Biểu tượng đức tin Công giáo trong tiểu thuyết Ngược mặt trời của Nguyễn Một

Religion has long been a profound current in Vietnamese literature, with recent decades witnessing a bold exploration of religious themes, particularly Catholicism. Nguyễn Một's novel "Ngược mặt trời" (2012) stands out for its innovative approach, offering a dialogic perspective on potentially controversial issues related to Catholicism in Vietnam. This study aims to analyze the novel's profound insights, focusing on how the author skillfully employs Christian symbols—namely the cross, blood, and sun—borrowed from the Bible. By unraveling these embedded symbols, the paper seeks to illuminate Nguyễn Một's nuanced understanding of the historical genesis and enduring faith of the Catholic Church in Vietnam, thereby enriching the academic discourse on contemporary Vietnamese literature.

Academic researchers and students in Vietnamese literature, religious studies, and cultural studies, as well as literary critics and theologians.

Nguyễn Một's novel "Ngược mặt trời" offers a fresh, dialogic reinterpretation of Catholicism in Vietnam, tackling long-standing and often debated issues with remarkable clarity. This academic paper delves into the novel's use of Christian symbols to unravel its complex thematic layers. The research employs a literary and theological analytical framework, primarily examining the cross (thánh giá) and blood (máu) as central symbolic motifs, with an implicit connection to the sun (mặt trời) as indicated by the title and keywords.

The cross is presented not merely as a symbol of suffering but as a testament to salvation, divine love, and unwavering faith. Through characters like Ngân Hà and the steadfast resilience of martyrs such as Thầy Mátthêu Lê Văn Gẫm, the novel demonstrates the enduring power of faith even in the face of persecution, reflecting the tumultuous history of Vietnamese Catholicism. The study highlights how the act of making the sign of the cross evolves from routine to a profound expression of belief or desperate plea.

Furthermore, blood serves as a potent symbol, appearing extensively throughout the narrative. It represents both the sacrificial blood of Christ for humanity's redemption and the martyred blood of early Vietnamese Catholics, acting as a fertile ground for the growth of faith. The transformation of characters like A Hóa, who initially resists but ultimately embraces faith after profound loss, underscores the redemptive power of Christ's sacrifice, leading to a complete spiritual reorientation.

Ultimately, the novel's skillful deployment of these symbols not only deciphers the historical mysteries of the Catholic Church in Vietnam and affirms the unshakeable faith of its adherents but also conveys a crucial message about the existential crisis caused by a loss of faith. "Ngược mặt trời" thus acquires a sacred and spiritual resonance, guiding readers toward truth, goodness, and beauty, making it a significant contribution to Vietnamese literary and religious studies.