Top 10 Essays Analyzing the Character of Little Lien in "Two Sisters" by Thach Lam

Though Thach Lam's presence in the literary world lasted a mere five years, he quickly established himself as a unique short story writer. He once believed, 'Beauty is scattered throughout the universe, hidden in every alley, lying dormant in the most mundane things. The writer’s task is to discover beauty where no one expects it, to find the subtle and concealed beauty in things so that the reader may see and appreciate it.' From his collection 'Sunlight in the Garden,' 'The Two Children' stands out as a quintessential story that exemplifies Thach Lam’s distinct style. In 'The Two Children,' readers are drawn to the train-waiting scene, a defining moment in Thach Lam's penmanship. As a member of the Tự Lực Văn Đoàn group and the younger brother of Nhất Linh and Hoàng Đạo, Thach Lam’s work followed a unique and refreshing path. He displayed great compassion for the impoverished in society at the time. His writing often delved into the delicate, vague emotions of human beings. 'The Two Children' is a short story with no real plot. The entire narrative unfolds like a slow-motion film about a poor town with two sisters, Lien and An, one summer evening. There are no twists or turns, but the story easily touches the reader's heart with a deep and beautiful sadness—the beauty of an ordinary life discovered by Thach Lam. The most special part of the story is the train-waiting scene. Despite being exhausted and nearly falling asleep, every night, Lien and An stay awake to wait for the late-night train from Hanoi. But why? To sell goods as their mother instructed? Not at all. The two sisters are not waiting to open their shop for customers, as others would on the station platform. Instead, they wait for the train for a different reason. What is it? Perhaps they wait to witness the train, the last event of the night. Maybe it’s because the train represents a different world, far removed from the dim light of Aunt Ty’s lantern and the flame of Uncle Sieu’s fire. The town is shrouded in darkness, fading, impoverished, and weary, while the train brings a bright, prosperous, joyful, and noisy world. The train brings with it a different world, and Lien and An silently await it with mixed feelings of wonder, vagueness, nervousness, and excitement. They await the train as if it were a sacred moment, much like the New Year's Eve countdown. An, tired and nearly asleep, still urges Lien: 'Wake me up when the train comes!' Meanwhile, Lien sits quietly, gazing at the twinkling stars and the softly falling flowers, her mind filled with vague, incomprehensible feelings. It seems she has completely detached herself from the harsh struggles of daily life, immersing herself in a dreamlike world. When Lien sees the lights from afar and hears the whistle, she urgently wakes An: 'Get up, An. The train is here!' Her words, full of excitement, resonate like joyful shouts. Then the train arrives, roaring as it approaches, and the whole town lights up, becoming lively, vibrant, and rich. Lien pulls An to stand and watch the train pass by. The two sisters long to be part of the bustling, cheerful world. The more excited they are, the more stunned they become as they watch the train fade into the darkness. As the train disappears, Lien and An continue to watch the small green light on the last carriage, moving farther away and eventually vanishing behind the bamboo grove. The train from Hanoi has truly captured their hearts. After the train passes, An ponders, 'The train wasn’t crowded today, was it?' Lien, lost in thought, is vague and silent. Even though the train was quieter than usual, with fewer passengers and seemingly dimmer lights, Lien still feels joy and contentment because the train from Hanoi has come. The train has brought her back to the innocent, sweet memories of childhood, awakening hope for a brighter future. Every night, Lien and An eagerly await the train. To many, this might seem like a trivial, even senseless, act. But with his compassionate heart, Thach Lam has uncovered the hidden emotions and romantic desires of these two sisters. Waiting for the train has become a ritual, a spiritual need they cannot do without. They wait for the train to return to the gentle, sweet past of childhood innocence. They wait for the train to fuel a powerful, bold desire: the desire to change their lives. This yearning is like a fresh young sprout growing from barren land, like a small, twinkling star in the vast, dark sky. Through the description of the train-waiting scene, Thach Lam expresses both sympathy for the struggling, hopeless lives of these small people, especially the children, and admiration for their desire to reach for the light and change their fate. From the lives of the people in the small town, Thach Lam’s writing echoes a heartfelt call that stirs the deep soul of the reader: Save the children! Change this hopeless life! How can we allow children to live with hope, like fresh buds growing on branches, rather than merely existing and fading away in a dead land? 'The Two Children' is a vivid, realistic, and deeply humanistic short story rich with poetic romanticism. Reading it, one cannot help but think of Hans Christian Andersen’s 'The Little Match Girl.' Although these two authors come from different countries and eras, they share a common voice of love and compassion for children. The train-waiting scene also marks the gentle, reflective conclusion of Thach Lam’s story. It is a scene that will linger forever in the reader’s heart. As the work concludes, we are left with an endless feeling of a deep, warm homeland love, a profound and simple compassion. 'The Two Children' truly fulfills the mission of authentic literature, evoking pure emotions and a meaningful humanistic message from the reader.

Thach Lam is a writer who is deeply emotional, capturing his feelings towards the unfortunate fate of the poor—those who live quietly, enduring hardships with deep sacrifices. The characters in his stories reflect his sensitive soul and his unique perspective. The character of Lien in the short story 'The Two Children' stands out as a quintessential example of Thach Lam's penmanship. Lien’s emotional shifts evoke the complex moods of a young girl growing up. These aspects of her personality are revealed through subtle details in the story, and they reflect the author's own inner feelings.

Lien’s emotional state in the story is conveyed through various stages, and perhaps the most sensitive aspect of a young girl’s heart is seen during dusk and the fading of the day. For a thoughtful young girl, the sights, sounds, and colors of the evening intensify her emotions. The evening begins with familiar sounds—the drumbeats of autumn, signaling the approach of twilight, and the pink clouds on the horizon illuminated by the sun’s fading light. To a young girl, the sunset appears differently. Against the backdrop of those clouds, tall bamboo shoots seem to form clear, distinct shapes against the sky. In the humble market stall, surrounded by simple goods, Lien hears the distant croaking of frogs and the buzzing of mosquitoes. These small details show that the space is tranquil, and aside from Lien, the whole atmosphere seems to merge with the twilight. This transformation is felt through the sounds and familiar signs of the evening. The shift in nature, combined with the earthy scent rising from the ground—characteristic of the poor village—triggers a melancholic feeling in Lien, likely due to her contemplation of the impoverished life in this fading town. The images of the countryside, with its familiar sights and sounds, coupled with the soft dusk, become the backdrop for Lien’s vague sadness.

Lien’s emotions—at just 9 years old—are also reflected in her perception of nature and the people around her as the market closes. Amid the waning market, there are images of vendors lingering despite the market being over, and children collecting remnants like bamboo sticks. Lien’s sorrow isn’t just from seeing the poverty of others, but also from feeling helpless to improve their situation, even for the children. These small details speak volumes about Lien’s compassionate nature and her empathy.

As night falls, the town quickly sinks into darkness, adding to Lien’s sadness, though this sadness has become a familiar companion. The author’s use of light to describe darkness is striking. When the market closes and night begins to fall, Lien sits on a bamboo platform, gazing at her surroundings with a deep affection for her hometown. It’s the familiar interplay of light and darkness. Lien, lost in her thoughts, observes the small sources of light on the town’s streets—flickering stars, gaps of light from lanterns, casting glimmering reflections like grains of gold. This light, however, can’t disperse the darkness that envelops the village. As night falls, the town is submerged in an endless, deep darkness. Lien senses this, and within her, there’s an ambiguous sadness she cannot quite grasp.

The image of the mother-daughter duo of Ms. Ti, selling drinks at night after collecting shrimp and crabs during the day, adds to the feeling of struggle for survival. Alongside them, the Sẩm family, with their tattered mat and traditional instruments, as well as the old man Siêu hustling with his pho stall, show the relentless pursuit of daily survival. Lien feels the effort of everyone around her, their fight for survival. Her compassion is especially shown in her affection for the mentally ill old woman. Every day, the old woman buys alcohol and stumbles out, laughing. Lien serves her without comment, but through the narrative, we feel Lien’s quiet affection for the woman.

Adding a layer of complexity to Lien’s emotions, the night train offers a brief escape for the villagers, and for Lien, it stirs a sense of hope and nostalgia. Lien and her younger brother An stay awake, awaiting the arrival of the train, which becomes a source of light and hope, a brief escape from their difficult lives. The train represents memories of happier times—of outings, sweets, and fun—memories that are precious to Lien.

When the train arrives, it illuminates the dark village, bringing joy to the faces of the villagers who see it as a symbol of hope for a better future. For Lien, especially, the train represents a cherished past, and she clings to it, unwilling to forget the beauty of days gone by. The train is not just a physical object, but a symbol of her longing for a better future, a beacon of hope. Lien’s gaze follows the train’s light, which brings back memories and stirs up her desires for a better, more beautiful world—a world that is still far away from their poor village. The scene, from the moment Lien gazes until the light fades, shows her deep yearning for those lost moments and the beauty that is so distant. Even though she doesn’t sell anything, or expect anything from the train passengers, for Lien, waiting for the train is a longing for people from distant places and a connection to the memories that pass by with it.

Lien may be a small girl, but her soul is as mature as any adult. Her sensitivity, compassion, and dreams are what make her such a unique character, reflecting the very essence of Thach Lam himself. Through Lien’s emotions, Thach Lam conveys the bitter reality of poverty, yet with an appreciation for the beauty found in the muck and mire of life. He expresses profound empathy for his small characters, making their struggles and hopes deeply resonant.

Thach Lam was a writer deeply attuned to emotions, capturing his feelings about the harsh fates of the poor, those who live difficult, quiet lives of silent endurance and sacrifice. The characters in his stories reflect his sensitive soul and his perspective as an author. The character Lien in the short story 'The Two Children' is one of the prime examples of Thach Lam's writing style. Lien's sensitivity and emotional shifts evoke the complex inner world of a young girl growing up. Her personality traits emerge through subtle details in the story, revealing the changes in the author's own feelings.

Lien's emotions are depicted in various stages, but perhaps the most sensitive moments occur as the evening falls. For a thoughtful young girl, the lines, sounds, and colors of twilight intensify her mood, making her feel a sense of elusive sadness. The evening begins with familiar sounds, the beat of a drum echoing the coming of dusk, and the pink clouds at the horizon lit by the setting sun. Through Lien's eyes, the sunset becomes a unique image. Against the backdrop of those clouds, tall bamboo trees stand out sharply against the sky. In her simple shop, amidst the quiet of the evening, even the croaking of frogs and the buzzing of flies are noticed by Lien. This illustrates how quiet the atmosphere is now; aside from Lien, the entire environment seems to merge into the evening's stillness. This shift in mood is evoked through the sounds and familiar signs of the approaching dusk. The earthy smell, possibly unique to her village, makes Lien feel a deep sadness, perhaps stirred by the poverty and decay of the small town.

Lien's emotions, as a 9-year-old girl, are also captured in her observations of nature and the people as the market closes. Among the remains of the market, people linger, and children gather whatever scraps they can find. Although they are only bamboo sticks, the children are deeply focused on their task. The image of trash and remnants makes Lien feel sad. It’s not just because she sees the same hardship that she faces, but also because she feels helpless in improving their lives, even those of the children. These seemingly insignificant details reveal much about Lien’s inner life and her compassionate nature.

As night falls, the world quickly fades into darkness, which only deepens Lien's sadness, though she is accustomed to this sorrow. The town becomes enveloped in the dark, with the author's unique use of light to describe the shadows standing out. As the market empties and night descends, Lien remains at her stall, gazing lovingly at the surroundings of her hometown. She observes familiar patterns of light and darkness here, where dim lights from lamps cast small glimmers, and the stars compete to shine, though they can't dispel the night’s darkness. The village sinks into an endless night, and Lien seems to feel a vague sadness deep within.

Another poignant image appears with the shop of Aunt Ti selling drinks, open even at night, after her day of catching crabs. Nearby, the family of Uncle Sam, with their torn mat, and the sound of their musical instrument, show a life of hardship. Uncle Sieu, busy with his noodle cart, also represents the struggles of daily life. Lien senses the tireless efforts of everyone for survival. Lien’s deep empathy is especially shown through her compassion for the elderly woman, Aunt Thi, who comes every day to buy alcohol. Although Lien doesn’t comment on the woman’s behavior, her caring actions reveal a tenderness toward the old woman.

A unique moment of respite for Lien comes with the arrival of the train, a sign of hope for the villagers as it brings small fortunes. Lien and her sister stay awake, waiting for the train, which brings back memories of happier times—when they could go out and enjoy sweet treats. An falls asleep, but Lien waits restlessly on the bamboo cot.

When the train arrives, it illuminates the poor village and brings joy to the faces of the people, who see it as a symbol of a brighter future. For Lien, however, the train is a symbol of past joys, a connection to childhood memories. Lien treasures the train's arrival, as its light seems to open up a flood of memories and distant hopes. Her gaze follows the train’s light until it fades into the distance. Even though nothing was sold at the market, the train offers a glimpse of a brighter world beyond, full of memories and hopes.

Though just a young girl, Lien’s soul is much like that of an adult—sensitive, compassionate, and rich with understanding, qualities not commonly found in people. Her empathy, dreams, and beautiful memories create a vivid picture of her, while also reflecting the author's own soul. In portraying Lien’s emotions, Thach Lam not only presents the harsh reality of poverty but also adds a poetic touch to this world of decay, showing deep compassion for the small characters in his stories.

Thach Lam once said: 'For me, literature is not a means of escape or forgetting, but rather a noble and powerful weapon we have to expose and change a false and cruel world, making the human heart cleaner and richer.' In 'The Two Children,' Thach Lam made it impossible for readers to forget or escape the reality of the poor town and the desolate lives of its people. Especially, the character Lien, who despite living in poverty and hardship, always yearns for life with great hope and belief.

First and foremost, Lien is no exception among the fates Thach Lam depicts, having to endure a life full of confinement, monotony, and boredom. Due to her family’s decline, Lien's family had to move to the countryside. Coming from a city, with its colorful drinks, amusement parks, and bright, lively streets, moving to a poor town was a challenge for the young girl. Lien’s family runs a small shop, not enough to make ends meet, merely selling trivial goods. As such, their lives are not prosperous. Yet, despite the difficult circumstances of survival, Lien retains a pure, innocent, delicate, and sensitive soul. In the calmness of dusk, Lien feels a deep sadness at the closing of the day, her eyes slowly clouding as the melancholy of the evening seeps into her innocent soul. During the closing market, only Lien's sensitive, delicate soul could perceive the familiar earthy smell of her homeland: 'a damp scent rising, the heat of the day mixed with the familiar dust, making Lien and her sister think it was a smell unique to this land, this village.' And at night, once again, the dreamlike, innocent soul of a child emerges, soothing the harshness of the poor, suffocating land. Sitting with An, Lien watches a duck follow the God of Agriculture, gazing at the sparkling stars in the sky. Only the dreamlike soul of a child like Lien could find joy in such a simple scene. While the earth is full of misfortune and hardship, Lien’s soul seems to be the opposite of this harsh reality.

Not only is Lien’s soul sensitive and perceptive, but she also has a heart full of compassion and empathy for those suffering in poverty. Despite being new to the countryside, Lien quickly adapts to the life there. She feels pity and sympathy for the struggles of Aunt Ti, Uncle Sieu, Uncle Sam, and even the eccentric old woman, Aunt Thi. This pure heart, ready to empathize with the pitiful fates and the cries of despair, stands as a testament to Lien's deep emotional capacity. Ultimately, what leaves a lasting impression of Lien in the hearts of readers is her strong desire to live a better, more meaningful life, one that is not as dull and monotonous as the wandering souls around her. This is especially depicted in the scene where she waits for the train.

The train seems to bring with it another world, one filled with light and lively energy. It carries Lien’s dreams and desires. She watches the train from afar, first seeing a green flame flicker, followed by a burst of white smoke. Upon closer inspection, Lien realizes that today, the train is less crowded and dimmer than usual. However, the train has luxurious carriages with shiny coins and silver, and most importantly, it’s a train coming from Hanoi—the place where Lien holds her childhood memories of sweet drinks, amusement parks, and a vibrant, bustling city. This is the life Lien dreams of, the life she longs to change to, one that holds meaning and brightness, unlike the stagnant, easy life she now lives. But it also stands as the clearest proof of Lien’s intense longing, encapsulating the aspirations of other young souls like hers.

Through his intricate, psychological portrayal of Lien, Thach Lam proves himself to be a masterful writer when it comes to depicting childhood and the small, nameless fates that continue to long for a better life. He also conveys a message to the reader: we must save the budding young dreams before they wither away in the darkness.

In the short story 'The Two Children,' have you ever wondered why you feel a sense of calm when viewing the depiction of a poor, gloomy village, or why you don't just feel pity for the struggling laborers, but a genuine affection and empathy towards them?

In my opinion, it’s because everything is portrayed through the affectionate eyes and dream-filled heart of Lien, the central character of the story.

As we know, Lien is a young girl from Hanoi, who once lived in comfort and happiness with her family. However, due to the family's misfortune, her father lost his job, and they had to move to the countryside to make a living. Lien and her sister were tasked with managing a small convenience store. Although the store barely made a profit, Lien continued to run it. Every time she opened the shop, she would admire the view of the village, which, though poor, had a unique charm. The first thing that impressed me about Lien was her innocence, purity, and immense kindness. Having been accustomed to a comfortable life in the capital, moving to such a poverty-stricken area might have disheartened her. But no, she only felt a gentle sadness at the setting sun without experiencing loneliness or despair. This is something I admire and appreciate about her.

Instead of negative emotions, Lien broadened her heart, observed the village, and suddenly realized its quiet beauty – not grand, but strangely familiar and intimate. She could feel 'a moist smell rising, the heat of the day mingling with the familiar dust, making Lien and her sister believe it was the unique scent of the land, of their hometown.' This is truly a subtle perception! Only someone deeply connected to this land and its people could understand this. In my seventeen years of life, I have never taken the time to sit and observe the world around me to have such profound feelings as Lien. And how innocent it is when Lien and her sister 'gaze up at the stars to find the Milky Way and the duck following behind the God of Agriculture,' or when 'a few small leaves fall gently on Lien's shoulder, making her feel vague, unclear emotions.'

Through these moments, I realize that Lien is truly a young girl with an incredibly sensitive, delicate soul, and at times, very romantic too. Despite the hardships and poverty, Lien always maintains a sense of love for life and optimism. Not only does she feel moved by the beauty of her homeland, but she also empathizes deeply with the people who suffer there. Lien feels sympathy for the children picking trash by the market, yet she can’t help them, as she has nothing to offer. When she sees the mother and child of Ms. Ti, Mr. Siu, or the family of Mr. Sam, she asks after them. This young girl understands their pain and feels for them. She knows that these hardworking people, enduring a day of intense labor, still struggle terribly. Despite selling their goods, they earn very little. What’s even more special is that Lien can truly understand the hearts of these people: 'All these people in the shadow of life long for something brighter for their daily poor existence.'

How does Lien know about these hopes of the villagers? Isn’t it because she has a compassionate heart, always willing to share with others? She connects with them on a deeper level, using her own heart to beat in sync with theirs, those who are as struggling as her family. It’s because of her profound love for this land that she also loves its people. Through this bond, she understands their difficulties and desires. Lien is genuinely a person with a kind heart, and I greatly admire her and aspire to be like her.

But Lien’s love for the land and its people doesn’t stop there. This young girl from Hanoi also holds a burning desire in her heart. This is evident in her actions while waiting for the train to pass by. I wonder why they wait for the train? Her mother tells her to stay awake, hoping for customers to arrive. For Lien, a sensitive young girl, waiting and watching the train isn’t just about selling goods—it’s about seeking simple happiness, a child’s game, a longing to relive past memories. When she hears the rhythmic sound of the train and sees its bright lights, she sits up, looks at the train, and feels a deep nostalgia for Hanoi. She misses the distant Hanoi, the Hanoi full of light, joy, and noise. It was there that she had lived the happiest days of her life. Moreover, the bustling train also carries Lien’s hopes and dreams. Through its bright lights and vibrant sounds, she yearns for a new world, a life where everyone lives abundantly, filled with laughter, without the worries of material struggles. This is a very justified desire. And it seems that this is also the dream, the hope of all the people in the village, to see their land brighter, their lives more vibrant, filled with optimism and love for life.

I truly admire Lien’s character. Her soul is pure and lovable. Though young, Lien has an incredibly refined understanding of life and the people in the poor village. Moreover, she understands them deeply and holds a beautiful dream and hope. Despite living in hardship, Lien strives to live beautifully, always demonstrating optimism and love for life. Lien is indeed a model for me to learn from. After reading the short story 'The Two Children,' I realize that behind the character of Lien is the writer’s compassionate soul, full of love, gentleness, a sensitive and refined spirit, deeply understanding the suffering of others, especially the children in the old society. Through Lien and the other characters in the story, I further appreciate the humanitarian values in Thach Lam’s writing, a brilliant romantic writer in the Vietnamese literary movement before the August Revolution in 1945.

Vietnamese classical literature ended at the close of the 19th century, paving the way for modern literature. During this time, the most successful prose genre was crystallized in the form of novels and short stories. When talking about short stories, one must mention Thach Lam, 'a writer with a remarkable gift for short stories.' Thach Lam’s short stories are unique in that they don’t revolve around a specific plot, yet they still captivate with their own charm. The characters in his works, while not as intense as those in Nam Cao’s Chí Phèo or Ngô Tất Tố’s chị Dậu, leave a profound impact. One such character is Liên from 'The Two Children,' who embodies a delicate, sensitive soul, observed by the author through the progression of her emotions from dusk until late at night, marked by two predominant states: a deep sadness and a fleeting joy when the train arrives.

Liên and An, the main characters of the story, once lived in Hanoi, surrounded by joy and novelty. However, when her father lost his job, the family fell into hardship and had to move back to the poor rural district. The two sisters were tasked by their mother with looking after a small grocery store, selling items like soap, matches, and tobacco, in the hope of earning some extra income for the family, though the earnings were meager.

Liên is a young girl, sensitive to the world around her and to the impoverished lives of others. The author delves into her inner world, capturing her emotions at each moment.

The first emotion is sadness. When does she feel this sadness? Right from the beginning, the author hints at her sorrow through the depiction of the twilight scene. She feels sadness when the day is about to end, marked by the distant, faint sound of the autumn drum. She feels sad when she hears the mosquitoes buzzing, the frogs croaking outside the fields, the wind carrying the sounds into the air. She feels sadness when the shadows grow longer as 'the village’s bamboo grove ahead darkens,' and the sunset, glowing like fire in the west, casts a reddish hue on the clouds, signaling the arrival of night, which brings with it the musty smell of dampness and the lingering heat of the day. She is also saddened by the sight of the destitute lives around her, like Sister Tí and her child, whose daily work involves catching crabs and shrimp, while at night, they hope for a meager income from selling tea. She notices the poor children scavenging for discarded pieces of bamboo or anything usable from the market vendors. And then, there’s the old woman Thi, 'a somewhat mad old lady' who comes to buy liquor, emerging from the darkness and vanishing back into it with her loud laughter.

All these sights and people evoke a sense of decay, digging deep into the profound sadness that causes Liên to sit in silence, watching. 'Her eyes are closed by the dusk, and the sadness of the countryside twilight seeps deeply into her innocent soul.' Liên doesn’t understand why, but she feels an overwhelming melancholy as the day fades. This sadness is indescribable, yet it pervades the space around her, reflecting her sensitive nature and the author’s empathy for the poor, rural inhabitants.

Liên’s sadness intensifies when darkness fully engulfs the landscape. 'The entire road to the river, the path through the market, and the village lanes darken even more.' Above, thousands of stars shine brightly, while below, fireflies flit about. The silence of the night feels heavy, and 'all the houses are shut, except for a few shops that are still open, their lights casting faint glows.' Liên takes in everything before her, and she realizes that these weak glimmers of light only make the darkness more oppressive, just like the poor lives of the district’s residents. The faint light from the Super Pho vendor, the dim glimmer of Liên’s shop, and the entire district seem to be reduced to just Tí’s tea stall. These people live monotonous, dull lives day after day, just trying to survive. As Huy Cận once wrote: 'The same few shapes are repeated, whether coming or going, it’s always the same faces.' The cycle continues: Sister Tí and her child sit under the banyan tree with a bowl of green tea, Liên and An, and the poor children who cannot fully experience their childhood. Even the Super Pho family relies on their failing noodle cart, only to return with it empty, like a small flickering flame that vanishes in the darkness. The hardships of these lives, with no future or escape, touch Liên’s heart, as she feels pity for them and for her own fate of living in such dullness.

Yet life is not just sorrow; there are also fleeting moments of joy that spark hope for a brighter tomorrow. Liên’s mood changes when the train arrives. The train brings a different world and a different emotional state for Liên and the district’s residents. Liên and An eagerly await the train every night, watching as it passes before they can sleep. Little An, despite being drowsy, always asks, 'When the train comes, wake me up, please.' They are not just waiting to sell goods as their mother suggests; they are waiting for the arrival of something bigger. For the people of the district, the train represents a world beyond their humble lives, one that is far brighter than the flickering lights of Sister Tí’s lantern, Super Pho’s candle, or the faint glow of Liên’s shop. The train lights blaze brightly, pushing away the darkness, with its distant smoke and shining windows, and the glow of red coals flying along the track. The entire district comes alive as the train passes, dispelling the gloom and silence. Liên, like everyone else, feels joy and happiness, and her mind drifts to the distant Hanoi, recalling the happier days when her family lived more comfortably in the bustling city.

The train is like a dream, a shooting star brightening the dark sky and the quiet life she leads. It gives her and those around her a dream, a moment of joy, a desire for a better future. This moment encapsulates Thach Lam’s literary philosophy, as he once stated: 'For me, literature is not a means to escape or forget; rather, it is a powerful and noble weapon to expose and change a false and cruel world, while also purifying and enriching the hearts of readers.' The story’s humanitarian value lies in this: even in the deepest darkness and despair, people continue to reach for the light, to dream, and to hope for a brighter tomorrow.

The joy, though fleeting, leaves a lasting impression on Liên’s soul. When the train departs, Liên and An continue to watch the dim green light of the last car disappear beyond the bamboo grove, only to be swallowed by the darkness. Then, she returns to the sadness of the night, 'The feeling of the day fades in Liên’s soul, and the image of the world around her blurs in her eyes,' as she falls into a deep sleep.

The development of Liên’s emotions is carefully portrayed by the author, capturing her feelings of melancholy, sorrow, anticipation, joy, and hope. 'He describes the character’s inner world with such skill, tenderness, and sensitivity,' using a romantic writing style that remains grounded in reality. 'Thach Lam opens a unique narrative voice in short stories: an inward, lyrical tone.' Liên’s delicate emotions demonstrate the depth of his talent.

Thach Lam stands as a unique figure in romantic literature. While many sought the essence of romance in the bustling urban life, Thach Lam focused his pen on cherishing the noble dreams of the poor. This humanistic sentiment is vividly expressed in his short story "Two Children," where Lien waits for the night train to pass through the impoverished village.

Lien and An, once children of Hanoi, a city filled with light and dreams, now live in a poor village after their family fell on hard times. Around them are the lives of the unfortunate, living in darkness: Sister Ti, who spends her days catching crabs and selling tea at night; Mr. Sieu, whose noodle cart is always empty; and Old Thi, whose insane laughter echoes through the night. These people, existing in the darkness, yearn for a glimpse of something bright to lift their grim existence. This yearning is most palpable when Lien waits for the final train to pass.

Lien, having once lived a life full of light, now finds herself in the perpetual shadow of the village. Though she has become accustomed to the enveloping darkness, she still harbors a deep yearning for the distant, radiant Hanoi. Waiting for the train is not just about selling a few matches or cigarettes, but about escaping the monotony of her current life, even if just for a fleeting moment. In this seemingly unconscious action lies the profound desire of a sensitive and tender soul at the cusp of adolescence.

When Mr. Sieu announces, "The lantern is over there," Lien spots the flickering blue light of the train. She listens attentively, her heart racing as she absorbs the fleeting moment when the train passes. The faint white smoke and the bustling noise of the passengers prompt Lien to wake her younger brother, eager to catch a clearer glimpse of the train. The illuminated carriages, shining brightly down the street, reveal glimpses of elegant upper-class passengers and gleaming brass and copper details. A dazzling, luxurious world emerges before her eyes—Hanoi, the city she once lived in, now distant and beyond reach. But as the train rolls on, Lien notices that tonight's journey is different. The train is less crowded, its light dimmer than before. She watches as the green lantern fades into the distance, swallowed by the darkness. Lien has waited for this train countless times since moving to the village, and each time it leaves her with the same bittersweet longing. Through these moments, we witness the intensity of her desire for a better life, a life beyond the dullness of her current reality. As the train departs, the village falls back into the shadows, and the stillness is thickened by the vast, quiet fields.

The image of the train holds profound symbolic meaning. It represents the beautiful past, the ideal world Lien once lived in. It also symbolizes the bright future Lien, An, and the villagers hope for. Through the train, Thach Lam expresses his compassion for the fate of the children and the villagers, while also honoring their longing for a better life.

The author skillfully uses descriptive techniques: the contrast between light and darkness as the train passes, and the delicate, quick emotional shifts of Lien as she watches the train, dreaming of a better life. The symbolic image of the train conveys a deep, rich message.

In depicting Lien's emotional state while waiting for the train, Thach Lam sends a poignant message to readers: we must break free from the confines of poverty and monotony to reach for a better life. This is the true essence of human existence. Through this passage, the author showcases his masterful ability to capture and describe the psychological depth of his characters.

Thach Lam is one of the key writers of the Tự lực văn đoàn movement, born into a family of civil servants with a noble background. His literary focus is often on the working class, and the poor and unfortunate in society. As a writer aligned with romanticism, his works also carry a strong sense of realism. Thach Lam holds progressive views on literature and is particularly skilled in writing short stories. One of his standout short stories is "Two Children," published in the collection Nắng trong vườn. In this work, Thach Lam vividly depicts the dreams and desires for a better life of the two sisters, Lien and An, with a special emphasis on the inner world of the character Lien.

The story opens with the image of a fading evening, and the soft, poetic language evokes a strong emotional response. The words resonate with the reader, describing the stillness of the evening as the sound of frogs croaks is carried by the breeze into the rural market. Lien’s sensitivity is revealed as she feels a deep sorrow in the air, with her heart filled with empathy for the children from poor families, scavenging the remnants of the market. Lien experiences the subtle scent of earth, dust, and warmth from the day, which she and her sister associate with the familiar smell of their homeland. This detail not only showcases Lien’s sensitive soul but also highlights her deep connection to the poverty of the small town. As the day comes to a close, Lien is depicted with delicate, pure emotions, embodying the spirit of a sensitive and innocent child. Her reflections provoke a sense of contemplation about life’s circumstances.

The image Lien and An yearn for during this evening is the passing night train, a symbol of the bright world beyond their rural home. This train represents a different world—a world of light and dreams they once experienced in Hanoi before their father lost his job. In Hanoi, the sisters had lived a life full of hope, dreams, and leisure, enjoying things like sweet drinks and strolls by the lake. But that world abruptly ended, replaced by a stark contrast—the poverty-stricken town with its odd inhabitants, like the mentally ill old man Thi, the impoverished mother and daughter selling food, and the weary Siêu with his street food cart. These images extinguish the sisters’ dreams, leaving them trapped in a life without hope or future. However, beneath these sensitive souls lies a strong desire for change, to reach for far-off dreams. Despite the late hour, Lien and An wait for the night train to pass, as it represents memories and marks of a time they cherish. Lien eagerly awaits the train, hoping to glimpse the light it brings from the town or dream of a brighter future beyond.

Lien is a compassionate girl, deeply in love with life, and full of dreams and hopes. She longs for a life filled with aspirations and a future full of promise, but life’s harshness denies her the chance to fulfill her big dreams. Lien’s kindness is evident in her sorrow for the poor children struggling to survive, showing her noble and pure heart. For the sisters, the passing night train brings hope—lighting up their dreams and aspirations to escape their current life and embrace a better future. Thach Lam creatively incorporates the image of the night train into the story, offering a unique and invaluable symbol. The train shatters the quiet monotony of the town, bringing a dazzling world much brighter than the one the sisters know. This train symbolizes their hopes, the dream of change, and the pursuit of happiness.

It’s clear that Lien must be a loving, optimistic girl to perceive the beauty passing through her town in this way. She must open her heart to life and the world to understand her own deep desires, dreams, and aspirations. The vivid memories of Hanoi represent a time when Lien could live freely and experience joy, memories that are impossible to forget. As Lien and An transition to their life in the small town, witnessing the hardships of the people there, they feel a sense of bitterness and loss. The contrast is stark—when they were in Hanoi, they enjoyed small luxuries, but now they have to work for their mother, a difficult reality that feels worlds apart from their bright days in the city.

The image that lingers most in the reader’s mind is the sight of the sisters, despite the late hour, waiting for the last night train to pass. They gaze at the stars, dreaming of a distant, better life. This detail reflects their innocent, pure hearts. Only with a deep love for life and strong dreams can they fully embrace their existence. The character of Lien leaves a lasting impression on readers, causing them to ponder the fates of those living in hardship but still yearning for a brighter future.

Through his keen sensitivity as a writer and his skillful prose, Thach Lam has gifted us with heartfelt pages that capture the psychological depth of his characters and convey the beauty of their inner worlds. He has an extraordinary ability to find beauty in the most unexpected places, touching the hearts of readers with his warm and delicate voice. Thach Lam has truly left a profound mark on his readers.

Thach Lam is a beloved short story writer, not for his extraordinary plots or thrilling twists, but primarily for his creation of a unique narrative style known as 'soulful storytelling'. The charm of Thach Lam's short stories lies in the characters' emotional states. This is evident in the character of Lien, who stays up night after night waiting to see the train pass through the small town in his short story 'Two Children'.

Why does Lien, night after night, stay awake to watch the train pass through the town? What is her emotional state as she waits for the train? To understand this, we must first examine her life in this small town.

It is a dull, monotonous, decaying, and pitiful life in the small town at the end of a day. The evening market has ended, exposing all the poverty and desolation through images of children scavenging for scraps, and the sound of the autumn drum echoes through the town, its monotonous, tired beats bringing a deep sadness... Then, the darkness completely engulfs the town, surrounding the lives of the poor and struggling people who live like shadows: Sister Ti's street-side stall, Mr. Sieu the noodle vendor, the blind family with their mat, the rusted metal basin, and the crawling baby in the dirty trash. An old crazy woman buys alcohol and laughs loudly... Even the light from Mr. Sieu's noodle cart only casts a small flicker, and the dim light of Sister Ti’s lantern only ‘illuminates a small patch of ground’ – a symbol of the insignificant, fleeting lives in the vast, dark night of existence. The image of Sister Ti’s little lantern appears repeatedly throughout the short story, hauntingly representing the bleak, pitiful life in the impoverished, dark town.

Amidst the desolate scene of the town, Thach Lam captures Lien’s restless emotions as she waits for the train. This is a girl who once lived in a place far from this kind of poverty and darkness. For Lien, Hanoi remains a distant and vague memory, yet always peaceful, bright, and full of joy. Every day is the same: opening the shop in the morning, selling goods, and in the evening, closing the shop with nothing changing – just small items like matches, threads, soap... Thach Lam’s detail of the old bamboo cot about to break is full of meaning: the lives of these children have aged far too early! The world that Lien and her sister are living in, day after day, offers no joy or hope.

Lien’s state of boredom leads to a yearning to escape from her current life, even if it’s just to hope for something different from the stagnant, decaying world she inhabits. She longs for another life, even if it only passes by in an instant. She finds it in the image of the train passing through the town every night. Despite being drowsy, she stays awake to watch the train. For a brief moment, she can escape the dull, monotonous life. The train represents a spiritual need for her because it symbolizes another world passing through her life – a world of wealth, excitement, noise, and brightness. In the midst of a long, dull day, these moments shine brightly and bring her happiness, even if it is just a fleeting dream.

Thus, when the train arrives, Lien’s soul is immediately captivated by it – a moment beautifully depicted by Thach Lam: ‘Lien quickly stood up to watch the train rush by, the brightly lit cars casting light down the street. Lien barely caught a glimpse of the luxurious upper-class cars filled with people, shimmering in gold and silver, with bright windows’. The train passes, but Lien’s soul remains attached to it, following it until the small green light on the last car fades away into the distance. At that moment, she is lost in her dreams, in the wistful feeling of something passing by, yet its lingering echoes remain clear in her heart: ‘Lien quietly dreams of distant Hanoi, bright, joyful, and bustling. The train seemed to bring a different world through. A completely different world, in Lien’s eyes, from the dim light of Sister Ti’s lantern and Mr. Sieu’s fire. The darkness still envelops everything – the land, the fields, the endless quiet.’ In her heart, Lien feels the stark contrast between the dreamlike beauty of her hopes and the life in the small town.

Thach Lam successfully portrays the character of Lien and her emotional anticipation of the train in the short story ‘Two Children’. He wants the reader to reflect on the deeper issues of life. It is the pitiful and monotonous life of children under the old regime, and more broadly, the lives of insignificant, nameless people, forever deprived of light and happiness, forever buried in darkness, poverty, and despair in the small town, and, by extension, throughout the country still trapped in the chains of poverty and slavery. These lives are tragic, yet they hold small, innocent dreams that are sincere and deeply moving, like Lien’s nightly hope for the train. This hope stirs up the weary hearts of those who are fading, igniting in them the burning desire for a life with meaning, a yearning to escape from the dark world that threatens to bury them.

Thanh Lam is one of the most prominent short story writers in modern Vietnamese literature. He was a member of the Self-Strengthening Literary Group, yet his style stands apart from the other members of the group. While the group's works often carry a romantic sadness, Thanh Lam's writing conveys a more realistic sorrow. It is akin to the fragrance of a 'golden flower,' drawn from life's experiences. His short story 'Two Children,' featured in the collection 'Sunlight in the Garden' (1938), exemplifies his style. It is a melancholic and lyrical short story, and this sentiment is deeply expressed through the setting of the rural town and Lien's emotional state as she waits for the train. Thanh Lam's short stories are poignant, rich in emotion, and often resemble a gentle, thought-provoking poem.

The depiction of the rural town is presented in chronological order, from the evening to the night, and the scenes of waiting for the train. Lien is a young girl whose family had to move from Hanoi to this poor rural town due to her father's job loss. Though still young, Lien takes on responsibilities, helping her mother run a small general store to make ends meet, and caring for her little sister An. Lien is depicted as a gentle, kind-hearted, and sensitive girl. Her emotions are conveyed through four distinct scenes, marking the progression of her internal state: the late afternoon, the evening, the train-waiting moments, and the late-night train passing. The natural imagery of the rural town at dusk is captured through Lien's sensitive and nuanced perspective. The scene is described as 'An afternoon that feels peaceful like a lullaby, with the distant sound of frogs croaking, carried by the soft breeze from the fields. Inside the store, mosquitoes begin to buzz.'

In this imagery, there is a blend of two contrasting elements: a tranquil, romantic image, and one that evokes poverty and hardship. It is perhaps the fading light of the evening that stirs the sadness in Lien: 'Lien sat silently beside the black lacquered boxes; her eyes slowly filled with darkness, and the sadness of the rural evening seeped into her innocent soul. Lien didn't understand why, but she felt a deep sadness at this hour of the day.' It is difficult to determine whether the external sorrow penetrates her inner emotions or whether her internal sadness spreads outward, coloring the surroundings. What we observe here is a profound sorrow within her mindset, one that only a sensitive and perceptive individual like Lien could truly understand. Though Lien does not work as hard as others in the village, she bears the heaviest burden. The bright past she and her sister once knew is gone, and their current life is dull, dark, and filled with hopelessness. Indeed, life in the rural town is slowly fading away, trapped in a cycle of poverty and despair. The young souls like Lien and her sister, witnessing such scenes, cannot help but feel sadness, but the sorrow only lingers quietly in Lien's eyes, 'slowly filling with darkness.' It is seeping into her soul. The rural town is like a stage in life, playing out a monotonous and dull drama with no change in either the people or the scenery. Life is 'decaying, eroding, deteriorating,' with no way out. It is reminiscent of the image of a 'still pond of life.'

The author does not directly describe Lien's inner emotions, but the setting and life through Lien's eyes vividly reflect her feelings. Living in such circumstances, how could Lien and her sister not long for something, even if it is just a vague hope? The sadness seems to become even more profound. But without hope, how could they survive? And the late-night train brings that flicker of hope. The scene of the late-night train and Lien's emotions of joy and sadness provide a momentary break in the otherwise long, dull days. The sound of the train and its lights become the greatest joy for the two sisters. Every night, they eagerly await its arrival. They do not wait for the train to sell anything, but rather for the spiritual joy it brings. When the train arrives, Lien and An stand up, facing the train, and after it passes, 'Lien still lingers in her thoughts,' the train has gone, leaving behind a feeling of regret in the two children. Once the train departs, the rural town is once again consumed by darkness and stillness, even more oppressive than before. The brief moment of joy in the children's hearts fades like a spark igniting and quickly extinguishing in the night. The waiting begins with the descending twilight, then continues into the night, and deepens as the rural town reaches the late hours. The two children wait for each passing moment, each step closer to the arrival of the train: the train is nearing, it passes, and when it is gone, only the red light remains, slowly fading behind the bamboo grove. The night once again envelops the rural town.

The depiction of the rural town as a sad, poor, dull, and hopeless place, along with the emotional state of the two children, especially Lien, is portrayed both directly and indirectly. Through the blend of reality and memory, with a gentle, subtle, and poetic narrative style, the author conveys deep sympathy for the impoverished and struggling lives of people trapped in the old society.

Through this, the author seems to want to awaken the weary souls, those who are fading. He wishes to ignite in them the fire of hope for a brighter, more meaningful life. The desire to escape from the dark life that is burying them. The short story 'Two Children' deeply showcases Thanh Lam's skill and heart.