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Retelling the story of Riverside Village
Sample Answer:
Nguyễn Minh Châu, a versatile writer and former soldier, witnessed a transformation in his thoughts and art after the country gained independence. His works are predominantly connected to the lives of ordinary laborers, drawing inspiration from philosophical and moral aspects of human existence, reflecting the multifaceted perspective of a profound writer. Notable works include 'The Woman on the Express Train' (1983), 'Wild Grass' (1989), 'The Boat Beyond Far' (1987), and the masterpiece 'Riverside Village' (1985) with its intriguing philosophical themes.
A short story about a man named Nhĩ, who led a remarkable life, exploring every nook and cranny of the earth. Yet, in his final moments, he suddenly realized that he had never set foot on the other side of the Red River, despite it being right in front of him, outside his home window. In his last breaths, dependent on his wife and children, he yearned to cross the riverbank, a dream unfulfilled throughout his life.
During days of illness, only his devoted wife, Mrs. Liên, cared for him. Despite Nhĩ's belief that he only brought suffering to her, she silently endured. Nhĩ, aware of his limited time, expressed love for his wife and children, engaging in trivial conversations with his wife about his illness, hoping to uplift her spirits. When his wife went to the market, Nhĩ quietly summoned his second son, Tuấn, who had returned from studying in the distant southern city the night before. Nhĩ, now able to closely observe Tuấn, his son, suddenly felt a burning desire—a desire to set foot on the opposite riverbank, something he had never achieved in his entire life. Nhĩ hesitated, shy about his intentions. Once again, he looked out the window, towards the other side of the river, and decided to place all his hopes on Tuấn. He asked Tuấn if he had ever crossed to the other side, and Tuấn's casual reply was, 'Not yet.' Tuấn seemed indifferent to the familiar riverbank in front of the house. Nhĩ continued to express his wish for Tuấn to cross and help him, though Tuấn found it amusing—what was there to do on the other side? Still, to please his ailing father, Tuấn reluctantly put on his hat and crossed to the other side, unaware that his father yearned to see him step onto that familiar riverbank.
Nhĩ exhausted the last bit of his remaining strength, managing to move to the edge of the bed, reaching the window. However, his body was so feeble that as soon as he lifted himself from the mattress, it felt like 'flying halfway around the world.' He needed someone to help him lie down again. Nhĩ called for Huệ, a girl from the neighboring house, accustomed to this routine. She, in turn, gathered a group of other children to assist Nhĩ to the window, providing pillows and a comfortable blanket. At this moment, Nhĩ suddenly found it amusing—his entire robust life, having traveled to countless places, and now, he felt like a child lying on his back, enjoying the care of other children. His love for the young ones in his home grew even stronger.
