Top 10 Essays expressing thoughts on the work "The Farewell of the Dolls" by Khánh Hoài

"The Farewell of the Dolls" by Khánh Hoài is a touching and meaningful work. It moved me not only because of the innocent and endearing bond between the two siblings, Thành and Thủy, but also due to the sudden separation between them, two sensitive and pure-hearted souls.

People often say that dolls can never cry. Dolls are just lifeless objects. But humans, with flesh and bones, are different. They can experience joy, sorrow, anger, and tears when faced with life’s hardships or losses, or even when they are overwhelmed with happiness. Thành and Thủy were no different. Not only did they love each other deeply, but they also wished their parents would not separate, so that the two little hearts wouldn't endure the heartache. Thành, the older brother, loved his little sister so much, even though their toys were few, he would give them all to her, his innocent little sister.

Although still young and somewhat childish, Thủy’s gesture of "arming the Bodyguard doll" and placing it at the head of the bed to guard over her brother at night, ensuring he would not have nightmares, came from a place of sibling love. Thủy could not bear to see Thành divide the dolls, the Bodyguard and the Little Sister doll, and even more, she could not contain her grief when she realized that, in just a short while, she would have to part from the brother she admired and loved.

They were just two dolls with feelings, having to part before they were old enough to treasure memories of their shared childhood. The separation wasn’t their choice, but rather the result of their parents’ divorce, which forced them apart, separating them from the happy times and beautiful memories that felt almost like a fairytale. When Thủy found out, she and her friends were heartbroken, even more so when she had to face the harsh reality that she would no longer be going to school.

But the truth remained: the family was breaking apart. I only wish that this small home wouldn’t be torn apart and that smiles would return to the two unfortunate siblings. Adults can never truly understand what children feel when they have to witness their parents’ divorce and bid farewell to the people they love most. Even the dolls had to witness this heartbreaking scene. I don’t know if they would cry if they had to separate after being together for so long, playing and laughing with two charming and adorable children like little angels.

They probably wouldn’t cry, because dolls don’t have tears. Yet the separation deeply pained Thành and Thủy, leaving a scar in their hearts that could never heal. Still, life moves on, "people continue to walk normally, and the sun still shines brightly over the scenery." They may be separated, but I am sure they will always remember each other, remembering the childhood they shared with all its familiar sights, never to forget. My heart aches when I recall the moment of parting, when Thủy made Thành promise that the two dolls would never be far apart, just like the two souls would always watch over each other through every path in life.

This story teaches a lesson about sibling love, leaving an unforgettable impression on readers. What fault did the dolls have that they had to separate? Dolls still desire to be happy, embraced by the protective arms of their parents. The painful and emotional farewell between the two children in this story serves as a reminder: family holds a place of utmost importance in each person’s heart. To protect and preserve family happiness, the most important thing is to ensure that no separations like this occur, so that children do not have to suffer irreversible losses.

"The Farewell of the Dolls" is a short story by the author Khánh Hoài. The story depicts the emotional parting between two siblings, Thành and Thủy. It offers readers valuable lessons on family bonds, sibling affection, and relationships with teachers and friends.

Thành and Thủy are siblings who, after their parents' divorce, are separated. Thành stays with their father, while Thủy moves to the countryside with their mother. This separation is something neither of them ever wanted. The night before the parting, Thủy cannot stop sobbing, while Thành, though trying to hold back, cannot prevent the tears from soaking his pillow. Early in the morning, Thành and Thủy sit under the starfruit tree in the garden, watching the sunrise. The morning scenery, with flowers blooming, sunlight piercing through the mist, birds chirping, and the sound of traffic, is just like any other day. Yet, today, the siblings will be separated.

In the past, Thành once reflected: "My family was well-off. My sibling and I were very close." Indeed, Thành and Thủy were very close, always caring for one another. This is evident in their memories. When Thành tore his shirt playing football in the fifth grade and was afraid to go home because of his mother's anger, Thủy came to the field with a needle and thread to fix it. When Thành had nightmares, Thủy would place a knife on the back of the Security Doll beside his bed. Every afternoon after school, Thành would pick up Thủy, holding hands and chatting. "Now, my sibling and I have to part... I pray this is just a dream. Just a dream."

But that nightmare turned into reality. As their mother instructed, Thành and Thủy had to divide their toys. Both of them loved each other so much that they wanted to give everything to the other. Eventually, Thành ended up giving Thủy most of the toys, including a set of cards, a horse racing board, seashells, and a set of colored threads. However, when Thành took out two dolls, Security Doll and Little Doll, from the cupboard and placed them on opposite sides of the toys, Thủy suddenly became angry: "You're separating the Security Doll from the Little Doll? How could you be so cruel!" Thành moved both dolls to Thủy’s side, but Thủy still protested: "But who will keep watch over you at night?" Thủy placed the two dolls side by side again, embracing them lovingly. In their minds, these dolls symbolized the bond between them, and they couldn't bear to separate them.

Unable to divide the dolls, Thành took Thủy to school to say goodbye to their teachers and friends. They stood near a tree, peeking into the classroom. The familiar sight made Thủy start sobbing uncontrollably. The teacher was startled to see Thủy outside and invited her in, sharing with the class about Thủy’s situation—she was moving away with her mother. The farewell was emotional, filled with tears and reluctant goodbyes. Teacher Tâm gave Thủy a notebook and a fountain pen, but Thủy refused, as she probably wouldn't be able to attend school anymore and would have to sell fruits instead. Thủy's sad story made the teacher and the whole class cry. Fearing the interruption to class, Thủy said her goodbyes and left. The farewell between the two siblings occurred unexpectedly when they returned home. In the end, Thủy decided to leave both dolls with Thành, making him promise never to let them be separated. Thành promised and watched as the car carrying Thủy and their mother disappeared into the distance.

After reading "The Farewell of the Dolls," I felt deeply moved and sympathetic towards Thành and Thủy. Despite their deep love for each other, they had to part. This reflects the sacred bond between siblings. The dolls, always together, symbolize their bond—much like the siblings themselves, who must part without any fault of their own. In the end, Thủy decided to leave the dolls with Thành, so that the Security Doll could watch over him, and because she didn’t want them to be separated. If only their parents hadn’t divorced, this parting would never have happened, and Thủy would have continued to study with her teachers and friends.

Through the short story "The Farewell of the Dolls," the author prompts us to reflect on the responsibilities of adults and parents regarding the happiness and well-being of children. It also reminds us to cherish and protect family happiness.

The short story “The Farewell of the Dolls” by the author Khánh Hoài tells the painful and emotional farewell of two siblings in the story. I feel deeply moved and sympathetic toward the parting of the two siblings as they have to share their dolls and say goodbye to their school, teachers, and friends.

The main characters in the story are Thành and Thủy. Their parents divorced, and the siblings were forced to separate. Both Thành and Thủy did not want this. The night before the separation, Thành could only bite his lip to stop from sobbing as he listened to his sister's heart-wrenching cries. Tears continued to flow despite his efforts to hold them back.

Reflecting on “The Farewell of the Dolls,” it’s important to note that Thành and Thủy had always been very close. Thủy once brought a needle and thread to repair his shirt after he had torn it while playing football, worried his mother would scold him. Thành could feel each stitch being carefully made. Every afternoon, Thành would pick up Thủy, holding her hand and chatting happily. Yet now, the two siblings had to part ways. When it came time to divide their toys, Thành, showing his love for Thủy, decided to leave all his toys for her — from the Lô Khơ set, the horse-racing board, the sea shells, to the colored threads.

However, Thủy did not care much about these items. But when she saw Thành separating the dolls Vệ Sĩ and Em Nhỏ, she became upset because she didn’t want them to be split apart. Thủy left the Vệ Sĩ doll for him so that it could watch over his sleep. In the end, the two decided to keep the dolls together, just as they saw them hugging each other. Thủy probably wanted these dolls to stay united, just like the siblings themselves.

When Thành led Thủy to school to say goodbye to their teacher and classmates, the teacher was shocked to see Thủy standing outside the class. Everyone in the class sympathized with her once they learned her story. Teacher Tâm gave Thủy a notebook and a golden-tipped pen, but Thủy refused, as she would have to sell fruit at the market with her mother. She likely wouldn’t be able to continue her studies with her classmates. This saddened everyone, and Teacher Tâm shed tears as well. The two siblings had to part, with Thủy looking lost, pale, and crying uncontrollably as she held Thành's hand and spoke to him one last time.

The story reflects the deep bond between Thành and Thủy, highlighting the sacredness of sibling love within the family. The innocent, helpless dolls being separated mirrors the siblings' own fate. In the end, Thủy chose to leave the two dolls together so that they wouldn't be separated, just as the siblings couldn't be. The story provokes thoughts about the responsibility of adults and the mistakes made by adults that affect children.

The story leaves readers with profound emotions, particularly regarding family love and sibling relationships. It reminds us to cherish and protect the happiness of our families, as they are the warmth of our lives.

Children's rights are an urgent issue in every era. Many works have discussed the critical problems faced by children today. Among these, the piece 'The Farewell of the Dolls' stands out as an emotional work that speaks about the painful fate of two siblings who are forced to separate because of adults. This work also critiques the attitude of adults towards the plight of unfortunate children.

The story revolves around two siblings, Thành and Thủy, who share a deep love for each other, a bond that seems unbreakable. Yet, the unimaginable happens, and the two must part due to their parents' feelings. Their parents decide to divorce, each taking one child to raise. Thus, the siblings must separate and cannot be together anymore. The story of the farewell of the dolls also mirrors the farewell of the siblings, an unforeseen and heartbreaking separation, with no certainty of when they will be reunited. This division, caused by the selfishness of the adults, results not only in the siblings' parting but also in the farewell of the dolls.

Thủy, a kind-hearted and compassionate little girl, deeply cares for her older brother. She names each of her dolls, like 'bodyguard' or 'little sister,' and always keeps them close together, holding them in her arms. This shows that Thủy is a loving child, not only toward her brother but also towards inanimate objects like the dolls. She treats them as if they were her siblings, cherishing them as if they were her own flesh and blood.

She never lets the dolls be separated, always keeping them close to each other, just as the relationship between the two siblings seemed inseparable. Yet, heartbreakingly, this painful parting does happen. The tearful farewell of the dolls moves the reader, not only because of the separation but also because of the love Thủy has for both the dolls and her brother. Before leaving for her maternal grandmother's village, Thủy tells her brother, 'Brother, whenever your shirt tears, come back to me and I’ll sew it for you.'

These words, full of love and warmth, seem to carry an unspoken message: 'Come visit me, I will always miss you.' Thành, who often dreams of Thủy, knows this and assures him that she will place the bodyguard doll beside him to protect him. Indeed, Thủy is a thoughtful sister, always considering her brother, even in the moment of their separation, showing deep affection. This bond makes it hard for anyone to bear the thought of tearing these children apart. Yet, it is their very parents who cruelly cause the separation.

Thủy reveals to her classmates that she will no longer be attending school, which is a heart-wrenching moment for everyone. She must go to her grandmother's village, far from school, and thus cannot continue her education. Returning to her hometown also means she will no longer be able to play like other children and must sell flowers in the market. This not only shocks her classmates but also saddens the reader, as Thủy is still just a little girl, forced to work in the market instead of playing like others. Her parents' divorce is also a source of pain for them, as they once lived together with two children. However, Thủy is still too young to enter the hardships of life. The most moving detail is when Teacher Tâm gives Thủy a book and a pen, with her silent tears slowly falling upon hearing the news that Thủy could no longer attend school.

As for Thành, he is a quiet child, who doesn't express his feelings as openly as Thủy. But when he doesn't take the toys Thủy offers him and instead gives them all to her, it shows how selfless and sincere he is in his love for his sister. We admire the bond between these two siblings. Thành is struck by the deep loss of his family’s warmth, the absence of his beloved sister, while the world continues as if nothing happened. It seems like Thành feels invisible in a world that continues without acknowledging their pain, for family is the foundation that connects children to society. Now, with the destruction of his family, Thành feels as though he no longer belongs to the world.

Through the farewell of the dolls, we see the deep desire of Thành and Thủy to forever live together under the same roof, in a happy family, where the dolls, like the siblings, will never be separated.

The story carries a profound message about the value of family. A family is a priceless treasure, a sanctuary that preserves sacred and precious bonds. We must cherish and protect it, for if we lose those pure and sincere feelings, they may never return to what they once were.

The text *The Farewell of the Dolls* is a sorrowful story about the characters Thành and Thủy. Due to the divorce of their parents and the dissolution of the family, the siblings are forced to part ways, with each going in a different direction. The work evokes deep sadness and pity, showcasing the tragic situation of these two children, with the bond of love between them adding a profound humanistic spirit to the story.

The author Khánh Hoài chose to narrate the story from the perspective of Thành, using the first-person point of view. This narrative choice gives the story a more authentic and relatable feel, allowing the reader to experience the events and emotions more vividly. Moreover, Thành's narration emphasizes the deep love and attachment between the siblings. The two characters, Thành and Thủy, find themselves in an incredibly difficult situation: the collapse of their family, their parents’ divorce, and their separation. The emotional climax comes with the heart-wrenching moment when Thành and Thủy have to part ways.

Due to disagreements in life, Thành and Thủy’s parents decided to divorce. The breakdown of the family is something no one wishes for, but the ones who suffer the most are not the parents, but the two children. They are too young to bear such painful loss. The separation takes away the warmth and completeness of their family, leaving their emotions deeply scarred. Not only do they lose the presence of both parents, but even the sacred sibling bond is torn apart by harsh circumstances.

Thành and Thủy shared an incredibly deep bond, always caring, loving, and sacrificing for each other. The simple gestures of affection in the story make the readers smile in happiness, but behind those smiles lie tears of sorrow for the siblings' separation. Thành, a model older brother, always took care of his younger sister with sincere actions. He helped her with her studies and picked her up from school every afternoon. When they returned home, the two siblings would chat happily while holding hands.

Thủy, on the other hand, is a sweet and innocent little girl, charming in her simplicity, yet also very thoughtful, caring for the small details and always eager to help her brother. When Thành tore his shirt playing football, Thủy took needle and thread to the field to mend it. The tender gestures of love between Thành and Thủy are so warm and genuine that they transcend any other feelings. The more we admire their sibling love, the more heartbreaking it becomes to see their innocent, vulnerable faces filled with sorrow at the pain of separation.

The two siblings were so accustomed to each other's presence that when they learned of their parents’ divorce, the prospect of being separated and no longer seeing each other was the most painful moment of all. They were too young to comprehend this unimaginable hurt. As they parted ways, Thành gave all his toys to Thủy, a gesture of selflessness that moved everyone in that moment of farewell.

Thủy, worried that her brother wouldn’t have someone to watch over him at night, gave him her Guard Doll, a symbolic gesture of love and concern. Even in this moment of parting, she thought of him, wanting him to rest easy while she ensured his safety. The moment of separation arrived, and both siblings cried, their tears representing pain and helplessness. Despite not wanting to part, they had no choice but to do so—Thành would stay with their father, while Thủy would go with their mother.

What was even more painful was that Thủy would not be able to continue her education because her grandmother’s house was far from the school. Instead, she would have to sell flowers at the market. The image of a young girl, deprived of happiness and forced to live the harsh life of an adult, causes deep sympathy and sorrow.

*The Farewell of the Dolls* is, in essence, the story of the painful separation between Thành and Thủy. The story encapsulates a profound philosophical view of life: the breakup of the family brings the most suffering to the innocent children. They witness the pain of separation, which leaves lasting emotional scars, and the laughter of childhood turns into a melancholic and sorrowful echo.

Khánh Hoài is well-known as a modern short story writer in Vietnamese literature. He was honored with an international literary award for his work on the topic of 'Children's Rights.' Perhaps because of this, his works often revolve around the theme of childhood. A prominent example is the short story 'The Farewell of the Dolls.' This short story is a representative text addressing children's rights and was recognized at an international level with a second prize in a writing competition on children's rights, organized by Rada Bekner.

Using dolls as a metaphor, the story recounts the emotional farewell between two siblings, Thành and Thuỷ, who are forced to live apart due to their parents' divorce. The title 'The Farewell of the Dolls' evokes an innocent image. The dolls symbolize the pure and innocent souls of children. This title intrigues the reader, creating a situation that encourages the audience to keep reading to discover more. The story is narrated from the first-person perspective, where the narrator, 'I,' shares a personal account that vividly portrays the emotions and thoughts of the characters, making the story more compelling.

The story begins with the sound of the mother calling, a hoarse tone that hints at the sorrow throughout the work. Thành recalls the nights filled with tears and sobs, stirring the reader's empathy and curiosity. The author then paints a vivid picture of the morning scene. Using descriptive language, he illustrates the sounds and colors of the birds and flowers: 'The dahlia flowers in the garden appeared through the morning mist and began to flaunt their brilliant colors.' The sparrows hopped on the branches and chirped. Outside, the sounds of motorbikes, cars, and people chatting at the market grew louder.' The peaceful, familiar natural setting suggests a calm life. But in the next sentence: 'The scenery remained as it was yesterday, but why did the tragedy weigh so heavily on us?' the contrast between the beautiful surroundings and the children's inner sorrow becomes evident. The juxtaposition of nature and the human condition deepens the innocence and misfortune of the children. The narrator recalls the sweet memories of his childhood with his sister.

Thành once fell while playing soccer and tore his shirt. Thuỷ brought needle and thread to the field to mend it. From then on, Thành would pick up Thuỷ every evening, and they would chat happily while walking home. These innocent and sincere memories enhance the sense of loss and pain the siblings experience. The deeper their bond, the more heartbreaking the reality becomes. The story reaches its emotional peak when the mother asks them to divide their toys. When Thành separated the two dolls, Thuỷ cried angrily because she didn’t want the dolls, 'Vệ Sĩ' and 'Em Nhỏ,' to be apart. Thành recalls the significance of the two dolls, symbolizing the mutual care between the siblings.

The two dolls, always together, symbolize the strong, unbreakable bond between Thành and Thuỷ. They represent the family unity, the closeness of the siblings, and the beautiful memories of childhood. In Thuỷ's farewell to class 4B, when she revealed that she could no longer attend school, not only did the teacher and classmates feel moved, but the reader too felt a deep sorrow. Going to her grandmother’s village meant she could no longer attend school. Returning to her hometown also meant she would no longer enjoy playing like other children but would have to sell flowers at the market. This made both the class and the readers feel shocked.

Thuỷ, a young girl, had to endure the hardships of life, leaving readers with a lump in their throats. For a child, education is the most precious thing. Attending school is a responsibility and joy for every child, but for Thuỷ, it was an unattainable dream. She would no longer go to school and was too young to face such a difficult life. Thuỷ became a child deprived of both family affection and education. As for Thành, he was a quiet child who didn’t often express his feelings, but his thoughts and actions towards Thuỷ showed that he was a caring, loving sibling who always put his sister’s needs before his own.

He was emotionally mature and had a deep understanding of life. Through the contrasting depictions of the external environment and the inner thoughts of the characters, Khánh Hoài successfully narrated a deeply emotional story. The story celebrates the pure and sincere sibling bond, while criticizing irresponsible parents who put their children in difficult and hopeless situations.

No matter the circumstances or society, a broken marriage is always a crack that causes deep wounds within the family, especially for children. Reading "The Farewell of the Dolls" by Khánh Hoài, we can feel even more the sense of loss and the impact it has, especially the emotional pain caused by the separation of the family. The story begins with the cold, commanding tone of the mother as she orders the children, Thành and Thủy, to divide their toys. The idea of their parents' divorce may not come as a surprise to the siblings, but they, being sensitive children, realize that they are about to be separated. As a result, Thủy's eyes were swollen from crying.

Thành and Thủy sat together in the garden, reminiscing about their childhood and never once imagining being apart. The image of the two children sitting in the garden, waiting for dawn with their sorrowful eyes, is enough to evoke deep sympathy from any reader, as their innocent hearts are forced to bear such overwhelming emotional pain. In each of their glances and actions, there is a sense of sorrow about an uncertain future. They must have wanted to stay side by side forever, yet they are forced to move along with time's inevitable flow, beginning with the first painful event: the division of their toys.

The two siblings hesitated, then passed toys back and forth, showing love and concern for each other. They wanted these toys to stay behind and take care of the other. They didn't want to separate the toys they had shared together for so long. To them, these toys were like family, inseparable. And perhaps the pinnacle of their pain was in the tears, the promises, the tender looks, and the handclasp as they parted before Thủy left with her mother to return to the countryside.

Thủy divided the dolls so that each child could keep a token of their childhood together. This parting likely saddened the dolls themselves, as one cannot hide the sadness inside. The reader is left in tears, feeling for Thành and Thủy, these unfortunate children suffering from the breakup of their family, each going to a different place. But for Thủy, her parents' divorce didn’t just bring the pain of being separated from Thành; it also took away her innocent, peaceful childhood. She was forced to leave her friends, her school, and her classroom, where she had spent her childhood years.

She would even have to give up a bright future, possibly losing the opportunity to continue her education and instead enter the world of hard labor. From now on, her life would take a more sorrowful turn, and her once pure heart would never heal, losing the carefree innocence that every child should be able to enjoy.

Adults are the ones who make decisions, and sometimes children suffer because of those decisions, as adults often ignore the feelings of their children. The divorce was the decision of the parents, but they failed to handle it wisely enough to protect their children from the emotional losses. This story serves as a wake-up call for all of us, reminding us that children too can feel pain, and we should not make them part of the consequences of adult mistakes.

In today's society, many children are subjected to abuse, deprived of the warmth of a true family. Their rights are often neglected and unprotected.

Therefore, Khánh Hoài's work, "The Farewell of the Dolls", is a deeply moving story that serves as a warning to adults about their treatment of children. The story centers on two characters, Thành and Thủy, who have always loved and cared for each other since childhood. They share many memories together, one of which is when Thành's shirt was torn, and Thủy used a needle and thread to mend it for him. Such simple, yet profound, expressions of affection between the siblings.

The two children were always together, whether for school or play. But then, tragedy struck their family as their parents divorced, and the siblings were separated. The pain and sorrow were visible on their innocent faces. Thủy cried uncontrollably, while her brother Thành clenched his teeth, trying to hold back his tears. These were the heartbreaking moments of a family splitting apart, and siblings being torn apart.

The author uses heartfelt language to describe this painful separation, moving readers deeply with the sincere, simple affection children have for one another. When the parents parted ways, everything in the family was divided, even the children's toys. The mother instructed them to split their toys, which made the children extremely sad. Thành wanted to “give” his sister Thủy the two dolls, the Bodyguard and the Little Sister. But Thủy feared that if the dolls were separated, they would be apart forever, and exclaimed, “Why are you so cruel? Do you want to separate them?”

However, Thủy then worried that without the Bodyguard doll, Thành would have no one to look after him while he slept. This revealed the deep love Thủy had for her brother, a little sister full of affection, always thinking about the well-being of those she loved. With this in mind, Thủy decided to leave the dolls with Thành. The two dolls would never be separated, just like Thủy and Thành. This act of selflessness made readers feel deeply touched, as Thủy appeared wiser than her age, capable of such deep thinking, understanding, and sacrificing for her loved ones.

Thủy’s farewell to her school, teachers, and friends also moved readers to tears. When she said, “My mother will buy me a basket of fruit to sell at the market,” it shocked her teacher, who turned pale from the emotional weight. A young girl, at the peak of her childhood, would no longer attend school or enjoy a carefree life; instead, she was about to face a life of hard work.

Through his compassionate and emotional writing, Khánh Hoài made readers truly feel the immense loss these children experienced when their families fell apart. They were forced to grow up too quickly and lose the joyful, innocent childhood they should have had.

With his work, the author aims to send a message to adults: live more positively and don’t let children bear the consequences of family separation. Because in any breakup, children are always the ones who suffer the most.

Children's rights are a deeply concerning issue in today's society, as children are fragile, vulnerable, and need the protection and care of their families. Unfortunately, the heartbreaking reality is that many children experience the pain of family separation. Khánh Hoài's short story, "The Farewell of the Dolls", powerfully conveys the emotional journey of its two central characters, making it impossible for readers to hold back their tears.

The author’s choice of the title, “The Farewell of the Dolls,” is no accident. Dolls are inanimate objects, yet they represent the essence of childhood. The moment the dolls are parted, it mirrors the children’s own pain of separation, signaling the end of their innocent world. The separation of Thành and Thủy in this story captures the deep sorrow of children facing the harsh realities of life. The narrative perspective chosen by the author heightens the emotional impact of the story, striking the reader with a poignant reflection on children's rights.

Thành and Thủy are two siblings who love and protect each other dearly from a young age. This bond is shown in various moments, such as when Thành tore his shirt playing football, and Thủy immediately brought a needle and thread to fix it for him. A simple yet deeply meaningful act, reflecting the siblings' strong emotional connection. They always walked to school together, chatting along the way.

When their parents separated, the two siblings were torn apart, and the pain was visible on their faces. Thủy cried uncontrollably, while Thành clenched his teeth to hold back his tears, yet they flowed relentlessly, soaking his pillow. These tears were filled with the heartbreak of a family falling apart. The author's words stir deep emotions in the reader, bringing the sadness to life.

When their mother asked the children to divide their toys, each of them wanted to give the other something, because neither the dolls nor the siblings wanted to be separated. When Thành divided the two dolls, the Bodyguard and the Little Sister, Thủy displayed conflicting emotions. On one hand, she thought “he’s cruel,” but on the other hand, she worried about her brother’s safety, afraid he would have no one to watch over him at night. A little girl, full of affection, who deeply cared for her brother.

What was surprising was Thủy’s decision to leave the dolls with Thành. The two dolls would stay together forever, ensuring her brother would not feel afraid at night. The readers are deeply moved by Thủy’s gesture and thoughtfulness. It can be said that this is one of the most touching and carefully crafted details in the story, demonstrating her admirable selflessness.

When the author describes the moment Thủy bids farewell to her class, readers cannot hold back their emotions. When her teacher gave her a notebook and pen, Thủy refused to accept them, as she would no longer be able to go to school. “My mother will buy me a basket of fruit to sell at the market,” she explained. This moment left the teacher pale and tearful. It reflects the harsh reality faced by children of separated parents, as their lives are thrown into turmoil, with no way out. The parents have failed to fulfill their responsibility, denying their children an education. Thủy’s farewell from school is a heart-wrenching scene, as a young girl, at the age of learning, must instead struggle to survive. It is deeply painful.

The author paints the scene after the siblings leave school, where Thành is astonished to see everything continuing as normal, with people walking about and the sun still shining brightly. Yet, while the world around them remains unchanged, the siblings’ family is no longer whole, each child heading in a different direction. Life has become more difficult for these children, who should have been experiencing happiness.

Khánh Hoài’s gentle, wistful tone invites readers to feel the deep sorrow and loss that permeate the story. What will become of the children in a broken marriage?

The short story "The Farewell of the Dolls" is part of the body of contemporary literature with a central theme revolving around children's rights. It deeply moves the reader as it portrays the heart-wrenching separation of two siblings, while also highlighting the crucial role of family in a child's life.

Within the story, three farewells take place: the separation of the dolls Vệ Sĩ and Em Nhỏ (the toys of Thành and Thủy), the siblings' own separation, and their farewell to their school. All these partings stem from the tragic breakdown of their parents' marriage. The story is told in the first person by Thành, the older brother, who witnesses and experiences the sorrow and misfortune of this painful separation, making the narrative incredibly authentic and emotional.

Before the siblings part ways, there are heartfelt exchanges filled with tears. It is nearly impossible for anyone to remain unaffected by the sorrowful situation of these children. Thủy cries the entire night before leaving for her mother's hometown, her eyes filled with despair and sadness, her eyelids swollen from all the crying. The older brother cannot be any better, even though he tries to stifle his own sorrow, tears stream down uncontrollably, soaking his pillow and sleeves. How can one not feel the deep pain when the moment of farewell between the siblings draws near? The divorce of their parents feels like a calamity that falls heavily upon them. Thành fears that he might be separated from his sister forever, while Thủy cannot bear to accept this and hopes it is all just a nightmare. Thành is stunned when he notices that the world around them continues as usual—people are bustling, the sun shines brightly—while their own lives have been plunged into gloom and despair. The contrast between the outward world and their inner turmoil starkly accentuates their feelings of loneliness and hopelessness.

Yet what lingers in the reader's mind is the deep bond between the siblings, the care and concern they show for each other. Thủy tends to her brother with the smallest of actions, like mending his clothes so their mother wouldn’t scold him, placing the doll Vệ Sĩ on his pillow to guard his sleep, giving all her toys to him, and resolutely leaving the doll behind to watch over him. She is a pure-hearted child, selfless and compassionate. Not only does Thủy care for her brother, but she also cares for the dolls, not wanting them to be separated. When Thành finally understands Thủy’s tender care for him, he realizes his own mistakes and his neglect of her. From that point on, he begins to walk her home from school every day, giving her all his toys. These gestures and thoughts from both siblings reveal the beauty of their love and care for one another, full of warmth and tenderness.

The farewell between Thủy and her school and teacher also deeply moves the reader. The most poignant moment occurs when the teacher gifts Thủy a notebook and pen, but she refuses to accept them, saying, "I can’t go to school anymore" and explaining, "My grandmother’s house is far from the school. My mother says she will buy me a basket of fruit to sell at the market." This heartbreaking revelation reflects the harsh reality that Thủy not only loses the warmth of a happy family but also her right to education and play. She is forced into the cycle of survival at such a young age.

After bidding farewell to her classmates, the most painful moment for Thành and Thủy arrives. Thủy seems to lose her soul as she climbs into the car, heading with her mother to the countryside. Her final words are so moving: "If your shirt ever tears, come back to me and I’ll sew it for you..." And the selfless act: Thủy jumps out of the car, hurrying back to place the doll Em Nhỏ next to Vệ Sĩ. This small detail grips the reader’s heart. Though the siblings must part ways, their bond remains unbroken, and placing the dolls together symbolizes Thủy’s hope that they will never be separated again.

This story is not only rich in content but also compelling in its artistic execution. First, the unique narrative structure uses the separation of two dolls to represent the emotional farewell between Thành and Thủy. The characters' dialogue is rich and heartfelt, the storytelling simple and sincere, which allows for a powerful emotional impact. The author’s insightful exploration of the siblings' psychological states through various circumstances adds depth to the narrative.

Through this emotionally charged and poignant tale, Khánh Hoài conveys a profound message: the family plays an immensely important role in the life of every individual, especially children. It is essential that everyone takes responsibility to protect and nurture the family so that children can grow up in the best environment possible.