1. Essay on "My Sister's Painting" - Number 4
"My Sister's Painting" by Ta Duy Anh is a heartfelt reflection on envy in life. The story revolves around a painting and the interactions between two siblings, offering deep lessons on love, forgiveness, and the damaging nature of selfishness.
The story follows Kieu Phuong, a lovely girl with the nickname Mèo, and her older brother. Kieu Phuong loves to draw, creating pictures of family objects like the cat, a bowl, etc., but all her drawings are kept secret until she shares them with Quynh, her father's friend's daughter. It's only then that her artistic talent is discovered. Her parents are shocked and impressed by her hidden talent, expressing disbelief: “Is this really our daughter’s work?” and “You’ve given us such a big surprise!”
However, once her talent is discovered, the relationship between the siblings begins to crack. The older brother becomes jealous, feeling overshadowed and inadequate, thinking, “I’ve always felt useless, pushed to the sidelines.” The family shifts their focus to Kieu Phuong, showering her with attention and admiration, while the older brother isolates himself, growing resentful of his sister's achievements. What was once endearing behavior from Kieu Phuong now irritates him, and he sees her actions as provoking and annoying. The older brother isolates himself further, intensifying his jealousy and resentment towards his sister.
Despite her brother’s cold and angry attitude, Kieu Phuong continues to care for him. This is most clearly seen in the painting she creates for a competition. Instead of painting her parents, she chooses to paint her brother—whom she dearly loves. The painting portrays him not as a jealous, scolding sibling but as a perfect older brother, sitting thoughtfully by the window, radiating a unique light from his eyes and posture, exuding both contemplation and dreams. This is Kieu Phuong’s idealized image of her older brother.
When the older brother sees this painting, he is overwhelmed with emotions. He feels pride but also deep shame. “Is this how perfect I appear in her eyes?” he thinks, feeling guilty for his earlier anger and jealousy. He’s ashamed of his selfishness and deeply moved by the kindness and innocence Kieu Phuong shows him. He finally admits, “That’s not me. That’s the soul and goodness of my little sister.” This heartfelt realization marks the moment when the older brother understands his mistakes and acknowledges his sister’s pure love for him.
The story, told from the older brother’s perspective, captures the various emotional layers of the character, making the story both authentic and touching. Through this narrative choice, Ta Duy Anh highlights the brother’s personal flaws, allowing readers to connect with his internal struggle. The concise, impactful language and vivid descriptions of emotions make the dialogue and the portrayal of characters more compelling. In the end, the story leaves a lasting impression, showing how the younger sibling’s love and compassion can lead the older one to reflect on his own shortcomings and better his behavior.
Illustration (Source: Internet)
Illustration (Source: Internet)2. Essay on "My Sister's Painting" - Number 5
On our innocent faces, especially with children, sometimes a stain appears. It could be ink, or sweat, or any other simple mishap. A mirror can reveal these marks, and daily washing takes care of most. But there is another kind of stain, one that’s harder to see and more complicated to cleanse—the stain of character, of the soul, which, unlike any physical marks, cannot coexist with us. This second stain spreads like weeds, overwhelming everything: 'Flowers often wilt, while weeds remain fresh' (Nguyễn Trãi). My sister’s story raises a very contemporary issue: the development of human character.
1. The character of Kiều Phương in the story is like a flower in bloom. First, she embodies innocence, from the everyday stains she gets on her face (the nickname 'Mèo' given by her brother fits quite well), to the way she accepts this nickname joyfully and even uses it casually with her friends. She is carefree, rummaging through things in the house for reasons just as innocent—'Because I’m Mèo!' This innocence is present not only in her daily activities but also in the way she interacts with the world, even in the tasks assigned to her by her parents, like 'working and singing' at the same time. Her spirit is like a perfect, cloudless morning, full of warmth and love for everyone around her. Life, to her, seems as it should be. However, with two major events, her innocence begins to carry deeper meanings.
The first event is the sudden discovery of her artistic talent, which delights everyone. Her parents, excited for her, buy all the necessary materials. More enthusiastically, artist Tiến Lê even gifts her a set of high-end paints. A whole new world of possibilities appears to open up for her. Yet, despite all the excitement surrounding her, 'only Mèo’s face remains unchanged,' still that same face—'always messy, when scolded she lowers her head, and her lips puff out'—so endearing. Phương’s joy is simple: she is content to draw, even if using crude homemade materials, including 'some black powder that looks scary.'
The second event occurs when Phương returns from an international painting camp. Her parents are the ones waiting for her, not her brother. But unexpectedly, she shows a new side when she embraces him—a gesture that seems unfamiliar, especially with her brother who hasn’t always been warm toward her. Even after being rejected, Phương whispers in his ear, 'I want you to come with me to receive the award.' It seems she’s let go of all the previous doubts and has followed Tiến Lê’s advice to 'paint what is closest to you.' She offers the best of herself to her brother, and her pure, holy soul is revealed in this act. Her innocence, ever so pure, stays untouched, just as a child’s heart always is.
In the context of a happy family with an emerging artistic flower, everyone is joyful except for the older brother. His heart has been infected by jealousy, as 'a jealous snake crawls inside' (in the words of Étienne de la Boétie). His growing envy causes a shift in his character.
At first, he is indifferent, uninvolved. Initially, when Phương mixes her paints, he likely considers it a childish game, as kids often engage in flashy, nonsensical drawing. But when Phương's excitement over a visit from Quỳnh leads to secretive whispers and giggles, and then to Quỳnh secretly sharing news with Tiến Lê, it becomes clear to him that something more is going on. The older brother tries to ignore the reality: Phương is talented. His relationship with his sister begins to sour. He starts to feel inferior, bitter, and even isolated, as everyone is focused on Phương’s talent.
Using talent to upset the natural order of things—especially to manipulate affection and rivalry—is reprehensible. It causes confusion, as the older brother becomes so absorbed in his jealousy that he neglects his studies. He sulks at the table, crying, but then snaps at Phương for even the smallest mistake. Despite his contempt, he can’t help but secretly admire Phương’s work. His jealousy fuels a desire to prove his own worth, but he can’t find any. He questions whether Phương’s talent is real or just an illusion. But when he sees her artwork, he’s struck by both the beauty of her skill and the purity of her character.
Her works, from a cat to a chipped bowl, are full of charm, and Phương herself ignores the flaws of others. She ‘looks past them without judging,’ as adults sometimes forgive children’s innocence. The older brother feels a strange joy, a newfound love for art, realizing that, despite his jealousy, he is slowly being won over by his sister’s sincerity.
But as much as he tries to deny it, he cannot escape his inner conflict. The final moment of realization comes when he sees a portrait of himself painted by Phương. The first reaction is shock, then pride, followed by shame. He is amazed that Phương painted him so beautifully, but the shame arises because he feels unworthy of such an honor. The portrait is framed, and he is overwhelmed by his own feelings of inadequacy, realizing that he does not deserve the love his sister has shown him.
In the end, Phương’s portrait becomes a mirror for the older brother, revealing not just his flaws, but also the depths of his jealousy and the pain it causes him. The painting is both a burden and a liberation, a reminder of the debt he owes and a path to freedom from the torment he’s created for himself. It’s a beautiful moment of personal growth, where the older brother begins to see himself as Phương sees him: with love, and with the potential for change.
The story’s success lies in its portrayal of both characters and the way the narrative is constructed. The author uses vivid descriptions to bring Kiều Phương to life, focusing on her appearance to express her inner purity and simplicity. Her brother’s emotional journey is told with subtlety, revealing his jealousy and eventual realization in a way that feels natural. The author’s simple yet effective narrative style makes this a story that resonates with readers of all ages, showing the power of art and love to heal and transform.
This story is not just for children—it offers a poignant reflection on human nature and relationships, making it a timeless piece for all readers.
Illustration (Source: internet)
Illustration (Source: internet)
3. Essay expressing thoughts on the story 'The Painting of My Little Sister' no. 6
The story 'The Painting of My Little Sister' is about two children, but its meaning goes far beyond their small world. Through this tale, the author sends a message to overcome jealousy with humility.
Though short, the narrative reveals Tạ Duy Anh's remarkable storytelling and character development. Using the first-person perspective, the story is narrated by the older brother, who not only tells the story of his younger sister but also expresses his deepest emotions and thoughts. The beauty of the sister’s character is vividly portrayed.
The first-person narrative allows the older brother's emotions to unfold gradually, leading the reader through a series of surprises. The mood of the story is depicted with precision: initially, the older brother dismisses his sister's art as a childish game, reflecting his indifference through the way he addresses her. But as her artistic talent is discovered, the brother’s feelings change. When Uncle Tiến Lê notices the sister’s talent and their parents are pleased, the older brother feels left out, as though he’s been forgotten.
This feeling of alienation fuels a shift in his emotions, and soon even the smallest mistake from his sister triggers his anger. This is a familiar psychological reaction: pride hurt by someone else’s success. Tạ Duy Anh clearly understands the psychology of children and masterfully portrays the older brother’s emotions, creating a natural connection between the reader and the character.
At the story’s conclusion, the older brother receives a painting from his sister as a gift, and to his astonishment, he discovers that the subject of the painting is himself. In that moment, the brother feels a mixture of surprise, pride, and shame. His discomfort is a turning point, allowing him to confront his selfishness. The unspoken question 'Am I truly perfect in my sister’s eyes?' captures the emotional struggle and self-realization of the character.
'The Painting of My Little Sister' is not only a story about Kiều Phương’s beauty but also a powerful reminder for readers to reflect on themselves. It offers a profound lesson about character that the author aims to convey.
The story illustrates the simplicity and beauty of everyday relationships, showing that even in ordinary life, the interactions between people can carry deep meaning. Through the author’s creativity and talent, the characters come alive with authentic and touching emotions, inviting the reader to appreciate the richness of human connections in this mundane world.
Illustrative Image (Source: Internet)
Illustrative Image (Source: Internet)
4. A Reflection on the Story "My Sister's Painting" No. 7
Author Tạ Duy Anh is one of the renowned writers of the previous generation, known for his emotive writing that resonates deeply with readers through its authenticity and raw human experiences. One of his famous works, "My Sister's Painting," evokes profound emotions, drawing readers into the innocent and pure world of a child, stirring up deep feelings of affection in the heart of her older brother.
The story begins with Kiều Phương, a young girl with a talent for painting, but who also enjoys rummaging through things and making a mess, earning her the nickname 'Mèo' from her older brother. The narrative is told from the perspective of the older brother, making it feel more relatable and down-to-earth. Through his confessions, readers can sense his thoughts, judgments, and inner emotions.
At first, when his sister starts creating her own colors, the older brother brushes it off as nothing special—just childish games. But when the artist Lê Tiến recognizes her real talent, the older brother begins to feel a sense of insecurity and jealousy, comparing himself unfavorably to his talented sister. Through his monologue, the brother reflects on his disappointment, frustration, and feelings of inadequacy. Could it be that he feels forgotten, with all the attention focused on his sister, and no one noticing his own existence because he doesn't have the same talents as her? Gradually, this feeling of exclusion leads him to treat his sister poorly.
Unreasonable as it may seem, these pent-up emotions create excuses for the older brother to lash out at his sister, pushing her away more each day. Surprisingly, despite the mistreatment, the younger sister continues to love and respect her older brother, a sentiment reflected in her painting: 'My Brother.' In this artwork, she portrays him not as the frustrated, envious person he has been, but as the caring and perfect older brother she sees him as. The painting exudes the affection she feels for him.
When the older brother sees the painting, a powerful wave of pride fills his heart—pride in his sister, but also deep shame for his own past actions. He feels ashamed of how he treated her, and the contrast between the person he is and the perfect figure in her painting overwhelms him. He regrets his impulsive actions and childish behavior. As his thoughts swirl, he wishes he could voice his feelings: 'It's not you, it's your soul and kindness I'm ashamed of.' Through the tears, the brother realizes an important lesson. He acknowledges that he had been jealous and distant but now sees the beauty of his sister's spirit and her kindness, which eventually awakens his own feelings of love and admiration for her.
By the end of the story, the author reveals that the older brother has come to terms with his shortcomings, recognizing his flaws and embracing the goodness and kindness of his sister. This moment of self-realization is profound. Through this, the author imparts a powerful message about the value of forgiveness, compassion, and deep, unconditional love between people.
Illustrative Image (Source: Internet)
Illustrative Image (Source: Internet)
5. A Reflection on the Story "My Sister's Painting" No. 8
Envy in humans often leads to unpredictable and highly damaging consequences. It clouds relationships that were once pure and innocent, leading to unfair treatment of others (those who surpass oneself), and it diminishes the person consumed by envy. Ultimately, this dark perspective benefits no one. My younger sister's painting, which tells the seemingly true story of a character named 'I,' reflects this. It presents two directions: first, the protagonist of the story is the older brother (who narrates his own tale), and second, the artistic appeal is not crafted through fictional, imaginative, or thrilling details, but from the reality of everyday life. Yet, through the specificity of art, the story’s general message is far-reaching. It warns of the dangers we all face, everywhere, at any time.
Illustration (Source: internet)
Illustration (Source: internet)
6. Essay expressing thoughts on the story "My Sister's Painting" number 9
"My Sister's Painting" is a simple yet profound story. Author Tạ Duy Anh revolves around a painting and two children, yet subtly conveys powerful messages about selfishness, altruism, and love for others.
Tạ Duy Anh himself takes on the role of the older brother, narrating the story to express his emotions in the most genuine way. From the perspective of the older brother, his sister, Kiều Phương, appears to lack talent for painting. When he sees her drawing, he dismisses it as a mere childish hobby. However, when Uncle Tiến Lê reveals the truth, the older brother learns that his sister is not only talented but has a natural gift for art.
As a result, people began to pay more attention to her. The older brother, feeling ignored and neglected, became envious of her. However, his jealousy and selfishness didn’t provoke a negative reaction from her. Instead, he was awakened when he received a gift from her: the painting of himself. Not only was it beautifully done, but it depicted him as a kind and thoughtful person, with a unique light shining from his eyes. This moment caused the older brother to confront his feelings of envy and shame.
The older brother in the story symbolizes narrow-minded, selfish individuals who only care about themselves and disregard others. In today’s world, many people live in this way, only focused on their own interests, forgetting the importance of the people around them. On the other hand, the younger sister, though still young, sees her older brother as a perfect person with a special light in his eyes, someone worthy of receiving praise.
The painting serves as a mirror for the older brother to reflect on his own behavior. He is astounded, realizing that despite his mistreatment of Kiều Phương, she still loves and values him. In her eyes, he is a good and perfect brother. The painting brings him to a moment of realization and deep regret.
Perhaps the author intentionally created this situation between two young children to indirectly convey the message that even a child can possess forgiveness, so why can’t adults? This simple yet impactful story left a lasting impression on readers. It serves as a reminder for everyone, especially young readers, to reflect on their own actions and replace selfishness with love and understanding.
Illustration (Source: internet)
Illustration (Source: internet)
7. Essay presenting thoughts on the story 'My Sister's Painting' no. 10
With the short story "My Little Sister's Painting", the young writer Ta Duy Anh became a beloved name among millions of young readers across the country. A charming short story, written in a gentle style, Ta Duy Anh created a work filled with love, centered around the affection of a younger sister for her older brother—the tiny artist who painted 'My Brother' and won first place in an international painting competition. The character of Kieu Phuong, the little artist, left a deep and lasting impression on all of us. Kieu Phuong seems to be in elementary school (we feel this, we trust this?). This adorable girl is innocent, cheerful, and energetic. With her cute face, she often gets herself dirty. She has a unique habit of rummaging through household items. Her older brother gave her the nickname 'Cat,' which she gladly accepted and even used to refer to her friends. What sibling hasn’t had moments of arguing or bossing around their older or younger brother or sister? Kieu Phuong is no exception. When her brother complained about her rummaging, Kieu Phuong would defiantly reply, 'But I’m a cat! I’m not causing trouble!' This cute and rebellious attitude is a hallmark of her childhood. Kieu Phuong is a good child. After making her own paint, she helped with household chores, singing cheerfully as she worked. Her diligence is one of her most endearing qualities. Kieu Phuong is even more lovable. She must be very smart too. This girl has a rich inner world, a special love for painting, and a natural talent for art. She never asks her parents to buy painting supplies. Instead, she makes her own paint. She has a secret treasure: four small jars—red, yellow, green, and so on. Just like the old folk artists of Dong Ho, who painted traditional works like 'The Teacher and the Toad,' 'The Mouse Wedding,' 'Coconut Picking,' 'Swinging,' and paintings of chickens and pigs using 'ethnic colors,' Kieu Phuong made her own black paint. The black color she used was made from soot scraped off a frying pan. The artistic activities of Kieu Phuong were quiet and secret. Even her parents were unaware of them. Her older brother had to secretly watch her to discover that she was making her own paint. Her art was inspired by everything around her: a cracked bowl, a striped cat, and other familiar objects in her home. She painted with big, playful strokes. Her first audience was Quyen, the daughter of the artist Tien Le, who exclaimed softly when seeing the painting. The second audience was Tien Le himself, who expressed great joy upon viewing the artwork. Kieu Phuong’s parents were the happiest. Her mother was deeply moved, and her father hugged her, saying, 'Oh, you’ve given me such a huge surprise,' after hearing Tien Le praise her work. The painting, according to Tien Le, was 'so unique that it could be framed and displayed in any gallery.' For Kieu Phuong, art was about passion, love, and creativity, which made us all admire the 'Cat artist' even more. Kieu Phuong is deeply lovable because she has a heart full of compassion. This kindness is most evident in her deep affection for her older brother. This love and kindness are reflected in her unique paintings. There were times when her brother scolded her, and she would sulk and pout, making him think she was just teasing him. Kieu Phuong’s love for her brother was so strong that when she was invited to the international painting contest, she decided to include him in her painting. Before she left, she carefully observed him, searching for inspiration without him knowing. After returning from the contest, Kieu Phuong won first place, and she wanted to share her joy with her brother. She whispered in his ear, 'I want you to come with me to receive the prize.' How kind-hearted Kieu Phuong is! She knew that without her brother, there would be no 'My Brother' painting. The winning painting, which embodies both the beauty and intellect of the little 'Cat artist,' depicts 'a boy sitting by the window, looking out at the clear sky.' The boy’s posture and gaze reflect great dreams and ambitions. 'His face shines with a strange light,' the light of talent and wisdom. The painting also reflects his dreaming soul. This boy represents Kieu Phuong’s older brother now and in the future. The painting was framed and displayed in a bright room, surrounded by other contest entries. Kieu Phuong’s mother whispered twice to her son, 'Do you recognize yourself?' She was filled with pride and emotion. The real power of art is that it connects people, making us feel closer to each other and purifying our souls. Kieu Phuong’s painting achieved just that. It made her brother, in his childhood, experience feelings of surprise, pride, and even a bit of embarrassment. Looking at the painting with the words 'My Brother' written on it, he felt deeply moved. He almost wanted to cry. Kieu Phuong’s painting touched his heart deeply, and he wanted to tell his mother, 'It’s not me. It’s the soul and kindness of my sister.' This sentiment recalls the famous line: 'The heart is worth more than three talents.' Kieu Phuong’s painting embodies this 'heart,' filled with love for her brother. Kieu Phuong’s artistic journey is just beginning, and many masterpieces await in the future. But what we have now is the love she shows for her brother, her passion for art, and her blossoming talent, leaving a lasting impression on all of us. The character of Kieu Phuong has beautifully enriched Ta Duy Anh’s story.
Illustration (Source: internet)
Illustration (Source: internet)
8. The essay expressing thoughts on the story "My Sister's Painting" version 1
Tạ Duy Anh is a young writer who emerged during the period of literary renewal. He has written several notable short stories that have captured the attention of readers. His story 'The Painting of My Little Sister' won second place in a writing competition with the theme 'The Future Awaits' organized by the Youth Pioneer Newspaper.
The story, which revolves around a brother and his talented younger sister, showcases the innocent affection and kindness of the sister, which helps the brother recognize his own flaws. This realization prompts him to adopt a more positive attitude, overcoming his envy of others' talents and successes.
The plot is simple: The brother disregards his younger sister, Kiều Phương, and nicknames her 'Mèo' (Cat) due to her messy appearance. One day, he discovers that she has been secretly mixing her own paints, yet remains indifferent. When Kiều Phương's artistic talent is recognized and appreciated, the entire family starts to shower her with love and attention. The brother feels frustrated and left out, as he sees himself as inadequate. However, when he secretly views her paintings, he is forced to admit their beauty and depth. Encouraged by artist Tiến Lê, Kiều Phương enters an international painting contest and wins first prize with her painting 'My Brother'.
Standing before her painting, the brother's emotions shift from surprise to pride, followed by shame, as he realizes the purity and compassion of his sister's spirit. The story is told from the first-person perspective, which allows the author to naturally express the character's emotions through his own words. Meanwhile, the sister's character is revealed through the brother's changing perceptions, ultimately unveiling both characters' personalities in full.
Both the brother and sister are central characters in the story, but the brother plays a more crucial role in conveying the theme. Clearly, the story does not primarily aim to praise the sister’s qualities, but rather to guide the reader toward the brother's self-awareness as he narrates the emotional developments throughout the story.
The brother initially shows disdain for his sister by calling her 'Mèo' and feeling irritated by her behavior. When he learns about her interest in painting and her secret efforts to mix paint, he dismisses it as childish and unimportant. His tone when describing his sister’s actions is tinged with sarcasm and humor.
When the sister's talent is discovered, the entire family is surprised and thrilled, except for the brother, who feels increasingly miserable and left out: 'From that day on, although everything in our house remained the same, I always felt useless and pushed aside.' Sitting at his desk, he felt like crying.
His growing jealousy and resentment towards his sister stem from his own sense of inadequacy. His negative emotions prevent him from interacting warmly with her, but he can't help but admire her paintings when he secretly looks at them.
While the family buys Kiều Phương everything she needs for painting, the brother grows increasingly upset: 'My sister, who was always messy, would quietly accept my scolding and pout her lips. I used to find her look funny, but now, it irritated me.' This illustrates the brother's jealousy and sense of inferiority when faced with his sister's success. His envy intensifies, and he struggles to remain friendly toward her, even though he remains curious about her artwork.
After viewing the paintings, the brother comments in a childish yet perceptive manner: 'The striped cat in the painting is bigger than a tiger, but its face is so endearing. It seems to know everything we do and ignores us, as though it doesn’t care about children.'
When the sister wins the contest, she excitedly rushes to hug him, but he coldly pushes her away, claiming he is busy. His jealousy and frustration become more apparent in his actions.
The climax of the brother’s emotional journey occurs at the end of the story when he stands in front of his sister’s award-winning painting. The first surprise is that the painting’s subject is him. Even more surprisingly, the image of him is portrayed through the eyes of his sister, capturing him with a purity and grace he had not seen before: 'In the painting, a young boy sits looking out of the window, where the sky is clear. His face emits a strange light, and his eyes, posture, and thoughtful demeanor suggest not only contemplation but also a deep sense of dreaming.' This moment of shock leads to a complex emotional response, revealing his inner conflict.
In that brief moment, his emotions shift from surprise to pride and then to shame. He is initially amazed that his sister painted him, then proud to see himself portrayed so beautifully. The inscription 'My Brother' on the painting feels like a celebration of her love and admiration for him. But the brother is also ashamed, realizing his own flaws and feeling unworthy of such affection: 'Am I really that perfect in her eyes?' His internal struggle becomes evident as he recognizes that his actions, words, and attitudes do not deserve such love and respect. Standing before the painting, he is confronted with his own shortcomings—his pride, insecurity, and jealousy.
The brother comes to understand that the portrait of him was created with the heart and kindness of his sister. This is the moment when he awakens to the need for self-improvement and personal growth. Kiều Phương, on the other hand, is depicted with qualities that are both admirable and pure: innocence, energy, a love for art, and a heart full of kindness. Despite being praised for her talent, she remains humble and unaffected by the attention she receives. When scolded by her brother, she responds playfully, saying, 'I’m just a cat! As long as I don’t cause trouble, that’s fine.' Even as she successfully mixes her paint, she happily goes about her other chores, singing as she works.
Despite her growing recognition, Kiều Phương retains the carefree spirit of childhood. She continues to show affection for her brother, as reflected in her painting. After the contest, when she senses his coldness, she still whispers to him, 'I want both of us to receive the award together.'
The story 'The Painting of My Little Sister' by Tạ Duy Anh presents a familiar story for young readers, yet it invites deeper reflection on human relationships, attitudes, and the ways we interact with those around us. It teaches us that before success or someone else’s talent, we must rise above envy, jealousy, and insecurity to celebrate others’ achievements. In addition, it addresses the potential pitfalls of arrogance or self-centeredness that often accompany talent, and how a supportive environment is essential for the growth of one’s abilities.
The lesson to be learned from this short story is: When faced with the success or talent of others, one must overcome negative emotions such as jealousy and insecurity to join in the joy of others. Kindness and generosity help people transcend their own limitations and lead a more peaceful and fulfilling life.
Through the story of these two siblings, the author encourages readers to reflect on how they would respond in similar situations. The story provides a valuable moral lesson without feeling preachy, as the lesson is naturally conveyed through the characters' journey of self-awareness and growth.
Illustration (Source: Internet)
Illustration (Source: Internet)
9. Essay expressing thoughts on the story "The Painting of My Little Sister" - number 2
"The Painting of My Little Sister" is a short story that won second place in the "The Future Calls" writing contest of the Youth Pioneer newspaper in 1988 and was included in the author's collection, "The Ghost Cricket." With its simple language, natural narrative, and relatable tone, this work delivers a profound lesson about sibling relationships within a family.
The story revolves around the bond between two siblings, told from the perspective of the older brother. Kiều Phương, a lively and mischievous little girl, has a passion for mixing paints. The sibling relationship is harmonious until her talent in painting is discovered. At that moment, the older brother feels inadequate and jealous of his younger sister’s abilities, which leads him to treat her poorly and become frequently irritable. However, when the painting that won first prize by Kiều Phương is displayed, it turns out to be a portrait of the older brother. Standing before the painting titled “My Brother,” he is initially shocked, then proud, and finally ashamed when he realizes the kindness and generosity of his sister.
The story is narrated from the point of view of the older brother, which allows the reader to delve deeply into his inner thoughts and feelings. Through the key events, we see that while the older brother is somewhat at fault, he also garners some sympathy. When his sister’s artistic talent is discovered and gains attention, the older brother becomes jealous and behaves poorly toward her.
His sister’s talent seems to push the older brother into a crisis of self-doubt, making him feel like an outsider in his own family. This causes a rift in their relationship, leaving it strained and incomplete. But when he stands in front of his sister's painting, he experiences a mixture of surprise, pride, and ultimately shame. This transformation shows that the older brother’s jealousy was temporary, and it was dispelled by the pure-hearted love of his sister. In the end, sibling affection triumphs over petty jealousy and selfishness.
Throughout the story, the beauty of Kiều Phương’s character and spirit shines through. Although she is only depicted with a few traits such as being playful, enjoying mixing paints, and having artistic talent, her character’s beauty is clear. Like many other children, she is energetic, innocent, and passionate about pursuing her dreams. Despite her artistic gift, she is humble and treats her older brother kindly. This allows her to remain loving toward him, even as he becomes jealous and frequently irritable. In the end, the positive image of the older brother remains intact in Kiều Phương’s heart, and her love for him helps their sibling relationship overcome selfishness and pettiness.
Thus, "The Painting of My Little Sister" imparts a meaningful lesson about sibling love, as expressed by our ancestors through the proverb:
"Siblings are like limbs,
Supporting each other in times of hardship or happiness."
Illustration image (Source: Internet)
Illustration image (Source: Internet)
10. Essay on the emotional thoughts about the story 'The Painting of My Younger Sister' number 3
My sister's painting is a short story that won second place in the Future Awaits writing contest by the Teen Pioneers newspaper. The author, Tạ Duy Anh, a young writer who emerged during the renewal period, has created short stories that have captured the attention of many readers. This work tells a story that feels familiar to everyday life. It revolves around a family with two siblings: an older brother and a younger sister named Kiều Phương.
Illustrative image (Source: internet)
Illustrative image (Source: internet)
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