Themes, Topics, and Structure of Chivalrous Detective Novels in Southern Vietnam during the Early 20th Century

Abstract : This study examines the distinctive features of theme, content, and narrative structure in early 20th-century South Vietnamese knightly detective novels. The question posed is: how are theme, content, and narrative structure expressed? The study primarily employs a careful reading of texts, combined with systematic classification and analysis of relevant texts. Furthermore, a synthetic analysis method is applied to generalize key patterns and identify specific structural and thematic characteristics of the genre. The results show that South Vietnamese knightly detective novels exhibit a unique convergence of Western detective novel models and indigenous moral traditions, particularly the chivalrous and generous spirit of the South Vietnamese people in the early 20th century. Their themes and content often revolve around justice, morality, and social order, while the narrative structure integrates both traditional and modern elements. In short, this genre represents a fusion of indigenous and Western traditional genres and cultures. This demonstrates that the spirit of learning without hesitation is a recurring spirit throughout the Vietnamese tradition.