Buzz
Prompt: Understanding the assertion: 'The artistic excellence of the story lies in depicting Tam's character development'
Response:
The tale of Tam and Cam is a familiar fairy tale to many. It encapsulates timeless truths: Good will always triumph over evil, evil will inevitably be punished. The story is built upon a remarkable plot with elements of fantasy to craft a central character that leaves a strong impression on the reader: Tam. Tam embodies goodness and purity. Throughout the story, Tam undergoes a transformation from a passive, impoverished girl to a proactive queen who seizes her own happiness. Hence, it's apt to say: 'The artistic excellence of the story lies in depicting Tam's character development.'
Ancient society was a time when social classes were not sharply defined or in conflict. However, in Tam and Cam, the conflicts between social classes are vividly apparent in every detail of the story. Additionally, the story portrays the aspirations of common laborers yearning for happiness. And they have written a story about a girl named Tam who starts off as gentle, kind, weak, and passive in her pursuit of happiness but eventually becomes proactive in securing her own happiness, fighting against evil, seizing, and preserving her happiness. It is through this journey that Tam undergoes significant character development. Hence, it is said: 'The artistic excellence of the story lies in depicting Tam's character development.'
The depiction of Tam's character development can be divided into two phases. In the first phase, Tam is portrayed as a naive, innocent girl who is passive in pursuing her happiness. This is the initial image of the majority of impoverished laborers in society. They dare not stand up to defend or preserve their happiness; they are always passive. Moving into the second phase, Tam undergoes a transformation in character. She dares to seize her own happiness, actively preserving it without relying on magical intervention. Tam's image at this point is strong, determined, and confident. This remarkable character development in Tam also represents the impoverished laborers.
In the initial phase of her appearance, Tam is depicted as a poor, innocent girl. In her, one recognizes the inherent simplicity and honesty of the ancient laborers. Tam's character is portrayed with the beauty of innocence, weakness, and fragility. Therefore, she is constantly bullied. Since her father's death, she has been tormented by her stepmother and stepsister both physically and mentally. Despite living in a family, she is treated no better than a servant. She has to work hard while Cam and her mother do not endure such hardships. It can be said that Tam here represents the ancient poor laborers, always suffering injustices. Moreover, she is treated extremely unfairly. She is deceived by Cam, who steals her red scarf. She loses her beloved bird Bong. All these injustices cause her only to cry. Tam's image in this phase is that of a weak and passive individual. She doesn't know how to protect herself or preserve her happiness. Consequently, in this phase, she always receives help from the Fairy - a supernatural, magical force. It can be said that appearing in this phase, she is just a weakling in need of supernatural, magical help rather than standing up to resist and preserve her happiness. She exhibits passivity and self-doubt, allowing others to bully and oppress her. This is also the image of other kind-hearted, impoverished laborers. They are always bullied and deprived of happiness without being able to resist. Hence, they often turn to supernatural forces for help. The excellence in this phase lies in crafting the image of Tam with acceptance, self-doubt, and passivity in seeking her happiness.
Entering the second phase, Tam's character is elevated. She no longer remains the submissive Tam of before; she has learned to stand up for her own happiness. This is the most pronounced and vivid development of character in Tam.
When she ascends to the throne, one might think she would live in luxury and happiness. However, envy from Cam and her mother always seeks to harm her. Time and again, they plot to kill her in the most cruel manner. It all begins when she returns home for her father's death anniversary, Cam and her mother plot to make her fall to her death. Then, when she transforms into gold, a frame, or a pumpkin, Cam and her mother always find ways to trap and kill her. However, every time Cam and her mother strike, Tam transforms into something else. Sometimes she becomes a bird, other times a frame or a fragrant pumpkin, until finally, she returns to her human form, reclaiming her rightful position. In this phase, one no longer sees a Tam who suffers passively and waits for the Fairy to rescue her. She takes matters into her own hands, confidently seizing her happiness even if others try to steal it away. While still involving elements of fantasy, here Tam applies those elements actively rather than being passive as in the previous phase. She is ready to taunt and mock her enemies:
'Dilly dally, dilly dally,
Take the picture, sister, sister, gouge your eyes out'
No one could recognize the former passive, self-doubting Tam in this Tam who has become sharp and proactive. This is the most vivid portrayal of Tam's character at this stage as well as her character development. It can be said that the most successful artistic excellence in Tam and Cam is the vivid portrayal of Tam's character development by folk artists. From a naive, kind girl, subjected to oppression, she has become strong, resolute in protecting her own happiness.
As the story concludes, Tam returns to the palace, living with her supportive partner, once again the gentle Tam as before while Cam and her mother face deserved punishment. However, we cannot forget the fantastical transformations of Tam, as they depict strong resistance, active preservation, and protection of her own happiness. It also represents the aspirations of the impoverished for a happy, fulfilling life, with Tam as their embodiment. She embodies their beliefs in the righteousness prevailing over evil.
Through skillful character development and intertwining elements of fantasy, folk authors have crafted a remarkable story of Tam and Cam. The character development and psychology of Tam reflect the general development and psychology of the poor laborers. It also speaks of the ancient desire for a just and fair life.
