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Prompt: Analyzing an Excerpt from 'Happiness in a Bereaved Family'
Analyzing an Excerpt from 'Happiness in a Bereaved Family'
Essay:
Before 1945, Vietnamese society plunged into chaos and disorder. Cultural and human values seemed to be squeezed in the sordid 'upper class' world. 'Happiness in a Bereaved Family' by writer Vũ Trọng Phụng is a 'tear-inducing laughter' story that vividly reflects the authentic and lively backdrop of our country at that time. The inherent absurdity and corruption of the bourgeois class are gradually revealed under the satirical pen and witty voice of the talented artist.
Vũ Trọng Phụng (1912 – 1939) was born in Hanoi into a poor family. He was an outstanding realist writer in modern Vietnamese literature, famous for novels and short stories, but particularly successful in journalism. Although his artistic life was short, he left remarkable literary works, such as the journalistic pieces 'The Trap' (1933), 'Western Marriages' (1939), and novels like 'Storm,' 'Red Dice,' 'Levee Break' (1936), and 'Marriage for Love' (1937). 'Red Dice' was first published in 1936 and later turned into a book in 1938. It tells the story of Xuân, also known as Red-Haired Xuân, whose childhood is marked by misfortunes. As he grows up, with his shrewd nature, he always finds ways to benefit himself. The excerpt from 'Happiness in a Bereaved Family' in Chapter XV of the novel revolves around the funeral of the patriarch, full of ironic humor that prompts readers to contemplate human morality.
The excerpt with its surprising title contains satirical contradictions, arousing curiosity and fascination for readers. How can a bereaved family be happy? Normally, every family experiences grief and sorrow when someone passes away, yet the Hồng family appears cheerful, even happy. With a broad title, Vũ Trọng Phụng has shown us the situation throughout the work. A group of ungrateful, disrespectful, arrogant descendants is joyously celebrating the death of the patriarch. The author has depicted a comically absurd reality, expressing mocking sarcasm towards the deteriorating 'upper class' layer.
Upon hearing of the patriarch's demise, every family member carried their individual joys, yet there was an undeniable shared happiness: 'From now on, that congratulatory letter will enter the era of practice rather than remaining a lofty theory.' A bourgeois family possessing immense wealth is unsurprising; the offspring daily employ schemes to seize the valuable estate entirely. The joy within the bereaved family gradually reveals its cause, exposing a truth that leaves readers saddened. Family bonds no longer hold meaning as the descendants are blinded by opulence and extravagance. They even wish for the sudden death of the old patriarch, an event caused by the notorious Red-Haired Xuân. Despite knowing this, the late Hồng not only refrains from blame but considers himself doing 'a great favor' to Xuân. This story reaffirms the immense joy of the demise of the patriarch for this wealthy family. Each day, they silently anticipate that death, waiting uncomfortably, pondering why the old patriarch, already eighty, hasn't died to benefit the descendants.
Adding to the shared joy is the radiant demeanor of every family member. Representing those desiring fame and fortune, the eldest son, Hồng, revels in the thought of the scene where he will be 'Wearing spiked clothes, beating the chest, and wailing while pretending to weep.' Though a biological son, he shows no sorrow for his father's departure; instead, he delights in acting out the mourning scene to garner public sympathy. Mr. and Mrs. Văn Minh are equally joyous; their ambitious granddaughter eagerly awaits the execution of the will, as she is satisfied with the wealth, giving no thought to her grandfather's death. Mrs. Văn Minh is elated, dressing in stylish outfits, envied by society. Tuyết seizes the opportunity to wear an 'Innocent Attire' to dispel rumors about her promiscuity. Young Tân, impatient to use his camera, is almost going mad. These upper-class youngsters, well-educated but lacking understanding, empathy, and morals, reach the depths of shamelessness when Mr. Phán, betrayed by his wife, sees the invisible antlers on his head as an immense value.
The funeral of this upper-class family has a tremendous influence on everyone around. Even strangers seem to embrace the spreading joy. Two unemployed policemen are delighted to be hired for crowd control. The late Hồng's friends proudly display medals and honors, including the 'Northern Betrayer Medal,' 'Dragon Betrayer Medal,' and more. The sophisticated ladies and upper-class young men engage in gossip, dates, and criticize others. Although a funeral, it is treated as a rare occasion to gather, laugh, and indulge in mutual mockery, reflecting a society deviating from serious morals, the degradation of human character.
The grandiose funeral is organized like a vibrant fair, with laughter, discussions, and drums echoing down the street. The funeral follows the style of 'Us, Westerners, and Chinese,' combined with ample satire, featuring flower wreaths, three hundred couplets, and a necessity for 'three hundred mourners.' This funeral is so extravagant that Vũ Trọng Phụng bitterly jests, 'Even the dead in the coffin must be smiling.' The sharp, satirical writing of the author somewhat paints a picture of the hypocritical moral society coexisting with the Europeanized lifestyle of the bourgeois at that time.
