Cao Bá Đạt

Definition
  1. Proper Noun:
    • Historical Figure: Cao Bá Đạt was a high-ranking official (Danh Thần) of the Nguyễn Dynasty in Vietnam. He is primarily known as the twin brother of the famous poet and rebel, Cao Bá Quát.
    • Biographical Subject: Refers specifically to this individual, his life, his administrative service, and the circumstances of his death.
Usage Examples
  • Proper Noun:
    • Cao Bá Đạt và Cao Bá Quát là anh em sinh đôi. (Cao Bá Đạt and Cao Bá Quát were twin brothers.)
    • Sau cái chết của Cao Bá Quát, Cao Bá Đạt cũng bị bắt. (After the death of Cao Bá Quát, Cao Bá Đạt was also arrested.)
Advanced Usage
  • The name Cao Bá Đạt is often mentioned in historical and literary contexts concerning the Nguyễn Dynasty, rebellion, and familial loyalty.
    • Câu chuyện về Cao Bá Đạt phản ánh bi kịch của giới sĩ phu thời Nguyễn. (The story of Cao Bá Đạt reflects the tragedy of the scholar-officials during the Nguyễn era.)
Historical and Biographical Details
  • Life (1809-1854): He was born in Phú Thị village, Gia Lâm district, in the historical region of Kinh Bắc (now part of Gia Lâm District, Hanoi).
  • Career: He passed the provincial exam (Cử nhân) in 1843 and served as the district chief (Tri huyện) of Nông Cống, Thanh Hóa Province, where he was known for his integrity and competence.
  • Death: Following his twin brother Cao Bá Quát's failed rebellion against the Nguyễn Dynasty in 1854, Cao Bá Đạt was arrested. While being transported to the capital, he wrote a petition explaining his situation and then committed suicide by cutting his throat.
  • Family: His son, Cao Bá Nhạ, initially escaped but was later denounced and killed.
Cultural References
  • The scholar Nguyễn Văn Siêu wrote a poignant parallel sentence (câu đối) to mourn the twin brothers, lamenting their shared fate and mixed legacy of both notoriety and virtue.
Related Terms
  • Cao Bá Quát: His more famous twin brother, a celebrated poet and rebel leader.
  • Danh Thần: A term for an illustrious or high-ranking mandarin.
  • Tri huyện: The title for a district chief in imperial Vietnam.