1. Analysis of 'Lao xao' - Version 4
Learn about the author and the work
1. Author
- Nguyen Duy Khan (1934-1993) was born in Son Trung village, Nam Son commune, Que Vo district, Bac Ninh province.
- He was a Vietnamese poet and writer, and a member of the Vietnam Writers' Association.
- During his youth, he studied in a French-controlled area, but due to the influence of his two older brothers, Nguyen Dinh Thu and Nguyen Dinh Tha, he left school at 15 to join the Vietnam Army in the Viet Minh-controlled region.
- With a solid educational background, he was assigned to teach and later worked as a war correspondent for the Army Radio program.
- In 1972, he worked for the Military Literature Magazine, serving as an editor, and spent considerable time in the Spratly Islands.
- In 1987, he won the Vietnam Writers' Association Award for his memoir 'Silent Childhood' (1986).
- In 2012, he was awarded the State Prize for Literature and Arts.
- Some of his notable works include: 'New Battle' (1972), 'A Voice from Xa Ma Khi' (1981), 'Confessions of a Traveler' (1984), and 'Silent Childhood' (1986).
2. The Work
- 'Silent Childhood', published in 1986, is Nguyen Duy Khan's most famous work, marking a significant turning point in his writing career.
- The work won the Vietnam Writers' Association Award in 1987.
- The memoir comprises several chapters that span from the author's early years to when he joined the military at 15. Each chapter vividly depicts memories of his village in Bac Ninh, ranging from nature, customs, and festivals to the lives of people with tragic fates, as well as the animals, seen through the innocent eyes of young Khan.
- Through his reflections and childhood memories, the author recreates the lifestyle of his village, depicting nature, activities, objects, and people. Despite the hardships, the life in the village is filled with vitality and reflects the unique cultural identity of rural Vietnam.
- Structure: 2 Parts
+ Part 1: (From the beginning to 'silently flies away'): The village landscape at the beginning of summer.
+ Part 2: (The rest): The world of birds.
3. Summary of the text 'Lao xao'
As summer approaches, the trees are lush and fragrant with blooming flowers, while bees and butterflies buzz energetically. The world of birds in the countryside is brought to life with a variety of species. The loud-mouthed Bồ Cả, the quick-witted Chị Điệp, along with the various other birds such as the black crow, the tu hú, and the gentle swallows, form a vibrant picture of rural life. The aggressive hawk hunts for chicks, while the black crow sneaks around the pigsty, and the noisy chèo bẻo creates chaos. Even the feared eagle, a fierce predator, is eventually defeated by the chèo bẻo.
Understanding the Text
1 - Page 113 SGK
The article describes the birds in the countryside—does it follow any sequence, or is it completely random? To answer this, consider:
(a) List the birds mentioned in order.
(b) Are the birds grouped by their species?
(c) Look at how the story unfolds, how descriptions are woven together.
Answer:
(a) The order of bird descriptions is:
- Bồ Cả, chim ri, sáo sậu, sáo đen, tu hú
- Chim ngói, nhạn, bìm bịp
- Diều hâu, chèo bẻo, quạ đen, quạ khoang, cắt
(b) The author doesn't describe the birds randomly. The order is clear and grouped by species:
+ First, the birds of similar species.
+ Then the intermediate species like the swallows and swifts.
+ Finally, the more aggressive species.
(c) The storytelling flows naturally, starting with nature, moving through human experiences, and leading into descriptions of the birds.
- The narrative begins with the call of the bồ các and continues with a rhythm akin to folk songs, building the story.
2 - Page 113 SGK
Comments on the artistic depiction of the birds:
(a) How are the birds described, and what specific aspects are highlighted (appearance, colors, sounds, behavior)?
(b) How does the author combine narration with description? Find examples of birds being described in their habitats and activities.
(c) What does the description reveal about the author's observation and affection for nature and village life?
Answer:
(a) The author emphasizes the unique traits of each bird (sounds, flight, habits, appearance), creating a diverse and rich portrayal.
- The Bồ Cả calls out loudly.
- The sáo sậu and sáo đen sing cheerfully atop the buffaloes.
- The chim ngói flutters by.
- The nhạn soars in the sky, chirping away.
- The bìm bịp hides in the bushes, calling constantly.
- The diều hâu flies high, its beak sharp and keen.
- The chèo bẻo, with its sharp flight, challenges even the hawk.
- The quạ is clever and sly.
- Birds of good nature are described by their sounds, intermediate birds by their colors and calls, while predatory birds are described by their behavior and survival tactics.
(b) The combination of narration and description is seamless and organized.
- The narrative balances the struggle for survival among the birds:
+ Hawks versus chèo bẻo over food.
+ Chèo bẻo versus eagles.
(c) The author demonstrates sharp observation, showcasing both minute details and the deep connection with nature. The way he portrays the birds shows affection for his rural heritage, making the environment come alive.
3 - Page 113 SGK
The text uses various elements of folk culture such as proverbs, nursery rhymes, and storytelling. Find examples.
What unique qualities do the folk elements bring to the portrayal of the birds, and what might be less accurate?
Answer:
The author incorporates several folk cultural elements:
- Bồ Cả is called bác chim ri, and tu hú is referred to as chú bồ các.
- 'Dây mơ, rễ má' (a Vietnamese proverb).
- 'Kẻ cắp gặp bà già' (a proverb).
- The myth of the bìm bịp.
=> These folk elements help make the narration more natural and relatable to readers. However, some interpretations feel forced and biased.
4 - Page 113 SGK
What new insights or feelings does the essay evoke about nature and village life through the depiction of birds?
Answer:
- The essay offers fascinating insights into the behavior, appearance, and habits of birds.
- It encourages a greater appreciation for the beauty of nature and the rural landscape.
Exercise: Observe and describe a familiar bird in your area.
Suggested points to cover:
- What is the bird you are describing?
- Is it common in your area? When does it usually appear?
- Describe its appearance.
- What are the bird's habits?
- What feelings does the bird evoke for you?
Reference: The description of the 'Hoạ Mi' bird
Every evening, the hoạ mi bird flies from somewhere and perches in a tangle of wild vines at my garden, singing its heart out.
- After a full day of flying through the skies, drinking from clear mountain streams, and tasting sweet fruits, it sings joyfully.
- Sometimes its song is soft, sometimes loud, resembling a melody played in the quiet of the evening, its voice echoing through the peaceful surroundings.
- After a long song, the mysterious musician rests quietly, closing its eyes, waiting for the next day's journey.
- The next morning, as dawn breaks, the hoạ mi sings again, greeting the new day with its joyful song.
- It stretches its neck and sings loudly, as if calling to its friends from afar.
- After singing, it shakes off the morning dew and flits between bushes to find a quick bite before flying eastward.
(Collected)
Remember
Through keen observation and deep affection for nature, the author paints a vivid and colorful picture of rural life, all through the birdlife in the countryside.
Illustrative Image (Source: Internet)2. Lesson Plan "Lao xao" - Version 5
I - General Overview
1. Author
Nguyen Duy Khan, whose real name is Nguyen Duy Khan, hails from Bac Ninh Province. He worked as a teacher and a war correspondent.
2. The Work
"Silent Childhood" is an autobiographical memoir, reflecting the essence of the author's life and writing career. The text "Lao xao" is an excerpt from "Silent Childhood".
3. Structure
Part 1: From the beginning to "quietly fly away": The rural landscape at the dawn of summer.
Part 2: The rest: The world of birds.
II - Understanding the Text
Question 1, page 113, Literature 6, Volume 2:
a. List the sequence of birds mentioned:
Bồ các, chim ri, sáo sậu, sáo đen, tu hú.
Chim ngói, nhạn, bìm bịp.
Diều hâu, chèo bẻo, quạ đen, quạ khoang, cắt.
b. The birds are grouped into categories based on their similarity: from the gentle to the aggressive.
c. The narrative flow is natural and captivating, beginning with a nursery rhyme that resonates with the childlike mindset, establishing a strong familial bond within the bird world.
Question 2, page 113, Literature 6, Volume 2:
a. Each bird is described by its most distinctive traits: shape, call, flight pattern, hunting style, contributing to the richness and variety.
The gentle birds are portrayed through their calls and songs, while the predatory birds are described by their hunting methods and survival strategies against other birds.
b. The birds are depicted within the context of the survival struggle between species:
The hawk catching chicks.
The fight for food between the chèo bẻo and the hawk, between the chèo bẻo and the kestrel.
c. The narrative intertwines description and storytelling, reflecting the author’s keen observation, thorough understanding, and profound love for his homeland.
Question 3, page 113, Literature 6, Volume 2:
Folk elements in the text:
Nursery rhyme: Bồ các is like an old bird, Chim ri is like a long-legged bird, Sáo sậu is a younger blackbird, and so on.
Proverbs: connections between words like "dây mơ rễ má", and "kẻ cắp gặp bà già".
The distinctive feature: These elements make the storytelling feel warm, relatable, and lively.
Potential flaws: The descriptions may carry some preconceived biases that are not entirely objective.
Question 4, page 113, Literature 6, Volume 2:
This passage enriches our understanding of birds: their appearance, behavior, hunting tactics, and survival strategies.
It fosters a deeper emotional connection to nature and rural life.
III - Practice
Describe a bird from your village:
Early in the morning, as soon as I wake up, I hear the chirping of the sparrow in the garden. The sparrow has a small head with a yellow beak. Its body is round with feathers in black, yellow, and white, along with rounded wings. Sparrows usually forage in fields and bushes. Their diet consists mainly of insects, small bugs, seeds, and fruits. The cheerful chirping of the sparrow is a delightful sound to hear. During harvest, sparrows gather in the rice fields to pick up the scattered grains. Sparrows are peaceful birds, beloved by everyone for being a helpful companion to farmers.
Illustrative Image (Source: Internet)3. Lesson Plan "Lao xao" - Version 6
I. Reading - Understanding the Text:
Question 1: Answer the following:
a. List the birds mentioned:
Bồ các, chim ri, sáo sậu, sáo đen, tu hú, bìm bịp, diều hâu, quạ đen, quạ khoang, chim cắt, chèo bẻo.
b. The birds are grouped into the following categories:
Gentle birds
Predatory birds
Birds that ward off evil species.
c. The narrative style, description, and connection of ideas:
- The storytelling is very natural.
- Each bird is uniquely described, highlighting their distinct behaviors. The author also uses personification, making the bird world feel as if it were human.
- The sequence of images and details is logical yet surprising.
Question 2: Comments on the artistic depiction of the birds:
a. Descriptions of the birds:
- Bồ các: A loud, frantic call as it flies, as though being chased.
- Diều hâu: A sharp beak, a keen sense of smell.
- Chèo bẻo: Black arrows with fish-shaped tails that soar through the sky. During harvest, they stay up all night, calling out the moment the day breaks: “chè cheo chét”.
- Chim cắt: Sharp wings like daggers that can pierce the flesh, and they attack fiercely with their wings.
b. The combination of storytelling and description within the context of their environment and relationships:
- The swallow flutters high in the sky, its call echoing: "chéc chéc".
- The cuckoo arrives when the mulberry season is ripe and leaves as soon as the fruits are gone.
- The bìm bịp’s call signals the arrival of evil birds.
- The hawk preys on chicks, while the kestrel kills pigeons, and the chèo bẻo fights pigeons and kestrels.
*Combining narration, description, and commentary:
- The tale of the black myna at Uncle Vui's house, learning to speak, and the story of the bìm bịp legend.
- Regarding the myna family: They are gentle and bring joy to the world.
- Regarding the chèo bẻo: They punish evil. A person who has committed wrongs can become good, and that is admirable.
- Regarding the kestrel: They are dark demons, and no other bird has been able to defeat them.
c. Comment on the author's keen observation and deep affection for nature and the rural life, as seen through the birds:
The author’s careful observation of the birds and his deep love for the rural environment are clear. The writer preserves the innocence of childhood in the descriptions of the bird world in the countryside.
Question 3: Elements of folk culture:
- Nursery rhyme: Bồ các is like an old bird, Chim ri is like a long-legged bird…bồ các.
- Proverbs: Dây mơ, rễ má; Kẻ cắp gặp bà già;…
- Folk tales: The origin of the bìm bịp bird, the origin of the chèo bẻo bird.
Observation: The folk culture seeps into the writer’s perspective and feelings about birds and village life. For each bird, the author presents a different view, either sympathetic or antagonistic, sometimes attributing human-like qualities to them. While the folklore reflects a simple and naive worldview, it can also contain biases and unscientific judgments. For instance, the bìm bịp’s call is linked to the arrival of evil birds.
Question 4:
The text helps us better understand the birds, their feeding habits, and their daily lives. Additionally, the author’s deep affection for the rural landscape paints a vivid, colorful picture of village life.
II. PRACTICE:
Observe and describe a familiar bird from your village.
Songbird:
- That afternoon, a songbird flew into my garden.
- It seemed joyful, free to roam across the yard.
- The songbird’s melody was gentle, like a lullaby being played by someone.
- After singing, the songbird grew tired and closed its eyes.
Illustrative Image (Source: Internet)4. Lesson Plan "Lao xao" - Version 1
I. About the Author: Duy Khan
Duy Khan (1934-1993), from Que Vo district, Bac Ninh province. His notable work is 'Silent Childhood' (an autobiographical memoir) – through his childhood memories, he recreates the rural life of the past in vivid depictions of nature, daily activities, objects, and the people of his hometown. This essay reflects the author's deep patriotism and the strength of the Soviet people during the harsh circumstances of the war. The piece also conveys the truth: 'Patriotism begins with a love for the simplest things, like one's village or hometown, and ultimately, love for the nation.'
II. About the Work: 'Lao Xao'
1. Origin
'Lao Xao' is an excerpt from Duy Khan's 'Silent Childhood,' which won the 1987 Writers' Association Award.
2. Structure
The text is divided into two parts:
- Part 1 (from the beginning to 'râm ran'): Depicts the rural scene at the beginning of summer.
- Part 2 (remaining section): Focuses on the world of birds.
3. Content Value
Through keen observation, deep knowledge, and a deep love for nature and the homeland, the author paints vivid, detailed, and colorful pictures of the bird world in the countryside.
4. Artistic Value
- The author uses frequent onomatopoeic words.
- Employs personification and similes.
- Describes with precision and uniqueness.
- Masterfully blends narration and description.
- Incorporates elements of folk culture.
Question 1 (page 113, Grade 6 Literature Book 2):
The order in which different bird species are described:
- The text mentions various bird species from the countryside, but the descriptions are not random or disorganized. The birds are grouped in a meaningful order:
+ First, birds from the same family are described.
+ Then, birds like the 'Ngói,' 'Nhạn,' and 'Bìm Bịp' are presented as intermediate species.
+ Lastly, the malicious birds are introduced.
- The narrative smoothly transitions from nature to humans, from children to birds. It begins with the call of the 'Bồ Các,' followed by a folk song structure that guides the story's progression.
Question 2 (page 113, Grade 6 Literature Book 2):
The artistic depiction of birds:
The author focuses on the distinct features of each bird (sounds, flight patterns, habits, appearance, etc.) to create a rich, diverse portrayal.
- 'Bồ Các' calls loudly.
- The 'Sáo Sậu' and 'Sáo Đen' perch on buffaloes and sing to celebrate the harvest.
- The 'Ngói' flits past.
- The 'Nhạn' soars high in the sky, calling 'chéc, chéc.'
- The 'Bìm Bịp' chirps continuously in the bushes.
- The 'Diều Hâu' flies high, with a hooked beak and sharp senses.
- The 'Chèo Bẻo' is described as flying with sharp, black arrow-like feathers.
- The 'Quạ' is quick-witted and sneaky.
These birds are characterized in various ways: the gentle ones by their calls and songs, the intermediates by their colors and sounds, and the malicious ones by their predatory behaviors and survival tactics.
The author skillfully combines narration and description in a sequential manner.
- The narrative transitions naturally between the birds' struggles for survival, such as the competition for prey between the 'Diều Hâu' and 'Chèo Bẻo' or between the 'Chèo Bẻo' and the 'Chim Cắt.'
- The detailed description of each bird shows the author's sharp observational skills, changing tones in the narrative, and emphasizes the idea that the bird world is like a human society, with good, evil, and conflicts often resolved through violence. This reflects the deep connection between the author and nature.
Question 3 (page 113, Grade 6 Literature Book 2):
Folk cultural elements in the text:
The author uses various folk cultural materials:
- 'Bồ Các is uncle 'Chim Ri,' 'Chim Ri' is aunt 'Sáo Sậu'... 'Tu Hú' is uncle 'Bồ Các.'
- 'Dây Mơ, Rễ Má' (a Vietnamese idiomatic expression).
- 'Kẻ Cắp Gặp Bà Già' (another idiomatic expression).
- The folk tale about the 'Bìm Bịp' bird.
These elements enrich the narrative, making it feel close and natural, as if the story belongs to the reader.
However, the author's evaluations can sometimes seem biased or forced.
Question 4 (page 113, Grade 6 Literature Book 2):
- The essay provides interesting facts about the birds, from their habits and appearances to their methods of hunting.
- It helps readers understand and appreciate the natural beauty of their homeland.
III. PRACTICE EXERCISE
Question 1: Summary
The early summer brings lush trees, fragrant flowers, and a buzz of activity from butterflies and bees. In the countryside, the bird world appears vividly under the author's pen. The 'Bồ Các' is loud, the 'Sáo Sậu' and 'Sáo Đen' joyfully sing from the backs of buffaloes. The 'Ngói,' 'Nhạn,' 'Bìm Bịp' are friendly and familiar. The 'Bìm Bịp' chirps day and night in the bushes, while the 'Diều Hâu' preys on chicks. The 'Quạ' is quick and sneaky, while the 'Chèo Bẻo' is aggressive, fighting both the 'Diều Hâu' and the 'Quạ.' The 'Chim Cắt' is fierce, and even the 'Chèo Bẻo' cannot defeat it.
Question 2: Observe and describe a bird from your hometown.
Consider the following points:
- What bird are you describing?
- Is it common in your area? When does it appear?
- Describe its physical appearance.
- What are its habits?
- How does its presence make you feel?
Illustrative image (Source: Internet)
5. Essay on 'Lao Xao' - Version 2
Answer question 1 (page 113, Literature 6, Volume 2):
Read the essay 'Lao Xao' (by Duy Khan) and answer the questions:
(a) List the names of the birds mentioned in the essay in order.
(b) Are the birds grouped according to their species or not?
(c) Analyze how the narrative is structured, the style of description, and how the images and details are interconnected.
Detailed answer:
(a) The birds mentioned in the essay include: bồ các, chim ri, chim sáo, sáo sậu, sáo đen, tu hú, bìm bịp, diều hâu, quạ đen, quạ khoang, chim cắt, chèo bèo.
(b) The author categorizes the birds thoughtfully rather than randomly. The descriptions follow a clear structure, grouped into three sections:
+ First, birds from the same family are grouped together.
+ Then, birds such as chim ngói, nhạn, and bìm bịp are described as a transitional step.
+ Finally, the essay describes the more sinister birds.
(c) The narrative tone is casual and natural. The description of each bird is vivid, with anthropomorphism adding life to the bird world. The interweaving of details, like the interpretation of the bìm bịp's call, adds an unexpected twist: The name 'bìm bịp' comes from an old monk's self-description, turning his deceitful nature into the bird's identity. The description of the bird’s environment and the links between birds and human-like traits enrich the story.
Answer question 2 (page 113, Literature 6, Volume 2):
Comment on the artistic depiction of the birds. Specifically:
(a) What aspects of the birds are described in detail (appearance, color, call or song, activity, and characteristics)?
(b) How does the combination of narration and description work? Provide examples showing how the birds are depicted in their habitats, activities, and relationships with other species.
(c) Comment on the author's observation skills and emotional connection to nature and rural life as expressed through the depiction of the birds.
Detailed answer:
(a) The description of each bird:
- Bồ các: its call sounds like it’s being chased.
- Diều hâu: it has a hooked beak and a keen sense of smell.
- Chèo bèo: with its sharp black arrows, it flies around hunting all night.
- Chim cắt: its wings are like blades used in battle.
(b) The combination of narration and description highlights the birds' roles in their environments:
- The nhạn flutters high in the sky.
- The tu hú flies away when the fruits are gone.
- The bìm bịp's call signals the appearance of malevolent birds.
- Diều hâu preys on chicks, while chim cắt fights back.
Additional narrative elements combine story-telling with description, such as the tale of a talking sáo or the myth behind the bìm bịp.
(c) The author’s deep knowledge of rural birds and his emotional attachment to nature are evident. The essay expresses affection for the countryside, capturing both the richness of its wildlife and the simplicity of childhood emotions toward it.
Answer question 3 (page 113, Literature 6, Volume 2):
The essay uses many elements from folk culture, such as idioms, nursery rhymes, and folktales. Find examples.
What distinctive features of the essay reflect folk culture, and what parts may be inaccurate?
Detailed answer:
Elements of folk culture in the essay include:
- Nursery rhymes: 'Bồ các is Uncle Chim Ri... is Uncle Bồ các...'
- Idioms: 'Tangled roots', 'Meet an old lady on the way'; 'Quick and sly like a crow in a pigsty'.
- Folktales: The myths of the bìm bịp and chèo bèo birds.
The influence of folk culture permeates the depiction of the birds and their relationships with humans and rural life. Birds are often personified and assigned traits typical of folk wisdom, though some of the explanations are scientifically inaccurate (e.g., associating bìm bịp’s call with the arrival of evil birds).
Answer question 4 (page 113, Literature 6, Volume 2):
What new insights and feelings about nature and rural life did the essay give you through the images of the birds?
Detailed answer:
- The essay offers interesting insights into the birds, their behaviors, appearances, and habits.
- It fosters a greater appreciation for the beauty of nature in our homeland.
EXERCISE
Content: Observe and describe a common bird in your hometown.
Detailed answer:
Sample work:
The Nightingale
Every evening, the nightingale comes from who knows where to perch in the rose bushes in my garden and sing.
It seems that throughout the day, it’s filled with joy from roaming the sky, drinking fresh water from mountain streams, and tasting the sweetest fruits in the forest. So, its songs in the evening are sometimes soft, sometimes vibrant, like an old tune played as the night falls, echoing through the quiet surroundings.
After singing for a while, the musician falls silent and closes its eyes, falling asleep after a long journey in the dark.
The next morning, as the first light breaks, the nightingale sings loudly again to greet the dawn. It stretches its neck and calls out, as if urging everyone to listen. Once it finishes, it fluffs its feathers to shake off the dew and moves quickly from bush to bush, hunting for a few worms for breakfast before soaring back to the East.
Ngọc Giao
Structure:
1st paragraph (from the beginning to 'râm ran'): A rural scene at the start of summer.
2nd paragraph (remaining part): The world of birds.
Main content:
Through keen observation, profound knowledge, and a deep affection for the countryside, the author paints a vivid, colorful picture of the bird life in the countryside.
Illustrative image (Source: internet)
6. Composition "Lao xao" No. 3
A. KEY KNOWLEDGE
1. Author:
Duy Khán (1934 – 1993)
Born in Nam Sơn, Quế Võ, Bắc Ninh; resident of Hai Phong city; member of the Vietnam Writers' Association.
Duy Khán grew up in a poor farming family and once enlisted in the army.
Published works: New Battle (poetry, 1972); Silent Childhood (novel, 1986); Confessions of a Traveler (poetry, 1987).
The author was awarded the Vietnam Writers' Association Literary Prize in 1987 for his work: Silent Childhood.
2. The Work:
Lao xao is excerpted from Duy Khán's work Silent Childhood (1985)
The work received the Vietnam Writers' Association Prize in 1987.
Summary: The early summer sky is bright, trees lush with the fragrance of flowers, and butterflies and bees buzz around in lively excitement. The world of birds in the countryside comes to life vividly under the author's pen. Loud-mouthed starlings, quick-witted Diệp, along with the shrill cuckoos, gentle swallows, and friendly birds such as sparrows, nightingales, and robins are close companions to humans. The evening and night are filled with the sounds of the elusive night herons, while the hawk aggressively hunts for chicks, and the crows are sly and watchful, lurking around the pigsty. The bold but aggressive bird, the drongo, is constantly at odds with hawks and crows, showing its fierce nature. Even the swift kestrels, known for their fierceness, are no match for the drongo’s battle prowess.
B. EXERCISES AND SOLUTIONS
Question 1: Page 113, Vietnamese Literature 6, Volume 2
Read the essay Lao xao (by Duy Khán) and answer the questions:
a) List the bird species mentioned in order.
b) Are the birds organized into groups of similar species?
c) Analyze how the narrative is led, how the descriptions are given, and how images and details are woven together.
Answer:
a) The bird species mentioned are: loud-mouthed starlings, sparrows, black starlings, cuckoos, night herons, hawks, crows, robins, and drongos.
b) The birds are categorized into groups, such as:
Gentle birds
Fierce birds
Birds that fight off others: drongo.
c) The narrative flows naturally: starting from nature to humans, from children’s stories to bird tales.
The descriptions are vivid, emphasizing each bird's characteristics, enhanced by personification: “We rushed out, and the kestrel was still wriggling.” This brings the birds to life in a fresh and vibrant way.
The sequence of images is well-constructed, with sudden surprises: The sound of the night heron reminds one of the mythical story of the deceptive serpent spirit that transformed into this bird.
Question 2: Page 113, Vietnamese Literature 6, Volume 2
Comment on the artistic depiction of the birds. Specifically:
a) What aspects of the birds are described in detail (appearance, color, sound, activities, and traits)?
b) How are descriptions and narration combined? Provide examples of how the birds' environment, activities, and interactions are described.
c) Discuss the author's observational skills and affection for nature and the countryside as shown in the bird descriptions.
Answer:
a) The following details are provided for each bird:
The call of the loud-mouthed starlings: a “cackling” sound as they fly, as if being chased.
Characteristics of the hawk: sharp beak and excellent sense of smell.
Appearance, call, and activities of the drongo: dark arrows with fish-tail shapes, flying relentlessly, calling “che cheo chet” before dawn.
Characteristics of the kestrel: sharp wings like a knife used in slaughtering, fighting with only its wings.
b) The author seamlessly blends description and narration.
Examples: While describing the black starling, the author shifts to telling the story of it learning to talk; while narrating the cuckoo’s arrival, the author recalls the seasonal presence of cuckoos in Mr. Tấn’s garden.
This combination also portrays the battle for food among the hawks, drongos, and kestrels.
c) The author shows remarkable observational abilities and deep affection for nature and village life through the vivid descriptions: “The sky warms with summer, trees dense, and the whole village smells sweet.” This evokes a deep connection between the author and the land, blending narrative and description in an organic and lively way.
Question 3: Page 113, Vietnamese Literature 6, Volume 2
The essay uses many elements of folk culture, such as idioms, nursery rhymes, and folklore. Find examples of these. What is the effect of these folk elements on the story? Is there any inaccuracy in their usage?
Answer:
Examples of folk elements in the text:
Nursery rhyme: “The loud-mouthed starlings are uncles to the sparrows. Sparrows are cousins to the black starlings. Black starlings are brothers to the cuckoos. Cuckoos are nephews to the loud-mouthed starlings…”
Idiom: “Connecting the dots”; “The thief meets the old lady”; “The crow looks suspiciously at the pigsty.”
Folk tale: The origin stories of the night heron and the drongo.
These elements of folk culture give readers a sense of nostalgia for the rich traditions of rural life, creating a natural, vibrant flow to the narrative. While these elements enhance the storytelling, some of the associations may be overly simplistic or forced, like attributing the cry of the night heron to a mythical snake spirit.
Question 4: Page 113, Vietnamese Literature 6, Volume 2
What new knowledge and emotions has the essay given you about nature and village life through the depiction of the birds?
Answer:
This essay has deepened my understanding of various birds, their characteristics, and behaviors, encouraging me to cherish and protect the beauty of nature and the countryside.
Practice
Exercise: Page 114, Vietnamese Literature 6, Volume 2
Observe and describe a bird familiar in your village.
Answer:
In the kingdom of birds, the skylark is cherished and known as the “songbird” of the green forest due to its unique song. It is also a familiar bird in my hometown.
On a beautiful morning, when the sun rises and peeks above the village's bamboo fence, everything awakens from a peaceful night’s rest. The air is fresh, and a thin mist lingers like a fond goodbye. The silence is broken by a clear, high-pitched song. Ah, it’s the skylark greeting the new day with its song.
The skylark is a small bird, no larger than the size of two cupped hands. Its feathers are simple, ranging from light yellow to dark brown. The skylark perches near the yard, wearing a dark brown coat with black spots on its wings like jewels nature has gifted it. Its tiny round head is crowned with a tuft of feathers like a tiny crown. Its black eyes are as small as seeds, and its tiny yellow beak moves constantly. Its feet are small, with long toes. The bird's long, curved tail dips to the ground to maintain balance as it moves. A special feature of the skylark is that it walks rather than hops, unlike the thrush or nightingale. When it flies, it soars up high and slowly descends, singing all the while. The skylark’s song is clear and high-pitched, which is why it’s so loved and treasured by bird enthusiasts.
My grandfather and father often wake up early, brew a strong pot of tea, and sit together in the yard, listening to the skylark's song. This is a special time they cherish. They sit quietly, sipping tea and closing their eyes, smiling in contentment. I can see the peaceful joy on their faces. It turns out that these simple pleasures—close animals, familiar sounds, and the tranquility of the village—bring warmth and happiness to the soul.
The skylark's pure song and those mornings spent with my grandfather and father will forever be cherished memories of my childhood. Just hearing the skylark's song brings back the image of my grandfather with his silver hair, sipping tea with a peaceful smile from my father…
Illustration image (Source: internet)
Buzz
