Buzz
Sample composition:
To celebrate November 20th, our class will perform a skit based on Tam Cam. I've been cast as Tam. I'm excited but nervous about portraying Tam. How should I embody the character effectively?
On the way home, I pondered how I would embody the role of Tam. How does Tam walk and speak? Lost in thought, I wandered into an unfamiliar place. Before me lay a scene both strange and familiar. As I attempted to enter, two guards stopped me. They asked, 'Whom do you seek?' I hesitated, 'I wish to see Sister Tam.' The guards smiled and escorted me to her. I was fortunate. Sister Tam didn't reside in a grand palace; she lived in a modest house, much like any other. Seeing a swing and a bamboo bedstead outside, I knew it was her dwelling. Without the guards' guidance, I would've found her anyway. I rushed in and saw a girl in simple attire, not royal garb. I greeted her, 'Good day, Sister!' She turned, smiled, and invited me in. She offered the guards, but they declined, citing duty. I thanked them and waved goodbye. Though unaware of my identity, Sister Tam warmly welcomed me. She gestured for me to sit, offered water and sweet potatoes. I was surprised, 'Why such humble fare in the palace? I thought you only consumed delicacies.' Sister Tam chuckled, 'Don't perceive palace life as distant from the common folk; I too was once a commoner, hence I cherish these simple foods. You see, I still weave cloth, prepare betel for the king to chew.' I inquired, 'Why don't you reside in the palace?' Sister Tam smiled, 'It's too cold and imposing for me, I'm not accustomed to it.' She turned to me, 'So, what brings you to me?' After hesitating, I asked boldly, 'I've been assigned to portray you in the play Tam Cam, how should I depict you?' She laughed:
- How do you perceive me, then?
- I find you gentle and kind. Despite Mother and Sister Cam's repeated scheming, you work diligently catching crabs and shrimp, enduring hardship, yet Sister Cam deceives you, leading to Mother's harsh punishment. You also show kindness to animals, catching fish not to eat but to care for, and you also care for the elderly woman alone, cooking and cleaning for her in her absence. You seem benevolent and compassionate. Despite Sister Cam's relentless malice—burning the swing, killing the golden bird, cutting the betel tree causing you to fall—you remain kind. Sister, why do such evil people exist?
Sister Tam gently replied, 'Goodness begets goodness. Do you see, despite Mother and Sister Cam's attempts to harm me, I still find happiness, I still find love with the king. Meanwhile, Mother and Sister Cam face numerous calamities. We must live virtuously, not to shame ourselves.'
But there's something I want to ask you, Sister: 'You're so forgiving and kind, you've overlooked countless wrongs committed by Mother and Sister Cam. So why, in the end, did you pour boiling water on Cam and turn her into fish sauce? Moreover, you even let the stepmother eat her own child's flesh. My classmates say you're truly cruel, not the kind person you pretend to be at first.
Sister Tam's face paled, she fell silent. I looked at her and said:
- 'Sister, did you do it? Did I say something wrong?'
She shook her head: 'Is it true, my dear? Why do people say such things? If I were truly cruel, I would've harmed Aunt and little Cam from the start.' She choked up: 'Your friends misunderstand me. Life follows the law of 'goodness begets goodness' and 'evil begets retribution.' Evil must be eradicated, punished, so that the righteous may live in warmth and happiness.
I ran to her, embracing her: 'I'm sorry for making you sad. This time meeting you, I can play your role in the play celebrating November 20th. But if there's anything lacking, please don't laugh at me,'
She encouraged me to do my best and then escorted me to the gate. Strangely, as I crossed the threshold, my beloved home appeared before me. I cheered and rushed inside. However, in my haste, I stumbled and fell, rubbing my head where it hit the table. It turned out I had fallen asleep on the table. Upon waking, I saw the script for Tam Cam on the table.
Meeting Sister Tam gave me the confidence to portray Tam. I will strive to portray her well, so that everyone will love Sister Tam, not just myself.
Thus, we have suggested the next prompt Imagine and recount the encounter with the character Tam in the story Tam Cam, students need to prepare well for the content Imagine and recount the encounter with the character Tam in the story Tam Cam and along with the section Analysis of the story Tam Cam to understand more about the story and the character Tam. Besides, students should try to reread the entire story and summarize the story Tam Cam based on their understanding to appreciate the story better.
