Top 5 Most Impressive Lesson Plans for 'The Farewell of the Dolls'

I. GUIDELINES FOR READING AND COMPREHENDING THE TEXT:

The story is relatively long, so it is necessary to summarize the plot into three key scenes:

- The scene where Thanh and Thuy share their toys;

- The scene where Thuy bids farewell to her teacher and classmates;

- The scene where the siblings must part ways.

II. Understanding the Text Based on Textbook Questions:

1. Carefully read the text and identify: Who is the story about, and what is it about? Who are the main characters?

The story revolves around the heartbreaking separation of two siblings. The main characters are Thanh and Thuy.

2. a. What narrative perspective is used in the story? What effect does this choice have?

The story is told from the first-person perspective. The narrator, who is directly involved, witnesses the events and shares the same emotional pain as Thuy. This narrative choice allows the author to delve deeper into the character’s inner thoughts and feelings, making the story more authentic and convincing.

b) Does the title of the story align with its meaning?

The siblings, Thanh and Thuy, are innocent children, much like the cute and lovely dolls. However, due to the mistakes of adults, they are forced into a tragic situation. The title 'The Farewell of the Dolls' refers not only to the dolls but also to the siblings’ separation. This choice of title effectively conveys the situation and the message the author wants to express.

3. Identify details in the story that show how close, loving, and caring Thanh and Thuy are towards each other.

The siblings’ close bond and care for one another are shown in several details, such as:

- Thuy bringing a needle and thread to the playground to mend Thanh’s shirt.
- Thanh picking up Thuy from school every day, walking hand in hand and chatting along the way.
- They always share their toys, and when they must divide them, Thanh gives most of the toys to Thuy. However, Thuy, being considerate, lets him keep the soldier doll, knowing he needs it more.
- Thuy reminds Thanh to bring his torn clothes for her to fix.

4. What contradiction is present in Thuy’s words and actions when she sees Thanh dividing the soldier dolls? What emotions does Thuy’s resolution stir in the reader?

Thuy’s words and actions contradict each other: she becomes angry when she sees Thanh dividing the dolls, but she later shows concern for him. This situation makes readers wish that Thanh and Thuy could be reunited, hoping their parents would not divorce. The resolution at the end, where Thuy chooses to leave the dolls together, reflects her selflessness and love for her brother. She would rather experience separation than allow the dolls to suffer the same fate. This heartfelt act moves the readers deeply, and we hope that the siblings’ parting never occurred.

5. What moment in Thuy's farewell to her class shocked her teacher, and which moment moved you the most? Why?

The shocking moment occurred when Thuy revealed she would not be attending school anymore and would have to help her grandmother sell fruits in the market due to the distance from her school. The teacher was shocked, unable to fathom how such a young child would need to work. This moment moved me the most, as I felt the same sorrow and empathy the teacher experienced.

6. Explain why Thanh was surprised to see: 'I was amazed to see people still walking around normally, and the sunlight still shining on the scene.' when he led Thuy out of school.

Thanh and Thuy were filled with sorrow after witnessing Thuy’s emotional farewell. To Thanh, it seemed as if the world was falling apart, so seeing people moving about normally and the sunlight shining seemed surreal, further amplifying his feelings of loss and isolation.


7. What do you think the author is trying to convey through this story?

Through this story, I believe the author wishes to convey that family bonds are incredibly valuable and important. We must protect and cherish them, ensuring that nothing, no matter the reason, should harm these pure, natural relationships.

I. ABOUT THE WORK:

This text belongs to the group of practical literature (as seen in the lesson 'The School Gate Opens' by Li Lan). The central theme of this work revolves around children's rights, a core topic in the practical texts of the 7th-grade literature curriculum.

The main mode of expression in the text is narration. Beyond the three partings that form the core elements of the story, the author also uses an expressive method to tell the story, openly revealing the emotions of the main character (who is also a participant). The skillful blending of these two methods gives the text an emotional tone, evoking deep sorrow in the reader's heart.

II. ANSWERING QUESTIONS FROM THE TEXTBOOK:

Question 1. Read the text carefully to understand: Who is the story about? What is it about? Who is the main character?

Answer:

The story is about the painful and moving separation of two siblings. The main characters are Thanh and Thuy.

Question 2.

a. The story is told from which point of view? What is the effect of choosing this perspective?

b. Does the title relate to the meaning of the story?

Answer:

a.

The story is told from the first-person perspective - the older brother. The narrator, who uses the first-person pronoun “I,” is an active participant in the events, sharing in the sorrow with his sister. This choice of perspective allows the author to convey the inner thoughts, emotions, and moods of the characters more deeply. Additionally, this point of view increases the authenticity and persuasive power of the story.

b.

The siblings, Thanh and Thuy, are innocent children, playful and untroubled, much like the beautiful, charming dolls. However, due to the actions of adults, they are soon thrust into a tragic situation. “The Farewell of the Dolls” aptly symbolizes their parting, echoing the separation between the siblings. The title effectively captures the essence and meaning the author intends to convey.

3. Find details in the story that show how close and caring Thanh and Thuy are toward each other.

Answer:

The close bond and care between Thanh and Thuy is evident through several details:

- They share, help, and support one another:

+ Thuy brings a needle and thread to the playground to fix her brother's shirt.

+ Thanh helps Thuy with her homework and always picks her up after school.

- They are deeply affectionate toward each other:

+ They hold hands while walking and talk together.

+ They share toys. Thanh says, “I’ll give you everything,” while Thuy replies, “I’ll keep nothing, just leave everything for you,” placing the soldier doll at the bedside to guard him as he sleeps.

+ When they part, both siblings cry.

4. What is the contradiction in Thuy’s words and actions when she sees her brother separating the soldier and the small doll? Is there a way to resolve this contradiction? What feelings does Thuy’s response evoke in you?

Answer:

Thuy’s words and actions contradict each other because, on the one hand, she is angry when she sees Thanh separating the soldier doll from the small doll, but on the other hand, she is moved by concern for her brother and becomes flustered after yelling. This ironic situation evokes a longing in the reader for the siblings to be reunited, and for their parents not to divorce. Only such a reunion could resolve the tension between them.

At the end of the story, Thuy decides to leave the small doll next to the soldier doll so that they are never parted. This act touches the reader's heart, demonstrating Thuy's selflessness, compassion, and innocence. She is not only concerned about her brother but also about the dolls, choosing to be separated herself rather than let the dolls face the same fate. It is heartbreaking to wish that the siblings' separation never happened.

5. What moment during Thuy’s farewell to her class shocked the teacher, and which moment moved you the most? Why?

Answer:

- The moment that shocked the teacher:

+ The teacher gives Thuy a notebook and a pen with a golden lid, but Thuy refuses, saying, “I can’t accept them… I’m not going to school anymore.” “My grandmother’s house is far from school. My mother says she will buy me a basket of flowers to sell at the market.”

+ The meaning: The tragic loss of Thuy’s childhood. She must part from her father and brother, deprived of love and education, forced to struggle for survival while still so young.

- The moment that moved me the most:

+ Thuy’s farewell to her class that left the teacher in shock.

+ The teacher and the entire class crying when they learn that Thuy will no longer attend school.

+ The moment Thuy climbs into the car, then suddenly steps down, walks over to the bed, and places the small doll next to the soldier doll.

6. Explain why Thanh, holding Thuy’s hand as they leave the school, feels: “I was shocked to see people still walking by normally, and the sun was still shining, covering everything in its golden light.”

Answer:

Thanh and Thuy are in a state of turmoil and sorrow, having just witnessed the emotional farewell between Thuy, her teacher, and classmates. In Thanh’s subjective perspective, the world seems to be falling apart. That is why he is “shocked” to see that people continue to move about as usual, and the sun still shines. This contrast between the external world’s normalcy and the characters’ emotional turmoil heightens the feeling of alienation and loneliness they experience.

7. What message do you think the author is trying to convey through this story?

Answer:

Through this story, I believe the author wishes to remind everyone of the invaluable importance of family bonds. We should make every effort to protect and preserve these natural, pure relationships and never allow anything to harm them.

* Structure:

- Section 1 (From the beginning... the caring sibling): The scene of the two children sharing toys.

- Section 2 (continuing... the darkness covering everything): Thuy bids farewell to her class.

- Section 3 (remaining parts): The farewell between the two children.

Question 1 (Page 26 of the 7th-grade literature textbook, Volume 1):

The story features characters such as Thanh, Thuy, their parents, teacher Tam, the bodyguard doll, and the Little Brother doll.

The story depicts the separation between Thanh and Thuy’s parents, leading to the children’s own parting with their dolls, Bodyguard and Little Brother.

The main characters are Thanh and Thuy.

Question 2 (Page 26 of the 7th-grade literature textbook, Volume 1):

a, The story is narrated by the character using the first-person perspective, through Thanh's eyes. This narrative style provides direct insight into the character’s thoughts, feelings, and emotions, enhancing the realism of the story.

b, The title symbolizes the pain of separation, where innocent children bear the consequences of their parents' actions. The separation of the parents leads to the children’s and friends’ parting as well.

- Thanh and Thuy did not allow their dolls to part, symbolizing their hope and wish for a united family.

Lesson 3 (Page 27 of the 7th-grade literature textbook, Volume 1):

- Thanh and Thuy shared a close bond, full of love and understanding:

+ Thuy mends her brother's clothes.

+ Thanh always picks up his sister.

+ On the night before their separation, Thuy sobbed quietly, and Thanh, though trying to hide his tears, couldn’t help but cry.

+ Thuy gave up her Bodyguard doll to protect Thanh from nightmares.

+ Before leaving, Thuy reminded Thanh to continue mending his clothes.

Question 4 (Page 27 of the 7th-grade literature textbook, Volume 1):

- Both Thuy and Thanh were willing to share their toys. However, when Thanh reached the dolls, Thuy became upset and yelled.

- The only solution to this conflict would be for Thanh and Thuy's family to reunite, so the siblings wouldn’t have to part.

- This detail makes readers feel sympathy for Thuy’s compassionate and forgiving nature.

- It also brings attention to the thought: It is the parents’ separation that causes the painful partings of children, their friends, and everything they hold dear.

Question 5 (Page 27 of the 7th-grade literature textbook, Volume 1):

The most shocking and emotional details:

+ The most touching detail might be when Teacher Tam gifts Thuy a notebook and a golden-capped pen, but Thuy refuses because she will no longer be attending school. Teacher Tam's face turned pale, tears streaming down her face.

+ Thuy had to transfer schools because her grandmother's house was too far from the school, and Thuy would have to work selling fruit in the market.

→Thuy is a kind, loving child who must part with her friends, family, toys, and school and soon has to take on responsibilities as an adult.

Question 6 (Page 27 of the 7th-grade literature textbook, Volume 1):

When Thuy left school, Thanh was surprised to see people still walking around as usual, and the sun still shone brightly over the scenery.

+ The siblings felt as though they were in a gloomy atmosphere, while their friends and teachers were deeply saddened by the pain Thanh and Thuy were going through.

+ Therefore, this great pain did not seem to affect others at all.

- Thanh, overwhelmed by grief, thought that everyone knew the pain they were enduring.

- Nature remained beautifully indifferent to their suffering.

→This shock reflects Thanh’s deep sorrow and emptiness.

Question 7 (Page 27 of the 7th-grade literature textbook, Volume 1):

The message the author wants to convey:

- Family is the most precious thing in the world. Adults should preserve their family bond to provide children with a fulfilling life full of love and care. Never allow a family to break apart, as this leads to the painful separations of children and their friends.

Structure:

- Section 1 (My mother, with a hoarse voice... so caring): The scene of the two siblings sharing their toys.

- Section 2 (Would you walk me to school for a bit... as the darkness covers everything): Thuy says goodbye to her class.

- Section 3 (Remaining parts): The siblings bid each other farewell.

Summary:

Thanh and Thuy are siblings who love each other dearly, but due to their parents' divorce, they must part ways: Thuy goes to live with her mother in the countryside, while Thanh stays with their father. Before parting, they share their toys. Thanh gives all his toys to his sister. Thuy, worried her brother will have nightmares, gives him the Bodyguard doll to watch over his sleep, while she keeps the Little Brother doll. Thanh walks his sister to school to say goodbye. Teacher Tam gives Thuy a notebook and a golden-capped pen, but she refuses it because she may not be able to attend school anymore and will have to sell fruit in the market. Before leaving, Thuy changes her mind and places the Little Brother doll next to the Bodyguard doll so they won’t have to part, just like her and Thanh.

Lesson Guide:

Question 1 (Page 26 of the 7th-grade Literature Book, Volume 1):

- The story is about the heart-wrenching separation of two siblings. The main characters are Thanh and Thuy.

Question 2 (Page 27 of the 7th-grade Literature Book, Volume 1):

a. The story is told from the first-person point of view.

- Effect: It deeply expresses the character’s emotions, adding realism and convincing power to the story.

b. The title, The Farewell of the Dolls, also reflects the farewell between Thanh and Thuy, evoking the situation the author wants to convey. Two innocent and pure children, like dolls, are forced into a painful situation due to the actions of adults.

Question 3 (Page 27 of the 7th-grade Literature Book, Volume 1):

- The details showing how close and loving Thanh and Thuy are include:

+ Thuy brings sewing materials to the playground to mend her brother’s clothes.

+ Thanh picks up his sister every day from school, and they walk hand in hand, talking together.

+ Thuy reminds him to bring his torn clothes to her for mending.

+ The siblings always share their toys with each other. Concerned about her brother having no one to watch over him at night, Thuy gives him the Bodyguard doll.

Question 4 (Page 27 of the 7th-grade Literature Book, Volume 1):

- Thuy’s words and actions show a contradiction. On one hand, she is furious and doesn’t want the dolls to be separated, but on the other, she loves her brother and is afraid he will have no one to guard him at night. After angrily shouting, she is deeply confused.

- The only solution is for their family to reunite.

- The story ends with Thuy leaving the Little Brother doll next to the Bodyguard doll so they will never be separated, just like Thanh and Thuy.

- This ending evokes sympathy for Thuy's compassionate and selfless heart, wishing for this painful separation to not happen.

Question 5 (Page 27 of the 7th-grade Literature Book, Volume 1):

- A shocking moment in the story occurs when Thuy must say goodbye to her class, realizing she will no longer be able to attend school and will have to sell vegetables at the market due to her grandmother’s house being too far from the school. It’s heartbreaking to see such a young girl forced to work.

- The most touching detail is when Thuy exclaims, “Oh my God!” as her teacher’s face turns pale, tears streaming down her face.

Question 6 (Page 27 of the 7th-grade Literature Book, Volume 1):

- Thanh is amazed because, while life outside continues as usual, he and Thuy must endure such a great loss and separation. This psychological development is accurately portrayed, deepening the feelings of loneliness and confusion experienced by the characters.

Question 7 (Page 27 of the 7th-grade Literature Book, Volume 1):

- The author’s message is: Family bonds are sacred. We must protect, cherish, and preserve them. Never let them break apart.

I. Reading and Understanding the Text:

Question 1. Who is the story about, and what is it about? Who is the main character?

- The story is about the separation between two siblings, Thanh and Thuy. Due to their parents' divorce, they must go their separate ways. Thuy goes to live with her mother in the countryside, while Thanh stays with their father.

- Both Thanh and Thuy are the main characters of the story.

Question 2.

a. From what point of view is the story told? What is the effect of choosing this narrative perspective?

- The story is told from the first-person perspective. The character who uses 'I' in the story is Thanh—the person experiencing the pain of separation and witnessing everything unfold.

- Choosing this narrative style provides several advantages:

• It allows for a deep exploration of the character's emotions, feelings, and thoughts.
• It enhances the story's authenticity and persuades the reader of its truth.

- This is a story narrated by someone who is personally involved.

b. Does the title of the story reflect its meaning?

- The title of the story, “The Farewell of the Dolls,” certainly reflects the meaning of the story. Every title must be closely connected to the essence of the tale it represents.

- The title carries several layers of meaning:

• Dolls symbolize the innocence, purity, and simplicity of childhood.
• Behind these dolls, we see the innocence and loveliness of Thanh and Thuy, two siblings who have done nothing wrong but are still forced to part.
• The title hints at the situation in the story—a heartbreaking and thought-provoking situation that captures the reader’s attention.

Question 3. Find details in the story that show how close, loving, and caring the siblings Thanh and Thuy are toward each other.

- Sharing, helping, and caring for each other:

+ Thuy takes sewing materials to the stadium to mend her brother's clothes.

+ Thanh helps Thuy with her homework and picks her up from school every day.

- Being very close and loving each other:

+ They walk hand in hand, talking as they go.

+ They share their toys. Thanh says, “I give you everything,” and Thuy replies, “I’ll leave everything for you,” placing the Bodyguard doll next to his bed to guard his sleep.

+ When they part, both siblings cry.

Question 4. What is the contradiction in Thuy’s words and actions when she sees her brother separating the Bodyguard and Little Brother dolls? What do you think of her resolution?

- Thuy’s contradiction:

+ When she sees her brother separating the Bodyguard and Little Brother dolls, she gets angry and shouts, “Why are you so cruel?”

=> This is because she doesn’t want the dolls to be separated.

+ However, when she sees her brother place the dolls back together, as she wishes, she softly asks, “Who will watch over you at night?”

=> This is the contradiction between the harsh realities of life and the gentle kindness of human nature (as described by Vu Duong Quy).

- The solution to this contradiction is for Thanh and Thuy's parents to no longer be in conflict, to stop the divorce, and reunite their family so that the two siblings don't have to part and the dolls can stay together.

- Thuy’s resolution:

+ She turns around, quickly walks to the bed, and places the Little Brother doll in the arms of the Bodyguard doll.

+ Meaning: Thuy’s self-sacrificing, compassionate nature, accepting her own loss so that her brother can have the Bodyguard doll guard his sleep, and not wanting the dolls to be separated. This adds to the sorrow and heartache of the siblings' unjust separation. It also expresses her deep desire for unity and her burning wish to be happy, to not be torn apart.

Question 5. Which detail of Thuy’s farewell to her class left her teacher in shock, and which detail moved you the most? Why?

- The detail of Thuy's farewell to her class that left her teacher stunned:

+ The teacher gives Thuy a notebook and a golden-capped pen, but Thuy says, “I can’t accept it... I won’t be going to school anymore.” “My grandmother's house is far from school. My mom says she’ll buy me a basket to sell fruit in the market.”

+ Meaning: The painful reality of Thuy’s childhood—having to face immense losses: being separated from her father and brother, lacking affection, and being deprived of an education. She must struggle to survive, even at such a young age.

- The most touching detail: You can choose the most moving detail for yourself. Some of the most moving moments in the story include: - The moment we just analyzed above.

- The moment when the teacher and the entire class cry upon hearing that Thuy will no longer be able to attend school.

- The moment when Thuy climbs into the car but suddenly climbs back down and goes to the bed, placing the Little Brother doll next to the Bodyguard doll.

Question 6. Why do you think Thanh feels “amazed that everything was still normal and the sun was still shining brightly” when leading Thuy out of school?

- This situation contrasts the outer world with the inner world of the characters:

+ The outside world continues as usual, with people moving along in their regular routine, and the environment is even beautiful, with the sun still shining brightly.

+ However, the internal world of Thanh and Thuy is filled with immense pain, dealing with the collapse of their family, and their hearts are broken.

- This deepens the sense of loneliness, confusion, and isolation in the two young souls, as they bear the weight of this sorrow without anyone to share it with, only each other to endure it.

Question 7. What message do you think the author is trying to convey through this story? Do you think it’s important to remember this message?

“A family is invaluable and precious. Everyone should do their best to protect and preserve it, and never let any reason harm the pure and natural love within it.”