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Prompt: Examining the character of the mother figure in the excerpt 'Within Mother's Heart' to elucidate statements through words and actions portraying the ruthless, devoid-of-humanity essence, worthy of condemnation.
Analyzing the character of the mother figure in the excerpt 'Within Mother's Heart'
Response:
Mentioning writer Nguyen Hong brings to mind pages soaked in the essence of sentimentality, rich prose that brings to life the intense emotions of humanity, especially those depicting women and children. His works aren't just good; they're beautiful, resonating with genuine and fervent emotions expressed through every breath, gesture, and word of the characters. Pieces like 'Rice Hulls,' 'When a Child Is Born,' or the memoir collection 'Days of Childhood' all possess their own allure. The excerpt from 'Within Mother's Heart' in this memoir collection not only touches us with the sacred maternal love and empathy for a suffering boy named Hong but also exposes the venomous, cruel nature of his aunt - a representative image of the outdated feudalistic customs still prevalent in society.
Since childhood, little Hong has endured much suffering, lacking the affection of loved ones from an early age. Living away from his mother, he has faced numerous humiliations and injustices, particularly from relatives within the household. Despite the long absence of his mother's news, Hong doesn't blame her at all; he still holds on to fervent trust and intense love for his mother. Surely, a woman, a mother, should understand better than anyone the hardships that he has to endure. Yet that woman is ready to trample upon the affection of a child for his mother, scheming maliciously in every word. A question seemingly filled with genuine concern hides a malicious intent from her: 'Do you want to go to Thanh Hoa with your mother?' A sardonic smile in her tone makes it clear to him that it's not genuine care but mockery. The question touches upon the longing for his mother in the heart of a child who has been separated for so long. That intense longing only adds to his pain. The aunt appears caring about the mother-child bond between Hong and his mother, but deep down, she plants seeds of resentment and doubt in the child, eventually leading him to abandon his mother who is far away seeking a living. The aunt cruelly kills the child's heart with her own words. However, contrary to the aunt's calculations, little Hong senses the deceit in her words, so he replies, 'No! I don't want to go. No matter what, I'll come home at the end of the year,' and yet she maintains her sweet yet cunning tone: 'Why not go? Your aunt will make a fortune, just like last time!' with her eyes fixed on the pitiful child, as if probing for some emotion within him. Then she smiles and pats his shoulder, her tone nonchalant and mocking, each word piercing into the child's soul. She intentionally informs the child about his mother's pregnancy before the mourning period ends, her purpose being to ridicule and taunt his mother.
Truly cruel and despicable, a heartless woman who disregards even the blood ties to provoke and torment a pitiful child to the point of pity. She sees it as a game, and the more Hong suffers, the more satisfied and self-satisfied she becomes. Hong's heart is filled with anguish: 'My tears were streaming down both sides of my face and soaking my chin and neck. The two words 'baby' uttered by my aunt so sweetly, so clearly, truly wrapped around my heart as if she wanted them to.' Even strangers couldn't contain their emotions upon seeing him like that, yet his aunt shows no trace of compassion, only coldness, delighting as if she had achieved something very interesting. She talks about the hardships, the pitiful situation of the mother for the child's happiness. Only when his pain reaches its peak does she lower her voice to comfort him.
