What are guidelines on preparing the lesson "Lão Hạc" for grade 12 students in Vietnam? Are schools in Vietnam allowed to make students attend extra classes for grade 12 Literature?

Guidelines on preparing the lesson "Lão Hạc"

I. Author and Work

1. Author

- Nam Cao was born in 1915 and died in 1951, real name Trần Hữu Tri. Nam Cao's works often emphasize human thought, concern with the spiritual life of people, always interested in exploring "the human in human".

2. Structure of the Work

- Part 1 from the beginning … “nó thế này ông giáo ạ”: Lão Hạc's torment and worry after selling his dog Vàng.

- Part 2 continues … “một thêm đáng buồn”: Lão Hạc entrusts his money and home care.

- Part 3 remaining: The death of Lão Hạc.

3. Content Value

- Reflects the tragic fate of farmers in the old society and their noble, latent qualities. At the same time, the story shows love and respect for the farmers.

4. Artistic Value

- Uses the first-person narrative, the narrator is a character who understands and witnesses the entire story and sympathizes with the main character.

- Mature psychological analysis, realistic storytelling, intertwined with lyrical colors and deep philosophy.

- Builds well-individualized characters.

II. Guide to Preparing the "Lão Hạc" Lesson

Question 1: Summarize the plot of "Lão Hạc".

Lão Hạc is a poor farmer, living alone after his wife dies and his son leaves to work on a rubber plantation due to not having money for marriage. He only has a dog named Cậu Vàng as a companion. Due to old age and weak strength, he cannot work for a living and is forced to sell his garden and beloved dog to make ends meet.

After selling Cậu Vàng, he feels extremely sorrowful and tormented. He decides to ask Mr. Giáo, a kind neighbor, to keep the money from selling the garden to give to his son later. Ultimately, he chooses to end his life with dog poison to avoid becoming a burden to others.

Question 2: Describe some prominent characteristics of the character Lão Hạc and explain:

a. Lão Hạc is a typical image of poor farmers in pre-August Revolution society.

b. His life is a chain of suffering and misfortune, a bitter and harsh existence:

- Lão Hạc lost his wife while still young, single-handedly raising his child.

- An old, frail farmer, living alone when his son goes to work on a rubber plantation.

- Due to poverty, he plans to sell Cậu Vàng - his son's memento and his close friend.

Question 3: Identify the narrative voice, perspective, and indicate the effect of using this narrative voice, perspective in the text.

- Narrative voice: first person, with the storyteller being Mr. Giáo.

- Perspective: The main narrative perspective is from the character Mr. Giáo.

- Through this narrative voice and perspective, readers can deeply perceive the thoughts, feelings, and observations of Mr. Giáo about life and the people around him, especially towards Lão Hạc.

Question 4: What are your thoughts on the death of Lão Hạc?

- The death of Lão Hạc is a tragic and haunting event. It reflects the impasse and despair of a poor farmer in the old society, when there was no escape other than ending his life. Lão Hạc chooses death to retain his last bit of dignity and avoid becoming a burden to his son and those around him.

- Because of the intimacy, Mr. Giáo knows more than anyone else about Lão Hạc's situation; he understands that when pushed to the limit, even a decent, gentle person can do unimaginable things. This misunderstanding will help Mr. Giáo and readers gain a clearer understanding of Lão Hạc's character.

Question 5:

a. The above excerpt is the thought process of the character Mr. Giáo in the short story "Lão Hạc" by Nam Cao.

That thought occurs in the context:

Narrating to his wife about Lão Hạc coming to ask Mr. Giáo to keep money and property for his son and the request to help Lão Hạc after his death and Mr. Giáo's offer of assistance to Lão Hạc.

b. As humans, everyone has their own sufferings. When we “try to understand” “those around us,” it provides us with a more compassionate view of the people around us. We should have a deep understanding and empathy for their suffering.

Question 6: What are your observations about the life of poor rural people in Vietnam before the August Revolution in 1945?

The life of poor rural people in Vietnam before the August Revolution in 1945, as reflected in the story "Lão Hạc" by Nam Cao, is a picture full of tragedy and suffering. Below are some observations about their life:

Farmers lived in continuous poverty, lacking enough food and resources to sustain life. They had to work hard but still did not have enough to eat or wear.

The life of farmers was not only poor but also filled with loneliness and despair. Lão Hạc lived alone after his wife died and his son left. He only had the dog Cậu Vàng as a friend, and when forced to sell it, he felt like he had lost his last relative.

Question 7: In your opinion, was the work "Lão Hạc" by Nam Cao written in a romantic or realistic style? What is the basis for your assertion?

- The work "Lão Hạc" by Nam Cao was written in a realistic style.

- The story reflects the social situation in Vietnam before the August Revolution, where farmers were pushed to the brink.