Character Analysis of Lao Hac in the short story Lao Hac

Topic: Character Analysis of Lao Hac in the Short Story with the Same Title

Character Analysis of Lao Hac in the short story with the same title
 

I. Outline for analyzing the character of Lao Hac in the short story with the same title

Nam Cao is a talented realist writer who, when addressing the theme of farmers, evokes profound emotions and bitterness regarding the fate of those enduring hardship and poverty yet rich in humanity. Lao Hac in the short story with the same title is such a character.

2. Body of the essay

* The impoverished and pitiful life of Lao Hac:
- Possessions: three plots of land, a dog, a small tent
- Situation: loneliness, early loss of wife, living with his son who eventually leaves, leading to a solitary existence with only a dog...(Continued)

>> See detailed outline for analyzing the character of Lao Hac in the short story with the same title here

II. Sample essay: Character Analysis of Lao Hac in the short story with the same title

Vietnamese realistic literature has left a mark on the literary scene with authors like Kim Lan, Vu Trong Phung, Ngo Tat To, and notably, Nam Cao. When delving into the theme of intellectuals, he not only makes readers reflect and empathize with characters like Thu and Ho, intellectuals rich in dreams and aspirations but crushed by poverty and hunger. Similarly, in his portrayal of farmers, Nam Cao evokes deep sympathy for the harsh lives and tragic destinies of those enduring poverty but rich in human kindness. Lao Hac in the short story with the same title is one such character.

Like many other farmers, knee-deep in mud year-round, Lao Hac leads a life of extreme poverty. His only possessions are a dilapidated tent serving as a shelter, three small plots of land, a beloved dog named 'Golden' (Vang), and a unique son. Lao, genuine and impoverished, like many other farmers, works as a laborer to survive each day. His son, driven by the desire to marry, insists on selling a piece of land, but Lao Hac refuses. His son leaves home for a rubber plantation, leaving Lao Hac alone with only the company of his dog. In his old age, alone and ailing for over two months without care, his health deteriorates rapidly. Unemployment befalls Lao Hac, as no one is willing to hire an elderly person, and the light tasks are taken care of by women and girls in the village, leaving Lao Hac without work.

In that year, a strong storm destroyed Lao Hac's garden, leaving it barren. Hunger intensified, and even the daily ration of three bowls of rice left both him and his dog starving. In desperation, Lao Hac is forced to sell his beloved dog 'Golden' (Vang) because he has no means to feed him. The prices skyrocket, and with increasing hardship, Lao Hac resorts to eating radishes, cassava, and wild vegetables to survive. Isolated from his closest neighbor, a kind old teacher, Lao Hac's life becomes increasingly difficult and lonely. Ultimately, Lao Hac chooses death by hanging his dog, ending his life abruptly and in agony.

Lao Hac's life is tragic and impoverished, yet it shines with admirable qualities. He is a good and responsible father, showering his son with love despite the child's shortcomings. Lao Hac constantly worries about his son's future, enduring the pain of his departure for a rubber plantation. Every penny earned from selling the fruits of his small garden is dedicated to his son, even in the face of extreme hunger and poverty. Lao Hac steadfastly refuses to sell any piece of land, preserving it entirely for his son. His life revolves around his son, and every sacrifice is made with his child in mind. The silent death is a profound sacrifice Lao Hac makes for his son.

Lao Hac is an outstanding realistic short story by the writer Nam Cao. To gain an objective and insightful perspective on the lives of farmers before the August Revolution and to explore the cherished human qualities alongside the character analysis provided, you may refer to:  My Thoughts on the Short Story Lao Hac, Analysis of Human Values in the Short Story Lao Hac by Nam Cao, Fate and Personality of the Character Lao Hac in the Short Story Lao Hac, Expressing the Most Prominent Thoughts on the Short Story Lao Hac.