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Analysis of the Scene "Waiting for the Train by Lien and Her Sister" in the work "Hai đứa trẻ"

1. Introduction

In "Hai đứa trẻ", Thach Lam depicts a poor and silent district town through a deep, contemplative perspective. Central to this space is the scene of Lien and her sister waiting for the train—a detail that is both realistic and symbolic, embodying aspirations, hope, and the contrast between their grim reality and dreams of light.

2. The Setting of the District Town Before the Train Arrives: Silence and Tediousness

Thach Lam opens with the description of a district town engulfed in darkness and silence. The dim light from Ms. Ti's lamp, the dry sound of the watchman's drum, and the weary figures after a long day's work appear as brushstrokes of poverty and monotony. In this setting, Lien and An—the two little children, though young, have already felt the monotony of life.

However, amid this dullness, the two sisters maintain a special habit: waiting for the train. This action not only serves to dispel the boredom but also holds a profound spiritual meaning. They await the train as if awaiting something new, different—a glimmer of light bringing some joy, some hope to their quiet daily life.

3. The Scene When the Train Appears: A Hope Amidst the Darkness

When the train approaches from afar, the atmosphere in the story seems to change. Thach Lam used a delicate pen to describe the train's arrival: the "sparkling" light illuminating the whole district, the train's whistle "echoing through the late night" as if shattering the silence. The train's appearance in the story is not merely a daily event but also a symbol of another world—a world of wealth, hustle, and brightness, in stark contrast to the dark, impoverished district.

At that moment, Lien and her sister are immersed in joy and excitement. The image of the train evokes in Lien's heart a nostalgia for Hanoi—a place once a beautiful memory, a symbol of a prosperous, fulfilled life that their family once experienced. But as soon as the train disappears, everything returns to the current reality—a more obscure and darker reality than ever.

4. The Symbolic Meaning of the Scene Waiting for the Train

The scene of waiting for the train not only has a descriptive nature but also contains deep symbolic meanings. The train is an image of another world, bright, bustling, and hopeful, something that Lien and her sister yearn for but cannot reach. Amidst the overwhelming darkness of the district, the train's light is like a small beam, bringing consolation to the poor people.

The act of waiting for the train by the two sisters also expresses a yearning for life, a belief that life is not confined to dull days. Although they know the train only passes briefly and cannot change the reality, they patiently await it, for they need that light to sustain hope—albeit fragile—in their souls.

5. Humanistic and Artistic Values

Thach Lam used a blend of realism and romanticism to build the scene of waiting for the train. He does not create drama but lets each detail, each emotion subtly yet deeply permeate into the reader’s heart. Through the scene of waiting for the train, Thach Lam conveys a humanistic message: even in poverty, people still have the right to dream and hope.

Thach Lam's subtle, poetic descriptive language makes the scene of waiting for the train not just a part of the story but also a vivid symbol of human aspirations. He simultaneously reveals a deep respect for the quiet, small dreams of the district town’s residents.

6. Conclusion

The scene of waiting for the train by Lien and her sister in "Hai đứa trẻ" is a significant artistic and philosophical highlight. Through it, Thach Lam not only depicts the reality of life in the district town but also expresses a strong belief in humanistic values and small rays of hope that are sufficient to stir the human soul. The scene of waiting for the train, with its simple beauty and symbolic significance, has become an unforgettable part of Vietnamese literature.