My reflections on Scene 3 in the play 'Me and Us'

My essay on Scene 3 in the play 'Me and Us'

I. Outline: My Thoughts on Scene 3 in the play 'Me and Us':

1. Introduction

Introducing the author and the work
- Author Lưu Quang Vũ, born in 1948 in Phú Thọ, is a writer and playwright with fresh and profound insights into contemporary issues. In 1988, he and his wife tragically passed away in a traffic accident, leaving many admirers and colleagues grieving and sorrowful.
- The work 'Me and Us' is a notable piece reflecting the silent struggle between the old and the new, between progressive thinking and backward, stagnant ideologies.

2. Body

- Overview of Scene 3 in the play 'Me and Us' vividly portrays the characters' personalities, viewpoints, and existential perspectives.
- Director Hoàng Việt epitomizes proactive, progressive views, responsibly committed to his work. He is fortunate to have young engineer Lê Sơn, sharing progressive ideologies and aligned with Director Hoàng Việt.
- However, in the company, there's Nguyễn Chính, the Deputy Director representing outdated, slow-moving ideologies. He constantly imposes restrictions to hinder the company's development. Deputy Director Nguyễn Chính is backed by the character Trương, demonstrating indifference, lack of empathy, often bullying workers, and providing strong support.
- The context leads to the tragedy in the play 'Me and Us,' reflecting the struggle between old and new perspectives, between progressiveness and backwardness as our country enters a period of post-war development.
- The significance of this struggle, though not as bloody and intense as the struggle for national liberation, is prolonged, silent, and significantly impacts the country's economic development.
- Analyzing thought-provoking situations in a creative manner, unseen before in an old company accustomed to certain lifestyles and thinking patterns.
- Analyzing the author's artistry? Particularly in the play, Scene 3 of 'Me and Us,' author Lưu Quang Vũ displays sharpness and decisiveness by placing his characters in challenging situations.
- The truth that the author wants to convey through the play 'Me and Us' is that to innovate, we must be willing to sacrifice certain interests, eliminate the old to embrace progress.

3. Conclusion

- 'Me and Us' is an outstanding play that reflects the reality of society after our country has returned to peace.
- Simultaneously, this work also showcases Lưu Quang Vũ's perspective on the new society, where he always hopes for change, believing that progress will come to develop our country's economy further, breaking free from stagnation and backwardness.
 

II. Sample Essay: My Thoughts on Scene 3 in the play 'Me and Us':

Lưu Quang Vũ (1948-1986), hailing from Quảng Nam but residing in Hanoi

was a prolific writer who left a lasting impression across various genres: poetry, prose, and notably, drama. His artistic inclination and talent manifested early, with the Northern countryside leaving a profound imprint on his later works. Regardless of the genre, readers encountered a Lưu Quang Vũ with a restless spirit, fierce vitality, and relentless creativity.

The play 'Me and Us' was written in 1985. After the great victory of spring 1975, the country achieved peace, unity, and transitioned into a new historical period. The primary task of the nation was to build a strong economy and prosperous society.

Scene three in the play 'Me and Us' depicts intense conflicts between two lines of progressive and conservative characters. Hoàng Việt - the Director, and Nguyễn Chính - the Deputy Director, stand as adversaries in the clash between these two factions.

Nguyễn Chính insists that production must adhere strictly to the 'higher-ups' plan, hiring workers based on established quotas. The head of the finance department states, 'There is no salary fund for contract workers.' To purchase materials, they must strictly adhere to regulations. Director Hoàng Việt declares: 'We must proactively set plans, recruit more contract workers, increase the factory's production by fivefold, and increase each worker's salary fourfold. We must halt construction of the guest house to pay worker salaries for two months, then reimburse later. Workers will no longer have to worry about additional side jobs.' To boost production, investment is necessary, starting with human resources, to end the unjust situation where hardworking and lazy individuals are treated equally, where talented and incompetent alike enjoy the same benefits, and even those who contribute nothing, only criticize, are revered more than those who toil and sacrifice.' Insignificant roles like that of Supervisor Trương will be reassigned to other tasks because: 'No position holds significance. Only job effectiveness matters. Those who produce more will receive higher salaries, while those who perform poorly will be fined.'

To develop production, additional machinery, fuel, and raw materials must be purchased, and faulty machinery repaired. Payment via checks and cash is necessary for procurement. The director orders the finance department to provide funds for repair teams and asserts: 'I take responsibility.' However, the head of the finance department refuses to spend. Deputy Director Nguyễn Chính criticizes the Director: 'Comrade disregards the strict regulations of a system encompassing financial, banking, labor, and supply agencies.'

The conservative faction led by Nguyễn Chính vehemently resists. At times through principles, resolutions of the Party Committee, at times with compassionate ethical appeals: 'That mechanism you deride has sustained for decades. Thanks to it, we have the society today, the rice you eat, the clothes you wear, and even your very character have been cultivated and matured within it. Do not rush to deny.'

Hoàng Việt's perspective is progressive and dialectical. He enlightens Nguyễn Chính and the conservative faction: 'Nothing stays still, life doesn't stand still. What was right yesterday may hinder today. We must find ways to break it down...' Thus, we see conservative thoughts and bureaucratic hierarchy being challenged by powerful, resolute ideas. Yet, the conservative forces are not yielding. Nguyễn Chính, a cunning character, has toppled four directors. He belongs to the conniving, terrifying kind, the type where if you shake hands, you have to count your fingers afterward. Furthermore, behind him lies a powerful force, represented by Trần Khắc, the Oversight Committee of the Ministry!'

To enhance their knowledge and hone their writing skills, students may consider the following resources: Compose an essay on Me and us, Summarize the fundamental contradictions and progressive nature of the ideological content in Me and us, Analyze the play Me and us, Summarize Act Three in the play Me and us.