Introduction and evaluation of the content and artistry of a literary work

Topic: Introduction and evaluation of the content and artistry of a literary work

Introduction and evaluation of the content and artistry of the mythical story 'Heavenly Pillar'
 

A. Outline and Sample Speech on Introducing and Evaluating 'The First Leaf':

I. Introduction and Evaluation Outline of 'The First Leaf':

1. Opening:
- Introduce the author and the literary work.
2. Development:
a. Content:
* Theme: memories of teachers, school.
* Dominant emotions: profound nostalgia of the sentimental character for the beautiful school days.
* Summarize the content of each stanza:
- First two stanzas: emotional lament for childhood:
+ The regret of the sentimental character as childhood has slipped away: 'Can you see, everything has gone,' 'Childhood leaves arrogantly like that.'
+ The character's emotions about that summer, about the first time they fell in love: 'The cricket prophet forecasts without care/ Perhaps someone is starting to love.'
- Four middle stanzas: nostalgia for teachers, the school of the past:
+ Feelings of confusion, excitement about the old school 'The first song requests to sing about the old school.'
+ Reminiscences about the school, class overflow in the character's thoughts 'Do you remember the school, remember my name.'
+ Joyful conversation between students and emotions about the class atmosphere.
+ The sentimental character's wish when facing the flowing of time 'The season of dreams has come, the flamboyant season is here/ On the teacher's forehead, don't let the hair turn gray.'
- Last two stanzas: regretful emotions about a bygone era:
+ Regret for the playful, mischievous days of going to school.
+ Loving memories, regret about the first memories, about the first leaf 'Not seen on the playground - the first leaf.'
b. Artistry:
- Images are bright and familiar.
- Language rich in vivid imagery, sensuality.
- Literary devices: vivid personification, unique metaphors.
3. Conclusion:
- Affirm the value of the literary work.
 

II. Sample Speech on Introducing and Evaluating 'The First Leaf':

Hello, teacher and dear classmates, my name is Ha Nhi. In today's Speaking and Listening practical session, I would like to introduce and evaluate the literary work 'The First Leaf.' I hope you and my classmates will pay attention to my presentation.

Dear friends, it's not by chance that the poet Hoang Nhuan Cam is known as the 'poet of students.' His works often revolve around memories of youth and love with a lively and vibrant tone. He is most renowned for the poem 'The First Leaf' featured in the collection 'Autumn Dice' in 1992. Although the poem was created in 1971, it took ten years to complete.

The work is a poignant memory of the sentimental character about a beautiful school time. This poem consists of eight stanzas. The first two stanzas express the emotional lament for the childhood of the sentimental character. The sentimental character asks but doesn't need an answer, 'Can you see, everything has gone.' The statement affirms that everything has passed, time continues to flow gently, 'In the sound of time very softly.' Childhood has passed, never looking back, 'Childhood leaves arrogantly like that,' making the sentimental character bewildered and nostalgic.

In the second stanza, the emotions of the sentimental character seem to drift towards that summer, towards the first experience of love. The author uses familiar images associated with school days such as 'crape myrtle flowers,' 'bunch of phoenix flowers,' 'sound of cicadas' to bring back memories of carrying school bags. However, those memories are not joyful and vibrant when summer comes but contain the separation and distance. Because when the phoenix flowers turn red, and cicadas sing, it's also the time for students to leave school. Therefore, the sentimental character realizes the cicadas are truly 'careless.' The moment of separation is also the time love begins to bloom, the time people learn to love and cherish the days sitting in the classroom, 'Perhaps someone is starting to love.'

The next four stanzas reveal the profound longing of the sentimental character for the old school, teachers of the past. The poetic devices such as the metaphor 'remember' in stanza 4, 'just' in stanza 6; the personification 'nostalgia' in stanza 4; the rhetorical structure 'want to say how much, want to cry how much' in stanza 3; 'those stories of yesteryear, those stories of every year' in stanza 6 vividly express the deep impressions of the school age. Simultaneously, it emphasizes the emotion, the surging of the sentimental character when thinking about the old school. The memories of the school and class overflow in the thoughts of the character 'Do you remember the school, remember my name.' The joyful conversation between students and emotions about the classroom atmosphere is most clearly depicted in the fifth stanza. In the sixth stanza, the sentimental character expresses the wish 'On the teacher's forehead, don't let the hair turn gray' when witnessing the flow of time.

In the last two stanzas, the sentimental character reveals regret for a bygone era. The sentimental character asserts 'The time of white hair sleeping soundly is over/ The time of wielding a knife to carve whims on old desks and chairs is over.' The verse carries the character's lament for the playful, mischievous days of going to school. Only to part ways, 'only concerned to look back,' 'not seen on the playground - the first leaf.'

It can be said that artistic techniques such as personification 'Childhood leaves arrogantly like that', 'The cricket prophet forecasts without care,' rhetorical device 'just,' 'Nostalgia'..., along with bright, familiar images, rich and evocative language have contributed to expressing the content of the work. The poem has taken the reader back to the time of 'white uniforms flying' on the schoolyard with emotions about the first experience of love.

My presentation concludes here, I thank you, teacher and classmates, for listening.

Introduction and evaluation of the content and artistry of a literary work
 

B. Outline and Sample Speech on Introducing and Evaluating 'Tay Tien':
 

I. Outline of Introducing and Evaluating 'Tay Tien':

1. Opening:
- Introduce the author and the literary work.
2. Development:
a. Content:
* Dominant emotion: Quang Dung's profound nostalgia for comrades, for the years of fighting, closely bonded with the Tay Tien military unit.
* Summarize the content of each stanza:
- Stanza 1: Nostalgia for the marching routes amidst the majestic and poetic landscapes of Northwest.
+ First two verses: The poet directly expresses nostalgia.
+ The panoramic view of the majestic Northwest nature.
+ The peaceful, poetic Northwest nature.
- Stanza 2: Memories of the cultural exchange night and the enchanting, dreamlike images of nature:
+ Memories of the cultural exchange night.
+ The scenery of rivers, people in the Northwest.
- Stanza 3: Nostalgia for the Tay Tien soldiers with their magnificent and heroic beauty:
+ The splendid beauty of the soldiers linked with the images 'army without a hair,' 'green army like leaves,' 'changing the blanket instead of the curtain.'

II. Sample Speech on Introducing and Evaluating 'Tay Tien':

Hello, teacher and classmates. Here, I will present the content and artistry of the literary work 'Tay Tien.'

It can be said that 'Tay Tien' is the most remarkable poem by poet Quang Dung. The poem was composed in 1948 when Quang Dung was on a mission in Phu Luu Chanh. For a long time, the poem received little attention as it was considered to have remnants of petit-bourgeois romanticism. Only with the innovation, the poem was restored to its rightful place in modern poetry. The poem consists of 4 stanzas and is linked by Quang Dung's profound nostalgia for comrades, for the years of fighting, closely bonded with the Tay Tien military unit.

The first stanza reflects the longing for the arduous marches amidst the majestic Northwest scenery. The poet vividly expresses his yearning for the Tay Tien army with lines like 'Song Ma has gone far, oh Tay Tien! / Remembering the forests and mountains, reminiscing with a hint of melancholy.' The term 'reminiscing' captures a hard-to-grasp, indescribable longing. In this stanza, the intense and grandiose Northwest nature appears through images and language such as 'mist envelops the tired army,' 'Climbing the steep slope, deep and profound,' 'Wild boars howl, smelling the sky,' 'a thousand steps up, a thousand steps down,' 'roaring waterfalls,' and 'tigers teasing humans.' Nature, however, is not always fearsome; sometimes, it reveals its beauty and sentimentality with images like 'flowers returning in the midnight breeze' and 'Whose house is Pha Luong in the distant rain.'

The memories of the festival night and the enchanting, dreamlike images of nature are revealed in the second stanza. After tense hours of combat, soldiers joyfully celebrate together. The sound of the horn echoes with enthusiasm, creating an atmosphere that captivates and enchants. Especially, the scenery of rivers and people in the Northwest is portrayed as poetic and sentimental with 'figures on wooden graves' and 'floodwaters gently swaying flowers.'

The poet not only reminisces about the festival night but also about the Tay Tien soldiers. They possess an extremely heroic beauty. The jungle's fevers make their heads bald, yet, despite living and fighting in impoverished conditions, the soldiers remain strong and steadfast. 'The army in green, fierce as tigers.' Ending the poem, Quang Dung expresses deep nostalgia with an oath to bond with the Tay Tien army. The entire Tay Tien unit shares the same ideals, voluntarily fighting and sacrificing for the independence and freedom of the homeland. The line 'The soul returns to Sam Nua and doesn't return downstream' conveys both the sacrifice of the soldiers and the author's affection for comrades and Tay Tien.

With unique rhetorical devices like personification, allegory, along with rich and evocative language, the poet Quang Dung has expressed deep affection and longing for comrades. Reading the poem, we can't help but admire the resilient, courageous spirit of Uncle Ho's soldiers, right?

My presentation concludes here. I appreciate your attention, and thank you all for listening.
 

C. Outline and Sample Presentation Introduction, Evaluation of 'Beneath the Orchid Tree':
 

I. Outline for the Introduction and Evaluation of 'Beneath the Orchid Tree':

1. Introduction: Introduce the author and the work.
2. Development:
a. Content:
* Theme: exploring the value of family emotions for each individual.
The story's theme is depicted through the thoughts and emotions of the character Thanh.
* Thanh's emotions upon returning home:
- Overwhelmed and unable to put into words the feelings of returning to the familiar house.
* Thanh's emotions with her grandmother:
- Touched and elated to meet her grandmother again.
- Feels constantly loved and cared for by her grandmother.
- Overwhelmed with emotion when Thanh receives her grandmother's love.
* Thanh's emotions towards Nga:
- Surprised to hear Nga's familiar voice.
- Shy and awkward in Nga's presence.
- Overflowing feelings of love on the last day in the village.
* Thanh's mood in the morning waking up:
- Confused and nostalgic.
b. Artistry:
- Unique storytelling style, blending past and present.
- Gentle, profound, emotional writing.
3. Conclusion: Affirm the value of the work.
 

II. Sample Introduction and Evaluation of 'Beneath the Orchid Tree':

Greetings, dear teacher and fellow classmates, I am Minh Hoa. Today, I would like to introduce to you the short story 'Beneath the Orchid Tree' by the talented writer Thạch Lam. This is a unique work both in terms of content and artistic form. I sincerely hope that you, along with our teacher, will lend me your ears as I delve into the intricacies of this literary masterpiece.

When discussing this work, the esteemed writer Nguyễn Tuân remarked: 'The shadow of the tree, which has bloomed fragrant flowers, plays a significant role here, just as Thạch Lam's pen portrays. This trio of characters—tree, grass, and flower—brings something light and fragrant to the reader.' Indeed, enjoying Lam's short story allows readers to return to a tranquil homeland, filled with cherished family bonds. These sentiments are reflected and illuminated through the perspective of the character Thanh.

Upon returning home and stepping into Grandma's garden, Thanh was overwhelmed, unable to express her emotions in words. Feeling 'refreshed,' she perceived the tranquility within the garden, as if all the outside noise had ceased at the doorstep. Perhaps, the garden space is the embodiment of Grandma and the love bestowed upon Thanh. In this haven, she finds protection and affection—something the outside world cannot provide.

Certainly, when we reunite with our loved ones after a long separation, we will be overjoyed, won't we? Just like Thanh in the story. Thanh is moved, elated to meet his grandmother. The details of Thanh walking beside her, 'tall, strong, contrasting with the stooped old lady,' are truly special. Despite this contrast, it doesn't make him feel distant but rather small when next to her. Feeling the love from his grandmother, Thanh is incredibly touched, 'tears welling up.' Looking at the orchid tree in the garden, memories from his childhood flood his mind. Thanh feels his heart refreshed, happiness overflowing.

This time, his soul is also bathed in the budding love for Nga. Hearing her familiar laughter, he couldn't recall at first. It's only when he sees the orchid tree that he recognizes the young Nga from the past. Walking alongside Nga in the garden, Thanh is also shy, hesitant; he senses the scent of orchids wafting through Nga's hair. Faced with Nga's question, he's flustered, silent, only twisting a branch for Nga to pick a flower. On the final evening in his hometown, emotions of love surge in his mind. Thanh holds Nga's hand, letting it rest in his, feeling 'something soft and silky somewhere.'

In the morning of departure, Thanh feels vague, nostalgic. He thinks of the house where the familiar figure of his grandmother resides. He knows Nga will still wait, will still long for him as before.

Thanh Lam's storytelling art is profound and delicate, sinking deep within. Thạch Lam delves into the innermost feelings, exploring the character's sensations. Therefore, his prose is gentle yet profound. The author makes readers set aside their troubles to return to the familiar embrace of family. It serves as a reminder for everyone to cherish and love their families more.

My presentation concludes here. I appreciate you and everyone for listening.
 

D. Outline and Exemplary Introduction, Review of New Sunshine:
 

I. Outline of Introduction, Review of New Sunshine:

1. Introduction: Introducing the author and the work.
2. Development:
a. Content:
* Dominant emotions of the work: the author's poignant longing for the departed mother.
* Summarize the content of each stanza:
- Stanza 1: Imagery of new sunshine evokes emotions about memories:
+ Images of 'new sunshine,' 'rooster crowing' evoke a melancholic feeling in the narrator's mind.
+ Profound sadness of the sentimental character recalling the past.
- Stanza 2: The narrator directly expresses longing for the mother:
+ Images of the mother associated with 'red clothes,' 'drying rack.'
- Stanza 3: The narrator remembers the mother's smile:
+ The mother appears in the poet's imagination with gentle, tender beauty.
b. Artistic techniques:
- Simple, rustic language rich in vivid and evocative imagery.
- Tender, abundant tone, brimming with love.
3. Conclusion: Affirming the value of the work.

II. Exemplary Introduction and Review of New Sunshine:

Hello, teacher, and dear classmates. When it comes to maternal love in poetry, I immediately think of the poem 'New Sunshine.' The author, Luu Trong Lu, deeply moves me with the love he expresses for his mother. The predominant emotion in the text is a heartfelt longing for the mother.

Every time the new sunshine flickers through the door, memories of childhood flood into the sentimental character's mind. 'I' carries a melancholic longing, recalling days gone by. The term 'flickering' conveys images of the past gradually appearing in the mind, sometimes hidden, sometimes revealed.

In the second stanza, the sentimental character directly reveals the longing for the mother. In stark contrast to the dim, gloomy image of the new sunshine flickering through the door, the new sunshine in the second stanza is cheerful, 'cheering' outside the house. The image of the mother appears gentle, closely associated with the 'red clothes' and the bamboo drying rack. Because of the mother's presence, in the mind of the ten-year-old child, the atmosphere of the familiar courtyard becomes lively, brimming with life.

When introducing and evaluating a literary work, it is crucial for students to determine the theme, purpose, and target audience. Subsequently, they should identify ideas, create an outline, and present their speech. In addition to the above article, please read some other exemplary 10th-grade essays such as:
- A narrative about a profound meaningful memory
- Analysis of the Rebel Warrior
- Analysis of Under the Jacaranda Tree
- Analysis of The New Sun