Nam Cao, a committed realist writer, along with other contemporary authors, focused primarily on portraying the harsh realities of the oppressed poor, including Chí Phèo. The work makes a profound impact by illustrating the social conditions of rural life. It depicts the hierarchical system in the village of Vũ Đại, with its closed, feudal-like society. Particularly, it reveals the complex social relationships of reality, portraying them accurately (as Engels would describe). It also reflects compassion for those cast aside by society, leading to their moral decay. This is the realistic and humane value embedded in Chí Phèo.
Nam Cao is regarded as a writer of the peasants, especially because of his work 'Chí Phèo.' The novel's realism spans across both space and time. The village of Vũ Đại serves as a microcosm of rural Vietnamese society during that period.
Nam Cao's writing is sharp in revealing the true dynamics within the oppressive landlords' group. This is not merely because the land in Vũ Đại had a strategic value, but because the wealthy landlords were in constant rivalry, secretly undermining each other, while outwardly appearing polite. This reflects a deeper, systematic issue in rural society, where conflict and strife affected the community.
In constructing the rural social landscape, Nam Cao highlights the class conflict between the powerful landlords and the oppressed peasants, reflecting the rural reality through the lens of class struggle. This forms a significant understanding and critique of the society's structure.
Nam Cao creates an iconic representation of the rural ruling class through the character of Bá Kiến, a sly and ruthless landlord, whose behavior epitomizes the cunning and deceptive nature of the feudal elite. His notorious laughter and scheming tactics reflect the essence of the tyrant's rule, where power is maintained through manipulation and fear.
Nam Cao does not delve into the issues of taxes, corruption, or exploitation in a direct sense but rather shows how the social system destroys the spirit and humanity of the peasants. Chí Phèo's suffering is not only due to his lack of material belongings but the way society strips him of his humanity, reducing him to an outcast, a monster devoid of dignity.
The opening of the novel presents Chí Phèo stumbling while muttering curses. Behind his drunken, violent image, there is the anguish of a lost soul, embodying the pain and despair of a man trapped in an inhumane world. Chí Phèo symbolizes the victimized peasants driven to a life of crime in response to social oppression. His plight reflects the inevitable transformation of the oppressed into lawless figures, manipulated by the system.
Through Chí Phèo, Nam Cao critiques the vicious cycle of rural Vietnam, where oppression breeds crime and dehumanization. The novel’s power lies in its depiction of this lawlessness, and its broader message underscores the destruction of human dignity in a corrupt society.
Chí Phèo's story is notable for its strong critique of society, presenting a stark reality of the time and the suffering of rural peasants, who were systematically crushed, pushed to the brink of desperation, and forced to react in extreme, often destructive, ways. Despite this, Nam Cao also conveys deep empathy and compassion for these figures, highlighting the latent goodness within them. However, like many other realist writers of the period, he does not offer a clear escape for his characters. Later authors like Tô Hoài and Kim Lân would explore more hopeful paths for their protagonists.
Sample Essay 4
Sample Essay 4In Vietnam's realistic literature, alongside figures like Ngô Tất Tố, Nguyễn Công Hoan, and Vũ Trọng Phụng, Nam Cao stands out for his works that critically address the harsh realities of his time. Known for his positive views on literature, Nam Cao created works that 'uncovered untold stories and invented what had not been imagined.' His most famous work, 'Chí Phèo,' focuses on the life of a peasant in a feudal society. Unlike other depictions of impoverished peasants, Nam Cao doesn't focus on their hardships but rather on how they are stripped of their humanity. Through this short story, we see the deep realistic value it carries.
What exactly is the realistic value in this context? It can be understood as the portrayal of the true face of life, allowing readers to recognize the realities of the time. Nam Cao, through his creation of Chí Phèo, presents a character born into nothing, whose tragic fate is shaped by the injustices of colonial feudalism, leading to his ultimate dehumanization.
The realistic value in this short story reflects the societal laws during French colonial rule, where decent, honest people were pushed into a path of moral degradation, becoming criminals unable to return to their original humanity. These ideas are vividly portrayed through Chí Phèo’s tragic life.
The way Nam Cao introduces the story sets the tone for the reality of life at the time. Chí Phèo is first seen as a drunkard, shouting insults while wandering the streets. This is his way of communicating with the world around him. However, no one pays attention to him. They simply disregard his curses. He curses the heavens, life, and even the whole village of Vũ Đại. But the villagers dismiss him, thinking, 'He won't curse me.' His bitter words highlight his alienation, as he is compared to three stray dogs—his words ignored, and his humanity disregarded.
Chí’s tragic life begins from birth. Abandoned as an infant, wrapped in a cloth and left at an old brick kiln, Chí was saved by a kind farmer. However, his life would offer no reprieve. Growing up in poverty and harsh conditions, he worked as a servant for a family, further sealing his fate in a life of misfortune.
Not only deprived of parental love during his childhood, Chí continues to face misfortune as he grows. As a young man, he works for the wealthy Bá Kiến, but the wife of Bá Kiến repeatedly makes him feel humiliated. His sense of shame deepens as Bá Kiến discovers his situation and imprisons him in a colonial jail. This marks the rapid end of Chí’s previously simple and peaceful life.
Upon release from prison, Chí Phèo returns as a broken man, physically and mentally destroyed. He is no longer the kind, strong young man he once was, but a creature of rage and violence. His appearance is now that of a monster—his once white teeth stained, his head shaved, and his face twisted in anger. Nam Cao masterfully describes his transformation into a demon-like figure, with tattoos of a warrior holding a mace, a stark contrast to his former self.
Chí's life thereafter is marked by drunkenness, violence, and servitude to Bá Kiến. His existence is a tragic cycle of destruction, and in the end, he is never treated as human by the villagers, not even in death. This emotional and psychological torment, living as a human but never being treated as one, encapsulates the deepest tragedy of his existence.
Nam Cao doesn’t just portray the rule that the peasant class is stripped of its humanity; he condemns the colonial feudal system that robs decent people of their rights, turning them into monsters. Chí Phèo’s fate underscores the injustice that denies him the chance to reclaim his humanity. His death marks the final end to his demonized existence, with no hope of returning to life as a human being.
'Chí Phèo' remains a beloved work, not because of flowery language or intricate characters, but because of its deep humanitarian and realistic value. It has captivated generations of readers. Nam Cao’s work remains an essential reflection on the fate of the peasant class in old Vietnamese society.
Reference Example 5
Reference Example 5When discussing the peasant class in the old society, one cannot overlook the novel *Chí Phèo* by the writer Nam Cao. In this work, the author creates two central characters, Chí Phèo and Thị Nở, to symbolize the impoverished, oppressed farmers under the brutal rule of colonial and feudal forces. Through vivid realism and sharp writing, Nam Cao presents a deeply insightful narrative about the harsh realities of life in the past.
Realism in literature reflects the truth through characters and events. In *Chí Phèo*, Nam Cao paints the portrait of a tragic, vicious man, Chí Phèo, and a repellent, yet deeply humane woman, Thị Nở, who has a profound influence on him. Chí Phèo is exploited by Bá Kiến's lascivious wife and then imprisoned. His years of imprisonment breed resentment, changing his personality and even his appearance. Upon release, he becomes a terror of the village, drunken and violent. He is manipulated by Bá Kiến and becomes a hired thug for him, committing violent acts for money. Chí’s notorious behavior terrorizes the village, and after a chance encounter with Thị Nở, their brief relationship offers Chí a taste of humanity. However, when Thị Nở returns to her aunt's advice and rejects him, Chí is plunged back into despair. His anger drives him to murder Bá Kiến before taking his own life.
It’s evident that Nam Cao, as a writer, was deeply saddened by the tragic fate of Chí Phèo, symbolizing the plight of peasants. Though capable of writing with grandiosity, Nam Cao’s prose aims to reveal the raw truth, not to embellish it. Chí Phèo, an orphan, is a humble, hardworking man trying to survive. Yet, society’s injustice and the cruelty of the upper class prevent him from living a peaceful life as a farmer. His wrongful imprisonment sows hatred that transforms him physically and mentally. Upon release, Chí appears as a hardened man, his appearance reflecting his inner turmoil, marked by tattoos and an intimidating look. He is consumed by alcohol, his rants ignored by society. The people of the village see him as a pariah, and the only recognition he receives is from the barking dogs and teasing children. Chí is completely ostracized.
The portrayal of Chí is a mirror of the peasants who have been rendered destitute, losing their humanity in the process. Nam Cao’s intent is clear: to expose the atrocities of the colonial and feudal oppressors who pushed these people into such desperate conditions. Had Chí not been imprisoned, he would have remained a good, honest laborer. And had society not discriminated against ex-prisoners, Chí would have never spiraled into drunkenness, nor would he have raged against the world in frustration, hoping to be recognized as a human being. The cruelty of the time, however, forced Chí to become a demon, a symbol of the dehumanization caused by the oppressive system.
Even with Thị Nở’s brief intervention, this was only a plot device to push Chí to his final confrontation with Bá Kiến. Thị Nở, a grotesque figure in her own right, embodies the simplest, most natural form of womanhood. Though unattractive, she is full of compassion, showing kindness when she gives Chí a bowl of porridge, a rare act of kindness that makes him experience the world anew. For the first time, Chí notices the sounds of daily life—people talking, birds singing. Despite their brief encounter, the love that emerges between them reflects the truth of the peasant condition. Even though society has subjected them to unimaginable suffering, goodness persists in their hearts, though often buried under the weight of circumstance. Ultimately, it is Thị Nở’s rejection of Chí that drives him back into despair.
This event highlights the brutal social prejudice that those who have fallen from grace, like Chí, face. The villagers view him with disdain, no longer considering him human. Even though Thị once accepted him, societal norms prevent her from fully embracing him as a potential partner. Chí’s rejection drives him into unbearable despair, and though he had briefly dared to dream of happiness, the bitterness of the world crushes his hopes. In the end, he resolves to kill Bá Kiến and end his life.
Bá Kiến and his family represent the cruel ruling class that manipulates the peasants, turning them into monsters, rendering them incapable of ever returning to humanity. These forces push Chí to the brink of insanity, leading him to take his own life. Yet, in his final act, Chí aims to drag down the one responsible for his misery.
Thị Nở, though simple-minded, is aware enough to contemplate her future after Chí’s death. She thinks of the abandoned brick kiln, symbolizing her hope for the future. The reader understands that Thị will bear a child—Chí Phèo’s child. Thus, the suffering of the peasantry continues. The death of Chí Phèo does not signify the end of this struggle; his death gives way to the rise of figures like Lý Cường, who is even more ruthless than Bá Kiến. Nam Cao does not opt for a comforting ending but instead offers a poignant, realistic portrayal of the suffering of the peasantry. The harsh truth is that they are forced to fight not only for survival but also to preserve their dignity. Many succumb to the pressures of society, losing their humanity in the process, just as Chí did.
Reference Sample 1
Reference Sample 1Each piece of literature is a product shaped by life itself. It is not an exaggeration to say this. If a literary work were solely a creation of imagination, devoid of life's essence, it would fail to inspire readers. Literature is always a reflection of life, carrying the noble mission of an author in creating art. Nam Cao has firmly established his role and place in modern Vietnamese literature through his works, carving a unique path unlike other writers of his time. A close reading of his work, 'Chí Phèo,' reveals this clearly. The novel imparts profound insights into social reality, criticizing those who live off the labor of others.
The social value of a literary work is the entire reality it mirrors, shaped by the author's intention. This reality may either align with real life or diverge to varying degrees based on the author's creative choices. Writers like Ngô Tất Tố, Nguyễn Công Hoan, and Nam Cao, who wrote about the plight of Vietnamese farmers under feudal colonial rule, have vividly depicted the immense suffering of these people. In 'Chí Phèo,' Nam Cao portrays a rural society in which feudal powers force people to the point of selling their dignity, their humanity, and even their identity. Unlike Ngô Tất Tố or Nguyễn Công Hoan, who focused primarily on the material suffering of farmers, Nam Cao explores the deeper, spiritual anguish of Chí Phèo.
With his sharp pen, Nam Cao addresses fundamental issues within pre-Revolutionary Vietnamese rural society. He exposes the inner struggles of the ruling class, the factionalism among the local landlords, and the constant power struggles within this elite. These factions, while often in conflict, unite to exploit the poor farmers, pushing them into a corner in pursuit of their own selfish interests. This is a cyclical phenomenon in rural life, with the 'flies' suffering at the expense of the 'oxen.'
In constructing his social portrait of rural life, Nam Cao emphasizes the class struggle between the oppressive landlords and the oppressed farmers, reflecting the societal conflicts on a class scale. These conflicts create a deep critical insight into a corrupt society where people are constantly crushed under the weight of one another's ambitions. One of the most striking conflicts is the intense struggle between Chí Phèo and Bá Kiến. Bá Kiến, a cruel and cunning landlord, uses age-old tactics to control the impoverished peasants, manipulating their lives for his benefit. He drives the simple, honest villagers into a moral abyss, turning them into criminals and ultimately outcasts from society. The resolution of such conflicts is never peaceful; it is inevitably violent and tragic. The author despises the decayed society that has cast these people into irreversible despair, where the only escape is death.
The dark, painful reality of the peasants is embodied in the tragic fate of Chí Phèo. The author is likely grieved by the harshness of the peasant's life, but for him, literature is a way to expose these truths rather than cover them up. Chí's life is marked by a long series of hardships, starting from his childhood as an orphan. As he grows up, he remains kind-hearted and diligent, working tirelessly to make a living. However, a cruel and unjust society, along with the greed of the ruling class, denies him the peaceful existence he deserves. Chí is imprisoned unjustly, and his anger and resentment transform him, both mentally and physically. Upon release, he is described as a monstrous figure, with a face that terrifies others. The narrator even comments that Chí’s appearance is one that inspires revulsion. His rough, scarred face and bald head reflect his transformation into a societal outcast, trapped in a cycle of drunkenness and rage. He constantly curses the world, but no one responds, as he has been effectively excluded from society.
Chí’s transformation into a monster symbolizes the fate of the peasants who have been reduced to despair in such a society. They reach their breaking point, losing their humanity in the process. Through this, Nam Cao aims to reveal the crimes of colonial feudalism, which has pushed these individuals into such a tragic state. Had he not been unjustly imprisoned, Chí might have remained an innocent and hardworking man, living humbly as a laborer. If society had not stigmatized those released from prison, Chí would not have spiraled into alcoholism or resorted to bitterness in an attempt to regain his humanity. But the reality of society at the time was merciless and cruel.
When the entire village ostracizes Chí, considering him a demon, a woman named Thị Nở, despite her unappealing appearance, offers him kindness. She becomes a bridge, leading Chí back to his humanity. Through her simple yet sincere care, Thị Nở rekindles the humanity within Chí. She gives him a bowl of porridge, a gesture of genuine love and care, and Chí, for the first time, experiences the warmth of human kindness. This small act stirs long-forgotten memories of his childhood and ignites a longing to return to being a good person. But when Thị Nở rejects Chí’s feelings, he is once again pushed to the edge. He ends up at Bá Kiến's house, seeking revenge and, in the process, seeking his own release from his tormented existence. This tragic cycle of oppression, resistance, and inevitable violence is a reflection of the societal reality of the old world: where there is oppression, there is struggle, but ultimately, it leads to a tragic end.
Nam Cao, through his masterful portrayal of characters and his poignant, emotionally charged language, paints a vivid picture of the harsh reality faced by the poor farmers in the old society. He also exposes the atrocities committed by the colonial feudalists who exploited the farmers, stripping them not only of their labor but also of their dignity and humanity, turning them into monsters in the process.
Reference Essay 2
Reference Essay 2The story of Chí Phèo ends with a chilling scene depicting two lifeless bodies of two human-like creatures. Both Bá Kiến and Chí Phèo were men, but not truly human: one symbolizing the corrupt ruler and the other embodying the broken, oppressed commoner. Blood pools around their bodies, forcing us to question what is real. Nam Cao's entire narrative is filled with tension. He leads the reader through a spectrum of psychological strain, from Chí's violent rants, his drunken binges, to his terrifying self-inflicted wounds. Just when we think we’ve seen it all, Nam Cao shocks us by adding one final stroke with Chí’s fatal attack on Bá Kiến, ending both their lives in a tragic, surreal crescendo.
When works like Ngô Tất Tố's 'Tắt đèn' or Nguyễn Công Hoan’s 'Bước đường cùng' emerged, it seemed unimaginable that a life could be more impoverished, more trapped, or more humiliating than those of the characters they depicted. Yet, Chí Phèo, coming from Nam Cao's pen, surpassed them all as a manifestation of the extreme degradation and humiliation that a colonized, oppressed people could face: stripped of humanity, dehumanized both in body and spirit. While characters like Chị Dậu or Anh Pha may suffer terribly, they are still recognized as human beings. Chí, a simple and honest man, has lost his humanity through the brutalities of prison and societal rejection, becoming a monstrous figure, the demon of Vũ Đại village. Though Chí escapes the prison’s gates, he finds himself locked in a larger prison—the life that society has imposed on him. Nam Cao’s sharp, clear-headed writing guides Chí to his tragic end. As Chí heads to Thị Nở’s house, fate leads him, almost unconsciously, to Bá Kiến’s, setting the stage for the unexpected, swift death of the cunning Bá Kiến. For Chí, no outcome is impossible, for his reckless abandon has been honed by years of societal neglect. Nam Cao searches for human dignity and compassion among the oppressed, those discarded and despised. His use of ‘the eye,’ a symbolic motif, represents his deep commitment to realism and humanism.
In Nam Cao's depictions of rural poverty, readers encounter grotesque, coarse characters and their humiliating stories. Some might question the realistic and humane values of his writing. However, it is precisely through these flawed characters that Nam Cao’s commitment to realism and humanism shines most clearly (as Nguyễn Hoành Khung notes). Nam Cao proves to be a sharp-eyed, sensitive writer, adept at exploring class struggles. Through Bá Kiến, he reveals a deep understanding of the feudal landlord class. And through Chí Phèo, Nam Cao unveils a soul searching for meaning, uncovering a portrait of a person who has been stripped of everything, descending into 'lumpenization.' By constructing the various conflicts in the story, Nam Cao presents a vivid, intense portrayal of social reality. He highlights the class conflict between peasants and landowners, especially between those peasants who are nearing the breaking point. The relationship between Bá Kiến and Chí Phèo becomes increasingly tense, and the unfulfilled romance with Thị Nở intensifies the bitterness, leading Chí to rage and revenge. Yet fate has a different plan—Chí's actions take him to Bá Kiến’s house, where he delivers the justice that has long been due. The sudden and violent conclusion of the story underscores the inevitability of the conflict, suggesting that, even as the ruling class manipulates and oppresses, the flame of hatred smolders in the hearts of the oppressed. Even in Chí’s drunken stupor, traces of this awareness linger. The act of revenge is not solely against Thị Nở, but a symbolic act of reclaiming his stolen humanity. When the repression and suffering build to a breaking point, the explosion is inevitable. Chí’s madness leads to a deadly clarity, and with Bá Kiến’s death, he believes he has regained his honor. Yet this is only half of the story, for Chí ends his life, fulfilling a tragic task that he can never escape. His self-destruction is the final rebellion, a final attempt to reclaim what was lost. Just as Nam Cao once depicted a character who ate rat poison to end his life (Lão Hạc), now we see Chí Phèo ending his own life. Perhaps Nam Cao believed that for such utterly broken souls, only death could provide liberation. Through these actions, Chí Phèo symbolizes a final, failed attempt to return to a normal, humane existence—something that he could never achieve in his lifetime. Nam Cao’s narrative, though filled with despair, offers a poignant commentary on the power dynamics of the time and the fragile humanity buried beneath layers of oppression. In the end, Chí Phèo is both a tragic figure and a symbol of a larger social collapse that cannot be fixed by anything less than complete upheaval.
Through Chí Phèo’s death, Nam Cao allows us to see both the suffocating life of the oppressed and the fleeting, fragile hope for a different future. His writing reflects a commitment to realism and an undeniable compassion for those whose lives are defined by suffering and exploitation. The brutal end of Bá Kiến and Chí Phèo represents not just a personal tragedy but also the collapse of an unjust system. Nam Cao’s exploration of class struggles and the consequences of oppressive power remains one of the most profound elements of his work, ultimately positioning 'Chí Phèo' as a monumental critique of social injustice and a testament to the power of human dignity and the human spirit.
Reference Work Number 3
Reference Work Number 3
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