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Opening the story 'The Wife Collector' by Kim Lan
1. Opening #1
2. Opening #2
3. Opening #3
4. Opening #4
Introducing the story 'The Wife Collector' by Kim Lan
1. Introduction #1:
Speaking about the famine in 1945, writer Kim Lan once said: 'Hunger, it's both bitter and painful, yet in some way, it sheds a light on ethics and honor.' His 'The Wife Collector' is a short story delving deep into the beautiful light within that dark tragedy of famine. Through the story of Trang, who collects a wife, Kim Lan not only portrays the fragile nature of human life in the face of famine but, more importantly, stands on the boundary between life and death, where the beauty of humanity still shines. In the midst of despair and scarcity, people still reserve genuine and precious feelings for each other.
2. Introduction #2:
Kim Lan stands out as a representative writer in modern Vietnamese literature, prolifically capturing the essence of rural life and the struggles of farmers. Portrayed in his writings are images of impoverished farmers facing their own unique challenges, yet radiating a beauty worthy of admiration. One such character is Mr. Hai, a patriotic villager grappling with the tragedies of Dau market village during the enemy occupation in 'Village.' Another is Mr. Trang, a humble and poor man from the Ngucu neighborhood who embraces a stranger in the midst of famine in the short story 'The Wife Collector.' In this tale, Kim Lan employs his humane pen to depict the precious beauty within human souls, expressed through love and resilient vitality.
3. Introduction #3:
The devastating famine of 1945 claimed the lives of 2 million of our compatriots. Its fierceness and horror found expression in many literary works, such as Tô Hoài's 'Chuyện cũ Hà Nội' and Nam Cao's 'Một bữa no.' Kim Lan contributed a remarkable short story addressing the famine. However, the focus of his narrative goes beyond exposing the grim reality of human suffering during the famine. Amidst the misty fog of hunger, the author illuminates characters like Mr. Trang, his wife, and Grandma Tu, along with numerous other impoverished farmers, shining a light on love, life, and the hope for a brighter future.
