Buzz
Task: Read and share your thoughts on the following passage: ... 'So, the livestock returned yesterday evening. Since early morning, the farm gate has swung open wide, each pen filled with fresh straw. People would say: 'They must be arriving now -gli-ê, now they're in Para-dise.' Suddenly, in the evening, a loud cheer: 'They're here!' and from a distance, we saw the livestock advancing amidst the radiant pink dust. The entire road seemed to silently follow their footsteps. Leading the way were the old male sheep, horns raised forward and menacing; behind them were the household sheep, some looking a bit tired, and a group of lambs running playfully underfoot; the female sheep adorned with red decorative tassels, carrying baskets holding newly born lambs, swaying rhythmically as if lulling them to sleep with each step; and finally, the two shepherds sweating profusely, tongues hanging low, clad in rough red woolen cloaks, almost touching the ground like capes.'
Task: Read and share your thoughts on the following passage: ... 'So, the livestock returned yesterday evening. Since early morning, the farm gate has swung open wide, each pen filled with fresh straw. People would say: 'They must be arriving now -gli-ê, now they're in Para-dise.' Suddenly, in the evening, a loud cheer: 'They're here!' and from a distance, we saw the livestock advancing amidst the radiant pink dust. The entire road seemed to silently follow their footsteps. Leading the way were the old male sheep, horns raised forward and menacing; behind them were the household sheep, some looking a bit tired, and a group of lambs running playfully underfoot; the female sheep adorned with red decorative tassels, carrying baskets holding newly born lambs, swaying rhythmically as if lulling them to sleep with each step; and finally, the two shepherds sweating profusely, tongues hanging low, clad in rough red woolen cloaks, almost touching the ground like capes.'
('The Livestock Returns' - A. Doe-doe)
Sample Essay: Reading and Reflecting on the Passage from 'The Livestock Returns' by A. Doe-doe
Student's Composition
'The Livestock Returns' is the latter part of the short story 'Moving to a New Home' by the French-Vietnamese writer Phap An-phong-xo Doe-doe (1840 - 1897). The excerpt: 'So, the livestock returned yesterday evening... two shepherds, robust, draped in coarse red woolen cloaks, trailing long at the heels like capes,' is extracted from the segment 'The Livestock Returns.'
1. Describe the vivid and spiritual scene of the livestock descending from the mountains back to the farm, incredibly lively and enchanting. The landscape is portrayed from a distance to up close, capturing the anticipation and excitement. The farm gate is 'wide open, eagerly waiting,' and the livestock pens are 'filled with fresh straw.' People at home are anxiously waiting, saying to each other: 'They must be arriving now -gli-e, now they're in Para-dise'... The joy and excitement of seeing the flock of sheep returning are vividly expressed in a sentence full of emotion: 'Then suddenly, in the evening, a loud cheer: 'They're here!' and from a distance, we saw the livestock advancing amidst the radiant pink dust. Before us is a bustling and lively scene. The footsteps of the flock of sheep must be very crowded, possibly thousands of them making the road 'creep up' like that. The flock of sheep is divided into groups and portrayed with skillful strokes. The old male sheep lead like seasoned frontline generals 'Horns raised forward and menacing.' Following them are the household sheep, some looking a bit tired, and a group of lambs running playfully underfoot; the female sheep adorned with red decorative tassels, carrying baskets holding newly born lambs, swaying rhythmically as if lulling them to sleep with each step; and the dogs resembling rear-guard warriors, each 'sweating profusely, tongues hanging low.' Finally, there are the two shepherds, robust figures 'clad in rough red woolen cloaks, trailing long at the heels like capes.'
2. The image of the flock of sheep is a central focus portrayed with six skillful strokes, demonstrating a tight composition, keen observation, and the artful use of language. The male sheep are described through their horns and the expression 'menacing.' The mother sheep are 'tired,' the lamb sheep are frolicking 'running playfully underfoot,' now wearing red decorative tassels, carrying baskets swaying rhythmically 'like lulling' in their walking rhythm. The dogs are described as warriors with 'tongues hanging low,' and the two shepherds are strong figures with 'rough red woolen cloaks trailing long at the heels.' The long but cohesive sentences reveal the 'crowded household of sheep,' a flock that is nurtured, cared for, and well-organized, exuding a sense of order. Hovering over all the flock of sheep is an attentive gaze, the writer's loving heart. It can be said that this is the most outstanding and exemplary passage describing animals, rare indeed.
In this way, we have suggested Reading and Reflecting on the Passage from 'The Livestock Returns' by A. Doe-doe. Additionally, students need to explore more about Your feelings about the following passage from 'The Livestock Returns' and along with the section Analysis of the Ode by Can Giuoc Poet to highlight the beauty of the image of patriotic farmer intellectuals to study Vietnamese Language better.
