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Topic: Analyze Husband A Phu and Wife Collector to understand the destiny and beauty of the laborers.
I. Outline
II. Sample essay
Sample essay analyzing Husband A Phu and Wife Collector to perceive the destiny and beauty of laborers.
I. Outline: Analyzing Husband A Phu and Wife Collector to understand the destiny and beauty of laborers
1. Introduction
- Brief overview of two authors, Tô Hoài and Kim Lân:
+ Tô Hoài, a prolific writer with a record number of works in Vietnamese literature, is best known for his masterpiece about typical laborers, Husband A Phu.
+ Kim Lân, renowned as one of the most outstanding post-revolutionary writers on Vietnamese farmers, impresses with Wife Collector, a remarkable work depicting the fate and beauty of farmers through a unique and extraordinary storyline.
+ Although both write about farmers, the two authors have different writing styles and plot constructions, with a common focus on the beauty and destiny of farmers.
b. Body of the essay
* Aspects of the fate of laborers in the two works:
- Husband A Phu:
+ Character Mị: A daughter-in-law burdened by debts, living as if confined at home, exploited for labor, paralyzed in resistance, a life of relentless labor, helpless, contemplating suicide multiple times but unsuccessful...(Continued)
>>Outline for Analysis of Husband A Phu and Wife Collector to understand the destiny and beauty of laborers is available here.
II. Sample essay Analyzing Husband A Phu and Wife Collector to understand the destiny and beauty of laborers
While each character's destiny carries its share of pain and misfortune, deep within their souls, a radiant light illuminates their beautiful spirits. In Tô Hoài's work 'A Phủ Couple,' the focus is on portraying the inner beauty of individuals through their aspirations for life and a fierce desire for freedom. Despite the continuous hardships that engulf the lives of the two main characters, there lies a genuine beauty within their souls—a consciousness awakened by revolutionary ideals, a determination to find a way to rescue themselves from the engulfing misery and unhappiness, seemingly without an escape route. Mị, once a beautiful girl with a talent for playing the flute, faced the harsh reality of marrying into the Pá Tra family due to her father's ancestral debt. Despite numerous moments of contemplating death due to her challenging life, Mị, driven by filial piety, endures the hardships, as she believes that only through her sacrifices can her father's debt be repaid.
It was thought that Mị's humanity and soul had died during the enduring submission and endurance at the Pá Tra household. However, deep within her being, a powerful vitality still thrived. When spring arrived, Mị desired to drink wine, secretly taking a jug and drinking heartily, reminiscing about beautiful memories, the sound of the flute calling her lover. The intoxication revived her seemingly numb soul, still lingering, no longer fervently resisting. Yet, once again, conscious of her fate, the pain and misfortune of life, Mị wished to die once more, shedding tears. Suddenly, a glimmer of realization surfaced in her soul—Mị is still young, eager to go out and enjoy life, just like married women who go out during the Lunar New Year. In her chamber, 'Mị wraps her hair, reaching for the floral dress hanging on the inner wall.' Mị, as if reborn, becomes aware of her beauty, initiating a newfound resistance. Despite A Sử's prohibition, who ties Mị to a post, Mị remains unyielding. The binding cord cannot restrain her soul, as she roams with the flute's melody, reminiscing about the playful moments, the revelries.
Awakening from the wine's influence, Mị deepens her understanding of her own identity, 'Mị murmurs, feeling inferior to even a horse.' Particularly, Mị is a person rich in compassion, with a hidden kindness. A Phủ's tears are like overflowing cups, motivating Mị to save him. Unable to let an innocent person die at the hands of those heartless individuals, Mị, devoid of fear, rises, resists, cuts A Phủ free, and then runs after him. Mị desires to live, craves freedom; she cannot let life be buried in this demonic place. Deserving a better life, Mị courageously liberates A Phủ, simultaneously liberating herself. The spirited essence within that woman erupts intensely—an essential condition guiding Mị towards enlightenment, entering the embrace of the Revolution to free the nation and its people.
Regarding the character A Phủ, he is a robust and industrious person with a straightforward and honest nature. He dares to stand against tyranny to protect justice. Similar to Mị, A Phủ yearns for freedom and a fervent desire to live, evidenced by the moment 'A Phủ suddenly kneels, unable to step forward. Before death can approach, A Phủ summons strength, rises, and runs.' A Phủ also possesses a sense of camaraderie and empathy, not running alone but carrying Mị, the oppressed woman who saved him. Additionally, the character impresses with the profound revolutionary awareness, eagerly participating in the fight to become a skilled revolutionary soldier. Alongside his wife and comrades, he dedicates himself to defending the homeland, finding meaning in life, and fighting for the country and its people.
In the masterpiece 'The Wife Collects,' the beauty of the characters unfolds through the warmth of family bonds and the intertwining love and care amidst poverty and difficulties. Faced with changing circumstances, each character consciously embraces their role and responsibility in nurturing the home. Tràng, initially a carefree and easy-going young man, hastily decides to get married without much thought. However, deep within Tràng's soul is a person with profound compassion. Since accepting Thị as his wife, Tràng has transformed, showing genuine concern for others. He treats Thị to a satisfying meal, even buys her a small basket to ease her discomfort about her status as a wife. On his way home, Tràng suddenly finds himself focusing more on Thị's emotions, a sentiment he never paid attention to before.
After the wedding night, Tràng observes a change in their home, noticing Thị becoming gentler. Touched by this, Tràng feels compelled to live more responsibly for his family, contemplating a future of happiness, cultivating a harmonious family life with a child. The revolutionary awareness also blooms in the soul of this local man. Thị, after becoming Tràng's wife, sheds her previously coarse and tough appearance, wholeheartedly aspiring to be a virtuous wife, striving to build a happy family—something she had lost before. As for Granny Tứ, initially apprehensive about the daughter-in-law her son brought home, she quickly realizes the situation. With the compassionate heart of a seasoned woman, she accepts, loves, and empathizes with Thị. All her concerns stem from maternal love. Additionally, the beauty of the working class in the story reflects a belief in a bright future during the harsh times of the 1945 famine, akin to a young sapling in the barren and cold land. It manifests in the joy of the local residents when Tràng brings Thị home, resembling the red flag of Viet Minh, heralding the imminent revolutionary future, the liberation of the nation, and the people's freedom.
The commonality between the two works lies in their setting during the years 1945-1954, a period of fierce resistance against French colonialism. Reflecting tragic destinies and hardships, they highlight the hidden beauty in the souls of the working class amidst adversity. Condemning the feudal regime and the cruel invasion of the French colonialists, pushing our people into painful, unjust circumstances. Moreover, they underscore the enduring human values throughout the works: the appreciation of the beauty within the human soul, faith in a bright future, trust in the revolution, and the elevation of just aspirations for happiness, freedom, and justice for the working people. A notable artistic aspect in both works is their excellent and nuanced portrayal of the characters' psychological development, captivating readers, providing a thorough understanding of each character's fate and beauty. While sharing commonalities, each work possesses unique and distinct qualities, contributing to the diverse beauty in each piece. While 'A Phủ Couple' focuses on the longing for life, the fervent desire for freedom, and the vigorous spirit of humanity, 'The Wife Collects' centers on reflecting the yearning for happiness, dreams of a blissful family life, and hope for a fulfilling life.
Both 'A Phủ Couple' and 'The Wife Collects' stand out as exceptional works in Vietnamese literature, conveying profound human values and humanitarianism, reflecting the fate and beauty of the Vietnamese people, especially the working class during the bygone years. They condemn the feudal system and the ruthless oppression by the French colonialists, placing our people in a situation of pain, oppression, and injustice. Furthermore, they showcase the enduring human values present in both works: the respect for the beauty within the human soul, faith in a brighter future, belief in the revolution, and the emphasis on just and rightful aspirations for happiness, freedom, and justice for the working class. An exceptional aspect of both works lies in their artistic talent and modern literary style, attributed to the gifted pens of Tô Hoài and Kim Lân in contemporary Vietnamese literature.
