Prompt: Write an essay analyzing the characteristics of a character in a literary work
Sample Essay: Analyzing the characteristics of the lamb character in 'The Wolf and the Lamb'
I. Analyzing the characteristics of a literary character that deeply impressed you: the lamb character in 'The Wolf and the Lamb'
1. Outline:
a. Introduction:
- Introduce the literary work and character.
- Provide a general impression of the character.
b. Body:
- Circumstances: The lamb is drinking water when encountering the wolf.
- Personality: Innocent and naive yet remarkably courageous, with persuasive and resolute speech.
* Artistic portrayal: The lamb character is vividly depicted through the narrator's storytelling and the character's dialogue.
* Evaluation: The underlying message:
- A profound lesson on justice and truth in life.
- Each individual needs to be vigilant against the tyranny of the powerful over the weak.
c. Conclusion: Affirming the character's beauty and the value of the literary work.
2. Sample Essay: Analyzing the characteristics of the lamb character in 'The Wolf and the Lamb'
The fable 'The Wolf and the Lamb' by the author La Phông-ten is a familiar work to readers worldwide. Through the contrast between two characters, the writer imparts a lesson about negative traits in life. Particularly, the lamb character, with its intelligence and quick wit, but unfortunate fate, evokes additional sympathy.
The story begins with the image of the lamb drinking water by the stream. At this moment, it is enjoying the refreshing taste of the sweet water. Through this detail, we can perceive the innocent appearance of the little lamb.
By constructing the encounter between the lamb and the wolf, the author has helped readers deeply envision the character's personality traits. In contrast to the wolf's cunning and cruelty, the lamb emerges with innocence yet not weakness, fearlessness. When the wolf accuses the lamb of muddying its water, the lamb uses logical reasoning to prove its innocence: 'The water where I drink, you see,/ Is twenty steps distant from thee./ How then, in sooth, can I be/ The cause of thy turbidity?' Faced with the wolf's accusations, the lamb always responds calmly. This approach demonstrates the lamb's intelligence and quick wit.
Confronted with the greedy wolf, the lamb never backs down. In every rebuttal, the lamb presents compelling evidence to refute the wolf's fabricated arguments and feeble excuses. It can be said that the lamb's innocent nature still prevails. However, when oppressed by the powerful, the lamb always remains aware of the need to struggle and reclaim justice for itself.
By combining the narrator's storytelling with dialogue, the author has vividly depicted the unfortunate lamb when faced with injustice. Through the lamb's explanations, we also see its courage and intelligence. From this, author La Phông-ten aims to impart a profound lesson about justice and truth in life. Each individual needs to be vigilant against the tyranny of the powerful who often commit atrocities to oppress the weak.
II. Analyzing the characteristics of a literary character that deeply impressed you: the Coconut Skull character in the fairy tale Coconut Skull
1. Outline: Analyzing the characteristics of the Coconut Skull character in the fairy tale Coconut Skull
a. Introduction:
- Introduce the literary work and character.
- Provide a general impression of the character.
b. Body:
* Character traits:
- Appearance: Deformed, ugly 'without arms or legs,' 'round like a coconut.'
- Qualities:
+ Filial piety towards mother: works as a laborer, herds cattle for the wealthy.
+ Diligent, meticulous in everything: demonstrated by advising his wife before going on an errand and how he reveals the wrongdoing of his two older sisters.
* Artistic critique: Captivating storytelling with unique fantastical elements -> contributes to creating vivid characters.
* Evaluation: The work conveys the wish for a just society and a happy life 'where good meets good.'
c. Conclusion: Affirming the character's beauty and the value of the literary work.
Sample Essay: Analyzing the characteristics of the Coconut Skull character in the fairy tale Coconut Skull
2. Sample Essay: Analyzing the characteristics of the Coconut Skull character in the fairy tale Coconut Skull
The fairy tale 'Coconut Skull' is a familiar story from many readers' childhoods. Despite having an ugly appearance, the character Coconut Skull possesses admirable qualities that leave a deep impression on me. Through this character, folk authors also impart many life lessons.
Coconut Skull is unlike other ordinary children. Upon birth, he is round 'like a coconut,' with no arms or legs. Despite his physical deformities, Coconut Skull never feels pessimistic or discouraged. He is always diligent and responsible in completing his tasks 'On sunny days or rainy days, every calf has a full belly.'
Although just a deformed child, Coconut Skull has shown noble and admirable actions.
Upon hearing complaints about the possibility of their son herding cattle for others, he immediately urges his mother to inquire with the wealthy man. It is evident that he is a highly filial son. He is also a loving husband 'The husband and wife are very happy together'. Thanks to his foresight, caution, and thoughtfulness, Coconut Skull helps his wife escape imminent death. From his actions and behavior, we can see that he is intelligent, quick-witted, and morally upright. He does not rely on the authority or power of the authorities but uses clever tactics to make his two sisters realize their mistakes.
Through captivating storytelling and unique fantastical elements, folk authors have brought readers into a vivid fairy tale world. There, we encounter the image of Coconut Skull with admirable qualities and virtues. He is a shining example of compassion and kindness 'where good meets good'. Through this, the story expresses the working people's aspirations for a just and happy society.
The fairy tale 'Coconut Skull' has conveyed meaningful and touching lessons. From the character Coconut Skull, we must always recognize that appearances do not define a person's essence. It is hoped that the human values in the story will always be preserved and promoted in life.