Top 5 Best Lessons on 'The Story of the Girl from Nam Xuong'

Guide to writing the story 'The Girl from Nam Xương' including suggestions for answering the questions on pages 51 and 52 of the 9th-grade Vietnamese Language textbook, volume 1.

Read and Understand the Text:

1 - Page 51 of the textbook: Find the structure of the story.

Answer:

The structure of the story 'The Girl from Nam Xương' consists of three parts:

• Part 1 (from the beginning to “taking care as if it were her own parents”): The marriage between Trương Sinh and Vũ Nương, their separation due to war, and her virtuous behavior during this time apart from her husband.

• Part 2 (“A year later... but the deed has already been done”): The tragic injustice and death of Vũ Nương.

• Part 3 (the remaining part): The encounter between Phan Lang and Vũ Nương in the Linh Phi cave. Vũ Nương is exonerated.

2 - Page 51 of the textbook: In what circumstances is Vũ Nương described? What virtues does she display in each circumstance?

Answer:

The author places Vũ Nương in various situations, and in each, the author uses beautiful language to express her admirable character and qualities.

• Scene 1: In a normal married life: How does she behave in response to Trương Sinh's jealousy? ("She maintained decorum and never allowed a moment of discord between them.")
• Scene 2: When bidding her husband farewell for war: Vũ Nương’s loving advice: not expecting glory, only hoping for his safe return, understanding the hardships he faces, and expressing her longing for him.
• Scene 3: While separated from her husband: Vũ Nương is loyal, deeply in love with her husband, and her sorrow grows with the passing years. She is also a devoted mother, a dutiful daughter-in-law, caring for her young child and elderly mother-in-law during her sickness, praying for divine protection, and always gentle, kind, and persuasive. The words of her mother-in-law in her dying moments reflect deep admiration for her efforts and character: “She took care of funeral rites as if they were for her own parents.”
• Scene 4: When wronged by her husband: Here, we hear three of Vũ Nương’s statements:
  • Statement 1: Explaining her heart to her husband, Vũ Nương speaks about her own status, their marital bond, and her fidelity, asking her husband not to accuse her falsely. This shows her dedication to mending their marriage, which is on the verge of falling apart.
  • Statement 2: Expressing her pain and confusion over being treated unjustly, insulted, and driven away, with no chance to defend herself, even when relatives and neighbors speak up for her. Her happiness shattered, she feels the loss of everything she had hoped for: "the joy of a united home” has been lost, and even her past dreams of waiting for her husband at the mountain of Wishing Husband are now gone.
  • Statement 3: Overwhelmed by despair, when the marriage seems beyond repair, Vũ Nương resorts to throwing herself into the river to prove her innocence, “she bathed in the river and cried out to the heavens...”. Her cry is like a curse, asking the river god to witness her injustice and confirm her purity. This action is a dramatic climax, where her desperation is evident but also a rational decision, not a mere impulsive act of rage.

After analyzing these four situations, we see that Vũ Nương is a beautiful, graceful, virtuous woman, a devoted wife, and a diligent daughter-in-law who strives for family happiness. Such a woman should have enjoyed a full life, yet she suffered an unjust and painful death.

3 - Page 51 of the textbook: Why does Vũ Nương suffer such an injustice? What do you learn about the fate of women under the feudal system?

Answer:

Trương Sinh becomes a violent, cruel man who “insults and drives her away,” leading to Vũ Nương's tragic death. This death is akin to being forced to commit suicide, yet the one responsible is completely blameless. The tragedy of Vũ Nương exposes the feudal society's prioritization of the authority of the wealthy and men in the family, while showing the author's sympathy for the unfortunate fate of women. The virtuous woman here is not only not protected but is unfairly mistreated, simply due to the naive words of a child and the jealous, foolish actions of her husband, leading to her tragic end.

In feudal society, women were tightly bound by rigid Confucian norms, treated unjustly, oppressed, and endured much suffering and misfortune.

This is the social critique of the work. Behind the unjust fate of Vũ Nương lie the countless injustices women of the past suffered: like Thúy Kiều in Nguyễn Du’s *The Tale of Kiều*, the concubine in Nguyễn Gia Thiều’s *Cung Oán Ngâm Khúc*, or the unfortunate women in Hồ Xuân Hương’s poetry.

4 - Page 51 of the textbook: What do you think of the narrative structure, the narration, and the dialogues in the story?

Answer:

- The author skillfully arranges, emphasizes, or adds details to make the story more engaging. For example, the detail of Trương Sinh “bringing a hundred ounces of gold” to marry Vũ Nương makes the marriage seem transactional, the dying words of the mother-in-law, the defense and explanations of Vũ Nương when wronged, and her calm yet decisive action when she chooses to end her life. The innocent words of the child, gradually revealed, heighten the drama and tension, making the story more thrilling, emotional, and poignant.

- The dialogues and monologues of the characters are perfectly placed, making the story more vivid and contributing significantly to depicting the characters' psychological development and personalities (the mother-in-law’s words, Vũ Nương’s gentle, reasonable, and sincere speech, and the innocent, truthful speech of the child...)

• The story’s climax is marked by a surprising twist. A child's innocent remark causes a chain of misunderstandings, creating a storm of suspicion. This “storm of jealousy” in the head of the male, patriarchal character leads to the destruction of a once harmonious family.

• The resolution is equally surprising when another innocent remark by the child clarifies the misunderstanding: “Father Đản is coming again!” This clears up the entire tragic situation in an instant.

5 - Page 51 of the textbook: Identify the supernatural elements in the story. What does the author aim to express by including these elements in a familiar story?

Answer:

Supernatural elements: Phan Lang dreams and releases a turtle, Phan Lang gets lost in Linh Phi’s turtle cave, is treated to a banquet, and meets Vũ Nương, a woman from his village who has passed away. He is then guided back to the mortal world by a messenger of Linh Phi, and Vũ Nương appears after Trương Sinh performs a ritual at the Hoàng Giang river, in a ghostly and radiant manner, with “flower palanquins... flags... shimmering, appearing and disappearing,” only to vanish into the mist.

Meaning of the supernatural elements:

+ They enhance the beauty of the character of Vũ Nương.

+ They create a somewhat happy ending, expressing the age-old wish of the Vietnamese people for justice in life. Though a good person may suffer injustices, they will eventually be vindicated. However, the tragic nature of the story is not diminished. The supernatural elements at the end of the story, with Vũ Nương briefly appearing in the mortal world in a radiant, majestic form, only to disappear forever, reinforce the inevitability of her tragic fate.

+ It serves as a mere consolation for the unfortunate. Real happiness can never be restored. Trương Sinh, meanwhile, must pay for his actions in the cruel treatment of his wife.

The tragic nature of the story is reflected in these supernatural elements and highlights the author’s deep sympathy for the doomed fate of women in the feudal system.

Guide to preparing the lesson:

Question 1. Find the structure of the story:

a. Main idea:

The story is about a virtuous woman who is “beautiful inside and out,” someone who deserves happiness, but instead faces unjust accusations and must rely on the purity of her soul to prove her innocence.

b. Structure: The story can be divided into three sections:

- Section 1: From the beginning to the part about caring for her parents - The separation from her husband due to the war and her virtuous character during their time apart.

- Section 2: “The following year... but the tragedy had already passed” - The tragic injustice surrounding the death of the girl from Nam Xương.

- Section 3: The remaining part: The eternal hope of people that good will always triumph over evil.

Question 2. In what circumstances is the character Vũ Nương depicted? What virtues does she demonstrate in each situation?

Through Vũ Nương, readers witness the admirable qualities of Vietnamese women. The protagonist of the story, Vũ Thị Thiết, the girl from Nam Xương, is a woman of “gentle nature, grace, and beauty,” married to Trương Sinh, a wealthy yet uneducated man with a suspicious temperament.

In everyday life, despite Trương Sinh’s jealousy, Vũ Nương maintains decorum, never allowing their relationship to falter. Her unwavering loyalty is reflected in the loving farewell she gives him before he leaves for the war: “I do not hope to return with honors or fine clothes, only for you to come back safely.”... Her heartfelt words brought tears to all who heard them.

When separated from her husband, Vũ Nương remains faithful and melancholy, missing him deeply over the years. As a devoted mother and daughter-in-law, she takes care of her young son and elderly mother-in-law, even offering prayers and performing rituals to ease their suffering. Her deep compassion is evident when her mother-in-law dies, and she arranges the funeral with the utmost respect, as if for her own parents.

When unjustly accused by her husband, Vũ Nương pleads with him to understand her integrity: “I have kept my chastity for three years, I have never strayed from my vows, and have never been unfaithful.” Yet, her husband refuses to believe her. Vũ Nương is crushed by the unfair treatment, scorned, and driven away, unable to defend herself, even with the support of neighbors who vouch for her. In the face of such injustice, when she can no longer bear the pain, Vũ Nương resorts to the river to cleanse her name. She bathes in the river, raising her face to the heavens in despair, and throws herself into the water, ending her life. Her final words are a plea to the river god to witness her innocence and pure heart.

Vũ Nương’s virtues, such as beauty, kindness, loyalty, and compassion, are vividly portrayed through her actions and words. It is a heartbreaking tragedy that such a woman, so virtuous and loving, meets her untimely and unjust death.

Question 3. Why must Vũ Nương endure such an unjust fate? What does this reveal about the plight of women under the feudal system?

- The direct cause is Trương Sinh’s excessive jealousy, suspicion, and authoritarian nature. He never gave Vũ Nương the chance to explain or defend herself.

- The indirect cause is the feudal society, which created numerous injustices. Women’s lives were fragile, precarious, and tragic. They were not protected, but rather subjected to unfair and unreasonable treatment.

Question 4. What are your thoughts on how the plot is developed, the narrative voice, and the dialogues in the story?

a) Regarding the plot development:

Nguyễn Dữ adapted a folk tale, but he reimagined it to transform it into a true work of literature.

First and foremost, the author focused on the psychological development of the characters. Vũ Nương in the “Truyền kì mạn lục” is portrayed as more beautiful, tragic, and profound than the folk version, where she is depicted as a less expressive and more passive wife.

Nguyễn Dữ also rearranged and added new elements: He introduced the detail of Trương Sinh offering a large dowry to marry Vũ Nương, which added a transactional aspect to their marriage. This detail introduced a sense of insecurity in Vũ Nương, who felt inferior: “I am from a poor family, relying on the wealth of my husband.” The author also added the touching words of her mother-in-law to emphasize Vũ Nương’s character and contributions to her in-laws, as well as her sincere and calm actions when she sought to clear her name by seeking death. The dialogues and the innocent words of the child further intensify Trương Sinh’s jealousy, tightening the plot until the truth is finally revealed after Vũ Nương’s death. This approach made the story more dramatic and emotionally compelling.

b) The artistic value of the dialogues:

The dialogues and soliloquies in the story are skillfully crafted to bring the characters to life, contributing significantly to the portrayal of their psychological states and personalities. Through these conversations, we gain insight into the characters' inner worlds. For example, Trương Sinh’s mother’s dialogue shows her kindness and experience, while Vũ Nương’s words are always gentle, humble, reasonable, and full of love.

Question 5. What are the magical elements in the story? What is the author trying to convey by incorporating these elements into a familiar story?

The magical elements appear in the happy ending that the author added to the folk tale. These include: Phan Lang’s dream of saving a green turtle; later, Phan Lang, fleeing from the Minh invaders, enters a turtle cave where he meets the turtle he once saved and is treated to a feast. During the feast, Phan Lang reunites with Vũ Nương, who had died, and is escorted back to the mortal world by a messenger from the Turtle Princess. The final image is of Vũ Nương sitting on a flower-covered palanquin in the middle of the river, surrounded by fifty decorated carriages. In an instant, her image fades away, leaving only a lingering memory. These magical, unreal elements create an enchanting and mysterious world.

The magical elements are seamlessly woven into real-life events and locations, such as the riverbank at Hoàng Giang and the battle against the Minh invaders. The author uses real details like historical figures and locations to enhance the credibility of the magical events. The blending of fantasy with reality creates a sense of authenticity while reinforcing the author’s message.

Through these magical elements, the author seeks to provide a hopeful conclusion, showing that Vũ Nương’s spirit endures even after death. Though she has passed on, she still remembers her family and strives to restore her honor. The happy ending reflects the eternal hope of the people that justice will ultimately prevail, and that good will triumph over evil. The final image of Vũ Nương’s ghostly appearance is a poignant farewell to her husband, as she acknowledges her fate, saying, “Thank you for your love, but I can no longer return to the world of the living,” before disappearing into the mist. This reflects the author’s deep sympathy for the tragic fate of women under the feudal system.

Lesson: The Story of the Maiden of Nam Xương (Excerpt from Truyền Kỳ Mạn Lục)

Summary: The Story of the Maiden of Nam Xương

Structure:

- Part 1 (from the beginning to "as if it were for her biological parents"): The life of Vũ Nương when she was married to Trương Sinh, and their separation due to war, along with Vũ Nương's virtues during this time.

- Part 2 (from the next section to "but the deed has been done"): The unjust fate and tragic death of Vũ Nương.

- Part 3 (the remaining part): Vũ Nương is exonerated.

Guidelines for the Lesson:

Question 1: The structure of the story:

- Part 1: The marriage between Trương Sinh and Vũ Nương, their separation due to the war, and Vũ Nương's character during this period (from the beginning to "as if it were for her biological parents").

- Part 2: The unjust fate and tragic death of Vũ Nương (from "The next year... the deed was done").

- Part 3: Vũ Nương is exonerated (remaining part).

Question 2: In order to depict the inner beauty of Vũ Nương, the author places her in various circumstances:

- First, the author portrays her in the context of married life, where she avoids conflicts and maintains harmony.

- Next, the author depicts Vũ Nương in a situation of separation: when bidding farewell to her husband going to war, she expresses her longing and hopes for his safe return.

- While her husband is away, Vũ Nương is shown as a devoted wife, a caring mother, and a dutiful daughter-in-law, lovingly tending to her sick mother-in-law. When her mother-in-law dies, "She weeps and treats the funeral rites as if they were for her own parents."

- When accused unjustly by her husband, Vũ Nương attempts to explain her innocence, but her efforts are in vain. Pushed to the edge, she decides to use the river's water to cleanse her reputation, taking the ultimate step of self-sacrifice to protect her honor.

In summary, through various situations, Vũ Nương emerges as a virtuous woman, a loyal wife who loves her family deeply, a dutiful daughter-in-law, and a woman who values honor, willing to defend her purity.

Question 3: The reasons for Vũ Nương's unjust fate:

- The direct cause is Trương Sinh's excessive suspicion, jealousy, and authoritarian nature. Trương Sinh did not give Vũ Nương the chance to explain herself.

- The indirect cause is the feudal society, which created numerous injustices. In such a society, a woman's life is fragile, her fate uncertain and tragic. They are not protected but rather subjected to unfair treatment.

Question 4: How the story's plot is developed to create tension and engagement:

The story becomes captivating and dynamic through the gradual tightening of the narrative's knots. Dialogue and monologues from the characters are placed strategically to make the story more vivid, helping to portray the psychology and personalities of the characters (Vũ Nương's words are always sincere, gentle, logical, and full of affection, while the child’s innocent and honest speech adds to the narrative’s depth).

Question 5: The legendary elements in the story:

The dream of Phan Lang, the encounter between Phan Lang and Vũ Nương in the turtle cave of Linh Phi, the ceremony to exonerate her, and Vũ Nương’s appearance in a flower sedan with flags and draped cloths, her figure appearing and disappearing in the river, and eventually "her shadow faded away and disappeared."

Nguyễn Dữ uses legendary elements in the story while combining them with realistic descriptions to create an artistic effect that enhances the authenticity of the tale. The author seeks to exonerate Vũ Nương, affirming her innocence, while also constructing a world filled with dreams and the people's desire for fairness and compassion.

Practice:

Question (page 52 in the textbook): Retell The Story of the Maiden of Nam Xương in your own way. (Students can refer to the summary section for guidance.)

Meaning - Value:

- Through the story of Vũ Nương's life and fate, students can empathize with the tragic and small life of Vietnamese women in the harsh feudal society. They will also appreciate and affirm their remarkable qualities.

- Students should be able to analyze the narrative techniques employed by the author, such as plot construction, character description, and the blending of narrative and lyrical elements.

1. Summary of the excerpt:

Vũ Thị Thiết (Vũ Nương), a woman of great beauty and virtue, married Trương Sinh, a jealous and uneducated man. When Trương Sinh went off to war, Vũ Nương took great care of her mother-in-law and raised her young child. After her mother-in-law passed away, she handled the funeral with great care. Upon Trương Sinh's return, he grieved the death of his mother, but his child did not recognize him. Driven by jealousy and suspicion, Trương Sinh doubted Vũ Nương’s loyalty. In an attempt to prove her innocence, Vũ Nương took her own life by drowning in the river.

Phan Lang, having been saved by Linh Phi, was rewarded and later encountered Vũ Nương’s spirit. Trương Sinh performed a ritual to exonerate his wife, but Vũ Nương's spirit did not return due to the oppressive feudal society.

2. Guidelines for the Lesson:

Question 1 (Page 51, 9th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1): Structure:

- Part 1 (from the beginning to "endured widespread scorn"): The injustice and death of Vũ Nương.

- Part 2 (the remainder): Vũ Nương in the underwater palace and her exoneration.

Question 2 (Page 51, 9th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1):

Vũ Nương in various circumstances:

- Before marrying Trương Sinh: modest, gentle, and of excellent character.

- After marriage: a dutiful and virtuous wife.

- When her husband went to war: a loving daughter-in-law, devoted mother, and faithful wife.

- When accused unjustly: she tried to explain her innocence but, in the end, drowned herself to preserve her honor.

→ Vũ Nương represents a virtuous woman, a faithful wife, a loving mother, a dutiful daughter-in-law, and a woman who values her honor and integrity.

Question 3 (Page 51, 9th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1):

Vũ Nương's unjust fate arises from:

- Direct cause: Trương Sinh believed the naive words of the child, leading to suspicion and jealousy.

- Deeper causes:

+ Patriarchal system and feudal morality.

+ The unjust war causing separation.

→ Women's roles were undermined, overshadowed by their male counterparts.

Question 4 (Page 51, 9th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1):

The story is structured chronologically, with well-crafted details that gradually build tension. The opening scenes set the stage for the rising conflict (Trương Sinh, being uneducated and overly jealous, easily believes the child’s innocent words, leading to suspicion of his wife). The objective narrative style, combined with surprising dialogues, deepens the psychological portrait of the characters and enhances the story's dramatic tension.

Question 5 (Page 51, 9th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1):

- Magical elements in the story:

+ Phan Lang's dream, and the meeting between Phan Lang and Vũ Nương in the turtle cave.

+ Vũ Nương appears seated in a flower sedan, adorned with flags and rich drapery, floating on the river, her figure appearing and disappearing, until "her shadow fades away and vanishes."

- These magical elements create a captivating, mystical world that stimulates the imagination, reflecting a compassionate desire for a fair world among the people.

Summary:

Vũ Thị Thiết was a woman of great beauty and virtue, and she married Trương Sinh. Their happiness was fleeting as Trương Sinh was soon conscripted into the military. Shortly after his departure, Vũ Nương gave birth to a child. Her mother-in-law, longing for her son, fell ill and passed away. Vũ Nương took care of her mother-in-law's funeral with the same devotion as she would her own parents. A year later, when Trương Sinh returned, he became suspicious of his wife’s loyalty after his child made an innocent remark. In despair, Vũ Nương threw herself into the river to demonstrate her innocence. She was rescued by Linh Phi and taken to the underwater palace. One day, as Trương Sinh sat by the oil lamp, their child pointed to a shadow on the wall, mistaking it for their father. This made Trương Sinh realize his mistake in doubting his wife.

Phan Lang, a man from their village, had once helped Linh Phi and was rewarded with a visit to the underwater palace. Vũ Nương shared her story with him, and Phan Lang returned to tell Trương Sinh the truth. Trương Sinh performed a ceremony to clear Vũ Nương’s name, but she did not return to the human world.

Lesson Plan:

Question 1 (Page 51, 9th Grade Literature, Volume 1):

Structure:

- Part 1: From the beginning to "like her own parents": Vũ Nương’s life with Trương Sinh.

- Part 2: From the following year to "it’s too late now": The unjust fate of Vũ Nương.

- Part 3: The remainder: Vũ Nương’s exoneration.

Question 2 (Page 51, 9th Grade Literature, Volume 1): Character portrayal of Vũ Nương in different situations:

- When married to Trương Sinh: She always maintained her composure, never allowing conflicts to arise, embodying a woman of noble character.

- When Trương Sinh went off to war: She devoted herself to caring for her ill mother-in-law, raised her child well, and took care of the funeral rites with the same care she would for her own parents, demonstrating her hardworking, virtuous nature.

- When wrongfully accused: She bravely jumped into the river to prove her innocence, showing her courage, loyalty, and respect for honor.

Question 3 (Page 51, 9th Grade Literature, Volume 1):

- Vũ Nương’s suffering stemmed from her child’s refusal to recognize their biological father, instead identifying another man. Her husband, filled with suspicion and jealousy, further deepened the injustice.

- Women’s lives in feudal society were fragile, precarious, and full of misfortune. They were not valued or protected and had to endure constant unfairness.

Question 4 (Page 51, 9th Grade Literature, Volume 1):

The narrative unfolds logically and naturally, captivating the reader. The character dialogues are well-placed, with literary allusions enriching the story’s mystery. The plot twists lead to an engaging climax, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Question 5 (Page 51, 9th Grade Literature, Volume 1):

The author introduces magical elements into a familiar story to enhance its intrigue. Through Vũ Nương’s rescue by Linh Phi, Nguyễn Dữ expresses a desire for justice for virtuous women. This conveys the author’s humanistic values.