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Crafting the tale of Rice and Clams (by Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong), Literature class 7 - Connecting knowledge with life
Crafting the tale of Rice and Clams concise SGK Literature 7 volume 1 Connecting knowledge
I. Before reading
1. Every region in the world has its unique features in culinary style. Share your understanding of this issue.
Students share their own opinions.
Suggestions:
- In the Northern mountainous region provinces: Lang Son, Cao Bang, Ha Giang, Lao Cai, Lai Chau,... due to the cold and dry climate, the local people often eat spicy dishes to keep warm.
- In the South, with a hot climate, people prefer sweet-flavored dishes.
2. If asked to introduce a specialty dish from your hometown, which one would you choose?
Students share their own opinions.
Suggestions:
In Ha Nam, my hometown, we are famous for the Vũ Đại village braised fish. This dish is meticulously prepared from selecting the fish, processing it until seasoning. The chosen fish is black carp with plenty of meat, few bones; only the body and tail are selected for braising. The seasoning must also be complete: dried onions, galangal, ginger, soy sauce, salt, and chili. The fish stew must be in a clay pot, braised with new lychee wood to create the aroma.
Crafting the tale of Rice and Clams (Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong) in the shortest way, Literature class 7, Connecting knowledge with life
II. Reading the Text
1. Paying Attention: Unveiling the Distinctive Palate of Hue People.
The unique taste of Hue people is to 'experience the perfect blend of salty, savory, sour, spicy, sweet, and umami flavors, embracing both feared tastes of the world, spicy and bitter.'
2. Inference: What Region Does the Author Hail From? What Details Indicate That?
The author hails from the land of Hue. The details affirm this, 'Allow me to introduce a day of 'Heavenly Bliss' of my fellow Hue citizens, commencing with a dish of mussel rice.'
3. Keeping an Eye: Author's Personal Take on the Specialty Dish.
The author expresses their personal opinion on the specialty dish: 'To me, a specialty dish is akin to a cultural relic, it must remain true to its roots, preserving the essence just like in the good old days; any attempt at improvement only results in mere imitations!'
4. Explore: Take Note of the Ingredients for Mussel Rice.
Ingredients for mussel rice: mussel surface, glass noodles, dried bamboo shoots, finely sliced pork, raw vegetables (made from banana stems or thinly sliced banana flowers mixed with mint, finely chopped herbs, and bean sprouts), golden everlasting flower buds, cold rice, and seasonings.
5. Observe: Pay Attention to the Fifteenth Flavor of Mussel Rice.
The fifteenth flavor of Mussel Rice is the fiery taste, 'a kitchen fire simmering, nurtured through rain in the winter, resilient alongside human footsteps.'
III. After Reading
1. What Details Indicate That Mussel Rice is a Popular Dish?
- The ingredients for mussel rice are simple and easy to find: mussels, glass noodles, dried bamboo shoots, pork, and raw vegetables.
- The seasonings for mussel rice are also straightforward: chili sauce, colored chili, chili paste with fish sauce, shredded pork floss, grilled rice paper crumbs, roasted salt, fried peanuts, roasted sesame seeds, crispy pork skin, lard, and scallion oil.
- Selling places: Mussel rice is sold on the streets at a reasonable price, accessible to everyone.
=> This is a popular dish in terms of ingredients, seasonings, selling places, and consumption style.
2. Characteristics Revealed by Mussel Rice in Hue's Culinary Style.
- The dish is an outcome of intricate and meticulous culinary artistry, highly characteristic of the people of Hue.
- Mussel rice epitomizes the spicy eating style of Hue, reaching a level of spiciness that brings 'teary eyes and beads of sweat.'
3. Is 'The Story of Mussel Rice' merely an introduction to a dish?
'The Story of Mussel Rice' is not just a simple introduction to a dish because: The work delves into a tradition and custom of Hue, specifically focusing on the simple, intimate mussel rice dish, a distinctive cuisine of the people of Hue. Through this, the author expresses deep love for the homeland.
4. In the author's view, why does 'a specialty dish resemble a cultural relic'?
The author believes that 'a specialty dish resembles a cultural relic' because: Cultural relics need to be preserved, kept intact, avoiding adulteration that would strip away their essence. Similarly, a specialty dish needs to preserve traditional elements in preparation, resisting unnecessary innovations like replacing cold rice with noodles.
5. The image of the female vendor with her mussel rice cart and stove evokes what thoughts about preserving the local cultural identity?
The image of the female vendor with her mussel rice cart evokes strong emotions about preserving the local cultural identity:
- The vendor's words: 'To speak like you... is to be truly from Hue.'
- Actions: Glaring with angered eyes.
=> The vendor's behavior reflects the cultural attitude of the people of Hue: always conscious of preserving cultural characteristics.
- The image of the stove:
+ The flame represents the fifteenth flavor of mussel rice, contributing to the distinct aroma of the dish.
+ This fifteenth flavor is also the flame of emotions, the dedication of the mussel rice vendor to the traditional dish of the homeland.
6. Identify Words Reflecting the Narrative Style in the Essay 'The Story of Mussel Rice' that Resembles the Author Chatting with Readers.
Words reflecting the narrative style, resembling the author chatting with readers include: 'ensure that,' 'also,' 'bitter wonderfully!,' 'mouth-watering,' 'spicy to scorching,' 'tongue-burning spicy,' 'nose-numbing spicy,' 'tear-inducing spiciness,'... 'Heavenly Bliss of my fellow Hue citizens,' 'people with a 'blood' of mussel rice,' 'shout out loudly,' 'emotionally touched to the core of the teeth.'
=> The language used is intimate, aiming to bridge the gap between the writer and the reader.
7. How do you perceive the author's individuality expressed in 'The Story of Mussel Rice'?
The author's individuality expressed in 'The Story of Mussel Rice': The author possesses a sense of responsibility in preserving the traditional values of the community, harboring deep love for the homeland and the nation.
IV. Connecting with Reading
Write a paragraph (around 5-7 sentences) about a traditional cultural activity showcasing the beauty of people in the place where you live.
Green rice flakes are an indispensable dish for Hanoians every autumn. Amidst the bustling streets, there are still vendors selling green rice flakes. The sweet fragrance of green rice fills the air. Each package is deftly wrapped in lotus leaves and handed to the buyer. Eating green rice must be done slowly to fully appreciate the chewy aroma of the rice grains - a unique flavor. When autumn comes to Hanoi, people immediately think of green rice flakes. It has become a distinctive dish representing Hanoi's cuisine.
The Story of Mussel Rice introduced readers to the humble and simple mussel rice, a distinctive dish of the people of Hue. Alongside that, we can feel the author's deep affection for the homeland. From this, everyone should cherish, nurture, and preserve the beautiful cultural traditions of the nation.
Other exemplary Grade 7 essays:
- Compose Practical Vietnamese Lesson on page 116, Literature Grade 7, Connecting Knowledge with Life
- Compose The Cage Festival (Tran Quoc Vuong, Le Van Hao, Duong Tat Tu), Literature Grade 7, Connecting Knowledge with Life
