Abstract

Bac hanh tap luc is a representative collection of Nguyen Du’s Chinese-language poetry, recording his experiences and reflections during a diplomatic mission to China from 1813 to 1814. A notable feature of the collection is its extensive use of classical allusions drawn from Eastern history, literature, and philosophy. From an intertextual perspective, these allusions function not only as a distinctive artistic device of medieval literature but also as a means of connecting the poems with earlier texts. The findings reveal three principal forms of intertextuality: historical allusions to loyal ministers and heroes, literary allusions to prominent poets and scholars, and philosophical allusions rooted in Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism. Through this multilayered network, Nguyen Du engages in dialogue with Eastern history, literature, and thought while expressing profound reflections on his age, human existence, and the human condition.

Keywords: Nguyen Du, Bac hanh tap luc, classical allusions, intertextuality, diplomatic mission poetry, Chinese-language poetry.