1. Bài soạn "Con chó Bấc" số 4

2. Analysis of the Story "The Call of the Wild" - Version 5
I - ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE
1. Jack London (1876 - 1916) was an American author born in San Francisco. He had a challenging childhood and had to work multiple jobs to make a living. Later, he attended the University of California, Berkeley, and began writing short stories published in the university's student newspaper.
Jack London is renowned for works such as *The Call of the Wild* (1903), *The Sea Wolf* (1904), *The Iron Heel* (1907), *Martin Eden* (1909), and more...
2. *The Call of the Wild* is a famous excerpt from Jack London's novel of the same name. With an incredibly rich imagination, the author created a vivid portrayal of a sled dog. Through this character, London paints a clear picture of early America, a time when civilization was still in its infancy.
II - READING AND UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT
Question 1. The excerpt can be divided into three parts:
- Introduction (Section 1).
- Thornton's feelings towards Buck (Section 2).
- Buck's feelings towards Thornton (Remaining sections).
The third section is the longest, indicating that the author's main focus is on telling the story of Buck and describing his feelings for his master.
Question 2. Thornton treats his dogs, especially Buck, "as though they were his own children." In both thought and action, Thornton doesn’t just see Buck as a dog, but as a companion, a friend.
Thornton could be considered the ideal master. The author compares him to other masters, such as Judge Miller and his children. While others care for their dogs out of duty, Thornton genuinely treats Buck as a friend. This is clearly shown in his affectionate gestures: greeting Buck warmly, hugging him, pushing his head gently, and whispering sweet words like "You almost speak!" These actions highlight Thornton as a unique and loving master who values deep emotional connections, even with his animals.
Question 3. The everyday events in Thornton and Buck’s relationship are narrated simply, yet with a captivating charm. The author weaves together actions and specific details that show Thornton’s love for Buck has surpassed a typical master-dog relationship. He treats the dogs "as if they were his children." Buck, being an intelligent dog, understands these gestures, and responds with a sincere and warm affection. It is so overwhelming that Buck "feels as if his heart might leap out of his body in sheer bliss." Each of Buck's actions carries so much meaning that Thornton is almost moved to believe that Buck is speaking to him, not through words, but through his actions.
Buck’s way of expressing affection is also extraordinary. When he presses his teeth into Thornton’s hand, it’s clear how intense Buck’s love for Thornton is. Unlike other dogs that might rush or eagerly seek attention, Buck quietly reveres Thornton, observing him in a unique way that only Buck could. The connection between them through eye contact conveys all the admiration, reverence, and affection Buck feels for his master, feelings that he has never experienced before.
The emotional bond between Buck and Thornton is further illustrated in the final part of the excerpt. The more Buck loves his master, the more he fears losing him. Therefore, Buck follows Thornton everywhere, never leaving his side. The vivid image of Buck not sleeping, "crawling through the cold to the edge of the tent, standing there, listening to his master’s steady breath..." is more powerful than words could express. It reveals the author’s remarkable ability to observe and depict emotions with great sensitivity.
Question 4. The appeal of this excerpt, and the entire short story *The Call of the Wild*, lies in the profound social message it conveys. In a world of fierce competition for wealth and survival, all emotional bonds are pushed to the background. The love and deep affection between Buck and Thornton serve as a tribute to kindness and noble emotions, urging people to put aside material desires in favor of a more meaningful and better life.
In the story, the author doesn’t humanize Buck in the traditional fable sense, like La Fontaine. Instead, he portrays Buck as a dog, just as readers would imagine him. Yet, it seems the author has truly understood Buck’s "soul" and has depicted him so vividly through his thoughts, actions, and gestures. This demonstrates the author’s extraordinary imagination, rooted in genuine affection and heartfelt experience with animals.

3. Bài soạn "Con chó Bấc" số 6
I. Tìm hiểu tác phẩm Con chó Bấc Ngữ văn 9 tập 2
1. Tác giả:
Giắc Lân – đơn là nhà văn Mĩ. Ông được so sánh với Mác – xim Go – rơ – ki của Nga.
Ông là tác giả của nhiều tiểu thuyết nổi tiếng như: Tiếng gọi nơi hoang dã, Sói biển, Nanh trắng,…
2. Tác phẩm
Văn bản Con chó Bấc được trích từ tiểu thuyết Tiếng gọi nơi hoang dã. Tác phẩm kể về Bấc là một con chó bị bắt cóc đưa lên Bắc cữ để kéo xe trượt tuyết cho những người đi tìm vàng. Bấc đã qua tay nhiều ông chủ độc ác. Chỉ riêng Giôn Thoóc-tơn là người chủ có lòng nhân từ đã cảm hóa Bấc. Về sau, khi Thoóc-tơn chết, Bấc hoàn toàn dứt bỏ con người, đi theo tiếng gọi nơi hoang dã và trở thành con sói hoang.
II. Hướng dẫn soạn bài Con chó Bấc Ngữ văn 9 tập 2
1. Câu 1 trang 154 SGK Ngữ văn 9 tập 2
Phần 1 (từ đầu... khơi dậy lên được) : Mở đầu nói về hoàn cảnh của Bấc khi đến với Thoóc-tơn.
Phần 2 (tiếp... như biết nói đấy) : Tình cảm của Thoóc-tơn với Bấc.
Phần 3 (còn lại) : Tình cảm của Bấc với ông chủ.
Nhà văn muốn nói đến khía cạnh biểu hiện tình cảm của con chó Bấc đối với ông chủ của mình.
2. Câu 2 trang 154 SGK Ngữ văn 9 tập 2
Cách cư xử của Thoóc-tơn đối với Bấc có những điểm đặc biệt là: Anh là người đã cứu sống Bấc, đồng thời đã cưu mang, coi Bấc như gia đình của mình: chào hỏi, cưng nựng, yêu thương chú hết mực
Nhà văn dành một đoạn để nói về tình cảm của Thoóc-tơn với Bấc trước khi diễn tả tình cảm của Bấc Vì: Nhà văn muốn cho người đọc thấy được Thoóc-tơn là một ông chủ tốt, nó khác hẳn với những ông chủ khác mà Bấc đã gặp trước đó. Để qua đó ta cảm nhận được, tình cảm của Bấc dành cho ông chủ mình là xứng đáng
3. Câu 3 trang 154 SGK Ngữ văn 9 tập 2
Tình cảm của con chó Bấc đối với ông chủ được biểu hiện qua những khía cạnh như: Vờ cắn vào tay Thoóc-tơn như của chỉ vuốt ve, Bấc chỉ tôn thờ ở xa xa một quãng, nằm phục ở chân, mắt tỉnh táo, háo hức, ngước nhìn chủ, ám sát không rời chủ. Luôn lo sợ, ám ảnh sẽ mất Thoóc-tơn đột ngột (Không ngủ, đứng đấy lắng nghe tiếng thở đều đều của chủ).
Năng lực quan sát của tác giả khi viết đoạn văn này là: Tác giả đã quan sát rất tỉ mỉ, tinh tế bằng tất cả giác quan và tình yêu của mình dành cho động vật.
4. Câu 4 trang 154 SGK Ngữ văn 9 tập 2
Trí tưởng tượng tuyệt vời khi đi sâu vào “tâm hồn” con chó: nhà văn không nhân hóa miêu tả Bấc, không dùng những hình ảnh để biến Bấc trở nên khác biệt. Ông đứng ngoài quan sát, miêu tả con chó như nó vốn có, ông dường như có thể hiểu thấu “tâm hồn” con chó nên đã miêu tả nó cực kì sinh động qua những suy nghĩ, cử chỉ, hành động... (biết vui mừng và cũng biết lo sợ, ám ảnh, biết vờ cắn như là cử chỉ vuốt ve,...).

4. Bài soạn "Con chó Bấc" số 1
I. About the Author
- G. Maupassant (1850-1893), full name Guy de Maupassant
- Hometown: Normandy, northern France
- Life and literary career:
+ In 1871, he moved to Paris and worked as a minor official in the Ministry of the Navy
+ From 1878 onward, he worked as an official in the Ministry of Education
+ His literary career began between 1871-1880, initially writing poetry
+ Between 1880-1891, he wrote around 300 short stories, many of which are considered masterpieces, such as *The Dead*, *The Jewels*, *The Little Box*, …
II. The Work
1. Creation Context
- The text is an excerpt from the short story *The Father of Simon*, from the *19th Century French Short Story Anthology*, translated by Le Hong Sam, published by University and Technical Publishing House, Hanoi, 1986
2. Structure
- 4 parts:
+ Part 1: Simon's despair
+ Part 2: Simon meets Uncle Philip
+ Part 3: Uncle Philip takes Simon home
+ Part 4: The following day at school
3. Content Value
- Through the emotional development of the three characters: Simon, Blanc-sot, and Philip, the author evokes themes of friendship, compassion for others, and empathy for their pain or mistakes
4. Artistic Value
- The author's skill in depicting characters' psychology is deep and subtle; the writing style is simple yet profound, encapsulating a rich, layered meaning.
Question 1 (page 154, Literature 9, Volume 2)
- Part 1 (from the beginning...only introduces): Emphasizing the love and devotion of Buck the dog for his owner, Thornton
- Part 2 (continuing...almost seems to speak!): Thornton's affection for Buck
- Part 3 (the remaining part): Buck's feelings towards Thornton
Question 2 (page 154, Literature 9, Volume 2)
- Thornton treats his dogs, especially Buck, "as if they were his own children"
+ In his thoughts and feelings, he views Buck as a person, an equal, a friend
- Thornton is the "ideal master" for Buck, unlike those owners who treat dogs as business assets or obligations
- Unique expressions of Thornton's affection: warm greetings, playful chatter with the dog
- His feelings are expressed even in his mutterings of "loving words whispered in its ear"
- Thornton is a special master who values affection, even for his animals
→ While the focus should be on Buck's emotions, the author first addresses Thornton's feelings for all his dogs, especially Buck, to highlight the deep bond between the dog and master.
Question 3 (page 151, Literature 9, Volume 2)
The emotions of Buck the dog are told simply, yet with a captivating charm.
+ The gestures and actions, combined with vivid, specific details, illustrate the bond between Thornton and Buck
+ The simplicity of the narrative adds a unique appeal, showing how Thornton’s affection for Buck transcends the typical owner-pet relationship
+ He cares for the dogs "as if they were his own children"
+ Buck, being an intelligent dog, understands Thornton's gestures and reciprocates with sincere affection
- Buck’s way of showing affection is unconventional.
+ The way Buck presses his teeth into Thornton's hand shows the intensity of his love
+ He silently reveres and watches his master in his own unique way
+ Their silent communication through eye contact reveals admiration, reverence
- The final part of the excerpt deepens their emotional connection
+ The more Buck loves his master, the more he fears losing him
+ The detail where Buck doesn't sleep but "crawls through the cold to the edge of the tent, listening to Thornton’s steady breath" illustrates the author’s keen observational skills
Question 4 (page 154, Literature 9, Volume 2)
The author does not anthropomorphize Buck in the style of La Fontaine, nor does he allow him to speak human language like animals in fables
- "The way the author describes Buck makes it seem like the dog is capable of thinking (it had never felt such love before)"; "Buck feels no joy greater than being embraced tightly by Thornton."
- Buck experiences joy and fear ("Changing masters often...instills a fear in him...")
- Buck even dreams "that, even at night, in his dreams, he is haunted by this fear..."
→ All of this reflects the author’s marvelous imagination and his deep love for animals.
Meaning and Value
Through this excerpt, students can appreciate the fine observations when writing about dogs, the incredible imagination shown in exploring the "soul" of Buck, and the expression of affection for animals.

5. Essay on "Buck the Dog" Number 2
Question 1 (page 154, Literature 9, Volume 2):
Identify the structure of the essay based on the following sequence: a) Introduction, b) Thornton's feelings toward Buck, c) Buck's feelings toward his master. Based on the length of each section, determine which aspect the author focuses on most.
Answer:
The structure of the essay: 3 parts
a) "...in Buck's heart": Introduction
b) "This man... seems almost able to speak": Thornton's affection for Buck.
c) "Buck had his own way...": Buck’s feelings toward his master.
Among these sections, the third one is the longest. The author mainly focuses on describing the emotional expressions of Buck toward Thornton.
Question 2 (page 154, Literature 9, Volume 2):
What is special about Thornton's behavior toward Buck, and in what details is this expressed? Why does the author first discuss Thornton’s feelings for Buck before describing Buck's feelings toward his master?
Answer:
- Thornton’s treatment of Buck is notably special. He views Buck “as if he were his own child.” In his mind and heart, Thornton sees Buck as an equal, a friend.
- Though he is Buck's master, he is an “ideal master,” unlike other men who take care of Buck out of obligation (feeding him because it's their duty) or for commercial purposes (using him to pull sleds in search of gold).
- Every time he sees Buck, Thornton greets him, chats casually, especially by grabbing “Buck’s head and pressing it against his own, shaking it lightly, while softly murmuring affectionate words, with a loving exclamation: ‘My goodness! You almost seem to be able to speak!’”
- The author first describes Thornton’s affection for Buck to show that it is this love that sparks and nurtures Buck’s “passionate, intense love, so deep that it borders on worship.” Without this affection, Buck’s genuine, intense love for his “ideal master” could not be expressed in the later vivid descriptions.
Question 3 (page 154, Literature 9, Volume 2):
How does Buck's affection for his master manifest in various ways? What do you think of the author's skill in writing this passage?
Answer:
- Sometimes Buck enthusiastically nips at Thornton, lies under his feet for hours, eagerly watching his face and eyes. At other times, he sits next to or behind him, his eyes fixed on every tiny movement, his gaze sparkling with love, always following his master, never leaving his side. At night, he rises and crawls to the edge of the tent, listening intently to Thornton’s steady breathing.
- At times, in sheer joy, Buck stands up straight, his mouth seemingly smiling, his eyes radiating emotion, his throat vibrating with strange sounds. Notably, he never demands anything from his master.
- Although the author doesn’t anthropomorphize Buck or allow him to speak human language, he seems to profoundly understand the rich inner world of Buck.
Question 4 (page 154, Literature 9, Volume 2):
Prove the author's incredible imagination and his love for animals as he delves into the “soul” of Buck the dog.
Answer:
- Buck knows how to think: “Previously, he had never felt such love!” Buck feels that nothing could be more blissful than the strong embrace.” “It felt as if his heart might jump out of his chest.”
- “Buck never wanted to leave Thornton’s side.”
- Buck experiences both joy and fear: “The frequent changes of masters...trigger a deep fear within him...“he fears that Thornton might disappear from his life as well.”
- Buck even dreams: “Even at night, in his dreams, he is haunted by this fear.”
=> Truly, the author possesses a sharp observational eye and wonderful imagination, and his immense love for animals is evident in his emotionally charged writing.
Summary
Buck is a dog stolen and brought to the Arctic to pull a sled for gold seekers. He endures cruel masters until he meets John Thornton, a kind and compassionate owner who wins Buck’s trust. Later, when Thornton dies, Buck abandons human companionship and answers the call of the wild, becoming a wild wolf.
Main Idea
The author’s sensitive observations when writing about the dog, his marvelous imagination in exploring Buck’s soul, and his deep affection for animals are clearly revealed in this piece.

6. Essay on "Buck the Dog" Number 3

