Top 5 Best Analyses of 'Chi Pheo'

I. Exploring the Work 'Chi Pheo' (Continued) 11th Grade Literature Volume 1

1. The Work 'Chi Pheo':

Written by Nam Cao in 1936, the story 'Chi Pheo' established the author's literary reputation. First published in 194, the work is considered a masterpiece in modern Vietnamese prose, showcasing the profound artistry of one of the nation's great writers.

2. The Excerpt from 'Chi Pheo':

This excerpt comes from Nam Cao's short story 'Chi Pheo'. It tells the tale of Chi Pheo, an abandoned child raised by villagers after being found in an old brick kiln. As an adult, he works as a tenant farmer for the wealthy landlord Ba Kien, originally a kind-hearted man who is wronged and imprisoned by Ba Kien's jealousy. Upon release from prison, Chi Pheo returns to his village as a violent, notorious figure, becoming Ba Kien's henchman. One night, drunk and under the moonlight, Chi Pheo meets Thi No in a banana garden. After catching a cold, Thi No cares for him, and for the first time, Chi Pheo yearns for redemption, but his aunt forbids him from changing his ways. In frustration and despair, Chi Pheo goes to Ba Kien to regain his lost humanity, ultimately killing Ba Kien and taking his own life.

II. Understanding the Work 'Chi Pheo' (Continued) 11th Grade Literature Volume 1:

1. Question 1, page 155, 11th Grade Literature Volume 1:

Nam Cao's unique approach to beginning his story is seen through Chi Pheo’s curses: 'He walked along cursing, as always after drinking. First, he cursed the heavens. What does it matter? Does the sky belong to anyone? Then, he cursed life. Life is everything, but nothing belongs to anyone. Frustrated, he cursed the entire village of Vu Dai...' However, no one in the village paid any attention to him.

The meaning behind Chi Pheo’s curses in the opening of the story:

They reflect his profound frustration and despair with the life he was born into and serve as his defiant rejection of the hopelessness he feels. The curses introduce his character in a striking and compelling way, drawing readers into the narrative.

2. Question 2, page 155, 11th Grade Literature Volume 1:

The encounter with Thi No had a significant impact on Chi Pheo’s life:

• It marked a turning point for him; for the first time, he experienced care from another person and felt his humanity was restored.
• Emotionally, Chi Pheo felt old, yet completely alone, surrounded by people who feared him.
• He longed to become a better person.
• He feared a future of poverty and illness but feared solitude even more.
• He recalled his past and thought about his future: he wished to marry Thi No.
• He felt the deep sadness of his life.

3. Question 3, page 155, 11th Grade Literature Volume 1:

The emotional evolution of Chi Pheo after Thi No rejects him:

• The spark of goodness within Chi Pheo is crushed before it could fully emerge.
• He moved from surprise to deep pain and disappointment in himself.
• His anger reached its peak as he yearned for goodness and humanity.
• Chi Pheo's extreme actions (drinking, grabbing a knife, and heading to Ba Kien’s house before committing suicide) are a form of protest against society. He sought the man who destroyed his life and wanted to regain his lost humanity, even if it meant confronting the person who turned him into a 'demon' in the village.

4. Question 4, page 155, 11th Grade Literature Volume 1: Nam Cao’s use of characterization in 'Chi Pheo':

The author portrays a typical figure of a man oppressed and pushed to the edge by society. The brilliant combination of inner monologues and dialogues, along with unique narrative and artistic language techniques, create a powerful and impactful portrayal.

5. Question 5, page 155, 11th Grade Literature Volume 1: The storytelling and character language in the short story are remarkable because:

The narrative language is both captivating and skillful, closely aligned with the cultural life of the rural Vietnamese people at that time. The writer’s voice is compelling, rich, and seamlessly blends character dialogues with their inner thoughts. The narrative method is flexible, with the author fully embodying each character and shifting between them effortlessly.

6. Question 6, page 155, 11th Grade Literature Volume 1:

The profound, fresh humanistic ideas in Nam Cao’s short story are:

Nam Cao’s humanism is reflected in his ability to discover the inherent goodness of peasants, seeing beauty in their character and souls, even when society has pushed them to the breaking point.

III. Practice with 'Chi Pheo' (Continued) 11th Grade Literature Volume 1:

1. Question 1, page 156, 11th Grade Literature Volume 1:

The view on the writer's artistic perspective, according to Cao Cao: the writer emphasizes the importance of creativity and the pursuit of meaningful literature, consistently producing works that offer great value. This is an accurate and concise reflection of the essence of literature and art, perfectly captured by Nam Cao through his works and characters such as Chi Pheo and 'The Wasteland.' The development of literature in Vietnam shows the creativity and innovation of writers and poets, which has enriched the nation's literary tradition and reflected the evolving perspectives of people and writers of the time.

2. Question 2, page 156, 11th Grade Literature Volume 1:

'Chi Pheo' is considered a masterpiece of modern Vietnamese prose because:

- The work conveys profound ideological and humanistic values, representing the working class of its time.

- It is the first to depict the 'corruption' of peasants into criminality.

- The author builds a vivid, archetypal character and weaves a diverse, engaging narrative style.

Question 1 (Page 142, Literature 11, Vol. 1): What are the characteristics of the life and personality of the writer Nam Cao that help us understand his literary career? Answer: a) Biography of Nam Cao: – His real name was Tran Huu Tri (1915 – 1951). – Born in Dai Hoang village, Cao Da commune, Nam Sang district, Ly Nhan province, Ha Nam. – He came from a poor family and was the only one in his family who could attend school. * Before the revolution: + After completing secondary school, he worked in various places: Saigon, Hanoi. Due to illness, he had to return to his hometown. Nam Cao lived a wandering life, working as a private teacher, writing, tutoring, and sometimes relying on his wife’s support. + In 1943, he joined the National Cultural Relief Association. * After the August Revolution: + He wrote literature while also participating in the revolution. + In 1946, he joined the Southern advance army, and in 1950, he participated in the Border Campaign. + In 1951, he passed away on his way to work. b) Personality of Nam Cao: – Nam Cao had an outwardly cold, reserved demeanor, but an inner life rich in emotions. He always struggled to escape from a narrow, mundane life, striving to live a meaningful life worthy of being human. – Nam Cao was compassionate, deeply connected to his homeland and the oppressed, poor peasants. He believed that without compassion for fellow humans, one could not be called a person (in "The Remaining Life"). This belief led him to a humanitarian artistic path, which inspired his works with deep humanitarian thought. Question 2 (Page 142, Literature 11, Vol. 1): What are the main ideas in Nam Cao's artistic philosophy? Answer: The main ideas in Nam Cao's artistic philosophy: * Before the revolution: – Art must be closely connected with life and the people’s struggles. – Writers must have a compassionate eye, and their works should reflect profound humanitarian values. – Literature should explore, innovate, and create. – Artistic labor is serious and painstaking; writers must have a sense of responsibility. * After the revolution: Nam Cao emphasized that the writer’s mission during this period was to serve the struggle for independence, which marked a significant development in his artistic philosophy. => Nam Cao is a great realist writer with progressive artistic views. Question 3 (Page 142, Literature 11, Vol. 1): What was Nam Cao’s most profound concern when writing about the poor intellectuals and suffering peasants? Answer: – Writing about the poor intellectuals: The characters in his works are poor writers, civil servants, or private tutors. They are full of noble dreams and hopes to develop their personalities and contribute to society, but society’s injustice and poverty crush their aspirations. Nam Cao portrayed the "miserable" existence of these characters, criticizing the oppressive society that stifled human life and soul, while also expressing a desire for a meaningful life. – Writing about peasants: Nam Cao depicted the harsh, dark lives of peasants after the village's bamboo fences. He delved deeply into the plight of these oppressed individuals, showing their suffering, dehumanization, and the impact of society’s cruelty on them. Despite their degradation, Nam Cao emphasized their inherent goodness and humanity. Question 4 (Page 142, Literature 11, Vol. 1): What are the main aspects of Nam Cao's artistic style? Answer: Nam Cao’s artistic style is unique and outstanding: – He focused on the inner world of people. – He had a remarkable ability to depict and analyze characters’ psychological states. – His works discussed simple daily matters while addressing significant social issues and philosophical thoughts. => His writing is cold, rational, filled with deep reflection and love. Nam Cao is regarded as one of the leading writers in 20th-century Vietnamese literature. Question 5 (Page 155, Literature 11, Vol. 1): The language in his works is vivid, both skillful and artistic, yet close to everyday speech. His narrative style is flexible, with shifts between different perspectives, creating a unique and engaging tone for readers. Question 6 (Page 155, Literature 11, Vol. 1): Nam Cao’s deep and novel humanitarian thoughts are evident through his works: – He discovered and depicted the positive qualities of peasants, even in their process of dehumanization. – He allowed Chí Phèo to end his life, showing his compassion for the character and his desire for Chí Phèo to regain his human dignity. Practice: Question 1 (Page 156, Literature 11, Vol. 1): The above statement affirms the critical role of literature and art in human creativity and exploration. Artists must innovate and discover new ideas. This view is entirely correct, as it reflects the essence of art, acknowledged and confirmed in various forms. Nam Cao's works, particularly on the theme of the peasant, show how he explored the process of dehumanization. Question 2 (Page 156, Literature 11, Vol. 1): The short story "Chí Phèo" is considered a masterpiece of modern Vietnamese literature due to: – Its profound ideological value (realism and humanitarianism). – It is the first work to address the "lumpenization" of peasants, rather than just their impoverishment. – Nam Cao’s mastery in character development, narrative structure, and diverse tones.

1. Summary:

Chí Phèo was born an orphan, raised by villagers, and eventually worked as a farmhand for Bá Kiến. After Bá Kiến’s jealousy led to Chí’s imprisonment, he returned to his village after seven or eight years, transformed into a ruthless thug. He spent his days drinking, fighting, and terrorizing the villagers. Chí became a tool for Bá Kiến’s manipulation.

Chí encountered Thị Nở, and the two became intimate. Afterward, Chí fell ill and Thị Nở cared for him. The bowl of onion soup and her genuine care awakened in Chí a desire to live a virtuous life. However, Thị Nở’s aunt forbade the relationship. Chí, in despair, confronted Bá Kiến, demanding a chance at redemption. He killed Bá Kiến and took his own life.

Structure:

- Part 1 (from the beginning to 'hurry up'): Chí Phèo’s life, from his birth to his transformation into a monstrous figure in the village.

- Part 2 (the rest): Chí’s longing for redemption and the tragic rejection of his right to be human.

Question 1 (Page 155 of Literature 11, Volume 1):

- The author begins uniquely with the powerful curse of Chí Phèo:

+ Chí curses while walking, but strangely, there is no one to hear or respond to his curses.

+ Chí’s curse is harsh: he curses life, the heavens, the earth, and the village of Vũ Đại.

- The curse represents Chí’s response to his entire life:

+ It reveals the deep dissatisfaction of a person who feels excluded from society.

+ The curse is a mournful expression of someone who has been abandoned, with only the sound of barking dogs to answer him.

⇒ It highlights the tragic situation of a dehumanized farmer, isolated and rejected by society.

Question 2 (Page 145 of Literature 11, Volume 1):

Chí’s life changes when he meets Thị Nở:

+ Initially, Chí is drawn to Thị Nở simply because he is intoxicated and craves physical comfort. They sleep together, but afterward, Chí falls ill and is cared for by Thị Nở.

+ Chí wakes up the next morning feeling a sense of longing and sadness, hearing the familiar sounds of life around him.

- The significance of Chí Phèo’s encounter with Thị Nở:

+ It is a moment where Chí feels like he is “becoming human” again, longing for happiness and a better life.

+ Thị Nở’s care for the impoverished, unattractive woman awakens the innate goodness that Chí had long suppressed.

+ The author conveys a deep humanitarian thought by creating the encounter between Chí and Thị Nở.

+ It helps Chí to reflect on his past, present, and future, yearning for a simple life with a small family.

+ Chí becomes aware of his loneliness and misfortune and yearns to live as a human being.

Question 3 (Page 145 of Literature 11, Volume 1):

Chí hopes that Thị Nở can be the bridge that connects him with society, ending his animalistic existence and allowing him to live as a human.

- Thị Nở rejects Chí, influenced by her aunt’s harsh words, who firmly opposes their relationship:

+ Thị Nở unleashes a torrent of cruel words onto Chí, who desperately seeks redemption and reconciliation.

- Chí’s emotions become increasingly complex: awakening, hope, disappointment, sorrow, anger, and despair.

+ Chí plunges into despair as he realizes the tragic injustice of being born a man but denied the right to live as one.

+ The more he drinks, the more aware Chí becomes, crying in sorrow and recognizing the crime that has stripped him of his humanity. His tears are for his lost self.

+ In his rage, Chí kills Bá Kiến and ends his own life.

⇒ Chí’s death exposes the brutal reality of a colonial, semi-feudal society that forces innocent farmers into lives of criminality, ultimately driving them to death.

Question 4 (Page 145 of Literature 11, Volume 1): The Art of Character Representation by Nam Cao:

+ Chí Phèo symbolizes a social phenomenon, representing the oppressed and marginalized in pre-revolutionary Vietnam.

+ The transformation of innocent people into dehumanized individuals due to oppression is depicted.

+ The author skillfully portrays the complex psychology of characters, delving deep into their inner lives and the struggles they face.

+ Nam Cao creates a vivid and complex character in Chí Phèo, revealing his deep humanistic philosophy and compassion for the suffering.

+ Chí Phèo is not only a symbol but a vivid, dynamic character, with a deeply complex psychological state.

Question 5 (Page 145 of Literature 11, Volume 1): The Language of the Story – Lively, Skilled, Artistic, Close to Everyday Speech:

+ The author’s voice is versatile, blending different tones seamlessly.

+ Nam Cao demonstrates his ability to adopt various roles, shifting perspectives to tell the story.

+ The author’s profound understanding of everyday language enriches the narrative, using it skillfully to convey different layers of meaning.

+ The language is full of rhetorical devices, blending colloquial speech with literary artistry.

Question 6 (Page 145 of Literature 11, Volume 1): Nam Cao’s Humanitarian Thought in This Short Story:

- The author highlights the hidden virtues of laborers who have been stripped of their humanity by a cruel society.

- Nam Cao praises the inherent goodness of people, even in the face of societal injustice.

Nam Cao’s humanitarian thought is new, profound, and unique.

Exercises:

Exercise 1 (Page 156 of Literature 11, Volume 1):

“Literature does not require skilled artisans following set patterns… it should create something never seen before.”

- The statement above emphasizes the importance of creativity in art and the artist’s role in bringing forth new ideas.

- The author reflects the true essence of literature, which should be innovative and reflective of human experience in diverse ways.

- The author uses comparison to illustrate the fundamental role of literature, as seen through Nam Cao’s works.

- Nam Cao’s works, focusing on the lives of peasants and their degradation, reflect his unique literary path, one that never repeats itself.

Exercise 2 (Page 156 of Literature 11, Volume 1):

The story Chí Phèo is considered a masterpiece of modern Vietnamese prose:

- It presents deep, unique, and profound ideological values.

- Nam Cao is a master of language, character development, narrative structure, and plot construction.

- The humanistic values in his work continue to resonate, contributing to his legacy as a writer with a compassionate heart.

I. General Introduction:

1. Author:

- Nam Cao (1915 – 1951), real name Trần Hữu Tri, from Lý Nhân, Hà Nam province.

- He came from a poor family and worked many jobs while still studying. Later, due to illness, he returned to his hometown to teach in a private school and began writing.

- After the August Revolution, he not only continued writing but also participated in the revolution.

- In 1951, he died while on a mission.

- His notable works include short stories: “Children Should Not Eat Dog Meat”, “The Surplus Life”, “The Bright Moon”…

2. The Work:

- The short story “Chí Phèo” was originally titled “The Old Brick Kiln”.

- In 1941, it was first published by a publisher who changed its title to “A Perfect Match”. Later, when republished in the collection “The Plow”, the author named it “Chí Phèo”.

- Structure: 2 parts:

+ Part 1 (From the beginning to “…hurry up”): Chí Phèo’s life from birth until he becomes the evil demon of the village Vũ Đại.

+ Part 2 (The rest): His desire for redemption and the tragedy of being denied the right to be human.

II. Understanding the Text:

Question 1: The unique way the story begins and the significance of the swearing:

- The story begins with a unique situation: Chí walks while swearing, no one replies to him, and no one hears him: “He walks while swearing… the village of Vũ Đại”.

- This swearing represents Chí Phèo’s response to life:

+ The introduction of the character is unique and leaves a strong impression.

+ People might think it’s the meaningless ranting of a drunk, but in fact, Chí is very sober and his swearing is methodical.

+ The target of his cursing is the society that created his miserable life.

+ The curse also serves as a unique narrative tool.

=> Chí Phèo’s swearing reflects intense frustration, a ghostly figure lost in the village of Vũ Đại, yet causing no fear.

Question 2: The significance of the meeting between Chí Phèo and Thị Nở, and Chí’s emotional journey:

- The significance of the meeting:

+ It is a moment when Chí begins to regain his humanity, to dream, to think, and to truly be sober.

+ This is a turning point in his life.

+ This unique situation becomes the climax of the story.

+ It embodies the author’s humanitarian viewpoint towards the image of a dehumanized peasant.

- The emotional journey of Chí Phèo:

+ Chí feels old and still lonely.

+ For the first time in a long time, he can hear the sounds of life around him: the morning birdsong, the sound of fishermen’s boats, and the voices of people returning from the market…

+ He remembers his past dream: to have a wife, to work in the fields, while his wife would weave clothes and make fabric…

+ He hopes Thị will help him return to society and have a chance to start over.

Question 3: Chí Phèo’s feelings when Thị Nở rejects him:

- Thị Nở rejects him due to her aunt’s objections.

- Thị pours all her bitterness on someone who is desperate to be good and reconciled with society…

- Chí falls into despair, feeling the pain and tragedy of his life: born human but denied the right to be human.

- Chí drinks more, but the more he drinks, the clearer his mind becomes. He cries and realizes who caused his tragic fate.

- Chí kills Bá Kiến and ends his life.

=> His death symbolizes the ultimate despair and criticizes the colonial feudal society.

Question 4: Nam Cao’s use of typical characters in his writing:

- Chí Phèo represents a recurring phenomenon among peasants oppressed before the August Revolution.

- The peasant is made brutal by colonial prisons.

- A human being who is rejected and not accepted by society.

- The character portrays the author’s deep humanitarian thoughts and his compassion for the suffering masses.

Question 5: What makes the author’s storytelling and the character’s language distinct?

The author’s storytelling techniques:

– The narrative voice is flexible and rich, blending dialogue and monologue, indirect and direct speech.
– The plot develops in a non-linear but clear and coherent manner.
– The language is natural, vivid, and reflects the character’s personality and psychological progression.

6. What is Nam Cao’s profound and new humanitarian thought in this short story?

Nam Cao’s humanitarian thoughts are profound and innovative in this story as the writer portrays the goodness of workers even when society’s cruelty has robbed them of their humanity. (Other realist writers mainly empathize with the peasants’ suffering, denounce the colonial feudal society, and praise the peasant’s inherent virtues);

III. Conclusion:

1. Content:

– “Chí Phèo” effectively depicts the tragic character of the peasant who loses both his humanity and his identity to a colonial feudal society.

– The story reflects the author’s humanitarian thoughts and condemns the cruelty of the contemporary society.

2. Artistry:

– The language is vibrant, skilful, and close to everyday speech.

– The creation of typical characters is an artistic achievement.

– The unique plot situation.

– The portrayal of the character’s psychological development.

Question 1: How is Nam Cao's approach to storytelling unique? What is the significance of Chí Phèo's swearing in the opening of the story? Answer: Nam Cao introduces the story in a distinctive way that leaves a lasting impression and stimulates the reader's curiosity: under the scorching midday sun in Vu Dai village, Chí Phèo walks while swearing. What is peculiar is that there is no one responding to him or even listening to his curses. The significance of Chí Phèo's curses: - The curses set the stage for the character's appearance, creating a powerful impression and sparking curiosity among readers. - Although the curses seem like the ramblings of a drunken man, they are actually quite deliberate, shown by the narrowing focus of the cursing targets: he curses the heavens, life, the entire village, and anyone who doesn't curse him back. The curses express his dissatisfaction with life and the Vietnamese society of that time. Question 2: What is the significance of Chí Phèo's encounter with Thị Nở in his life? What happens within Chí Phèo after this encounter? Answer: The encounter with Thị Nở marks an important turning point in Chí Phèo's life, transforming him from a demonic figure back into a human. Thị Nở's tender care reminds Chí Phèo of his previous humble desire for an honest life. When Chí receives a bowl of porridge from Thị Nở, he is surprised, touched, and finds his eyes welling up with tears, as no one has ever given him anything voluntarily before—he had to take whatever he wanted by force. As he enjoys the steaming bowl of porridge, he feels both happiness and sorrow: joy for receiving care from a woman and sadness from realizing his own tragic downfall. Thị Nở's care stirs within him the long-buried dream of a simple, honest life—a life of farming and weaving. He begins to hear the familiar sounds of life, something he had never truly felt before. Question 3: Analyze Chí Phèo's emotional turmoil after Thị Nở rejects his offer to live together. Why does Chí Phèo react so violently and unexpectedly? Answer: After Thị Nở rejects him, Chí Phèo experiences a complex emotional journey: awakening, hope, disappointment, pain, anger, and despair. - Initially, Chí Phèo wakes up to his longing for a righteous life, hoping to build a future with Thị Nở. - He soon realizes the hopelessness of his situation, feeling the deep sorrow of his degeneration. - Chí then painfully acknowledges that he cannot return to his former life and, in despair, decides to kill his enemy and take his own life. He dies at the threshold of returning to a righteous human life. Question 4: Through the character of Chí Phèo, explain Nam Cao's use of typical characterization. Answer: A typical character is one that blends the universal and the individual, the familiar and the unique. This is exemplified in characters like Chí Phèo and Bá Kiến. Nam Cao successfully builds and depicts the character of Chí Phèo—an oppressed farmer who has lost his humanity, both in appearance and essence. In the story, Chí Phèo is portrayed as a person with a unique inner world, showing that he acts according to his own desires, independent of the author's influence. This reflects Nam Cao's technique of creating typical characters in typical situations. Question 5: What makes the narrative style of the author and the language of the characters distinctive in the story? Answer: Nam Cao's narrative style: - The narrator's tone is flexible, rich, and skillfully blends dialogue and monologue, indirect and direct speech. - The story progresses with a fluid structure, not following a linear order, yet it remains clear and cohesive. - The language used in the story is natural and vivid, capturing the personalities and emotional development of the characters. Question 6: What is the profound and fresh humanitarian thought expressed by Nam Cao in this short story? Answer: Nam Cao's humanitarian thought in this story is novel and deep because the writer reveals the noble qualities of the working class even when they have seemingly lost their humanity in a cruel society. (Unlike many other realist writers, whose humanitarian focus is on showing empathy for the suffering of peasants, Nam Cao highlights the moral degradation of these individuals and raises social and existential questions.) II. Exercises: 1. In the short story 'Đời thừa', Nam Cao wrote: "Literature does not need skilled craftsmen who follow a few models. Literature requires those who dig deep, explore uncharted territories, and create what has never been created before." With your understanding of Nam Cao's career, please share your thoughts on the above artistic perspective. Answer: The above statement emphasizes the essential requirement for literature and art: creativity and the ability to discover new things. This idea is valid and reflects the essence of art, acknowledged by many in different ways. Nam Cao expressed this idea concisely with rich, impactful metaphors. Looking at Nam Cao's career, we can see that he rigorously followed this principle. In both of his creative phases, before and after the revolution, his portrayal of peasants and intellectuals was uniquely his, not following the paths of Nguyễn Công Hoan or Ngô Tất Tố. For example, in his works about peasants, Nam Cao explores their degradation and oppression to the point of becoming criminals, raising significant social and existential issues. Nam Cao's creative journey represents a refusal to repeat himself, always striving to innovate. 2. Why is the short story 'Chí Phèo' considered a masterpiece of modern Vietnamese literature? Answer: Nam Cao's short story 'Chí Phèo' is considered a masterpiece of modern Vietnamese literature because it contains profound and unique ideas about realism and humanitarianism. Furthermore, it stands out for its brilliant artistic techniques in character development, narrative structure, plot construction, and language use. For these achievements, 'Chí Phèo' deserves to be regarded as one of the great works of modern Vietnamese prose.