Buzz
Table of Contents:
I. Detailed outline
II. Sample essay
Thoughts on the funeral procession in the excerpt Bliss of a Mourning Family
I. Outline: Reflections on the Funeral Procession in the excerpt Bliss of a Mourning Family (Standard)
1. Introduction
- Provide an overview of the author Vu Trong Phung (writing style, notable works, etc.)
- Introduce the excerpt Bliss of a Mourning Family (background, origin, summary of its content and artistic value, etc.)
2. Main Body
- The funeral of the late Mr. To - one of the grandest funerals in Hanoi, vibrant and lively like a festival:
+ A funeral procession 'following all paths, with elements from Vietnamese, Chinese, and Western traditions, including palanquins and roast pigs.'
+ This funeral could even make 'the deceased in the coffin smile.'...(Continued)
>> See detailed Outline Reflections on the funeral procession in the excerpt Happiness of a Funeral Family here.
II. Sample Essay Reflections on the funeral procession in the excerpt Happiness of a Funeral Family (Standard)
Vu Trong Phung stands as one of the outstanding realist writers of Vietnamese literature in the early 20th century, wielding a sharp and masterful satirical pen. It's safe to say that his novel Dumb Luck is one of his most exemplary works. The entire work vividly portrays the face of urban middle-class society, encapsulated perfectly in the chapter Happiness of a Funeral Family. Reading Happiness of a Funeral Family, readers will undoubtedly remember the scene of Mr. Hong's 'exemplary funeral.'
Firstly, writer Vu Trong Phung meticulously observed and depicted the scene of Mr. To's funeral procession with many absurd elements, portraying it as one of the grandest and most vibrant funerals in Hanoi, resembling a festive celebration. Normally, at a funeral, one would feel a solemn, mournful atmosphere, yet, now, the funeral procession for Mr. To is truly unique. A funeral procession 'following all paths, with elements from Vietnamese, Chinese, and Western traditions, including palanquins and roast pigs,' and even 'sparks flying, cheers, and wreaths, with several hundred people participating.' Perhaps, in this land, there has never been such a grand funeral, to the extent that it could 'make the deceased in the coffin smile.' This is a mocking remark by the author because Mr. Hong's family has turned Mr. To's funeral into a showcase of wealth and possessions. The funeral procession no longer has the solemn, mournful, and sorrowful atmosphere of losing a loved one but instead resembles a festival, lively and bustling, 'wherever the funeral procession goes, it creates a commotion.'
Additionally, the absurd and paradoxical nature of the funeral procession is vividly depicted through the portrayal of the attendees. Tuyet wears a 'Naive costume - a thin chiffon ao dai, with a low neckline, half-exposing her breasts, but with black edges and wearing a cute hat.' It seems that the funeral has become an opportunity for Tuyet to prove to everyone that she is still a virgin and not promiscuous. These are Mr. Hong's close friends, 'with chests full of medals like Northern Constellation, Dragon Constellation, Southern Gate Constellation, Myriad Wall Constellation,... on their collars and chins, all with beards, either long or short, black or gray, messy or tidy, sparse or bushy,...'. Perhaps, with Mr. Hong's close friends, the funeral has become a place for them to show off and compete, to compete for medals and beards. But perhaps it doesn't stop there, the author also describes, reenacts the image of Tuyet's close friends, Mrs. Van Minh, Miss Hoang Hon,... - they were the new people of the time, yet even at the funeral of the deceased, they 'exchanged glances, laughed and joked with each other, criticized each other, envied each other, dated each other, with sad faces of mourners.' Additionally, the chorus 'the procession goes on...' is repeated many times with a very special meaning. Behind that slogan, behind the crowded procession, people see the absurd, hypocritical face of them, with a seemingly sad appearance but deep within them is an extraordinary joy and excitement.
Especially, the funeral procession leaves a deep impression and profound meaning with the reader at the burial scene. The burial scene is like a comedy stage where everyone is trying to complete their role excellently. Young Tu Tan is performing the role of a photographer, trying to stage-manage everyone so that they can all complete their roles 'grabbing each person one by one, either pushing or bowing, or arching their backs, or wiping their eyes like this or that,... for him to take pictures on the memorial day.' Additionally, what leaves a profound impression on readers at the burial scene is the sound of crying 'sniff...sniff...sniff...' from Mr. Phan, growing horns. One might think that cry hides so much sadness, so much compassion for the departed, but no, that cry is a way for Mr. Phan to conceal a business deal, an exchange with Xuan Red Hair. And so, with his masterful satirical pen, Vu Trong Phung has painted the burial scene with numerous tricks and deceits, all like a comedy where everyone has their own purpose.
