Prepare the lesson on depicting inner thoughts in autobiographical texts, Grade 9

Prepare the lesson on depicting inner thoughts in autobiographical texts, Grade 9

Creating Emotional Depth in Autobiographical Texts, Short 1

I. Understanding Elements of Inner Description in Autobiographical Texts

Question 1: (Page 117 Literature Textbook Grade 9, Volume 1)

Answer:
a.
- Descriptive verses:
 “The distant charm of the moon seems so near
All around, a picturesque view appears clear
Golden sand, that far-off isle, and the pink haze, my dear”

“Gazing sadly at the sea gate in the evening glow,
Whose boat swiftly sails, its sails far away they flow.
Grieving, watching the newly born stream,
Flowers drifting, melancholy, where do they deem?
Gloomy, gazing at the desolate grass,
Foot of clouds, earth's face, a verdant mass.
Gloomy, watching the wind sweep the horizon,
The roaring waves echo, encircling the seat, a solemn liaison.”

- Verses describing Thuy Kieu's emotions:

“Gloomy clouds obscure the dawn and the midnight light,
Half love, half scene, as if dividing a heart contrite.
Imagining one beneath the moon's silver cup,
Believing the dewy leaves await the dawn to sup.
By the sky's corner, the forlorn shore,
The fading rouge, when will it be no more?
Pitying one, akin to tomorrow's owner,
A warm fan's embrace, who does it bestow upon? Now
The courtyard, distant from countless suns and rains,
Perhaps the roots have just fit someone's embrace.”

Overall, it's difficult to distinguish which lines depict scenes and which depict Thuy Kieu's emotions because most lines employ a writing style imbued with sentimentality. This approach aligns with the character's profile, being a talented, literary woman. Consequently, when expressing emotions, Kieu doesn't do so directly but rather through describing her surroundings to convey her feelings. It's quite subtle and refined.

b. The verses depicting scenes not only portray landscapes but also embed Kiều's emotions and sorrows. She utilizes the scenery to express her inner feelings. In Kiều's eyes, everything is tinged with sadness, loneliness, and lostness, fitting the saying 'Can anyone find joy amidst sorrowful scenes?'

c. Describing inner thoughts holds significant importance in character portrayal in autobiographical texts. Inner thoughts, the deepest emotions and musings, serve as the root that most clearly manifests a character's personality and essence. People inherently conceal these thoughts, making them difficult to grasp superficially. However, understanding the technique of depicting inner thoughts enables the creation of literary characters with profound souls, vividness, and the ability to convey the work's message with ease.

Question 2: (Page 117 Literature Textbook Grade 9, Volume 1)
Answer:
The author delineates the character's inner thoughts through gestures and facial expressions. Old Hạc's face suddenly 'crumples up,' 'wrinkles bunch up,' 'forces tears to flow,' the head 'tilts to one side,' the mouth 'pouts like a child.' The character's painful emotions vividly emerge in every change of the aged face, feeling as if something is choking, bitter and poignant.

II. Practice:
Question 1: (Page 117 Literature Textbook Grade 9, Volume 1)
Answer:
After the family faces a crisis and reaches a dead end, Kiều reluctantly accepts to sacrifice her fate, selling herself to save her father and younger brother from imprisonment. Upon hearing this news, a matchmaker nearby sees this as a great opportunity and brings Mã Giám Sinh to negotiate purchasing Thúy Kiều as a wife. Upon inquiry, Mã Giám Sinh, originally from Lam Thanh district, now in his forties, appears well-groomed and wealthy. However, his appearance fails to conceal his vulgarity. As soon as he steps into Kiều's presence, he boldly sits down without being invited, lacking any manners or decorum. Now, all he desires is to behold Kiều's renowned beauty, eagerly urging the matchmaker to bring Thúy Kiều before him. This behavior exceeds all bounds of propriety. Thúy Kiều, already suffering and pitying her degraded status, feels even more aggrieved witnessing this scene. She walks with reluctant steps, tears flowing down her once exquisite face. Outside awaits the man whom she will entrust her life to, yet she feels a sense of fear and reluctance. Her brows furrow slightly, her beautiful face slightly downturned, gently biting her rosy lips, she dares not look directly at Mã Giám Sinh. Having seen Kiều's face, the Mã family wants to test her talents further, forcing Kiều to play the zither and recite poetry. Though Kiều feels her fate slipping away, she, being a daughter of a scholarly family, cannot endure such humiliation. But now that it's too late, Kiều reluctantly plucks the strings, her heart in turmoil, her hand gripping the pen handle tightly on the paper fan. Seeing Kiều's talent and beauty, Mã Giám Sinh is very pleased, but he haggles over the price, bargaining back and forth with the matchmaker, disregarding Kiều standing there silently, feeling as if she's being auctioned off as mere goods. Well, that's life; where will this girl's destiny lead her?

Question 2: (Page 117 Literature Textbook Grade 9, Volume 1)
Answer:
After years of humiliation in the dirty green chamber, I am finally fortunate enough to be loved by Từ Hải and redeemed. He gives me the opportunity to return to the Thúc Sinh household to fulfill my wish of repaying kindness and settling grievances. The scenery here hasn't changed from the first time I came, luxurious yet deeply hurtful. Lost in reminiscence, Thúc Sinh is brought in unexpectedly. Seeing him, I feel a deep sense of regret; alas, things between us are no longer as they once were. However, I haven't forgotten his rescue from the green chamber and the affection he once showed me, even if just a little. As we reminisce about the past, observing his feeble and bowed form, I wonder if he's the same person I once loved wholeheartedly. I'm unsure anymore; silently, I signal for someone to bring in the embroidered clothes, gold, and silver, and I hand them to him, considering the debt repaid. But the thorn in my heart remains, causing me pain and torment day by day. I mention Hoạn Thư, his wife, wanting to see his reaction, but he remains silent, reminiscent of when his wife insulted me in the past; he remained silent then too. I can only shake my head and sigh. I dismiss Thúc Sinh; it's time to meet that woman. Hoạn Thư is ushered in, surprised to see me; surely, she never imagined she would face me like this. This woman who once caused me so much shame and pain now stands before me, yet strangely, my heart is calm, devoid of anger or reproach. I smile and glance at her, saying: 'Miss, you also have your days. Why didn't you consider giving me a way out back then? Remember, as you sow, so shall you reap. Don't blame me for being indifferent!' Hoạn Thư hears me and immediately bows and apologizes: 'Thúy Kiều, please understand me. We're both women, and when it comes to sharing a husband, jealousy is unavoidable. But remember, in the past, I only wanted you to copy scriptures for peace of mind. When you ran away, I didn't chase after you. Ultimately, I only blame myself for loving Thúc Sinh too much, fearing to lose him, and doing something against you. I accept all the blame for this wrongdoing and hope for your forgiveness. I beg for your mercy!' She says, bowing her head again. I smile; indeed, her reasoning is sharp and well-crafted, not a single loophole. What else is there for me to say? It's all because of her own selfish desires that she suffered in the past; who's to say she was happier than me? It's pitiful for women, perhaps this grudge doesn't need to be avenged anymore. I signal for her release, and as for myself, I step forward to the door, looking at the blue sky, silently telling myself: 'Debts repaid, grievances settled, let it go, Thúy Kiều. From now on, the past has nothing to do with the future, only Từ Hải.'

Question 3: Page 117 Literature Textbook Grade 9, Volume 1)
Answer:
I have a very close friend, we've been playing together since we were very young. I always thought our friendship would last forever until I accidentally forgot her birthday, just because I was engrossed in watching a new popular series. She didn't get angry or blame me, but I felt so guilty; all day, I couldn't stop thinking about her birthday, how could I, her closest friend, forget and not even send a congratulatory message? To make amends, the next day I gave her a gift that I stayed up all night making, hoping she would forgive me. I wish she would just get mad or blame me, but her indulgence only makes me feel worse about myself. Holding my gift, her face was so happy; she said to me: 'Stop feeling guilty, I really don't mind. Seeing you so remorseful, I don't like it.' Hearing her words, I felt like I was released from the guilt I had been carrying for the past few days. Since then, I've learned to pay more attention to others, and I've never forgotten the birthdays of my close friends again.
 

Continue reading more essays to study Grade 9 Literature effectively

- Prepare the essay 'Direct and Indirect Quotations'
- Prepare the essay 'The Development of Vocabulary'

Prepare Essay: Depicting Inner Thoughts in Autobiographical Texts, Short 2

Question 1 (Page 117 Literature Grade 9 Volume 1):
a. Lines describing scenery: “In front of Ngưng Bích mansion, the spring lock... Golden sandbanks, pink dust, miles away”, “Gazing sadly at the sea door in the evening... The roaring waves echo around the seat”
Lines describing emotions: “By the sky corner, the sea is desolate... Perhaps the roots have just embraced someone”
b. Descriptive lines of scenery serve to portray the characters' inner feelings. A sad scene, where joy for people is nowhere to be found. Describing scenes metaphorically.
c. Inner descriptions serve to reveal the character's thoughts and emotions, enabling readers to understand the character's emotional fluctuations. This enriches the text with sentimentality, evoking the reader's empathy.

Question 2 (Page 117 Literature Grade 9 Volume 1): Nam Cao, in his depiction of Lão Hạc, focuses on the old man's gestures to highlight his deep sorrow, remorse, and regret when he sells his beloved Vàng. The old man resembles a child having to part with the person he loves most.

EXERCISES
Question 1 (Page 117 Literature Grade 9 Volume 1):
Recently, there was a matchmaker who wanted to propose a marriage to Thuy Kieu. Some people came to ask for her hand, speaking extravagantly. They claimed their name was Ma Giam Sinh, claiming to be a student from Quoc Tu Giam School, hailing from Lam Thanh district. Despite being over 40 years old, the Ma family looked well-groomed outwardly. When meeting Kieu, their attire was neat, their facial hair meticulously groomed, giving the appearance of a scholar, but in reality, exposing their pretentiousness. Ma Giam Sinh came to ask for Kieu's hand, causing a commotion with a group of servants. Upon entering the mansion, before the matchmaker could speak, they arrogantly sat down, looking like an uneducated bunch. Ma urged Kieu to show her face. Coming from an educated family background, but now in this predicament, Kieu felt even more shame and embarrassment, with every step she took laden with tears of humiliation and disgrace. She became increasingly uncomfortable and sad due to Ma's rude gestures and disrespectful behavior. He forced her to comb her hair, hold hands, play the zither, and recite poetry. Kieu, at this point, felt dejected and despondent. At this point, Ma Giam Sinh unequivocally became a bona fide trafficker, bargaining to buy Kieu for a mere 400.

Question 2 (Page 117 Literature Grade 9 Volume 1):
After months of pain, misery, and humiliation in the green chamber. I was fortunate to meet Tu Hai, who helped me escape from the filthy life there and helped me repay my debts and settle all grievances. The scene of repaying all those debts is unforgettable to me.
The first person I invited to repay my debts was Thuc Sinh. I said to him: 'When I encountered difficulties in the green chamber, you, with a heroic heart, reached out to help, that deed of yours is unforgettable to me. Although we were not destined to be husband and wife as you once hoped, I will always remember your kindness, and now I have a small gift to express my gratitude. As for your wife, she is too wicked and must pay for her deeds.'
When Hoan Thu was brought out, I greeted her in the same tone as before when I was forced to serve as a maid in her house: 'Miss, you've come at last. In the past, you treated me so cruelly, now you must bear all the consequences. As you sow, so shall you reap, the more malicious you are, the more unjust you will be. Women like you in this world are truly rare.' Hearing me speak like that, Hoan Thu was overwhelmed with grief and shame. However, being inherently cunning and belonging to talkative women, she immediately spoke up: 'I am just a woman, and women are naturally jealous. No one willingly gives up their husband to someone else. Besides, I also cherish you, I showed you kindness when you escaped from Quan Am Temple, I didn't send anyone after you. But no matter what, I am a guilty person and I only hope you can forgive me with your magnanimity.' In the face of such wise and stringent words, I thought, 'forgiving her would also be a good deed,' so I gave the order to release Hoan Thu as an act of clemency.

Question 3 (Page 117 Literature Grade 9 Volume 1):
Lan and I studied together last year. Both of us were assigned by the homeroom teacher to sit next to each other. We got along quite well in terms of temperament. One day, I discovered that the money my mother gave to pay the homeroom teacher was gone. I was worried, I didn't know when I had lost it. And then I suspected Lan just because Lan sat next to me. I showed my suspicion on my face, I didn't talk to each other throughout that school day. I knew that Lan also knew what I was thinking in my head, Lan was going to say something to me, but I didn't give Lan a chance to explain. After class, I went home and realized that I had left the money in the desk drawer and forgot to take it with me. At that moment, I was angry with myself! I wondered, 'Why did I suspect Lan? Did I hurt Lan? Is Lan angry with me?' Many questions arose in my head all day long. The next morning, I didn't dare to go to school. I didn't know how to face Lan anymore. And then I decided to apologize to Lan. My mother drove me to school, and Lan and I met at the school gate. I walked up to Lan, feeling ashamed, and said: 'Lan, I'm sorry about yesterday!' Lan smiled at me and said: 'It's okay. I forgot about yesterday.' Contrary to what was in my head: 'Lan must be very angry with me!' But no. Lan seemed cheerful and forgave me. Yet I felt angry with myself. Since then, I always remind myself to think carefully before doing anything to avoid making mistakes like that again.

Prepare Essay: Depicting Inner Thoughts in Autobiographical Texts, Short 3

1.
a. Find the verses describing the external scenery and those describing Thuy Kieu's inner feelings.
b. How are the verses describing the scenery related to the portrayal of the character's inner thoughts?
c. What is the effect of depicting inner thoughts on the character in autobiographical texts.
Answer:
a.
- The outdoor natural scenery is described more directly in the first 4 verses:
'In front of Ngung Bich Pavilion, spring is locked,
The scenery of the mountains and the moon seems close together.
All around, the view is vast,
Golden sand, that dust of pink, stretches far away'.
'Sadly looking at the evening gate.
Whose boat faintly sails far away?
Sadly looking at the new water's edge.
Flowers drifting, who knows where they're headed?
Sadly looking at the inner grass.
The feet of the clouds, the earth's face, all green.
Sadly looking at the wind sweeping the land.
The sound of waves roaring around the seat'.
+ Verses describing inner feelings:
'By the sea corner, desolate.
A piece of rouge, when will it fade?
Pitying those who lean against tomorrow's gate,
Who will be warmed by the lingering fans?
The Lai Courtyard, how many suns and rains away?
Perhaps the roots have just embraced the person'.
b. Verses describing the outdoor scenery contribute to depicting the character's emotions.
c. Comments:
- Description of the external is the scenes and people with portraits, shapes, activities, language, colors, ... that can be directly observed.
- Description of inner thoughts is the thoughts, feelings, emotional developments of the character, what cannot be directly observed.

2. Read the following passage and comment on the author's portrayal of the character's inner thoughts?
Answer:
The way the author describes the inner thoughts of Lao Hac in the passage is indirectly through facial expressions, gestures, ... showing the sadness and torment of Lao Hac when he is forced to sell the dog.'