Top 5 Best Chí Phèo - Part II: The Work Preparations (Literature 11)

Summary

"Chí Phèo" is the story of a tragic life, about the fate of the character Chí Phèo, who was pushed to the brink of corruption – once a simple, kind-hearted farmer, he was shaped into a villain by the feudal colonial society. In the end, he could not reclaim his human rights, dying on the threshold of humanity in pain and sorrow.

Structure

Part 1 (from the beginning to 'no one knows'): The introduction of Chí Phèo through his curses.

Part 2 (from here to 'Don't tell the family to boil water, hurry up'): Chí Phèo spirals down into moral corruption.

Part 3 (the rest): Chí Phèo meets Thị Nở, wakes up, and struggles at the edge of reclaiming his human dignity.

Question 1 (page 155, Literature 11 Textbook Volume 1):

+ Nam Cao enters the story by describing Chí Phèo's curses.

+ The curses signal the appearance of a not-so-good character, indicating that he is a person rejected by society, a drunk, and terrifying.

Question 2 (page 155, Literature 11 Textbook Volume 1):

+ Meeting Thị Nở makes Chí Phèo see a chance to return to a virtuous path. Thị Nở is the only lifeline in his life.

+ Chí Phèo undergoes many changes:

- For the first time in many years, he fears alcohol.

- He hears the sounds of a beautiful life.

- He realizes his age.

- He remembers the past and his dreams.

- He wants to live a virtuous life.

Question 3 (page 155, Literature 11 Textbook Volume 1):

+ Chí Phèo’s emotional development after being rejected by Thị Nở:

- At first, he seems to smell the scent of porridge.

- He is stunned, then surprised.

- He pulls Thị back, wanting to lie down and beg, but realizes he is not yet drunk.

- He drinks to get drunk and seeks revenge.

+ Chí Phèo takes a knife to Bá Kiến's house and kills him, realizing that his suffering in life is caused by the system, and he must reclaim his right to live as a human being.

Question 4 (page 155, Literature 11 Textbook Volume 1):

Nam Cao's use of idealization in creating characters:

+ Characterization: Chí Phèo has a unique, distinctive personality. He is the demon of Vũ Đại village, a professional extortionist and drunkard.

+ Character description techniques:

- Portrayal through appearance: fierce, like a demon.

- Portrayal through language: curses, speech.

- Portrayal through actions.

+ Psychological analysis techniques: subtle, profound, with multiple complex layers, portrayed through Nam Cao’s realistic writing style.

→ The character appears vivid, like a real-life fate.

→ Although very unique, Chí Phèo represents a type of person, a fate in the feudal colonial society: farmers pushed to moral decay, struggling with the tragedy of wanting to become human again.

Question 5 (page 155, Literature 11 Textbook Volume 1):

+ The author’s narrative style: cold, neutral, referring to characters as 'he', 'his name', 'Thị'.

+ The character's language is diverse and rich: monologue, dialogue.

+ The narrative and character language sometimes merge and blend into each other.

Question 6 (page 155, Literature 11 Textbook Volume 1):

Nam Cao's philosophy: While addressing the tragedy of the corrupted farmer, Nam Cao also affirms the beauty and virtue in their character, showing that they fight to the end to return to humanity, even though Chí Phèo is a failure.

Practice

Question 1 (page 156, Literature 11 Textbook Volume 1):

+ Nam Cao's artistic viewpoint is very correct, reflecting not only his talent but also the qualities of a true artist.

+ This viewpoint affirms that literature is the realm of creativity, and literature does not allow simple repetition or imitation.

Question 2 (page 156, Literature 11 Textbook Volume 1):

Chí Phèo is considered a masterpiece of Vietnamese prose because:

+ The content is unique, exploring the image of the farmer from a fresh and unique perspective that no other writer before or after Nam Cao has done.

→ It affirms the innate goodness of the farmers, even as they are crushed to the point of moral and physical degradation.

+ The narrative technique is distinctive, bearing the signature style of the author.

- Building iconic characters.

- Narrative techniques.

Question 1 (page 155 of 11th Grade Literature textbook, Volume 1)

How is Nam Cao's introduction to the story unique? Please explain the significance of the curse words used by the character Chí Phèo in the opening passage of the story.

Detailed answer:

- Nam Cao starts the story with a strikingly unique and memorable situation: Chí Phèo is walking while cursing, but oddly, no one responds to or even listens to him. He curses aimlessly, condemning life, the entire village of Vũ Đại, and anyone who doesn't retaliate. He even curses the person who gave birth to him. Some claim his cursing is a result of drunkenness, suggesting he loses control, but in reality, both the drunken and sober aspects coexist within him.

- Chí Phèo's curse words reflect his response to the misery of his life.

+ It reveals his extreme dissatisfaction, as he realizes he has been rejected by society. His curse words are meaningless, ignored by the society he yearns to communicate with. When a person is stripped of their humanity, no matter how they scream or cry, their words are ineffective. Chí Phèo tries to call for attention, but his cries go unheard; only a few dogs respond.

+ The curse words reflect Chí Phèo's desire to engage with others.

+ The only response to his words comes from three angry dogs.

=> Chí Phèo has been cast out from human society.

=> These details highlight the solitary existence of a farmer who has become alienated and dehumanized, discarded by society.

Question 2 (page 155 of 11th Grade Literature textbook, Volume 1)

What significance did meeting Thị Nở have in Chí Phèo's life? How did his inner world change after this encounter?

Detailed answer:

- The meeting with Thị Nở marks a moment when Chí Phèo returns to his humanity, where he is able to dream, think, and be truly conscious. When he falls ill, under Thị Nở's care and affection, Chí Phèo begins to experience complex emotional changes. The compassion of the ugly, poor woman rekindles the kind, humane nature that had long been suppressed within him. Nam Cao's portrayal of this encounter reflects his profound humanistic perspective towards the dehumanized peasants.

+ For the first time since his imprisonment, Chí feels entirely sober and begins to hear the familiar sounds of everyday life after years of drunkenness.

+ His desire for a righteous life is reignited.

+ Chí starts reflecting on his past and future, feeling the isolation and misery of his life. He yearns for Thị Nở and dreams of building a family with her.

=> Thị Nở becomes the guide for Chí to return to a human life.

Question 3 (page 155 of 11th Grade Literature textbook, Volume 1)

Analyze Chí Phèo's emotional changes after Thị Nở rejects him. Why did Chí Phèo act so violently and unexpectedly?

Detailed answer:

- The path to becoming human again for Chí Phèo is abruptly cut off. When Thị Nở rejects him, he falls into a soul-crushing tragedy, one of a person denied recognition as a human being. He writhes in agony, crying out in despair and always sensing "the smell of rice porridge".

=> His tears reflect his deep frustration, his sorrow for his fate, and the unfulfilled desire for goodness within this demon.

- "I want to be a decent person. But no one lets me."

=> His emotional state is one of intense frustration and helplessness, showing his innate desire for righteousness.

- In his ultimate despair, Chí Phèo deeply understands the crimes committed by those who stripped him of his humanity, transforming him into a "demon" in the village of Vũ Đại. He grabs a knife and heads towards Bá Kiến's house, intending to confront the man responsible for his suffering. This time, unlike previous occasions, he demands Bá Kiến return to him what he had lost long ago – his dignity as a human being.

=> Chí Phèo realizes that Bá Kiến is the true enemy who has pushed him into a lifetime of torment.

- Ultimately, Chí Phèo chooses the only resolution he sees: to kill the man who has caused his misery and, in doing so, end his own life. His murder of Bá Kiến is not the result of drunkenness, but a clear understanding of the source of his life's tragedy.

=> Chí Phèo's death serves to condemn the colonial and feudal society that drives the decent peasant to ruin, turning them into criminals and eventually into death.

Question 4 (page 155 of 11th Grade Literature textbook, Volume 1)

Through the character of Chí Phèo, explain Nam Cao's use of typification in his writing.

Detailed answer:

- Define typification:

+ Typification refers to the blending of the unique and the general, creating a universal representation of a specific social class.

+ A typical character is one who embodies both individual traits and qualities that represent a larger societal group.

- Chí Phèo serves as a representative of the peasant class in pre-revolutionary Vietnam while also possessing a unique personality and remarkable vitality.

+ Chí Phèo is a typical phenomenon in the society of his time, representing the oppressed and downtrodden people before the August Revolution.

+ He embodies the transformation of innocent workers into marginalized individuals, losing their humanity.

+ The psychological depth of the character is portrayed with precision, revealing the complex inner changes within Chí Phèo's life.

+ By creating the character of Chí Phèo, who is dehumanized and cast out by society, Nam Cao expresses his profound humanist philosophy, showing a deep compassion for the suffering of these individuals.

+ Chí Phèo stands out as a vivid, dynamic character with a complex psychological state, embodying both the unique and the universal.

=> Nam Cao’s portrayal of Chí Phèo, a dehumanized peasant rejected by society, serves as a testament to his deep humanistic ideals, calling for empathy and understanding for those who are abandoned by society.

Question 5 (page 155 of 11th Grade Literature textbook, Volume 1)

What is distinctive about the narrative style and the language of the characters in this short story?

Detailed answer:

- The narrative voice skillfully combines dialogue with monologue, indirect speech with semi-direct speech. This creates a seamless fusion of the narrator's voice and the character's language. Examples include the descriptions of Chí Phèo's curses, his emotional state after meeting Thị Nở, and his interactions with Bá Kiến and Thị Nở.

- The language used is colloquial, resembling spoken language.

=> This narrative style is one of Nam Cao’s significant contributions to modernizing the Vietnamese short story genre.

Question 6 (page 155 of 11th Grade Literature textbook, Volume 1)

What is the profound and innovative humanistic philosophy of Nam Cao expressed in this short story?

Detailed answer:

- Nam Cao’s humanistic philosophy is innovative and deep in this short story because he recognizes and praises the inherent goodness of the laboring class, even when society has seemingly stripped them of both their physical and spiritual humanity. Unlike other writers of the time who primarily expressed sympathy for the hardships of peasants, Nam Cao highlighted the beauty and complexity of their humanity even after they have been dehumanized by a cruel society.

Practice Exercise

Question 1 (page 156 of 11th Grade Literature textbook, Volume 1)

In the short story *The Leftover Life*, Nam Cao wrote: "Literature does not need craftsmen who simply follow a given pattern. It only accepts those who can dig deep, explore the uncharted, and create the unprecedented."

Given what you know about Nam Cao’s literary career, share your thoughts on this artistic viewpoint.

Answer:

The viewpoint expressed here emphasizes the importance of creativity in literature and, more broadly, in art and the artist. It asserts that true artistic works must be original and groundbreaking.

This is a valid perspective, one that has been widely accepted and expressed in various forms. In the case of Nam Cao, we can see how he adhered to this principle through his unique approach to both peasant and intellectual characters. For example, his depiction of peasants was not a repetition of previous writers like Nguyễn Công Hoan or Ngô Tất Tố. Nam Cao sought to explore the process of human dehumanization and oppression, raising social and existential questions through his work. Nam Cao’s artistic journey is marked by an unrelenting desire for innovation and originality, constantly striving to renew himself.

Question 2 (page 156 of 11th Grade Literature textbook, Volume 1)

Why is the short story *Chí Phèo* considered a masterpiece of modern Vietnamese prose?

Answer:

*Chí Phèo* by Nam Cao is widely regarded as a masterpiece of modern Vietnamese prose because it offers profound and innovative ideas (both realistic and humanistic). Moreover, it is a literary work that demonstrates exceptional artistry in its character development, structure, plot, and use of language. With its outstanding qualities, *Chí Phèo* rightfully stands as one of the most significant works in modern Vietnamese literature.

Summary

*Chí Phèo* is the story of the character Chí Phèo, an orphan abandoned in an old brick kiln. He is passed around to various households until he eventually works as a laborer for Lý Kiến. After an unjust imprisonment, he returns to the village, now transformed into a menacing figure. Bá Kiến exploits him, turning him into a tool of terror in the village of Vũ Đại.

His love affair with Thị Nở leads to his brief revival, as he longs to reconcile with others and live a righteous life. However, society and Thị Nở’s rejection block his path to redemption. In despair, he murders Bá Kiến and takes his own life. Thị Nở, upon hearing of his death, reflects on the old brick kiln, which symbolizes a cold and forsaken place.

Structure

Structure: 3 parts

- Part 1 (from the beginning to 'the whole village of Vũ Đại remains unaware'): Chí Phèo’s introduction along with his curses.

- Part 2 (up to 'don't tell the household to heat the water quickly'): Chí Phèo loses his humanity.

- Part 3 (the rest): Chí Phèo’s awakening and realization of his tragic life.

Main content

*Chí Phèo* is Nam Cao’s powerful condemnation of the cruel, decaying society that pushes decent peasants into lives of corruption and crime. At the same time, it celebrates the resilience of the human spirit, even when crushed by society's inhumanity.

I. Summary of the plot:

Chí Phèo is an abandoned child, left in a dilapidated brick kiln right after birth and passed around for care by the villagers. By the age of 20, he worked as a tenant farmer for the wealthy landowner Bá Kiến. Originally, Chí Phèo was a kind-hearted, diligent, and hardworking farmer, but due to Bá Kiến's jealousy and malice, he was wrongfully imprisoned. After being released, Chí Phèo returned to the village as a notorious figure, a tool in Bá Kiến's hands.

One night, after drinking heavily, Chí Phèo encountered Thị Nở. She took care of him, and Chí began yearning to become an upright man. However, when Thị Nở's aunt forbade their union, Chí was engulfed in despair and frustration. In his anguish, Chí went to Bá Kiến's house to demand a chance at righteousness, but instead killed Bá Kiến and then took his own life.

II. Guide to writing the essay

Structure

- Part 1 (from the beginning to 'even the village of Vũ Đại had no one who knew him'): Chí Phèo is introduced through his curses.

- Part 2 (from there to 'not telling his family to boil water right away'): Chí Phèo loses all humanity.

- Part 3 (the rest): Chí Phèo’s awakening to the tragedy of his life.

Question 1 (page 155, Literature Textbook 11, Volume 1):

The opening of Nam Cao's story is very unique and distinctive. Instead of following a traditional chronological order, Nam Cao begins with a striking image: 'He was walking while swearing. It was always the same, whenever he finished drinking, he would curse. First, he cursed the sky. What’s the matter with that? The sky doesn’t belong to anyone. Then he cursed life. That’s no big deal either: life is everything but belongs to no one. In his rage, he cursed the entire village of Vũ Đại...'

The meaning of Chí Phèo's curse:

- The curse at the beginning of the story is unexpected, yet it serves as an impactful introduction to the character.

- While it may seem like a drunken ramble, the curse is actually very purposeful. It follows a clear sequence: first, he curses the sky, then life, the entire village of Vũ Đại, and even those who had no conflict with him, and his own mother who gave birth to him. Thus, the curse targets a society that gave birth to Chí Phèo’s suffering.

- The direct narration style is unique and noteworthy.

→ The curse expresses Chí Phèo's intense frustration.

Question 2 (page 155, Literature Textbook 11, Volume 1):

Meeting Thị Nở marked a turning point in Chí Phèo's life. Her love awakened something deep inside him, bringing him back to the desire to be an upright person.

- Chí Phèo undergoes a change in his mindset:

+ He realizes his loneliness despite his old age.

+ He can endure hunger, cold, and illness, but what he fears the most is being alone.

+ Chí starts to sense the life around him:

+ The chirping of birds in the fresh morning air.

+ The sound of fishermen’s paddles hitting the water to catch fish along the riverbank.

+ The laughter of people returning from the market.

- Chí reflects on the past and hopes for the future:

+ Once, he dreamt of having a family: 'Husband plows the fields...'

+ Thị Nở might be the key to him returning to a virtuous life.

Question 3 (page 155, Literature Textbook 11, Volume 1):

- Chí Phèo's emotional journey after Thị Nở rejects him is complex: from surprise, to understanding, to awakening – followed by hope, disappointment, pain, anger, and finally despair.

- Chí's actions are sudden and intense because:

+ In his crisis, Chí turns to alcohol, but instead of numbing him, it awakens his clarity. He no longer seeks to destroy, but instead yearns to be a better person. He no longer resorts to violence or self-pity.

+ However, who would accept Chí as virtuous? Chí's true enemy is not just Bá Kiến, but a corrupt society that has no place for him.

+ In the eyes of this society, Chí Phèo is irredeemable, a 'demon' who cannot become human again. That’s why Thị Nở brutally rejected him.

+ Chí's anguish is so deep that he cries uncontrollably, 'hugging his face and sobbing'. He kills his adversary and takes his own life. Chí dies at the threshold of righteousness, symbolizing the tragic denial of his humanity.

→ Chí Phèo's death serves as a powerful indictment of a colonial, semi-feudal society that not only pushed hardworking peasants to their breaking point but also corrupted and ultimately destroyed them.

Question 4 (page 155, Literature Textbook 11, Volume 1):

- Through Chí Phèo, readers can see Nam Cao’s use of typical realism. Chí Phèo is not a unique case but a reflection of the harsh reality of the time, a product of a system that oppressed and crushed the peasantry. Faced with relentless oppression, many turned to villainy as a survival mechanism. Other characters like Trạch Văn Đoành in 'Đôi móng giò' and Cu Lộ in 'Tư cách mõ' also embody this transformation.

- Through the depiction of these 'corrupted' peasants, Nam Cao highlights his deep empathy, exploring the inner lives of his characters to reveal their inherent goodness despite their suffering.

- The character of Chí Phèo is striking and memorable, with Nam Cao excelling in his portrayal of complex psychological states.

Question 5 (page 155, Literature Textbook 11, Volume 1):

The language in the story is dynamic and vivid, blending sophistication with the everyday vernacular. The author’s narrative voice is rich and varied, seamlessly shifting between different perspectives, adding depth and intrigue to the story. At times, the narrative follows the author’s point of view, other times it adopts Chí Phèo's, Thị Nở's, or Bá Kiến’s perspective, creating a unique, multifaceted tone.

Question 6 (page 155, Literature Textbook 11, Volume 1):

Nam Cao's profound, innovative humanism is evident throughout the short story:

- He explores and illustrates the intrinsic goodness of peasants, even as they descend into corruption.

→ The desire to retain one’s humanity, even when society strips them of their dignity and identity.

- Nam Cao allows Chí Phèo to end his life as a final act of compassion, showing his love for the character.

→ Nam Cao’s ultimate wish is for Chí Phèo to regain his self-respect.

Practice

Question 1 (page 156, Literature Textbook 11, Volume 1):

Suggestion

The aforementioned statement emphasizes the crucial role of creativity in literature and art. The artist must innovate and discover the new.

This statement is entirely correct and reflects the essence of art, a notion widely acknowledged and expressed in various forms. Nam Cao succinctly and evocatively conveys this idea. In his works, Nam Cao does not tread the same paths as earlier writers on rural life, such as Ngô Tất Tố or Nguyễn Công Hoan. Instead, he delves deeply into the theme of human degradation and how peasants, oppressed to their limits, turn to a life of villainy. This raises significant social and existential issues.

Question 2 (page 156, Literature Textbook 11, Volume 1):

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

- It offers profound, unique, and innovative insights into social reality and humanism.

- It is the first work to depict the phenomenon of peasants 'turning criminal,' rather than merely being impoverished, unlike earlier works such as 'Tắt đèn' (Ngô Tất Tố) or 'Lão Hạc' (Nam Cao).

- The short story highlights Nam Cao’s exceptional craftsmanship in character creation, plot structure, narrative style, and rich thematic exploration...

Summary

Chí Phèo was born without parents and was raised by the villagers. He later worked as a farmhand for Bá Kiến's family. Bá Kiến, consumed by jealousy, sent him to prison. After seven or eight years, Chí returned home, now a degenerate. He drank excessively, scarred his face, and harassed others. The villagers avoided him, and he became a tool for Bá Kiến's exploitation.

Chí met Thị Nở, and they began an affair. When Chí fell ill after drinking, Thị Nở cared for him. Her gesture of kindness, symbolized by a bowl of onion soup, revived his desire for a better life. However, Thị Nở’s aunt prevented their relationship, and Chí, in despair, was rejected by her. In his frustration, Chí armed himself with a knife and went to Bá Kiến's house to demand dignity. He killed Bá Kiến and took his own life.

Structure

- Part 1 (from the beginning … "hurry up"): Chí Phèo’s life, from his birth to his transformation into the village monster.

- Part 2 (the rest): Chí’s desire for redemption and the tragedy of being denied humanity.

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

The author begins the story in a unique and profound way, with Chí Phèo’s curse.

+ As Chí walks, he curses, but strangely, no one is there to listen or respond to him.

+ Chí’s curses are terrifying: he curses life, heaven, earth, and the village of Vũ Đại.

- His cursing reflects his reaction to his entire life.

+ It expresses the bitterness of a person aware of being ostracized from society.

+ The curse becomes more tragic when “the only response to his words is the dogs barking in the village.”

⇒ This shows the heartbreaking plight of a farmer who has been dehumanized and left isolated.

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

Chí’s life takes a turn when he meets Thị Nở:

+ Initially, Chí is drawn to Thị because of his intoxication and physical desire. They engage in an affair. Later, Chí falls ill, and Thị helps him by giving him a torn mat to rest on.

+ When Chí wakes up the next morning, he feels “uneasy” and “vaguely sad” at the familiar sounds of life around him.

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

+ It marks the moment when Chí is able to return to his humanity and yearns for a happy life.

+ Thị Nở’s care and attention stir Chí’s long-suppressed decency.

+ The author’s deep humanistic thoughts are shown through this encounter, illustrating the moral integrity of the farmer trapped in a corrupted society.

+ This moment allows Chí to reflect on his past, present, and future, dreaming of a simple life with a small family.

+ Chí becomes aware of his loneliness and misfortune, and he yearns to live a life as a true human.

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

Chí hopes Thị can be the bridge that reconnects him with others, ending his animalistic existence to live as a human being.

- Thị Nở rejects him, influenced by her aunt, who firmly opposes their relationship:

+ Thị unleashes harsh words on Chí, who is desperately seeking redemption and reconciliation with the world.

- Chí’s emotions shift dramatically: awakening, hope, disappointment, sorrow, anger, despair.

+ Chí falls into despair, realizing the spiritual tragedy of being born human but denied the right to live as one.

+ The more he drinks, the clearer he becomes, and his cries reflect his awareness of the crimes committed against him, both physically and spiritually. His weeping is a lament for his fate.

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

⇒ Chí’s tragic death exposes the colonial and semi-feudal society that pushes decent farmers to their limits, turning them into criminals and leading them to an untimely death.

Question 4 (Page 145 of Literature 11, Volume 1)

The artistic representation of characters by Nam Cao:

+ Chí Phèo is a phenomenon reflecting the societal condition of oppression before the August Revolution.

+ The working class is dehumanized, with once-innocent people becoming beasts.

+ The psychological depth of the characters is portrayed vividly, exploring their inner worlds and complex emotional transitions.

+ Nam Cao successfully depicts Chí Phèo’s dehumanization and social abandonment, conveying a deep sense of compassion and respect for the suffering human beings.

+ Chí Phèo is a complex and vivid character, both representative and fully fleshed out with intricate emotions.

Question 5 (Page 145 of Literature 11, Volume 1)

The language in the work is vibrant, skillfully crafted, and close to everyday speech:

+ The writer’s tone shifts and interweaves with various layers of narrative style.

+ Nam Cao demonstrates the ability to switch between perspectives, offering deep insight into the story’s viewpoint.

+ The author’s mastery of language comes through in his precise understanding of linguistic forms and nuances.

+ The use of language incorporates both rhetorical devices and everyday speech patterns.

Question 6 (Page 145 of Literature 11, Volume 1)

Nam Cao’s humanitarian philosophy in this short story is innovative and profound:

- The author uncovers and describes the inherent goodness of workers, even when society has stolen their dignity and soul.

- He praises the noble qualities and goodness of humans.

Nam Cao’s humanitarian thoughts are distinct, new, and profound in this story.

Practice

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

“Literature does not require skilled craftsmen who follow preset templates... it must create something that has never been seen before.”

- This statement affirms that the essence of artistic work is creativity, the birth of the new.

- The author accurately reflects the nature of art, capturing its many forms and expressions.

- The author uses comparison to convey the core duty of literature. Nam Cao’s creative journey exemplifies this philosophy.

- His works about farmers show his unique approach to exploring the dehumanization of those pushed to the edge, becoming criminals.

- Nam Cao’s creative path was one of constant reinvention, never repeating himself.

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

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

- The deep, unique, and innovative intellectual values it carries.

- Nam Cao is a master of language, character creation, plot structure, and storytelling techniques.

- His humanitarian values persist and contribute to the lasting legacy of the writer, Nam Cao, whose heart was filled with compassion.

Structure

3 sections

- Section 1: From the beginning… “no one knows”: Chí Phèo is introduced with his curses.

- Section 2: Continuing… “hurry up”: Chí loses his humanity.

- Section 3: The rest: Chí Phèo’s awakening and the tragic arc of his life.

Lesson Content

The story exposes the harsh reality of a group of innocent farmers pushed into a life of degradation. Through this work, Nam Cao condemns the brutal social system and ultimately reaffirms the inherent goodness of these farmers.

Study Guide

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

- Unique approach to the story: Describing Chí Phèo’s curses.

- The meaning of the curses at the beginning: They foreshadow the arrival of a character who is far from pleasant and has been shunned.

Question 2 (Page 155, Literature 11, Volume 1):

- The meeting with Thị Nở awakens Chí Phèo from his “drunken” state, making him long for a decent life with her, hoping to return to his original, good nature.

- The changes in Chí Phèo’s soul:

+ In terms of awareness: He begins to notice the sounds of life around him.

+ Realizing the tragedy of his life and his fear of loneliness, as Chí Phèo says, “loneliness is scarier than hunger or illness.”

+ Consciously, Chí desires goodness and wishes to reconcile with others.

Question 3 (Page 155, Literature 11, Volume 1):

- Chí Phèo’s emotions after Thị Nở rejects him:

+ “Stunned”, “dazed”: These reactions show he is coming to terms with his reality—sympathy for his condition.

+ A brief recollection of the scent of onion soup: memories of past love.

+ His action: Grabbing Thị’s hand, wishing to hold on to the happiness he lost.

+ Chí turns to alcohol and “weeps bitterly” in despair.

- Chí Phèo's drastic actions (drinking, brandishing a knife at Bá Kiến’s house, and ending his life) are driven by his unattainable wish to become a decent person, and the intense frustration he feels pushes him to the brink.

Question 4 (Page 155, Literature 11, Volume 1):

- Nam Cao’s use of typical characterization:

+ Chí Phèo’s personality is a reflection of a farmer who has been corrupted (from kind-hearted to grotesque and distorted).

- The portrayal of the character: Through their appearance, language, and actions.

- Psychological analysis: Subtle, with realistic writing, capturing the character's inner transitions.

Question 5 (Page 155, Literature 11, Volume 1):

- The author’s narrative language: Objective, neutral, sometimes blending with the character’s speech to describe and analyze their psyche.

- The character’s language is diverse, encompassing both dialogue and monologue.

Question 6 (Page 155, Literature 11, Volume 1):

- Nam Cao’s humanitarian philosophy: Strongly criticizes the semi-feudal colonial society while simultaneously honoring the innate goodness of people, even those who have been transformed into monsters.

Practice (Page 155, Literature 11, Volume 1):

Question 1

- Affirming the correctness of views on the talents and qualities of artists.

- Explanation and discussion: Literature requires creativity for a work to bear the artist's unique mark.

- Proving this through Chí Phèo or other works by Nam Cao to increase the persuasiveness of the argument.

Question 2

- Affirming that Chí Phèo is considered a masterpiece of modern Vietnamese prose due to its unique content and artistic techniques.

- Analyzing and proving this through:

+ The text’s new perspective: Confirming the enduring goodness of farmers.

+ The text’s exquisite art: Delicate and profound psychological analysis and description of characters.