Crafting the tale of Mr. Dao by Vu Dinh Lien

Crafting a concise rendition of Mr. Dao

Composing the Tale of Mr. Scholar, Brief 1

Structural breakdown into 3 sections:
- Part 1 (pages 1, 2): Vintage imagery of Mr. Scholar.
- Part 2 (pages 3, 4): Contemporary portrayal of Mr. Scholar.
- Part 3 (page 5): Author's nostalgic reflection on Mr. Scholar.

Question 1:

- In the first 2 verses: the image of Mr. Scholar writing Chinese characters on Tet is a beautiful sight. He appears alongside 'peach blossoms,' 'ink sticks,' and 'red paper.' He brings joy to many when composing Tet couplets.
- Pages 3+4: still depicting that space, that time, but with a different atmosphere: desolate over the years, now almost no 'hired writer' remains. The paper is sad, the ink is mournful.
=> The contrast evokes sympathetic emotions for Mr. Scholar, who is being pushed out of life, forgotten along with the pastime of couplet writing.

Question 2:

Author's Heartfelt Sentiment Towards Mr. Scholar: The author's deep sense of sorrow for Mr. Scholar, appreciating the rich cultural values of the nation.

Question 3:

Not only profound in nostalgic content, the poem also excels in artistry:
- Crafting contrasting scenes
- Corresponding structure at the beginning and end.
- The poem follows a five-character form. The language is simple, devoid of novelty. The poetic images evoke a vivid and emotionally charged atmosphere.

In question 4:

The poetic lines 'sad red paper - ink lingering in pensiveness - yellow leaves falling on paper - outside, dust dances in the rain' depict a scene of sentimental attachment. The author personifies paper and ink, making these lifeless objects also feel sorrow. The profound loneliness that engulfs individuals when forgotten. The desolate scenery, nature mourning in sync with human sorrow.

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Furthermore, elaborating on the traditional Vietnamese dress (áo dài) is a crucial lesson in the 8th-grade literature curriculum that students should pay special attention to.

In addition to the above content, students can explore the section about Reflecting on a time when I made a teacher sad to prepare for this lesson.

Prepare the essay 'Mr. Inkpot, Short 2'

Question 1: Analyze the image of Mr. Inkpot writing Chinese characters on Lunar New Year in the first two stanzas and the portrayal of Mr. Inkpot in stanzas 3 and 4. Compare to clarify the differences between these two images. What emotions do these differences evoke about Mr. Inkpot's situation?

Answer:

Examine the portrayal of Mr. Inkpot writing Chinese characters on Lunar New Year in the first two stanzas and his depiction in stanzas 3,4:

'Every year cherry blossoms bloom
Once again, Mr. Inkpot appears old'

These two lines express the arrival of Tet through the metaphorical use of 'cherry blossoms blooming' and the observation of 'once again'

The repetition of time helps us recognize the consistent, enduring connection that has existed for centuries between Mr. Inkpot and the spring season.

Simultaneously, the imagery:

'How many hired writers
Offering praise for talent
Artful hands crafting strokes
Like phoenixes dancing, dragons soaring.'

Through the imagery, we can perceive the reverence, nurturing, and preservation of the national culture.

Question 2: How does the poet's sentiment manifest in the poem?

Answer:

The poet's sentiments are consistently portrayed throughout the poem:

• Stanzas 1,2: The poet reminisces about the imagery of past Tet celebrations, depicting a love for humanity and the country in a warm and simple manner.
• Stanzas 3,4: The depiction of Tet is vivid, unique, and detailed, portraying scenes of Mr. Inkpot with flowers, and the streets remaining unchanged.
• Stanza 5 expresses regret for the absence of Mr. Inkpot.

--> The author's emotions are a mix of joy and sorrow, reflecting the cultural essence of Vietnam.

Question 3: What makes the poem stand out?

Answer:

The poem excels in:

• Comparing the different depictions of Mr. Inkpot's calligraphy over the years
• Familiar details: every Tet, Mr. Inkpot takes out ink and paper to write characters
• The sense of lack and emptiness when Mr. Inkpot is absent

Question 4: Analyze to elucidate the beauty in the following verses:

'Sorrow stains the red paper;
Ink lingers in the melancholy brush...'

'Golden leaves fall on paper
Outside, dust dances in the rain.'

In your opinion, are these verses describing a scene or expressing emotions?

Answer:

In my opinion, those verses both depict a scene and convey emotions.

The above is the essay on the literary work 'Mr. Inkpot,' through which we can perceive the cultural essence of our nation during festive occasions. The author has provided the younger generations with a comprehensive view of Mr. Inkpot during each Tet celebration, expressing a sense of nostalgia when the image of Mr. Inkpot is no longer present.

Prepare the essay 'Mr. Inkpot, Short 3'

Question 1: (Page 10 Literature Grade 8, Volume 2)
Answer:
a. The image of the old scholar in the first two stanzas: A period of prosperity and scholarly success for the old scholar. This is evidenced by the following points:
- Traditionally, every Tet, Mr. Inkpot would 'Display red ink and paper,' surrounded by scenes of flourishing peach blossoms and bustling streets. The presence of the old scholar is essential, representing a deep cultural element in the traditional Tet celebration of the nation.
- Back then, under the feudal examination system, scholars were highly respected. Owning a few characters was considered a great honor. The old scholar was no exception, even though buying and selling literature was not something a true scholar should do. However, 'How many hired writers/Offering praise for talent' indicated the prestige and admiration of the people, a worthy recognition.
- The artistic skill of the old scholar is most evident in the lines, 'Artful hands crafting strokes/Like phoenixes dancing, dragons soaring.' In the past, those who went to buy characters witnessed a masterful dance of the pen, greatly admired and respected. This further emphasizes how the old scholar once stood at the pinnacle of fame and success.

b. The image of the old scholar in stanzas 3 and 4: The situation of the old scholar when the feudal examination system is abolished, the period of scholarly success has passed.
- 'But every year, increasingly absent/Where are the hired writers now?' At this time, not many people are interested in Confucian literature; they are drawn to something more 'Western.' The old image of the scholar is no longer relevant, becoming lost amid the bustling crowd.
- Although the paper is red, it is 'sad and not vibrant,' and the ink is the same color but 'lingers in the melancholy brush.' It seems that fate has turned, pushing the old scholar into a bleak situation, a cultural decline, a scene of people and things lost.
- The image of 'Mr. Inkpot still sitting there,' appearing before the reader's eyes as a confused and disappointed old scholar. What he pursued throughout his life, a source of pride, once highly respected by many, is suddenly coldly rejected. Who can understand this pain and sorrow?
- More poignant is the scene of 'Golden leaves fall on paper/Outside, dust dances in the rain,' the subtle and calm rain, a kind of rain without sound, much like the situation of Mr. Inkpot. Silent but causing deep pain, endless sorrow.

Question 2: (Page 10 Literature Grade 8, Volume 2)
Answer:
The author's mood in the poem is a fusion of various emotions.
- First and foremost is the admiration and reverence for the talent of a generation of Confucian scholars, a deep appreciation for the rich cultural essence of the nation that has been a part of Southern history for thousands of years.
- Compassion for the fate and circumstances of those individuals pushed aside by the societal changes, falling into a state of decline and ruin.
- Pain, regret for a cultural essence that was once beautiful, the pinnacle of the nation's heritage, now crumbling in a desolate and decadent scene, brought about by the twists and turns of fate.

Question 3: (Page 10 Literature Grade 8, Volume 2)
Answer:
The poem's excellence lies in two aspects:
a. Content:
The poem holds profound humanistic significance, expressing warm human emotions, a sense of nostalgia, sympathy, and regret from the author when witnessing a time of prosperity and success turning into ashes. This is the consequence of the cultural exchange between East and West. Deep within the author's heart, there is perhaps a desire to awaken a certain part of society, not to forget the beautiful cultural heritage we have preserved for so many years.