic discourse
(2014) by Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy, Three paradigms historical story in
modern Vietnamese prose (2018) by Ngo Thanh Hai,…
Research results have shown the important significance of
understanding discourse theory at a new level of approach compared with the
traditional approach. However, most of the studies have only applied a part or
a few discursive approaches such as stylistic and poetic approaches of M.

Bakhtin, V.I. Chiupa, M.Foucault’s sociological approach. Or exploiting
discourse according to the narrative aspect on a small scale such as narrator's
discourse, dialogue discourse, monologue discourse,... The work is
considered the most elaborate in the application of discourse theory. In the
study of literary writing is the work of Chronicle genre as a type of discourse
by Nguyen Thi Ngoc Minh. The above works are very important hints for us
to approach the thesis.
1.2. Researches situation of memoir and autobiography in modern
Vietnam
1.2.1. General studies
There are many research works on memoirs and autobiography in
modern Vietnamese literature in general. The researchers explain the
historical development of these two genres through the stages. Especially the
explosion and dominance of memoirs and autobiography in the last decades
of the twentieth century. Many researchers have summarized and generalized
the development process of memoirs and autobiography in historical and
literary works. Some authors such as Nguyen Van Long, Ha Minh Duc, Bich
Thu, Ly Hoai Thu, Do Hai Ninh, Le Tu Anh, etc. have given many sharp
opinions and comments regarding the achievements of memoirs,
autobiography, contributions and challenges of genre in contemporary
literary life.
The study of memoirs, autobiographies of a period or a group of
authors has also received the attention of researchers. Including contributions
from many valuable thesis such as Pham Ngoc Lan's Master's thesis with the
thesis Autobiography in Modern Vietnamese Literature (2006), Memoirs in
Vietnamese literature since then August Revolution 1945 to present (2013) by
Ngo Thi Ngoc Diep, PhD thesis by Nguyen Quang Hung on Characteristics
of Vietnamese literary memoirs from 1975 to 2010 (2016), thesis on Artistic

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thinking in Vietnamese literary memoirs from 1986 to present (2017) by Tran
Thi Mai Phuong,…
1.2.2. Studies on typical authors and typical works in memoirs and
autobiography
In addition to general studies, there are also studies on authors,
memoirs, and autobiographies. This field of study helps to clarify the value of
the works as well as the literary career of writers and poets.
Research and criticism articles often focus on a few famous authors
whose memoirs and autobiographical works are highly appreciated by the
public, such as To Hoai, Nguyen Khai, Nguyen Hong, Vu Bang, Ma Van
Khang, and Anh. Poetry, To Huu, Bui Ngoc Tan, Dang Thai Mai, Dang Thi
Hanh, etc. In which, the articles often refer to the composing situation,
introduce new works, and contribute to the authors' memoirs,
autobiographical writings stories for the country's literature. In addition, there
are many theses and dissertations that select one or a few memoirs and
autobiographical authors as research subjects.
In general, researchers have noted the development of memoirs and
autobiography in Vietnamese literature through typical and unique works.
However, studying memoirs and autobiography in the current context of
literary research and criticism, we find that there are still common limitations
and inadequacies as follows:
Autobiography and memoirs are basically not approached according
to type theory, narration, discourse research, etc.
Even when approaching discourse theory, basically the authors still
use the traditional approach. It is rare for authors or elaborate works to pose
and directly solve the problem of genre discourse of modern Vietnamese
autobiographies and memoirs systematically. Most of the documents related
to the study of literary discourse in general and the study of genre discourse
of memoirs and autobiographies that we have gathered are usually small,

sporadic opinions in works and articles, discussion,…
Two studies closest to our thesis are: Chronicle genre as a type of
discourse by Nguyen Thi Ngoc Minh and Autobiography, memoir autobiography of Nguyen Hong, Ho Dzenh, To Hoai from the perspective of
artistic discourse by Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy. Two studies have proposed
discursive codes for autobiography as well as autobiography, memoir autobiography, thereby serving as a basis for the application of discourse
theory in the study of literary genres.


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CHAPTER 2
THEORETICAL BASIS AND PRACTICAL BASIS OF STUDYING
MEMOIR AND AUTOBIOGRAPHY FROM PERSPECTIVE OF
GENRE DISCOURSE
2.1. Theoretical basis
2.1.1. Genre issues
2.1.1.1. Memoir
As a type of chronicle genre , memoir exists as a genre that holds an
important position in literary life. The term “memoir” appears late, but the
forerunner of memoirs dates back to ancient Greece. Regarding the concept
of memoirs, there are many definitions given based on different bases such
as: the meaning of memoirs, genre characteristics or storytelling of this
genre.
Although there are many different opinions on the concept of
memoirs, they all agree on the basic points: recreating the past of real people,
real events, the author is an insider or witness. The content reflected in the
memoir is highly authentic. Those are events and people that leave a deep
impression, associated with their own memories, but at the same time,
faithfully reproduce the historical, social and cultural life of the bygone era.
In memoirs, the narrator plays a central role between events and social
relationships, so memoirs show more subjectivity than memoirs and

reportage.
2.1.1.2. Autobiography
In the essay Treaty of Autobiography, Philippe Lejeune presented
the famous definition of autobiography, which is widely cited in scholarly
works by many researchers in the US and France. Lejeune defines
autobiography as: “a story in which a real person goes back in time,
recounts his or her life, emphasizing personal life, especially the formation
of personality” (Lejeune, 1975). It is this concept that has established one
of the formal signs of autobiography, that is, the narrator will focus on
narrating the history of personality formation of the individual. Although
there are many definitions of autobiography, the authors agree: An
autobiography is a literary work of the narrative genre written by the author
about his or her life.
Thus, when rewriting the story of life, the writer can define that life as
a self-portrait. Objectively, this portrait may be different from the real one.
Despite the similarities, all have been restructured and molded into an artistic


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creation.
2.1.1.3. Genre interaction between memoir and autobiography
When studying genre interaction, autobiography and memoirs are
difficult to draw a clear line between. The basic difference between
autobiography and memoir is that: the author's personal feelings and
emotions in autobiography are often bolder than in memoirs. In other
words, autobiographical thinking is introverted, and memoir thinking is
extroverted. It can be seen that these basic differences are the criteria for
identifying the genre, in which the role of fact and fiction is extremely
important.
The interplay between these two genres of nonfiction and fiction

can give rise to a borderline genre: memoir-autobiography. In the memoir autobiography, besides the process of recreating social life, the narrator still
consciously highlights the personal ego in the process of personality
formation.
2.1.2. Perspectives on type research and traditional methods in
classifying literary works
From the suggestions from the point of view of the study of the type
and the classification of literary works, looking at the characteristics of
memoirs and autobiography, we can divide the genre of memoirs and
autobiography into types of content. and form type. In terms of genre as a
type of content, memoirs often belong to the historical-ethnic genre; worldly
morality rather than personal life; autobiography often belongs to the genre
of private life rather than to the historical-ethnic genre; secular ethics. In
terms of genre as a form of form, memoirs mainly belong to the "extroverted"
non-fiction narrative; autobiography belongs to “introverted” non-fiction
narrative, can add lyrical elements or interweave fictional elements to an
acceptable extent.
2.1.3. Perspectives on studying literature and literary genres from
the perspective of discourse
In current literary theory, there are many research trends on literary
discourse. The thesis tries to capture the main currents, authors as well as
theoretical perspectives that have great influence in the study of discourse.
The researches of Tran Dinh Su (Concept of discourse in today's
literary research) and Nguyen Thi Ngoc Minh (Three approaches to the
concept of discourse) are valuable summary works on discourse theory. The
works pay attention to three popular discourse approaches today. These


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approaches are very important suggestions for us in studying the memoir,
autobiographical genre from the perspective of discourse.

2.1.2.1. Approaching discourse as a static linguistic structure
With the discursive approach as a static linguistic structure, we pay
attention to the work of G. Genette's Narrative Discourse. Through this work,
while describing the categories of Tense, Mood, Voice, G. Genette has
provided a conceptual system as a tool for studying (narrative genres,
narrative situation, distance, narrative focus, event narrative and narrative
tone,…). These are very valuable suggestions for us to learn the art of
narrative in modern Vietnamese autobiographical and memoir discourse.
2.1.2.2. Approaching discourse as ideologically stylized speech
Through many works, especially the problem of speech genres, M.
Bakhtin gives researchers important orientations: consider literary genres as
secondary speech genres. literary texts as statements in communication
activities; genre research on the basis of establishing genre model (genre
code). From the above perspective, we see that memoirs and autobiography
are a type of discourse. Genre studies based on discourse theory, especially
Bakhtin's genre stylistic theory, are useful suggestions for understanding
memoirs and autobiography from the perspective of genre discourse.
2.1.2.3. Approaching discourse as a product built from social
institutions associated with power, knowledge, and truth
The representative of this research direction is M. Foucault. M.
Foucault is interested in the element of power and knowledge, the two factors
that create, operate and dominate in discourse. From now on, people look at
literature not only in the static structure of the text, but also at the extratextual relationships with other types of discourse as well as the domination
of ideology, power, knowledge awareness of discourse operation. In
particular, in M. Foucault's research, “truth” is created from power and
knowledge. This research is very meaningful when we learn about “truth” in
memoirs and autobiography.
2.2. Practical basis
2.2.1. Overview of memoir and autobiography in Vietnamese
literature in the period 1900 - 1945

At the beginning of the twentieth century, society with many
changes, Western culture began to take root in Vietnamese culture, personal
ego appeared, this is the basis for memoirs and autobiography to form. Some
works were born during this period such as Nhung ngay tho au (Nguyen


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Hong), Co dai (To Hoai), Chan troi cu (Ho Dzenh), Chiec cang xanh (Luu
Trong Lu), Cai (Vu Bang), Song nho (Manh Phu Tu),…
It can be seen that this period, memoirs and autobiographies
developed in a period of great change in history. Although genre
characteristics have not yet been clearly defined because they are in the
process of forming and expanding genre boundaries. However, the
contribution of these two genres is undeniable and they have begun to assert
their position in the genre picture of Vietnamese literature.
2.2.2. Overview of memoir and autobiography in Vietnamese
literature in the period 1945 - 1975
After the August Revolution, the whole country lived in the
enveloping atmosphere of resistance, revolution and socialist construction in
the North. Against that backdrop, along with the backwardness of time and
political demands, revolutionary memoirs bloomed. Besides revolutionary
memoirs, memoirs, literary autobiography also achieved some initial
achievements. The composing team of this period were writers of the pre-war
generation such as Nguyen Cong Hoan, Vu Bang, Nguyen Hong, some poets
such as Xuan Dieu, Nguyen Vy, Vu Hoang Chuong, etc. Some typical works
of the period such as: Nhung buoc duong tu tuong của toi (Xuan Dieu), Buoc
duong viet van, Nhung nhan vat ay da song voi toi (Nguyen Hong), Doi viet
van cua toi (Nguyen Cong Hoan), Bon muoi nam noi lao (Vu Bang),… The
content of these works is written about literary and human lives, portraits of
writers and artists of the same period through memories or notes, discussion

of literature, journalism, etc. In terms of artistic thinking in memoirs,
autobiographical, at this stage, readers can see the formula, because the
works are still heavily influenced by political and non-literary views.
2.2.3. Overview of memoir and autobiography in Vietnamese
literature in the period post 1975
From 1975 until now, the backward time with many changes,
especially the awakening of the sense of individuality, the rising desire for
democracy, the need to re-recognize the past has made memoirs, Stories of
this period developed strongly with many different trends and styles. Typical
literary memoirs and autobiographical works: Dang Thai Mai's memoirs
(Dang Thai Mai), Nho lai mot thoi (To Huu), Nho lai (Dao Xuan Quy), Cat
bui chan ai, Chieu chieu, Ba nguoi khac (To Hoai), Thuong de thi cuoi
(Nguyen Khai), Mot thoi de mat, Rung xua xanh la (Bui Ngoc Tan), Hoi ky
song doi (Huy Can), Nui Mong guong Ho (Mong Tuyet), Tam xuan (Dang
Anh Dao), Memoirs of Nguyen Hien Le (Nguyen Hien Le), Nam thang nhoc


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nhan nam thang nho thuong (Ma Van Khang), Cua rieng khong khep (Vu
Ngoc Khanh), Tu ben song Thuong, Tieng chim tu hu, Ben dong chia cat
(Anh Tho), Memoirs of Son Nam (Son Nam), Co be nhin mua (Dang Thi
Hanh),… The best works of memoirs, modern literary autobiography were
also born in this period. Content and art in memoirs and autobiographies have
changed a lot. It is an extension of the scope of the reflected content; change
the way of approaching and reflecting life; diverse and flexible narrative
structure; rich words, tones,…
2.3. The viewpoint of studying memoir and autobiography from the
perspective of discourse
2.3.1. The perception of “truth” in memoir, autobiography
2.3.1.1. The concept of “truth”

In our country, the reality of art in the 80s and 90s of the twentieth
century posed the problem of renewing the view of reality, renewing the
concept of reflection and the relationship between reality and art. Not only is
the reality required, but the artists themselves also have the inner urge to
bravely look at the truth, reflect honestly, deeply and diversely about reality
and the truth of life. Reflecting reality, now associated with the issue of
publicity and democracy of society and the honesty, openness and freedom of
writers. Many writers think: promoting democracy, openness, innovation,
freedom, respecting the truth is respecting people.
2.3.1.2. The concept of “truth” in memoir and autobiography
“Truth” is recorded, told in memoirs, autobiography includes two
forms: first, “truth” in the objective historical flow such as timeline,
happened events, life picture. real society is reproduced through the writer's
point of view; second, the “truth” about the process of formation,
development, and personal transformation of the main character, the narrator
- the author.
In the memoir genre, the narrator's relationship to history and times is
often emphasized. Because of the high requirement for authenticity, the
narrator in the memoir must be an insider, recounting the past events that he
has attended or witnessed, and can even take material from himself. his life
In the autobiographical genre, “truth” is a faithful portrait of the
author. That portrait is well received by the reader in an overall picture of the
narrator's family, social, and psychological life. In addition, an important
point that determines the “truth” of the autobiography is the “truth” about the
self in the formation and development of personality.


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2.3.2. The boundaries between “non-fiction” – “fiction” in memoir
and autobiography

2.3.2.1. Boundaries are formed by subjective limitations
Although memoirs reflect the truth, it is impossible to write the
“truth” that happened absolutely. Therefore, even an eyewitness cannot
remember all the details of the incident. They can't cover the whole event,
especially when it's been around for a long time. For that reason, there is a
fine line between “nonfiction” – “fact” and “fiction” due to the subjective
limitations of the narrator. This effect is produced by the limitations of
memory altering the mechanism of memory. Therefore, the events taking
place in memoirs and autobiography cannot be compared with the original
material. However, the pages of the memoir will be rearranged at the
discretion of the author. All are aimed at recreating “truth”, making “truth”
easier to receive and have more aesthetic value.
2.3.2.2. Boundaries are formed by objective influences
Due to genre characteristics, memoirs and autobiography emphasize
the role of truth in recalling the narrator's past. This “truth” is also influenced
by many factors, including the social context, cultural institutions of the time,
and the author's purpose of composition.
“Truth” can hurt others. Although easily controversial, the “truth”
expressed in memoirs and autobiographies shows many social and cultural
values, including historical values.
2.4. Orientation to establish the research paradigm of the thesis
We based on M. Bakhtin's concept of “speech genres”, structuralists'
narrative theory, and borrow the concept of code in information theory to
define genre codes of memoirs, autobiography.
As a type of discourse, memoir, autobiography is governed by genre
code with the following basic characteristics:
Firstly, the author - narrator - central image in memoirs and
autobiography.
The bold presence of the author's ego is an important feature in memoirs
and autobiographical works. It can be seen that in memoirs and autobiography,

the author's ego is also the narrator, the main character.
Second, the content characteristics, the art world in memoirs,
autobiography from the perspective of discourse
The content of memoirs and autobiographies often focuses on
recollections of fate, personal life or events and stories experienced in the life
of the author - the narrator. Through these stories, readers can see the reality


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of the personal life of the narrator - the author and the historical - social
picture of a period.
Third, the richness of narrative methods in memoirs, autobiography
from the perspective of discourse
By studying genre characteristics, researchers emphasize two basic
codes governing the type of memoir and autobiographical discourse, namely
the "truth" code and the artistic code. These two types of codes have a close
relationship that creates a structural framework for the genre.
CHAPTER 3
MEMOIR AND AUTOBIOGRAPHY IN VIETNAM MODERN LITERATURE
FROM PERSPECTIVE OF THE IDEOLOGICAL CODE

3.1. The self of author - narrator: the self that attests to the “truth” of
the past
3.1.1. The self reminiscing about childhood and family
relationships
When telling about childhood memories, the narrator in memoirs and
autobiography shows a very natural and simple narration but still ensures the
principle of "respecting the truth". Narrators who claim to appear in memoirs,
autobiographies often provide accurate information about personal history,
hometown, background.

In the early twentieth century, with the explosion of the selfconsciousness, autobiographical writers asserted that the self through the
organizational center of individual life, in their own existence. It can be seen
that the works of this period, notably the autobiographies of Nguyen Hong
(Nhung ngay tho au), To Hoai (Co dai), Manh Phu Tu (Song nho), Luu
Trong Lu (Chiec cang xanh) ), Ho Dzenh (Chan troi cu) aims to recreate the
childhood life when the authors were very young.
At a later stage, the authors of memoirs and autobiographies show an
honest view of life at home with poetic natural scenes or unforgettable
memories with family and friends. The self is clearly shown in the memoirs
and autobiography of To Hoai (Tu truyen), Huy Can (Hoi ky song doi), To
Huu (Nho lai mot thoi), Ma Van Khang (Nam thang nhoc nhan nam thang
nho thuong), Anh Tho (Tu ben song Thuong),…
3.1.2. The self confessed and evaluated himself
Authors of memoirs and autobiography always express the need to
affirm the unique features of their personality. A requirement is that the writer
must be honest and objective with himself. Especially in the post-renovation


15
literary period, in response to the need of “telling the truth”, the authors have
shown readers images of ordinary people in a colorful society. With their selfconfident voices, they express themselves the opposite sides of their
personality, bravely removing the beautiful image that has been shaped in
people's eyes to create a closer, more real image of themselves. Readers can
see the “confessed” self, self-assessment of many authors of memoirs,
autobiographical Vietnamese literature such as To Hoai, Ma Van Khang,
Nguyen Khai, Phung Quan, Anh Tho, To Huu, Dao Xuan Quy, Nguyen Hien
Le, Dang Thai Mai,...
3.1.3. The self talented and dedicated to the profession
Memoirs of the pre-1975 period of Nguyen Hong, Nguyen Cong
Hoan, Vu Bang, etc. are the most honest sharing and confessions about the

profession. Each individual when coming to the profession can be in many
different ways, but each individual put their faith and dedication to the art of
the country at that time.
Entering the post-renovation stage, most of the self who are the
authors of memoirs and autobiography are the self that have grown up in
their career. They are all the most famous writers, poets and critics in modern
Vietnamese literature, such as: Huy Can, To Hoai, To Huu, Anh Tho, Ma
Van Khang, Bui Ngoc Tan, Hoang Minh Chau, Vu Bao, Dang Thai Mai, Vu
Ngoc Phan, Dang Anh Dao, Dang Thi Hanh, Phung Quan, Quach Tan, Son
Nam,… The author's self appears in memoirs as writers with many
memories, contemplations, reflections, and feelings about the literary
profession. The pages of memoirs can be direct or indirect declarations
through the author's way of thinking and behaving about people and life,
especially through the perception of artists.
3.2. The picture of the times and a portrait of people through flashbacks
3.2.1. The picture of social life in the past through historical
changes
3.2.1.1. The picture of society before the August Revolution 1945
Remembering the years before the revolution, the common point in
all the memoirs of To Huu, Xuan Dieu, To Hoai, Ma Van Khang, Anh Tho,
Dao Xuan Quy, Hoang Minh Chau... was the famine of 1945. Dead people
appear everywhere. Then the August Revolution broke out. The whole
country was in an excited atmosphere, everyone was excited because the
country was facing a new opportunity, the nation was liberated.
From a teenager like Ma Van Khang, Hoang Minh Chau to those
who have grown up and directly participated in the revolution such as To


16
Huu, Dao Xuan Quy, etc., the days of uprising and victory of the August

Revolution brought great memories. indelible mark. It is the life change, the
revival of the whole Vietnamese nation.
3.2.1.2. The picture of society through the two great national
resistance wars and the construction of socialism
After the victory of the August Revolution, the whole country faced
the second invasion of the French colonialists. Nine years of resistance
against the French are clearly reflected in the memoirs of Hoang Minh Chau,
To Hoai, To Huu, and Anh Tho,…
But most worrying in the pages of Vietnamese literary memoirs is
the construction of socialism in the North, with the years of land reform, rural
cooperation, and urban bourgeois reform. . The hidden corners of history are
exposed, the truths that no official page of history mentions. Now, everything
is reproduced in a more realistic and direct way.
3.2.1.3. Social reality in the post-war period
The last decades of the twentieth century and the beginning of the
twenty-first century, although our country had peace and independence, was still
a period of many hardships. The reality of the country has been imprinted on
each face, leaving thoughts and concerns for Vietnamese people, especially
writers - who are most sensitive to the changes of the times. With an objective
attitude of viewing, reviewing, and evaluating history, memoir authors such as
Dao Xuan Quy, Ma Van Khang, To Hoai, etc. have faithfully recreated the time
when the country was under the influence of the economy market.
3.2.1.4. The picture of art through history vicissitudes
With the heart, enthusiasm, the need to reveal personal feelings,
literary memoirs 1945 - 1975 with many prominent authors and works such
as Nguyen Hong (Mot tuoi tho van, Buoc duong viet van), Nguyen Cong
Hoan (Doi viet van cua toi), Xuan Dieu (Nhung buoc duong tu tuong cua toi),
Vu Bang (Bon muoi nam noi lao),... all focus on the life stories and
professions of writers and artists. Those are also the explanations and
concerns when they approach literature and art, the cultural and artistic life of

Vietnam through the early stages of development.
Authors of memoirs in the post - 1975 period such as Luu Trong Lu,
Huy Can, Xuan Dieu, To Hoai, etc. also painted a picture of the country's art
in the pre-revolutionary period.
3.2.2. Drawing portraits of friends through reminiscence
Through the eyes of writers, portraits of friends in memoirs and
autobiography appear vivid and sharp. They are all artists with unique,


17
talented and creative personalities, but also many have bad habits with a
pitiful fate. They live in the complexity of everyday life, also affected by
artistic aspirations and making money, also the product of historical flow
with many variations. But they are always sincere, serious, devoted to the
profession. Those personalities and bravery of the artist will create an
unforgettable impression in the hearts of readers today and in the future.
3.3. Some expressions of difference in ideological code – “truth” between
memoirs and autobiography (viewed from genre)
3.3.1. “Truth” in memoirs – “extroverted” truth
The "truth" in the memoir is the "extroverted" truth. It is the author's
story about the realistic picture of the times. From pages of writing with rich
social content, memoirs contribute to illuminating the present, meeting the
need to perceive reality.
The most typical example is the compositions of To Hoai - who
wrote and witnessed the ups and downs of history - society as well as hidden
truths during the twentieth century. In Cat bui chan ai and Chieu chieu, To
Hoai adopted the identities and summarized life in the philosophy of the
harsh and great changes of the times.
The memoirs of Quach Tan, Son Nam, Vu Ngoc Phan, Anh Tho, To
Hoai, Vu Bao, Dao Xuan Quy, Huy Can, Dang Thi Hanh, Dang Anh Dao, Vu

Ngoc Phan,... also provide private life stories or stories related to the
country's history in the years before and during the August Revolution.
3.3.2. “Truth” in autobiography – “introverted” truth
In terms of genre, autobiography mainly belongs to the genre of
private life. Thus, the object of discovery in the art world of autobiography is
the reality of the author's life, the “truth” in the “introverted” view.
We can see this “truth” very clearly in autobiographical works such
as Nhung ngay tho au (Nguyen Hong), Co dai (To Hoai), Song nho (Manh
Phu Tu), Muc mai nuoc mat (Lan Khai), Cai (Vu Bang),…
Since the doi moi period, with changes in the concept of reality and
people, it has created conditions for writers to be honest with themselves, to
express their thoughts and concerns hidden deep in their souls. Perhaps that is
why the public today can see the shadow of the writer's real life on the
autobiographical page such as Tuoi tho du doi (Phung Quan), Mien tho au
(Vu Thu Hien), Tuoi tho im lang (Duy Khan),... And this phenomenon
continued until the early years of the 21st century through the works: Thuong
de thi cuoi (Nguyen Khai), Mot minh mot ngua (Ma Van Khang), Gia dinh be


18
mon (Da Ngan), ... In these works, almost the author's personal life biography
has been "rewritten" by artistic means according to the author's intention.
CHAPTER 4
MEMOIR AND AUTOBIOGRAPHY IN VIETNAM MODERN
LITERATURE FROM PERSPECTIVE OF THE ARTISTIC CODE
4.1. Diverse narrative perspectives in the discourse structure of memoir
and autobiography
4.1.1. The advantage of the subjective point of view from the first
person narrator
In terms of genre frames, memoirs and autobiographies are often told

in the first person. The story is told by the character calling himself “I” in the
work. What has happened in the life of the “I” character becomes a central
element of the organization of the narrative. The self in the memoirs and
autobiography is both the character - the narrator, and also the author's own
self that tells the story of his life, the “introverted” self (in the autobiography)
or the self witnessed about events, the “extroverted” self (in memoirs).
Besides, although the choice of narrative point of view of the authors
of memoirs and autobiography is extremely diverse, it is still essential to
respect the principle of genre code which is the principle of truth. This will
create trust, sympathy, and sharing from the readers about the stories through
the author's autobiography.
4.1.2. The trend of diversifying the perspective of the first person
narrator
In terms of genre characteristics, in memoirs and autobiography, the
narrator is both the narrator and the author; at the same time, the narrator can
also be the object of reflection in the work. Therefore, authors in memoirs
and autobiography can diversify the perspective of the narrator in the first
person. A first - person narrator can combine both an inside and an outside
point of view or move from an inside point of view (subjective narration) to
an outside point of view (objective narration). Besides, the narrator can also
change the narrator from the first person (narrator) to the third person
(character).
From the narrative point of view, the narrator plays both the author
and the character to retell the past of himself as well as other characters, and
at the same time recreate the picture of history and society that have changed.