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Writing Prompt: Reflections on the Farewell of Dolls
Part 1: Outline of thoughts on the Farewell of Dolls
Part 2: Exemplary essay on Reflections on the Farewell of Dolls
Written Piece:
'The Farewell of Dolls' is a short story by author Khanh Hoai. The narrative unfolds a touching separation between two siblings, Thanh and Thuy, imparting valuable lessons on family bonds, sibling relationships, and camaraderie.
Thành and Thủy, biological siblings, face an unexpected separation as their parents divorce. The farewell, undesired by both, evokes tears from Thủy the night before. Despite Thành's attempt to hold back, tears moisten his pillow. In the morning, they sit beneath the tangerine tree, witnessing the sunrise. The familiar scenes of morning, with medicinal flowers, sunlight piercing through the mist, birdsong, and the usual hustle and bustle, all echo the day's extraordinary event - the parting of Thành and Thủy.
In the past, Thành remarked, 'My family is quite well-off. My sibling and I share a deep bond.' This affection is evident in their shared memories. In school, when Thành tore his soccer jersey, fearing his mother's scolding, Thủy brought a needle to the field to mend it. During Thành's nightmares, Thủy placed a protective knife by the doll on his bedside table. Every day after school, Thành would pick her up, holding hands and chatting. 'Now, my sibling and I must part... This must be just a dream. Just a dream,' he whispers.
Yet, the nightmare turns into reality. As their mother instructs, Thành and Thủy must divide their toys. Their mutual love leads to selfless giving. Thành allocates more to Thủy, from the jigsaw puzzles to the seashells and coloring set. However, when Thành takes out the two Guardian and Little Sister dolls and places them on opposite sides, Thủy protests, 'Are you separating Guardian from Little Sister? How cruel!' Thuy, still unsatisfied, says, 'But who will guard your nights now?' Placing both dolls next to each other, she hugs them tightly. Perhaps, in the siblings' minds, these dolls symbolize Thành and Thủy themselves, hence their reluctance to part them.
Unable to share the dolls, Thành escorts Thủy to bid farewell to teachers, friends, and the familiar school surroundings. Thủy, crying, stands outside the classroom. The teacher, surprised, brings her in, explaining Thủy's situation to the class. The emotional parting unfolds with tears, lingering handshakes. Teacher Tam gifts Thủy a notebook and pen, but she declines, as she might have to sell fruits instead of attending school. Thủy's unfortunate circumstances move the teacher and the class to tears. Concerned about disrupting class, Thủy says goodbye to the teacher, classmates, and leaves. The abrupt separation continues as Thành and Thủy return home. Eventually, Thủy decides to leave both dolls with Thành, making him promise never to let them sit far apart. Thành promises, watching the van carrying his mother and sister vanish into the distance.
Upon finishing 'The Farewell of Dolls,' I'm deeply moved, feeling a profound sympathy for the siblings Thành and Thủy. Despite their deep affection, they are compelled to part ways due to the sacred bond of blood siblings. The dolls' farewell mirrors the separation of the siblings, both torn apart without any wrongdoing. In the end, Thủy decides to leave both dolls with Thành, ensuring the Guardian watches over his sleep and preventing the dolls from being separated. If only their parents hadn't divorced, no such farewell would have occurred. Thủy would still be attending school with teachers and friends.
Through the short story 'The Farewell of Dolls,' the author prompts reflection on the responsibility of adults, of parents, towards the happiness and rights of children. It serves as a reminder to value and preserve family happiness.
In addition to reflecting on 'The Farewell of Dolls,' you can expand your knowledge by exploring: Thoughts on love through 'The Farewell of Dolls,' Crafting an essay on 'The Farewell of Dolls,' Analyzing the characters Thành and Thủy in 'The Farewell of Dolls,' and Appreciating the sibling relationship between Thành and Thủy in 'The Farewell of Dolls.'
