Analyzing the Character of Nhuận Thổ in Lỗ Tấn's Homeland

Prompt: Explore the character of Nhuận Thổ in Lỗ Tấn's Homeland

 Analyzing the Character of Nhuận Thổ in Lỗ Tấn's Homeland

I. Outline for Analyzing the Character of Nhuận Thổ in Lỗ Tấn's Homeland

1. Introduction

- Brief overview of the author Lỗ Tấn.
- Introduction to the work and the character Nhuận Thổ.
 

2. Core of the Story:

a. Character Nhuận Thổ in Childhood (10 years old):
- Possessing an adorable appearance, full of vitality, with a 'round face, honey-colored skin, wearing a slightly shrunken fur hat, adorned with a shiny silver necklace', and hands that are 'rosy, agile, and plump'.
- Quick-witted and articulate, knowledgeable about various subjects, adept at trapping birds and appreciating the beautiful shells on the seashore, even participating in the task of guarding melons from crows,...

b. Character Nhuận Thổ in Adulthood:
- Nhuận Thổ transforms into a tall and mature man with 'golden, weathered skin, deep wrinkles around his eyes, ...eyes surrounded by red, moist rims', 'wearing a worn-out fur hat, a thin clinging coat, hunching with a crumpled body, holding a paper bag and a long cigarette', 'his hands both rough and heavy, cracked like pine bark'.
- His demeanor becomes stoic, shrunken, 'his figure faintly resembling a stone statue', becoming introspective and quiet.
- Emotionally and attitudinally: Expressed through a respectful 'Yes, sir!' indicating politeness, humility.
- The former liveliness disappears, replaced by vulnerability, resigned to a slow and silent life, marked by poverty and hunger, giving rise to a touch of deceit when burying dozens of bowls in the ash heap to secretly keep them.

c. Reasons behind Nhuận Thổ's Transformation:
- Originating from the disparity between intellectuals and laborers, a result of the class discrimination prevalent in Chinese society at that time.
- The outdated feudal system of China led to the degradation of individuals, losing the primitive beauty and essence of a human being.
 

3. Conclusion

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II. Sample Essay Analyzing the Character of Nhuận Thổ in Lỗ Tấn's Homeland

Lỗ Tấn (1881-1936), a renowned Chinese writer, explored various professions, but a crucial event during his studies in Japan led him to the profound realization that healing the human body is not as impactful as healing the human spirit. He shifted from medical studies to literature to challenge the antiquated, feudal mindset prevalent in Chinese society at that time, aiming for a revolutionary transformation of the nation. His notable works include short story collections like AQ's Main Story, Shock, The Cry,... Lỗ Tấn's primary themes revolved around peasants and laborers in old Chinese society. The short story Homeland is part of the collection The Cry, published in 1923. Besides the main character, another pivotal figure shaping the narrative is Nhuận Thổ, the childhood friend of the narrator. Upon returning after two decades away from the homeland, the narrator had high hopes and dreams of a beautiful reunion, only to be deeply disappointed and saddened by the transformation of Nhuận Thổ in adulthood.

After two decades of living, studying, and working far away, the character 'I' returns to the homeland to sell the old house and move the entire family to a new place. This return holds little joy for the author, as it may be the last time he sets foot here, a place that has been intimately tied to the character 'I' throughout childhood. The homeland appears desolate, deserted, silent beneath the faded golden sky, a scene marked by a profound sense of desolation. Here, the author not only witnesses changes in the landscape but also the profound transformation of the people, with Nhuận Thổ being the soul of the narrative. Upon hearing that Nhuận Thổ will visit, the author's initially melancholic mood brightens. In the heart of the character 'I,' there is eager anticipation for the reunion with the once dear childhood friend. Memories flood in during that time, recalling the days of relative affluence, the once-in-a-lifetime ancestral memorial day after 30 years, and the meeting between two innocent children. In the memories of the character 'I,' Nhuận Thổ was a charming child, brimming with life, possessing a 'round face, honey-colored skin, wearing a slightly shrunken fur hat, adorned with a shiny silver necklace,' and hands that were 'rosy, agile, and plump.' His demeanor was quick-witted, articulate, knowledgeable, skilled at trapping birds, appreciating the beautiful shells on the seashore, and even joining the task of guarding melons from crows. All these qualities fascinated the character 'I,' who spent days within the four walls but found great pleasure in the yard, forming a close bond with the two children without any barriers. This closeness is best expressed through Nhuận Thổ addressing the character as 'brother,' displaying an intimate familiarity. Particularly, when the two children had to part ways, Nhuận Thổ cried persistently, refusing to leave. Later, back in his village, he asked his father to send up some bird feathers and a shell to remind his brother of their precious friendship. Another admirable trait in the young Nhuận Thổ, deeply cherished by the character 'I,' was his intelligent, confident manner of speaking, behaving, and expressing himself. Furthermore, Nhuận Thổ, despite being a child, kept his promises and valued friendship, even though it lasted for just one short month.

All these beautiful memories of the childhood friend, separated for over two decades, fill the character 'I' with anticipation and excitement for their reunion. However, reality brings disappointment and sadness, marked by the complete transformation of Nhuận Thổ in every aspect of life. Nhuận Thổ is no longer the Nhuận Thổ of old; it seems that the hardships of life have eroded and changed him into a different person. No longer the chubby, lively child, Nhuận Thổ becomes a tall, mature man with 'golden, weathered skin, deep wrinkles around his eyes, ...eyes surrounded by red, moist rims,' 'wearing a worn-out fur hat, a thin clinging coat, hunching with a crumpled body, holding a paper bag and a long cigarette,' and 'his hands both rough and heavy, cracked like pine bark.' His demeanor becomes rigid, shrunken, devoid of the former agility and liveliness, 'his figure faintly resembling a stone statue,' becoming introspective and quiet, no longer speaking or laughing as he did in childhood. However, these changes only slightly disappoint the author, as the dream is merely tilted, yet the changes in Nhuận Thổ's emotions and attitude are what leave the character 'I' in awe, making the author feel 'as if struck dumb' by the polite, reserved utterances of Nhuận Thổ. So, the days of Nhuận Thổ constantly caring, addressing the character as a brother seem to be over. This makes the author feel extremely sad and regretful. The atmosphere becomes awkward, and everything the character 'I' wants to say seems to choke at the throat, unable to continue, leaving only silence, dullness. Additionally, from the perspective of the character 'I,' Nhuận Thổ's personality is no longer as it used to be but undergoes a drastic transformation over two decades of life's trials and tribulations. The former liveliness disappears, replaced by vulnerability, resigned to a slow and silent life, marked by poverty and hunger. What saddens the author even more is not just the dullness; Nhuận Thổ now also exhibits a sense of deceit. When burying dozens of bowls in the ash heap to secretly keep them, it becomes evident.