Cao Ba Quat

Quick Facts: Who was Cao Ba Quat?

Subject:

Cao Ba Quat

Known for:

Vietnamese poet and revolutionary whose works critiqued the Nguyễn Dynasty court.

Born:

1809

Died:

1855

Century / Era:

1809s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Cao Bá Quát (高伯适, 1809–1855) was a Vietnamese poet and revolutionary who led a peasant uprising against Emperor Tự Đức. He was either executed or killed in battle. Many of his poems were destroyed, but about 1400 (most written in Literary Chinese) survive. His poems treat Buddhism sceptically. Cao Bá Quát was born in the year 1809 in Phu Thi Village, now part Gia Lâm district, Hanoi. He was alive during the during the reigns of the Nguyễn Dynasty emperors Minh Mang, Thieu Tri, and Tu Duc.

Career & Major Achievements

At a young age, Cao Ba Quat exhibited intelligence that exceeded his age group; by the age of five, he was reportedly able to read the Three Character Classic. Cao Tuu Chieu, his father, was a Confucian and teacher. It had been part of the Cao family tradition to enrol in the examinations to gain a position in the royal court. In 1831, Cao Ba Quat entered the local level public examination (Thi Hương), which was held in Hanoi. He was initially ranked second among all candidates, but eventually moved to the bottom rank of the 20 successful candidates following a review by the court, allegedly due to violations of exam regulations.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In 1832, Cao Ba Quat took sat more advanced examination taking place in the country's capital (Hue at the time), Thi Hội, which he failed for several times. It took him until 1841 to gain a position in the royal court in Hue. By the recommendation of Bac Ninh Province's governor, Cao Bao Quat was appointed as a low-rank civil servant in the Ministry of Rites and became the primary examiner in the Thừa Thiên Examination Compound. At this job, while marking exam paper, Cao Bao Quat reportedly helped candidates in whose writing he saw potential by adjusting their content that was unwittingly in violation of the exam regulations. By 1842, his deception was eventually exposed, leading to Cao Bao Quat losing his post.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1400: 1400 Milestone — Many of his poems were destroyed, but about 1400 (most written in Literary Chinese) survive.
2. 1809: Birth of Cao Ba Quat — Vietnamese poet and revolutionary whose works critiqued the Nguyễn Dynasty court.
3. 1831: 1831 Milestone — In 1831, Cao Ba Quat entered the local level public examination (Thi Hương), which was held in Hanoi.
4. 1832: 1832 Milestone — In 1832, Cao Ba Quat took sat more advanced examination taking place in the country's capital (Hue at the time), Thi Hội, which he failed for several times.
5. 1841: 1841 Milestone — It took him until 1841 to gain a position in the royal court in Hue.
6. 1842: 1842 Milestone — By 1842, his deception was eventually exposed, leading to Cao Bao Quat losing his post.
7. 1855: Passing & Historical Legacy — Cao Ba Quat passed away on 1855, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Cao Ba Quat

True or False: “Cao Bá Quát's poetry primarily focused on praising the established power structures of the Nguyễn Dynasty.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): His poems frequently treated Buddhism sceptically and expressed discontent with the loss of human dignity caused by society's desire for fame and fortune.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Cao Ba Quat