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Sample analysis essays on a favorite story
Sample 1: The Story "Lão Hạc"
"Lão Hạc" is a renowned work by the writer Nam Cao, written during the period of Vietnam under colonial and feudal policies, a society rife with injustice and poverty. The story portrays the life of a poor old farmer living in solitude in a challenging society. Nam Cao not only depicts the tragic fate of the character but also conveys deep compassion and hidden emotions of people in dire situations. Through that, the author sends messages about humanity, dignity, and human spirit in life.
Lao Hac is a poor farmer, living alone with his only companion, a dog named Cun. Despite the difficult living conditions, he maintains his dignity and self-respect. Through this character, Nam Cao profoundly reflects the poverty and suffering of farmers while also highlighting their resilient spirit and yearning for freedom.
Lao Hac is a pitiable father, who, with the intention of providing the best for his son, endures internal torment. Even though life is bleak, he steadfastly holds onto his self-respect, not wanting to become a burden on others. Lao Hac does not hesitate to sacrifice Cun – his loyal friend – to have money to ensure his only son can live better, though this action causes him immense pain.
The life of Lao Hac is a series of inescapable tragedies. He lives in poverty, without family or relatives. Nevertheless, he strives to live maintaining his dignity, not allowing his self-respect to be tarnished despite the harsh conditions. When his son leaves to work in another place, Lao Hac lives alone in a shabby house, with only Cun as his companion. The friendship between Lao and Cun symbolizes love and loyalty, bonding through hardship. Cun is an invaluable friend in Lao Hac's life, providing great comfort when no one else is around.
Lao Hac's sacrifice is a lamentable tragedy. When no longer able to sustain himself and Cun, he brings himself to sell Cun for money. However, due to his love for the dog, he cannot immediately do this, living in anguish and pain. His decision to sell Cun and end his life both stem from silent affection for his son and dog, but also illustrate the tragedy of a person oppressed and despised by society, lacking a status in society.
Nam Cao paints the portrait of Lao Hac with deep empathy, compassion, and understanding. Although poor, Lao Hac never desires to be disgraced, or a burden on his son and society. This reflects a noble quality, steadfast despite living in impoverished circumstances.
Moreover, the character Lao Hac reflects societal conflicts at the time. He lives in a society where the poor, like him, scarcely have the right to live. While wealthier individuals live in comfort, people like him endure extreme hardship, with no escape from the vicious cycle of poverty. Lao Hac represents the poor, suffering under feudal society's oppression of the time.
Nam Cao skillfully uses storytelling situations to reveal poverty, tragedy, and the silent sufferings within Lao Hac's soul. The story does not follow a conventional narrative but, through simple details, thoughts, and actions, vividly reveals the sacrifice and endurance of a person in an unjust society.
Nam Cao's psychological depiction is delicate and profound. The author lets readers feel Lao Hac's thoughts and emotions through his words and actions. The construction of Lao Hac's character not only evokes sympathy but also offers deeper insight into society and the human condition in difficult circumstances.
"Lão Hạc" is not only a profound realistic literary work but also a testament to human compassion amid poverty. Nam Cao successfully portrays Lao Hac with noble qualities despite living in a deeply unjust society. The work helps readers deeply understand the fate of poor farmers and stirs appreciation for human dignity, even in the harshest conditions.
Sample 2: The Legend "Sơn tinh, Thủy Tinh"
The legend "Sơn tinh, Thủy Tinh" is one of Vietnam's famous folktales, reflecting cultural values, history, and explanations of natural phenomena in ancient life. The story is not merely a legend about the battle between two deities but also conveys profound lessons about resilience, courage, and overcoming hardship. Through that, the legend also depicts views on nature and the relationship between humans and the universe.
The legend narrates that when King Hung VI sought a worthy groom, he set a challenge for three suitors; whoever succeeded would marry the princess. The candidates included Son Tinh, the mountain deity, and Thuy Tinh, the water deity. They had to present the king with precious offerings in the shortest time. Son Tinh, representing the strength of mountains and forests, swiftly accomplished the task and was accepted by the king. However, Thuy Tinh, wielding the power of water, refused to accept defeat and challenged Son Tinh by raising a great flood to submerge the land. However, Son Tinh used his strength to overcome and triumph, protecting the country's peace and winning the princess.
Son Tinh symbolizes the strength of nature, representing land, mountains, and the resilient traits of humans. The mountain deity not only demonstrates physical strength but also symbolizes stability and sturdiness. Son Tinh possesses both strength and wisdom to overcome challenges. His image conveys the message about the power of nature and the triumph of enduring values over defeat.
In contrast, Thuy Tinh represents water's power but lacks patience and control over anger. Thuy Tinh shows defeat when he cannot accept failure, reflecting a hot-tempered, rash nature. Although he poses a temporary threat with his flood during the battle with Son Tinh, ultimately, he cannot win. Thuy Tinh's image serves as a reminder of the consequences of unrestrained and thoughtless actions.
The struggle between Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh symbolizes the confrontation between nature and humans, between uncontrollable natural elements and human willpower. The legend metaphorically reflects the relationship between humans and nature: no matter how powerful and harsh nature may be, humans, with resilience, intelligence, and will, can overcome challenges.
This battle also carries deep meanings about harmony and balance in nature. Son Tinh, with the stability of mountains, represents durability and balance, while Thuy Tinh, with water's strength, symbolizes constant change. The legend asserts that stability and resilience will always triumph over anger, impulsiveness, and thoughtlessness.
The story also conveys a message about controlling nature and the potential threats of natural elements. While Son Tinh triumphs, maintaining stability, Thuy Tinh becomes a symbol of negative, uncontrollable power. Thus, the legend reminds humans that nature can change and become harsh if not respected and understood.
The legend "Sơn tinh, Thủy Tinh" is not only an intriguing mythological tale but also offers valuable lessons about the confrontation between nature and humans. The story portrays the images of the characters Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, each embodying traits that symbolize the strength of nature and humanity. Through this, the legend emphasizes values of resilience, courage, and a deep understanding of nature in life.
Sample 3: The short story "The Cuộc chia tay của những con búp bê"
In life, there are moments when people face change and loss, sometimes impacting innocent children who cannot fully comprehend life's harshness. The short story "The Cuộc chia tay của những con búp bê" by writer Khanh Hoai is a deeply moving piece, reflecting painful separation from a child's perspective, embodying the sorrow of Thuy when she must part from her brother and her beloved toys, particularly the dolls Ve Si and Em Nho.
The story opens with a tearful scene as Thuy and Thanh's mother asks them to divide their toys. The story unfolds in a heavy atmosphere when Thuy – a gentle, filial girl – suddenly confronts the reality that her family is about to separate. The family faces a breakup, as their parents decide to divorce, causing Thuy and Thanh to live in different places. In that moment, Thuy cannot accept having to part from her brother and leaving behind the beloved dolls, so close to her over the years.
Thuy, a character rich in emotion and sensitivity, clearly expresses her feelings through her actions and words. She not only loves her brother Thanh but is also closely attached to the dolls – seemingly simple playthings that hold tremendous significance for her. When seeing her mother demand they be divided, Thuy reacts with pain, refusing to "divide" the toys she considers close friends. Particularly, the dolls Ve Si and Em Nho, who are her companions during restless nights and "protectors" easing her fears. For Thuy, they are not mere inanimate toys but close friends sharing her childhood.
Thuy's innocence is vividly shown through her reaction to leaving these items. When Thanh shares toys with her, Thuy remains uneasy, unable to accept Ve Si and Em Nho being apart. Thuy's act of clutching the doll, sobbing, then running to 'rearrange' them symbolizes the pure feelings of childhood, simple but powerful emotions. Thuy's words: "You must promise me never to let them sit apart" further reflect her strong bond with childhood memories and the pain of separating from all she cherishes.
Thanh – the mature and empathetic brother, while not displaying sorrow like Thuy, remains caring and supportive throughout the story. He understands her feelings, trying to comfort and share her pain though he too feels the loss of separation. Thanh knows that for Thuy, the dolls are not just toys but dear friends, so he reassures her with a promise regarding their separation. The scene where Thanh touches her toys, containing his emotions as Thuy tearfully says goodbye, highlights the deep and enduring sibling bond.
The sibling love portrayed in the story is more than a mere friendship; it is a profound bond shown through every action and word, embodying sincere affection. The separation is not only between two siblings but also between childhood and reality. The division of toys and goodbye at school are heart-wrenching scenes reflecting not only Thuy's pain but also life’s harsh reality, where children face unwanted changes beyond their control.
Ultimately, the story ends with a deeply poignant moment as Thuy parts from her brother and family. Before boarding the vehicle, she embraces the doll, reminding Thanh to keep his promise and not separate them. As the truck departs, it leaves a heavy silence in the reader's heart. At that moment, Thuy, though just a child, comprehends the inevitability of this separation. Regardless, childhood memories persist as the most cherished, irreplaceable bonds.
The short story "The Cuộc chia tay của những con búp bê" is an emotionally charged work about family, separation, and the hardships children face. Through this story, author Khanh Hoai profoundly captures the children's experience confronting family breakdown, reflecting the pure, intense sibling love and the boundless affection they share. The tale reminds us that regardless of life’s changes, the genuine memories and emotions of childhood remain invaluable.
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