Analyzing the artistic essence of the excerpt 'The Water Breaks the Bank'

Prompt: Analyzing the artistic essence of the excerpt 'The Water Breaks the Bank' by Ngô Tất Tố

Analyzing the artistic elements of the excerpt 'The Breaking of the Banks'

I. Outline for Analyzing the Artistic Elements of the Excerpt 'The Breaking of the Banks' (Standard)

1. Introduction

Introducing the author and the work:
+ 'The Breaking of the Banks' is the most representative excerpt in the work, depicting a psychological turning point for the character Sister Dậu, where she begins to resist and fight against the oppressive patriarchal system.
+ The artistic excellence lies in the plot situation, the art of character portrayal with contrasting personalities, and the authentic language of dialogue, all of which are remarkable.

2. Main Body

- Story Summary
- Artistic portrayal of characters: Two distinct characters are vividly portrayed, Sister Dậu and the character Cai Lệ, representing two social classes in society...(Continued)

>> View detailed Outline Analyze the artistic elements of the excerpt 'The Breaking of the Banks' here.

II. Sample Essay Analyzing the Artistic Elements of the Excerpt 'The Breaking of the Banks' (Standard)

Ngô Tất Tố stands as one of the most prominent authors in Vietnamese realistic literature. His name is closely associated with the novel collection 'Turn Off the Lights', which narrates the life and fate of Sister Dậu, a poor rural woman, a victim of the semi-feudal colonial regime. 'The Breaking of the Banks' is a significant excerpt from the work, depicting a psychological turning point for the character Sister Dậu, where she begins to resist and fight against the oppressive patriarchal system. The artistic excellence lies in the plot situation, the art of character portrayal with contrasting personalities, and the authentic language of dialogue, all of which are remarkable.

After a night of being tied up, beaten outside the courtyard, Mr. Dậu was returned home, disheveled like a corpse, before he could even sip a bowl of porridge to revive, the tax collectors and Mr. Lý's family came to demand the collection. Sister Dậu pleaded in every way, begged the scoundrel not to tie her husband, but he hit and cursed her outright. Pushed to the limit, Sister Dậu stood up to fight back against the scoundrel and his henchmen.

The artistic brilliance of the excerpt lies in Ngô Tất Tố's ability to portray characters. Building the character of Sister Dậu, the author aims to depict the portrait of a Vietnamese woman of virtue, enduring yet extremely determined, rich in resistance. When Mr. Dậu was returned home, Sister rushed off to cook porridge for her husband's strength, 'hurriedly brought a large bowl to where her husband lay,' 'picked up the Tỉu (urinal) and sat down there, as if waiting to see if her husband would enjoy the meal'. The love for her husband and child is expressed very discreetly, deeply, without ostentation or embellishment. When confronted by the tax collector and Mr. Lý's family demanding payment, Sister remained gentle, enduring, and pleaded in a trembling voice: 'Grandfather, please.' She calls the scoundrel 'grandfather,' referring to herself as 'child,' showing respect for her lowly status. In contrast to her earnestness and humility, the scoundrel 'threw several bags at Sister Dậu's chest and then lunged forward to secure Mr. Dậu.' At this point, the change in addressing from 'grandfather - child' to 'grandfather - me': 'My husband is ill, you are not allowed to torture him,' opened up a psychological turning point. Being beaten, cursed, her decency and kindness challenged. And finally, when slapped in the face by the scoundrel, Sister 'gritted her teeth,' defiantly said: 'You tie up my husband right away, I'll show you.' Even the meekest worm will turn, Sister Dậu has exceeded her own limits, ready to address the scoundrel as 'grandfather,' calling him by his despicable name, cruel. Constructing the character in ascending order of psychological development, the author has depicted the character of Sister Dậu, the typical Vietnamese woman in the old society, gentle, diligent, self-sacrificing, but always harboring fierce vitality, daring to stand up against oppression, exploitation.

In contrast to Sister Dậu's image, the scoundrel is portrayed by the author as representing the ruling class. His voice 'hoarse from excessive smoking,' his figure 'lean and muscular,' his speech vulgar, his actions thuggish, only resorting to violence, beating even women and girls,... such details of description have made readers imagine a low-ranking thug. Some argue that the scoundrel is the epitome of the feudal ruling class in Vietnam at that time, empty, deceitful, cruel, killing his own people, supporting colonialism to live in peace. The pitiful scene of 'falling and sprawling on the ground' of the scoundrel has shown readers the contrast between the strength of the 'farm woman' and the emaciated addict scoundrel. Brilliantly portraying characters not only brings attraction to readers but also reflects the reality of contemporary society, a dark, empty society, where people slaughter each other to survive.

'When the water breaks the bank' is a remarkable excerpt from the novel 'Quench the Light' by Ngo Tat To. Let's delve into the details of this passage. Besides the article 'Analyzing the Artistry of the Excerpt When the Water Breaks the Bank,' you can also explore further readings: 'Analyzing the Character Chị Dậu in the Excerpt When the Water Breaks the Bank,' 'Analyzing the Psychological Development of Chị Dậu in the Excerpt When the Water Breaks the Bank,' 'Demonstrating How the Peasant Retains Goodness through Lão Hạc and When the Water Breaks the Bank,' and 'The Cruel Face, the Injustice of the Servants, the Pawns of Feudalism in When the Water Breaks the Bank.'