The 6 Best Lesson Plans for 'Describing Inner Feelings in Narrative Texts' for 9th Graders

I. Basic Knowledge

Describing inner emotions in narrative texts refers to the portrayal of a character's thoughts, feelings, and emotional changes. This technique is essential for character development, making the character more vivid.

Inner emotions can be described directly by expressing the character's thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Alternatively, indirect description can be used by portraying the character's surroundings, facial expressions, gestures, or clothing.

II. Suggested Answers for Textbook Questions

Question 1 - Page 116

Read the excerpt from the poem 'Kieu at the Ngung Bich Pavilion' and answer the questions.

Answer:

Poetry describing the scene:

Before the Ngung Bich Pavilion, the spring is locked. The distant view is vast, the moon hanging near.
The four directions stretch out, while the golden sands and red dust lie scattered across distant paths.
Gazing at the evening sea, a boat with distant sails appears... The sound of crashing waves echoes around the seat.

Poetry describing the inner feelings:

By the sky, alone by the edge of the sea
The past, can my purity ever fade?
My heart aches as I stand by the door at dawn
The fan comforts the cold, who else could it be for?

Question 2 - Page 117

Read the passage and analyze the author's portrayal of the character's inner emotions. [...]

Answer:

The author describes the character's inner emotions by depicting their actions and gestures. Through these descriptions, we can sense the intense emotional turmoil and regret of Old Hac when he has to sell his dog, Cu Vang.

Practice

Question 1 - Page 117

Describe the scene where Ma Giang Sinh buys Kieu in prose form.

Suggestion:

Focus on blending the narration (Ma Giang Sinh and Tu Ba bargaining for Kieu) with a description of Ma Giang Sinh's appearance, particularly emphasizing Kieu's pain and humiliation. The narrator can choose either the first-person or third-person perspective.

Sample Answer:

Nearby, a matchmaker came to inquire about Thuy Kieu. She was introduced as Ma Giang Sinh, a student from the National University, hailing from Lam Thanh. Over forty, Ma had a neat appearance with fine clothes, a smooth face, looking refined, but his true nature revealed his superficiality. Ma Giang Sinh, looking for a wife, was accompanied by a noisy group of servants. Upon entering the hall, the matchmaker didn't even have time to invite him, as he rudely jumped onto a chair, behaving as if he had no education. He urged Kieu to come forward and view him. Kieu, born into a respectable family but now fallen into such dire straits, felt deep sorrow as she walked. Every step was accompanied by tears of humiliation and shame. The more she saw Ma Giang Sinh's rude manners, the more she felt the sting of her situation. He forced her to reveal her hair, shake hands, test her musical skills, and recite poetry. Kieu, though sad and discouraged, still retained her unmatched beauty, captivating hearts. After 'evaluating her appearance and talent,' Ma Giang Sinh showed his true mercenary nature and offered just over 400 coins to buy her. Kieu was soon thrust into life's hardships and painful twists.

Question 2 - Page 117

Imagine you are Kieu writing about the moment of vengeance and gratitude, revealing Kieu's emotions when meeting Hoan Thu again.

Suggestion:

- Choose the first-person perspective: this allows for a deeper and more direct expression of emotions as Kieu herself, rather than from a third-person viewpoint.

- Combine the courtroom narration of vengeance and gratitude with a detailed description of the character's physical traits, actions, gestures, and language, with a special focus on Kieu's reactions to each character and event.

- Emphasize the dialogue between Kieu and Hoan Thu, highlighting Kieu's thoughts and emotional shifts before forgiving Hoan Thu.

Sample Answer:

The first person I invited to show my gratitude was Thuc Sinh. I said to him: 'When I was in distress at the brothel, you were the one who showed compassion and helped me, how could I ever forget that? Although we never became husband and wife as you had hoped, I will forever remember your kindness, and I offer you this small gift as a token of my appreciation. As for your wife, she will have to pay for her misdeeds.'

When the soldiers escorted Hoan Thu in, I sweetly asked, 'Oh, how did you end up in such a state? It's rare to find a woman as clever as you in this world! Those who sow the wind must reap the whirlwind, Miss.' At first, seeing me speak gently and softly, Hoan Thu was startled, for she knew that women who were 'emotional' like me were the most dangerous! But she quickly regained composure and replied with logic and reason. I was confused and uneasy. Initially, I planned to punish Hoan Thu severely, which is why I set up a scene with gleaming swords to frighten her. But now, what should I do? If I kill her, would that make me a petty woman? If I forgive her, would I never have another chance for revenge? But as people say, 'An eye for an eye leads to endless hatred, but repaying hatred with kindness ends the cycle of revenge.' After much reflection, I decided to follow this advice and said to Hoan Thu: 'If you are aware of your wrongdoings, then you are no longer at fault. I will forgive you.' I then ordered, 'Soldiers, escort her home safely.' Hoan Thu bowed, tearfully saying, 'Please take care of yourself.' I nodded and quietly replied, 'I wish you well, Miss.'

Question 3 - Page 117

Describe your emotional state after doing something wrong to a friend.

Suggestion:

You can describe the progression of your emotions based on several directions:

- Recall your thoughts before and during the wrongdoing.

- Describe your emotional state after the mistake: sadness, regret, self-blame...

I. Understanding the Role of Inner Thought Description in Narrative Texts

Question 1 (Page 117, Literature Textbook 9, Volume 1):

Read the excerpt from *Kiều at the Ngưng Bích Pavilion*:

a. - The lines describing the scenery also depict the mood:

+ Before the Ngưng Bích pavilion, spring is locked away

The distant mountains, the nearby moon, united in their beauty.

Across the vast expanse, the golden sands stretch,

While the pink dust blows here and there.

+ Dismay fills the sky at dawn, and the lights dim late at night,

Both nature and emotions intertwine, dividing the heart.

+ Thinking of you under the moon with a bronze cup,

Foolishly waiting for you, day after day, feeling the endless longing.

The horizon, the lonely sea,

The crimson stains on the lover's heart, never fading.

+ The sorrow of one resting by the door at dawn,

The hot fan trying to warm the coldness of time.

+ The scattered sands and the windswept,

The endless waves crash, reverberating around the seat.

b. The description of the scene also conveys the sadness of a character; the beauty of the setting cannot cheer the heart.

c. Depicting inner thoughts allows us to understand the character's soul and nature.

Question 2 (Page 117, Literature Textbook 9, Volume 1):

The author describes the character's inner thoughts indirectly through their facial expressions and gestures. Words like shrinking, furrowed wrinkles, tears, a tilted head, a pinched mouth, and a sad expression all evoke emotional pain.

Practice

Question 1 (Page 117, Literature Textbook 9, Volume 1):

Describe the passage where Mã Giám Sinh buys Kiều:

A matchmaker introduces Mã Giám Sinh, a man from Lâm Thanh, to ask for Thúy Kiều's hand. Though in his forties, Mã’s appearance is exaggerated and unrefined. His actions are crude as he arrogantly sits on the chair. Kiều, a pure young woman, is brought to this fate, feeling grief, shame, and discomfort. Each step she takes, tears fall from her eyes. Her face is despondent, her sadness akin to a delicate flower in the wind. Kiều plays the lute and recites poetry to please Mã. However, when it comes to pricing, Mã reveals his true nature as a merchant, bargaining over the price for the beautiful maiden.

Question 2 (Page 117, Literature Textbook 9, Volume 1):

Imagine you are Kiều recounting the story of seeking revenge and showing gratitude:

After being saved by Từ Hải, I had the chance to repay old debts. First, I invited Thúc Sinh to thank him for rescuing me from the brothel. I had gifts of brocade and silver prepared for him. However, Hoạn Thư, his wife, was another matter. I could not forgive the cruel woman. When she was brought forward, all the painful memories of the past resurfaced. I remembered my days as a flower in bondage. I threatened her with my voice, saying, “How did you end up here, miss?” Now, I had the power to decide her fate. Hoạn Thư, sensing her danger, quickly defended herself with her sharp tongue, convincing me to reconsider. If I punished her, I would appear petty, yet I could not forget the past. After much contemplation, I decided to forgive her, taking the high road and ordered her release.

Question 3 (Page 117, Literature Textbook 9, Volume 1):

Record your feelings after wronging a friend:

I was known as the most mischievous student in class. As usual, during class activities, I would be called out by the class monitor. No matter how much I protested, the monitor always reported me to the teacher. I began to think of ways to get back at this person. One break, while we were playing football, I saw the class monitor pass by. Seizing the opportunity, I kicked the ball hard, hitting him in the head. He stumbled and fell. At first, I thought I’d be happy, but instead, guilt overwhelmed me. I felt terrible about what I had done. Should I apologize and tell him the truth, or pretend it was an accident? My mind raced with these thoughts, and finally, I confessed the truth the next day. He forgave me, and I was deeply touched by his generosity. I regretted my actions deeply.

I. Exploring the Element of Describing Inner Thoughts in Narrative Texts:

1. Question 1 (page 117, Literature 9, Volume 1):

a. The verses describing the scenery:

“Before the Luang Ngưng Bích, spring is locked

The distant mountain, the close moon, together we dwell

Endless expanse of sand and sky

Golden sandbanks, dusty paths, all around”

Or:

“Sitting by the shore, lost in thoughts... alone”

- The verse describing the emotional state:

“I think… of the one who embraces”

b. The depiction of surroundings and emotions are interlinked. Often, by portraying the setting and the outward appearance, the writer reveals the character's inner feelings. Conversely, the description of emotions allows the reader to infer the external form.

c. Describing inner thoughts plays a vital role in character development: Writers often use both physical descriptions and inner thoughts to create characters. Inner descriptions reveal the 'mental portrait' of a character, showing their pain, joy, worries, conflicts, and emotions. This technique makes characters more vivid.

2. Question 2 (page 117, Literature 9, Volume 1):

The author depicts the character’s inner thoughts indirectly through facial expressions and gestures. Words like 'crumpled', 'furrowed', 'tears', 'tilted head', 'twisted mouth' express deep emotional distress.

II. Practice: Describing Inner Thoughts in Narrative Texts

1. Question 1 (page 117, Literature 9, Volume 1):

The old matchmaker brought a man from a distant town to arrange a marriage. The man introduced himself as Ma Gian Sinh from Lam Thanh. He appeared to be around forty, with a clean-shaven face and dressed impeccably. The servants were busy chatting, while he arrogantly sat down and waited. The matchmaker urged Kiều to come out and meet him. As Kiều thought of her sad fate, she walked out with tears. The matchmaker fussed over Kiều, while Ma Gian Sinh inspected her beauty, checking her skills in music and poetry. He eventually offered a price of four hundred gold pieces after some haggling.

2. Question 2 (page 117, Literature 9, Volume 1):

After being saved from the brothel for the second time by Từ Hải, Kiều sought to repay those who had helped her. She invited those who had been kind to her to express her gratitude. When Thúc Sinh heard his name, he was shocked and confused. Kiều expressed her gratitude, referring to the bond they shared. She even gave him fine silk and silver as a token of thanks. Once done, Kiều summoned Hoạn Thư to take revenge. However, Hoạn Thư, in a cunning move, begged for mercy, and Kiều, moved by compassion, decided to forgive her. Kiều's kindness and forgiveness were deeply touching.

3. Question 3 (page 117, Literature 9, Volume 1):

I never got along with a classmate and we often fought over trivial matters. One time, she reported me to the teacher for skipping an English class. I was furious, as she had a habit of tattling. I confronted her after class and scolded her. But instead of apologizing, she looked defiant, which made me even angrier. The next day, she showed off a new pencil case, and I decided to hide it as a prank. She searched frantically and cried when she couldn’t find it. Watching her cry, I felt a twisted sense of satisfaction, but as her sadness grew more apparent, I started to feel guilty. I wondered if I had gone too far. I spent the entire day thinking about it, feeling remorseful for making her so upset. The next day, I returned her pencil case with an apology and a lollipop. She apologized for reporting me, and we made up.

I. Understanding the Role of Inner Thought Descriptions in Narrative Texts:

1. In the excerpt from Kiều at the Luang Ngưng Bích tower:

+ The first six lines depict the scenery

+ The last eight lines combine both scenery and Kiều's emotions

b. The verses depicting the scenery serve as the foundation for expressing the character's feelings and emotions

+ The vast and expansive scenery contrasts with Kiều's sense of loneliness

+ The way the scenery is described reveals Kiều's inner sadness, conveyed through her emotional perspective

2. The portrayal of Lão Hạc’s inner thoughts in this passage is indirect, shown through his facial expressions and gestures, which reflect his sorrow and emotional torment after selling his dog

II. Practice Exercises

Exercise 1 (Page 117, Literature 9, Volume 1)

A matchmaker near Kiều’s house suggests introducing a potential suitor, Ma Gian Sinh, a student at the Imperial Academy, from Lam Thanh, in his forties. Despite his outwardly polished appearance, meticulously dressed, and trying to appear as a refined scholar, his crude and vulgar nature soon becomes apparent. Ma Gian Sinh’s true character as a businessman surfaces when he encourages Kiều to show her face and perform music. Kiều, from a noble family, feels deeply ashamed and distressed by her circumstances. Every step she takes is accompanied by tears, feeling humiliated by Ma Gian Sinh’s crude behavior and his treating her as a commodity, pricing her at over four hundred gold pieces.

Exercise 2 (Page 117, Literature 9, Volume 1)

In the role of Kiều in the scene where she repays debts and seeks revenge:

With Từ Hải’s help, I invited Thúc Sinh to express my gratitude. In the past, when I was trapped in the brothel, it was Thúc Sinh who rescued me, a kindness I will never forget. Although we were never meant to be husband and wife, I still wanted to thank him, so I gave him some gifts as a token of my sincere appreciation. On the other hand, his wife, Hoạn Thư, had been cruel and must now face retribution. When Hoạn Thư was brought before me, I addressed her with respect as “Miss.” I reminded her of her past cruelty towards me. In response, Hoạn Thư knelt and begged for mercy. She explained that jealousy was a natural human flaw and reminded me of how she had once shown compassion by allowing me to stay in the tower. I praised her wisdom and, instead of punishing her as I had originally intended, I chose to forgive her.

Exercise 3 (Page 109, Literature 9, Volume 1)

My feelings after wronging my friend:

- Regret and guilt for causing my friend sorrow

- Remorse for the harm I caused

- A strong desire to make things right

Part I: UNDERSTANDING THE ELEMENTS OF DESCRIBING INNER THOUGHTS IN NARRATIVE TEXTS

Answer to Question 1 (page 117, Literature 9th Grade, Volume 1):

Re-read the excerpt from "The Tale of Kiều" at the pavilion of Ngưng Bích, pages 93 - 94, and address the following points:

a. Identify the verses that describe the scenery and those that depict Thúy Kiều's emotions.

b. How are the scenic verses related to the expression of the character's inner thoughts?

c. What effect does describing the inner thoughts have on shaping the character in narrative texts?

Answer:

a.

- The verses describing the scenery in the excerpt from "The Tale of Kiều" at Ngưng Bích pavilion:

The vastness stretches endlessly all around,

Golden sand here, pink dust scattered there.

- The verses depicting emotions:

+ The morning clouds are sorrowful, the night lamps dim,

A mix of feelings and scenery as they divide my heart.

- Verses that describe both scenery and emotions:

+ The distant mountains and the moon, sharing space together.

+ The melancholy of the evening sea view.

....The thunderous waves echo around the chair I sit upon.

b. The verses describing the external scenery are closely linked to the portrayal of the character’s inner emotions. The vast, distant scenery creates a sense of loneliness that contrasts with Kiều’s internal state of solitude, to the point that she must rely on the moon and the mountains for company. The verses describing the scenery also convey feelings of sorrow, isolation, and a fate as uncertain as the drifting flowers in the current.

c. The depiction of inner thoughts in narrative texts vividly brings out the character's essence, revealing the deeper layers of the character's reflections and emotions.

Answer to Question 2 (page 117, Literature 9th Grade, Volume 1):

Read the following passage and evaluate the author’s portrayal of the character’s inner thoughts.

The old man's face suddenly contorts. His wrinkles tighten together, forcing tears to flow. His head tilts to one side, and his wrinkled mouth pouts like a child.

Answer:

Author Nam Cao focuses on Lão Hạc's gestures and actions (his facial contortions, wrinkles, tears, tilted head, and childlike pout) to highlight the deep sorrow, regret, and remorse he feels after selling his dog. Lão Hạc appears as vulnerable as a child, struggling with the pain of parting from the one he loves most.

Part II: PRACTICE

Answer to Question 1 (page 117, Literature 9th Grade, Volume 1):

Rewrite the excerpt where Mã Giám Sinh buys Kiều (pages 97 - 98) in prose, focusing on describing Kiều’s inner thoughts.

Detailed Answer:

The matchmaker near Kiều's house suggests introducing a client to Thúy Kiều. The man is named Mã Giám Sinh, a student at Quốc Tử Giám, from Lâm Thanh, over 40 years old. Though he appears well-groomed, dressed in fine clothes, with a clean-shaven face pretending to be a scholar, his crude nature is soon revealed. Mã Giám Sinh’s true merchant nature becomes apparent as he urges Kiều to show her face and demonstrate her musical skills. Kiều, coming from a respected family, feels deeply distressed by her current situation. Each step she takes brings tears of humiliation and shame. She feels even more disgraced by his uncouth behavior and his attempt to purchase her as a commodity for more than four hundred gold pieces.

Answer to Question 2 (page 117, Literature 9th Grade, Volume 1):

Assume the role of Kiều and write a passage recounting the act of repayment and revenge, expressing Kiều’s emotions when she encounters Hoạn Thư.

Detailed Answer:

Assuming the role of Kiều in the excerpt "Kiều's Repayment and Revenge":

With Từ Hải’s help, I invited Thúc Sinh to show my gratitude. When I was in the brothel, it was Thúc Sinh who redeemed me, and I will never forget his kindness. Even though we were not bound by marriage, I still feel thankful, so I sent him a gift to express my sincere gratitude. On the other hand, his wife, Hoạn Thư, has been malicious and cruel, and now she must be punished. When the soldiers escorted Hoạn Thư to me, I respectfully greeted her with “Miss.” I reminded Hoạn Thư of her previous cruelty towards me. At that moment, Hoạn Thư was terrified, bowing her head and begging for mercy. She explained that jealousy is a natural feeling, and she recalled how she once spared me while I stayed in the attic to write, even allowing me to escape without pursuit. I praised her wisdom and words and, instead of punishing her severely, I chose to forgive her.

Answer to Question 3 (page 109, Literature 9th Grade, Volume 1):

Record your feelings after having done something wrong to a friend.

Detailed Answer:

My feelings after hurting my friend:

- I feel regretful and guilty for making my friend sad.

- I am sorry for causing harm to my friend.

- I want to correct my mistake.

Reference Essay:

Today, I acted cowardly and despicably. I was the one who brought the dead mouse into class and put it in Giang's bag. I thought it would be a harmless prank. Giang, the strict class monitor, is known for being firm and cold towards the mischievous boys in class. I thought it would teach him a lesson, but I never expected him to be so terrified of a dead mouse! When I saw his face pale with tears streaming down as he found the mouse, I felt deeply regretful for taking the joke too far. I didn’t have the courage to take responsibility... What should I do now?...

A. MAIN CONCEPTS

1. Understanding the portrayal of inner thoughts in narrative texts

Revisit the excerpt from 'Kiều at the Lầu Ngưng Bích', pages 93 - 94, and address the following questions:

a. Find the verses that describe the scenery and the verses that reflect Thúy Kiều's emotions.

b. How do the verses describing the scenery relate to the portrayal of the character's inner thoughts?

c. How does the portrayal of inner thoughts influence the characterization in a narrative text?

Answer:

a.

The external natural setting is described directly in the first four verses:
Wide expanse, stretching far into the distance,

Golden sands on this shore, pink dust on that shore.

Emotional portrayal when recalling Kim Trọng and her parents:
Dejected, with morning clouds and evening lamps,

Half-hearted, as if divided between love and scenery.

She feels sorrow, like an echo of the past

As if the warmth of the fan could comfort her loneliness.

b. Meaning: The verses describing the scenery help reveal the character's inner emotions, as the melancholy in the scene mirrors the solitude of the character. The emotional state, like drifting flowers, embodies the uncertainty and sadness about the future.

c. The portrayal of inner thoughts in narrative texts vividly shapes the character, revealing the depth of their inner world.

2. Observing the portrayal of inner thoughts in the excerpt from 'Lão Hạc' by Nam Cao.

Facial description: contorting, wrinkles gathering, tears welling up, head tilting, mouth trembling, sobbing.
The intense pain when selling Cậu Vàng → Lão Hạc feels deep regret and inner turmoil.

3. Key Takeaways

Portraying inner thoughts in narrative texts involves representing the character’s ideas, emotions, and psychological states. This technique is vital for building characters and making them more realistic.
Inner thoughts can be directly portrayed through expressing the character's feelings and emotions, or indirectly through descriptions of the environment, facial expressions, gestures, clothing, etc.

B. EXERCISES AND GUIDELINES

Question 1: (Page 117 - Literature Textbook 9) Rewrite the excerpt from 'Mã Giám Sinh buys Kiều', pages 97 - 98 in prose, focusing on the portrayal of Kiều's inner thoughts.

Answer:
To save her father and brother, Thúy Kiều had to sell herself through an arranged match. The matchmaker brought a distant guest named Mã Giám Sinh, who looked to be in his forties, from Lâm Thanh. He dressed meticulously, with clean-shaven features and a refined appearance, yet his true nature was revealed through his crude and business-like demeanor. Upon entering the house, he immediately sat arrogantly in a chair. Kiều, introduced to Mã Giám Sinh, felt like an object, which filled her with sorrow and shame. He inspected her like a commodity, negotiating a price. Kiều stepped forward with a heavy heart, full of shame and sorrow. Once a delicate young lady, now she had to degrade herself to entertain a man. She felt deeply miserable thinking about her family’s dire situation. The matchmaker, with a smile, introduced Kiều to the guest, while Kiều stood with a sorrowful expression, as if fading away like a dying flower. Mã Giám Sinh began haggling over her price, scrutinizing her worth as if she were nothing more than a product to be bought. Her spirit crushed by the harsh realities of her fate.

Question 2: (Page 117 - Literature Textbook 9) Assume the role of Kiều and write a passage recounting the moment of revenge and gratitude, reflecting Kiều's emotions when meeting Hoạn Thư.

Answer:
After months of suffering, humiliation, and pain in the brothel, I was fortunate to meet Từ Hải, who helped me escape from that life and enabled me to exact revenge and repay kindness. The day of reckoning was unforgettable.
The first person I invited was Thúc Sinh. I told him: 'When I was in distress, it was you who showed kindness and rescued me. I can never forget your generosity. Although we never became husband and wife as you once wished, I will forever be grateful to you. Today, I send a small gift to express my gratitude. As for your wife, she is cruel and must face justice.'
When Hoạn Thư was brought in, I greeted her with the same tone she had used when she forced me to work as her servant: 'You, who once treated me cruelly, must now face the consequences. You sowed the wind, now you must face the storm.' Hearing this, Hoạn Thư trembled in fear. However, being a woman of cunning, she quickly spoke up, 'I am just a woman, like any other. I only acted out of jealousy. But I truly admired you and, when you escaped, I did not send anyone after you. Please forgive me.' Upon hearing her, I decided that forgiving her would be a charitable act, and thus, I ordered her release.

Question 3 – Practice Exercise (Page 117 - Literature Textbook 9)
Record your feelings after having made a mistake with a friend.
Answer:
I am known as the most mischievous person in my class. As usual, during the class meeting, I was called out by the strict class monitor, who would report everything I did to the teacher. I got so angry that I vowed to get back at her. During recess, as I was playing soccer, I saw the class monitor walking by. Seizing the opportunity, I kicked the ball at her, and it hit her head, causing her to stumble and fall. Normally, I would feel triumphant, but instead, I felt guilty and selfish. I couldn't stop thinking about how wrong I had been, and whether I should apologize and admit my actions or just pretend it was an accident. My mind was in turmoil. In the end, I decided to tell the truth. The next day, I apologized to her, and she forgave me. I felt an overwhelming sense of relief and happiness after that.