Buzz
Prompt: Analyze the character of the grandmother in the excerpt 'Within Mother's Heart' to elucidate the opinion that her words and actions reflect a cruel nature, devoid of humanity, worthy of condemnation.
Analyzing the character of the grandmother in the excerpt 'Within Mother's Heart'.
Assignment:
When we speak of the writer Nguyen Hong, we recall pages soaked with the essence of romance, abundant language, reviving intense emotions of the human heart, especially those portraying women and children. His works are not just good but also beautiful, adorned with sincere and fervent emotions evident in every breath, gesture, and word of the characters. Whether it's 'Cracked Shells,' 'When a Child is Born,' or the memoir 'Childhood Days,' each offers its unique appeal. The excerpt 'Within Mother's Heart' from this memoir not only touches us with its sacred maternal love and empathy for a hapless boy named Hong. But upon reading the work, we also recoil at the venomous, cruel nature of his aunt - an image representing the archaic societal customs that still linger.
From a young age, little Hong has endured much suffering, lacking the affection of loved ones since childhood. Living away from his mother, he has faced bitter humiliations, especially from relatives within the family. Despite not hearing from his mother for a long time, Hong harbors no resentment. He maintains unwavering trust and intense love for his mother. Surely, as a woman, as a mother, his aunt should understand better than anyone the hardships he endures. Yet, she is willing to trample upon his affection for his mother, scheming with every word she utters. What seems like genuine concern in her question hides ulterior motives: 'Do you want to go to Thanh Hoa with your mother?' A smirk accompanies her words, revealing mockery rather than genuine care, a question that touches upon the longing for his absent mother. That intense longing only deepens his pain. The aunt pretends to care deeply about the mother-child bond between Hong and his mother, but deep down, her words sow seeds of resentment and doubt in the child's heart, causing him to doubt his mother who has gone abroad to earn a living. The aunt cruelly crushes the child's heart with her words. Contrary to her expectations, Hong discerns the deceit in her words, replying, 'No! I don't want to go. Regardless, by year's end, I will return.' Yet, she maintains her sweet yet insidious tone, 'Why not go? Your aunt has made a fortune, unlike before!' Her eyes fixate on the pitiful child as if probing for some emotional response. Then she chuckles and pats his shoulder, her tone casual and mocking, each word piercing the child's soul. 'You...just go. I'll buy the train ticket for you. Go get your aunt some tailoring done and visit the baby.' The aunt intentionally reveals to the child that his mother has had a baby before completing her mourning for her late husband, her purpose to belittle and mock the child's mother.
Truly cruel and despicable, a woman devoid of empathy and cold-blooded enough to disregard even familial bonds to taunt and torment a pitiable child. She views it as a game, finding satisfaction and pride as the child's pain and humiliation deepen. The child's heart, overwhelmed with sorrow: 'My tears flowed freely down both cheeks, drenching my chin and neck. The two words 'baby' uttered by my aunt rang sweetly, distinctly, tightly clutching at my soul as if my aunt had achieved her desired effect.' Even strangers would find it hard to contain their sympathy upon seeing him like this, yet his aunt shows no hint of compassion, only icy indifference, almost delight as if she had accomplished something remarkable. She recounts the hardships, the pitiful circumstances of the mother for the child's pleasure. Only when the child's pain reaches its peak does she lower her voice, pretending to comfort him.
