1. Analysis of 'Long Bien Bridge – A Historical Witness' - Version 4
I. About the Genre
The text 'Long Bien Bridge – A Historical Witness' belongs to the category of practical writing. Practical texts often address topics that are closely related to daily life, such as nature, environment, population, health, children's rights, dangers, and drugs, among others.
These texts use a variety of expressive methods, including essays, reports, diaries, letters, and more.
II. Summary
'Long Bien Bridge – A Historical Witness' mainly introduces the Long Bien Bridge, which spans the Red River and was constructed during the French colonial period. Therefore, the bridge serves as a living, painful, and heroic witness of Hanoi’s history. It has witnessed the hardships of the Vietnamese people under French rule, the peaceful years in the North after 1954, and the heroic resistance against the U.S. during the war. Today, while new bridges like Thang Long and Chuong Duong have been built, Long Bien still holds deep significance for both the author and the people of Vietnam.
III. Study Guide
Question 1:
The text can be divided into three sections:
Section 1: From the beginning to 'a vivid, painful, and heroic witness of Hanoi’s capital': General introduction of Long Bien Bridge through a century of existence.
Section 2: From 'still resilient and strong': Long Bien Bridge as a living, painful, and heroic witness.
Section 3: The remaining text: Affirming the historical significance of Long Bien Bridge in modern society and in the author's perspective.
Question 2:
* The passage 'Long Bien Bridge since its inauguration' to 'died during the construction of the bridge' provides specific details about the bridge, including its name, length, weight, and the connection between the bridge's existence and historical-social life, emphasizing its role as a 'historical witness'.
* Compared to the information provided in the additional reading about Chuong Duong Bridge and Thang Long Bridge, Long Bien Bridge may not match their modern scale, but it has played an essential role for nearly a century before the construction of these newer bridges.
Question 3:
The passage from 'In 1945' to 'but still resilient and strong'.
a) The scenes and events recorded:
The green fields of sugar cane, corn, mulberry, and banana gardens.
The evening, with lights rising like stars.
Looking down at the bridge, remembering the secret military departure in 1946.
Looking up at the sky, recalling the heroic years when the U.S. dropped bombs on Hanoi.
The days of high water, the Red River flowing fiercely, with the bridge swaying like a hammock...
These scenes hint at significant historical events:
Bombings by the U.S. and the bridge enduring damage.
The military leaving in 1946.
Facing the fierce floods of the Red River.
b) The inclusion of a poem and song lyrics in this passage strengthens the emotional impact and vividly captures the historical events that Long Bien Bridge witnessed.
c) The narrative style in this section is more personal and emotional compared to the previous one:
In terms of narrative voice: The author uses the first-person pronoun 'I', making it more intimate than the third-person narrative in the earlier passage.
In terms of expression: The author switches from an informative style to one that uses more evocative and emotional language such as 'vividly remembered', 'majestic', 'sadly heroic', 'painful', 'glorious', 'heartbreaking', and 'beloved'.
Question 4:
a) * The author names the text 'Long Bien Bridge – A Historical Witness' rather than 'a historical relic' because the term 'witness' personifies the bridge. This personification brings life and soul to the inanimate bridge. Long Bien Bridge becomes a timeless 'person', enduring and witnessing the changes and struggles of Hanoi, the nation, and the Vietnamese people.
* The historical events Long Bien Bridge has witnessed:
The resistance against French colonization in the winter of 1946 when the Hanoi Regiment withdrew in response to President Ho Chi Minh’s call for national resistance.
In 1972, the bridge was bombed by the U.S.
Thus, Long Bien Bridge has witnessed the most painful and transformative moments in Vietnam’s history over nearly a century. It stands as a powerful, enduring witness to the nation’s struggle and resilience.
b) Comparing the final sentence of the text to the condensed version: 'As for me, I try to instill the love for the bridge in their hearts, so that visitors can increasingly connect with Vietnam.' The final sentence of the text, while longer, conveys stronger emotion through its expression, evoking vivid imagery.
The steel arches of Long Bien Bridge can metaphorically connect hearts because it is a living, painful, and heroic witness to the Vietnamese people’s history, prompting foreign visitors to 'pause and reflect', capturing images of the bridge whenever they visit.
Illustrative image (Source: internet)
2. Analysis of 'Long Bien Bridge – A Historical Witness' - Version 5
Question 1: How many sections can the essay be divided into? What are the main ideas and meanings of each section?
Answer:
The text can be divided into three sections:
+ Section 1 (From the beginning to 'a heroic witness of Hanoi’s capital'): A general introduction to Long Bien Bridge through a century of existence.
+ Section 2 (From 'still resilient and strong'): Long Bien Bridge as a living, painful, but heroic witness.
+ Final section (Remaining part): The current image of Long Bien Bridge and the author's feelings.
Question 2: What do you learn about Long Bien Bridge from the passage starting with 'Long Bien Bridge when it was first constructed' to 'died during the construction'? Compare it with the information about Thang Long Bridge and Chuong Duong Bridge. What do you think about the scale and nature of Long Bien Bridge?
Answer:
From the author’s perspective, we learn that Long Bien Bridge:
+ Was originally called Du-me Bridge.
+ It spans 2,290 meters.
+ It weighs 17,000 tons.
+ It was a product of the first colonial exploitation by the French.
+ Its construction used iron and the sweat of many workers.
While smaller than Thang Long and Chuong Duong bridges, Long Bien Bridge has had historical significance for nearly a century.
Question 3: Read the passage from 'In 1945' to 'but still resilient and strong.'
a) What scenes and events are recorded? How do these scenes and events inform us about history?
b) How do the quotes from a poem and a song in this passage emphasize the 'historical witness' role of Long Bien Bridge?
c) Compare the storytelling style of this passage with the one in question 2. Why is the author’s emotion more pronounced and sincere in this part?
Answer:
a) Recorded scenes and events:
+ The green fields of sugar cane, mulberry trees, and banana gardens.
+ As evening falls, lights appear like stars.
+ Memories of the 1946 military departure.
+ The heroic years when the bridge withstood U.S. bombings.
+ The days when the Red River surged and the bridge swayed like a hammock...
These scenes depict Long Bien Bridge as a resilient and heroic landmark in history.
b) The quotes from a poem and song make a strong, vivid impact, emphasizing the role of Long Bien Bridge as a living witness to history.
c) The storytelling in this section expresses more emotion compared to the previous passage:
– Narrative voice: The switch from third-person to first-person voice makes the author’s emotions more direct.
– Expression method: The passage mainly uses expository writing.
– Vocabulary: The author uses emotionally charged words like 'vividly remembered,' 'majestic,' 'deep in the mind,' 'captivating,' 'yearning,' 'heartbreaking,' 'heroic,' and 'painful.'
Question 4: Read the first and last sections of the essay.
a) Why does the author title the essay 'Long Bien Bridge – A Historical Witness'? Could the word 'witness' be replaced with 'relic' (evidence or object that serves as proof of something past)? Summarize the historical events witnessed by Long Bien Bridge and explain the significance of the adjectives: vivid, painful, and heroic.
b) Compare the artistic value of the final sentence of the essay with this shortened version: 'As for me, I try to instill the love for the bridge in their hearts, so that visitors can increasingly connect with Vietnam.'
– Why can the steel arches of Long Bien Bridge metaphorically connect hearts?
Answer:
a) The title 'Long Bien Bridge – A Historical Witness' cannot be replaced with 'relic' because 'witness' personifies the bridge, making it a living entity that experiences history firsthand. Long Bien Bridge has witnessed:
+ The resistance against the French in early 1947 when the Hanoi Regiment withdrew in response to Ho Chi Minh’s national resistance call.
+ In 1972, it was bombed by the U.S.
Long Bien Bridge stands as a witness to the suffering and heroism of the Vietnamese people.
b) The final sentence, though longer, conveys stronger emotion and evokes more vivid associations than the shorter version.
– The steel arches of Long Bien Bridge metaphorically connect hearts because the bridge itself is a living, painful, and heroic witness to Vietnam's history.
II. Practice
Research local historical sites in your area (e.g., district, province) that can be considered historical witnesses.
Answer:
Some well-known historical sites in Hanoi include:
– Hanoi Flag Tower
– Thang Long Imperial Citadel
– The Temple of Literature.
Illustrative image (Source: internet)
3. Analysis of 'Long Bien Bridge – A Historical Witness' - Version 6
I. General Overview
1. Author: Thuy Lan
2. Work: A practical text
II. Guide to Analyzing 'Long Bien Bridge – A Historical Witness'
Question 1, page 127, Textbook for Grade 6, Volume 2
Structure:
Section 1: From the beginning to 'Hanoi capital' – A general introduction to the bridge.
Section 2: From 'Long Bien Bridge when...' to 'resilient and strong' – Long Bien Bridge as a vivid, painful, and heroic witness.
Section 3: The rest – Long Bien Bridge in modern life and the author's reflections.
Question 2, page 127, Textbook for Grade 6, Volume 2
From the passage 'Long Bien Bridge when it was first built' to 'died during construction,' what additional information do you learn about Long Bien Bridge?
Location: Spanning across the Red River.
Long Bien Bridge weighs 17,000 tons and is 2,290 meters long.
Its shape resembles a silk ribbon.
To build this bridge, countless lives and tears were sacrificed.
Though smaller in size, historically, Long Bien Bridge has existed for nearly a century.
Question 3, page 127, Textbook for Grade 6, Volume 2
From 'In 1945' to 'resilient and strong.'
a) What scenes and events are depicted?
The green of sugarcane fields, mulberry groves, and banana gardens.
As dusk falls, lights sparkle like stars.
The military march of 1946.
Bombings by the U.S. on the bridge.
These scenes reveal the bridge as a heroic, enduring witness to history.
b) The inclusion of a poem and song lyrics enhances the impression of Long Bien Bridge as a 'historical witness,' making its role more tangible and emotional.
c) Comparing the storytelling style here to that in Question 2:
– Narrative voice: A fluid transition from third-person to first-person voice.
– Expression method: Primarily expository.
– Language: Strong, expressive terms are used.
Question 4, page 127, Textbook for Grade 6, Volume 2
a) Why did the author title the piece 'Long Bien Bridge – A Historical Witness'? Long Bien Bridge has witnessed many historical upheavals and struggles. The bridge not only witnessed but also endured the pain with the people.
Replacing 'historical witness' with 'relic' is not possible because 'witness' personifies the bridge, making it a living witness to history, whereas 'relic' refers to an inanimate object.
Historical events Long Bien Bridge has 'witnessed':
The resistance against the French in early 1947 – the withdrawal of the regiment from Hanoi.
In 1972, Long Bien Bridge was bombed by the U.S.
b) The final sentence of the essay carries a more emotional tone, evoking deeper connections.
The simplified sentence: 'I strive to infuse my love for this bridge into the hearts of visitors, so they may feel closer to Vietnam.'
As Long Bien Bridge is a 'vivid, painful, and heroic' historical witness, its steel arches form an invisible bridge that unites hearts.
III. Practice: Long Bien Bridge – A Historical Witness
Research local historical sites in your area that can be called 'historical witnesses.'
4. Analysis of 'Long Bien Bridge – A Historical Witness' - Version 1
I. Overview of the Work: Long Bien Bridge – A Historical Witness
1. Origin
The text 'Long Bien Bridge – A Historical Witness' by Thuy Lan was published in the newspaper 'Nguoi Ha Noi'.
2. Structure (3 parts)
- Part 1 (from the beginning to 'the heroic capital of Hanoi'): A general introduction to Long Bien Bridge through its century-long existence.
- Part 2 (continuing to 'resilient and enduring'): Long Bien Bridge as a living witness to history.
- Part 3 (remaining portion): Long Bien Bridge in contemporary life.
3. Content Value
Over the past century, Long Bien Bridge has witnessed many heroic and tragic historical events of Hanoi. Though now standing humbly, Long Bien Bridge remains an enduring historical witness, not only for Hanoi but for the entire country.
4. Artistic Value
- Personification
- The emotionally rich writing, stemming from the author's deep knowledge and memories of the bridge, adds allure to the work.
II. Answering the Questions
Question 1 (Page 125, Textbook for Grade 6, Volume 2): The text is divided into 3 sections:
+ Section 1 (From the beginning to 'the heroic capital of Hanoi'): An introduction to Long Bien Bridge through its century-long existence.
+ Section 2 (Continuing to 'resilient and enduring'): Long Bien Bridge as a vivid, painful yet heroic historical witness.
+ Final section (the remaining portion): Long Bien Bridge in the present and the author's personal feelings.
Question 2 (Page 125, Textbook for Grade 6, Volume 2): Through the author's perspective, the reader learns about:
+ The historical name of the bridge: Bridge Du-me.
+ Length: 2,290 meters.
+ Weight: 17,000 tons.
+ A product of the first colonial exploitation by the French.
+ Technique: A result of steel bridge engineering and the sweat of many workers.
While smaller in size than the Thang Long and Chuong Duong bridges, Long Bien Bridge has stood the test of time for nearly 100 years in terms of its historical significance.
Question 3
a) The scenery and events depicted:
+ The green of the sugarcane fields, mulberry groves, and banana gardens.
+ As evening falls, lights sparkle like stars.
+ Reminiscent of the military march in 1946.
+ The years of the heroic struggle as the bridge withstood U.S. bombings.
+ The days when the Red River surged, flowing in a deep red, with the bridge swaying like a hammock.
→ These scenes show the bridge as a heroic figure, steadfast in the face of history.
b) The inclusion of a poem and song lyrics leaves a strong, vivid impression, making the bridge a living historical witness.
c) In the passage 'When Long Bien Bridge was first inaugurated... to the moment it 'died' during construction,' the author's emotions become more apparent:
- Narrative voice: Fluid transition from third-person to first-person.
- Expression method: Primarily expository.
- Language: Strongly expressive words: unforgettable, solemn, deeply ingrained in memory, mesmerized, alluring, yearning, sorrowful, poignant, grandiose...
Question 4: Read the beginning and the end of the essay.
The title 'Long Bien Bridge – A Historical Witness' cannot have 'witness' replaced with 'relic':
- 'Witness' is a personification technique, treating Long Bien Bridge as a contemporary figure who has seen history unfold.
Events Long Bien Bridge has 'witnessed':
+ The anti-French resistance in early 1947 – The regiment’s withdrawal from Hanoi following the call for national resistance.
+ In 1972, Long Bien Bridge was bombed by the U.S.
→ Long Bien Bridge endures, witnessing the many sorrows and heroic acts of the Vietnamese people.
b) The final sentence in the essay, though lengthy, carries an emotional tone and evokes deep connections:
- The rhythm of Long Bien Bridge can become an invisible bridge, linking hearts, because it is a 'living, painful, and heroic' historical witness.
Illustrative image (Source: Internet)
5. Analysis of 'Long Bien Bridge – A Historical Witness' - Version 2
Answer for question 1 (page 127 of Vietnamese Literature 6, Volume 2):
The essay about Long Bien Bridge - a historical witness can be divided into how many sections? What is the content and meaning of each section?
Detailed answer:
The essay is divided into three sections:
- Section 1: From the beginning to 'a vivid, tragic, and heroic witness of Hanoi's capital': Long Bien Bridge throughout its century of existence.
- Section 2: From there to 'flexible, sturdy': Long Bien Bridge as a vivid, tragic, and heroic witness of Hanoi's capital.
- Section 3: The remaining part: Affirming the historical significance of Long Bien Bridge in modern society.
Answer for question 2 (page 127 of Vietnamese Literature 6, Volume 2):
What do you know about Long Bien Bridge from the paragraph describing its formation to its deterioration during the construction process? Comparing with the materials provided in the additional readings (Vietnamese Literature textbook) about Thang Long Bridge and Chuong Duong Bridge, what can you add regarding the scale and characteristics of Long Bien Bridge?
Detailed answer:
* The paragraph provides relatively specific information about Long Bien Bridge:
- Its original name was 'Du Me Bridge', and in 1945 it was renamed Long Bien Bridge.
- The scale of the bridge:
+ Length: 2290 meters
+ Weight: 17 thousand tons.
- It resulted from the first French colonial exploitation in Vietnam.
- Technically, it was an important achievement in the era of iron bridges.
- It was built with the sweat and blood of thousands of Vietnamese laborers who died under the hands of the French colonizers.
* Compared to Thang Long and Chuong Duong Bridges (from the additional readings), the scale and modern characteristics of Long Bien Bridge are not as advanced, but in terms of technique, it is considered an important achievement in the era of iron bridges back then.
Answer for question 3 (page 127 of Vietnamese Literature 6, Volume 2):
Read the passage from '1945 to still flexible and sturdy.'
a) What are the scenes and events described? What do these scenes and events tell us about history?
b) How does quoting a poem and a song in the passage highlight the 'historical witness' of Long Bien Bridge?
c) Compare the narration style of this paragraph with the one analyzed earlier (about Long Bien Bridge when it was first built and its deterioration during construction). Why does the author express more clear and passionate emotions in this paragraph than in the previous one?
Detailed answer:
a) The scenes and events recorded:
- The green of the sugarcane fields, corn, mulberry groves, and banana gardens.
- In the evening, the lights rise like stars.
- Looking down on the bridge, remembering the secret military units that left in 1946.
- Looking at the sky, remembering the heroic years of fighting against American airstrikes: the early bombings.
- During the flooding days: the Red River's waters running wildly, with the bridge swaying like a hammock. Long Bien Bridge stands as a historical witness for the entire 20th century, reflecting the painful life under French colonial rule, the peaceful years after 1954 in the North, the heroic resistance against American imperialism, and a historical event that cannot be forgotten in the winter of 1946 when the Hanoi Regiment secretly passed under the bridge to go fight in the resistance. The bridge's silhouette in the Red River waters or its reflection in history itself.
b) The inclusion of poetry and music highlights the artistic representation of Long Bien Bridge as a 'historical witness.' It connects the bridge to human memories and emotions.
c) The narration in this paragraph expresses the author's emotions more clearly and passionately than the previous one. The narrator uses 'I' to tell the story of the bridge from a deeply personal perspective, turning the bridge into a living, breathing entity. The author combines narrative, description, and emotion to create vivid, soul-filled memories of the bridge.
- The choice of words is also evocative ('Long Bien Bridge as a ribbon of silk curving across the Red River,' 'the lights rising like scattered stars').
Answer for question 4 (page 127 of Vietnamese Literature 6, Volume 2):
Read the first and last paragraphs of the essay.
a) Why does the author title the essay 'Long Bien Bridge - A Historical Witness'? Could the word 'witness' be replaced by 'testimony' (evidence, artifact valuable in proving past events)? Summarize the historical events Long Bien Bridge has witnessed and explain the meaning of the adjectives: vivid, tragic, and heroic.
b) Compare the artistic value of the final sentence of the essay with the shortened sentence below: 'As for me, I try to impart my love for the bridge into their hearts so that visitors may come closer to Vietnam.'
- Why can the steel span of Long Bien Bridge become an invisible bridge connecting hearts?
Detailed answer:
a) The author uses personification in naming Long Bien Bridge: Not calling it an object of testimony or relic, but a witness. This personification brings life and a soul to the inanimate structure. Long Bien Bridge becomes a contemporary figure, bearing witness to countless changes and enduring the highs and lows of the capital, the country, and its people.
Historical events Long Bien Bridge has witnessed:
- The French colonial era
- 1945
- The resistance against France
- The peaceful era
- The resistance against America
- The floods.
Thus, Long Bien Bridge has witnessed a significant period of national history, full of changes, which makes it vivid.
Its vividness carries the pain of tragic events (thousands of people dying during its construction, the American bombs tearing it apart) and the heroism (military units departing, the bridge being repaired during the war).
b) The final image in the essay is a notable artistic detail: from the iron bridge connecting the two riverbanks, the author imagines an invisible bridge connecting visitors’ hearts to Vietnam. This makes for a memorable and resonant ending for the reader.
Practice Exercise:
Explore the historical landmarks in your local area (could be a village, district, or province) that might be considered 'historical witnesses' of the region.
Detailed answer:
Depending on your location (the area where you live), proceed with collecting and researching these landmarks. Refer to the definition of 'historical witness' to ensure accurate and reliable categorization and research.
Outline:
1. Introduction
Introduction: One of the unique architectural structures, a temple closely associated with history, is the One-Pillar Pagoda.
2. Body
a. Origin and History
According to the Complete History of Đại Việt, the pagoda was built in the Year of the Ox, under the reign of Lý Thái Tông (1049). King Lý Thái Tông (1028-1054) dreamt of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara seated on a lotus, extending her hand to lift him up. Upon awakening, the king shared his dream with the officials, some of whom interpreted it as an ominous sign. Monk Thiên Tuế advised the king to build a pagoda, erect a stone pillar in the middle of a pond, and construct a lotus seat as seen in the dream.
- The pagoda was completed with a thousand-petal lotus seat holding a statue of a golden Buddha. Monks performed ceremonies around the pagoda, praying for the king’s long life, thus naming the pagoda Diên Hựu.
- Another account, from the stele erected during the Canh Trị era, notes that the pagoda was constructed during the Tang Dynasty's rule. 'In the first year of the reign of Hai Thông in the Tang period, a stone pillar was erected in the middle of the pond, with a pagoda constructed on it, housing a statue of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara for worship.'
- When the Lý Dynasty established its capital in this area, the traditions were continued, adding to the pagoda’s sacred reputation.
- When King Lý Thái Tông had no heir, he visited the pagoda to pray. One night, he dreamt that the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara invited him to the pagoda’s lotus platform and placed a baby in his arms. The next month, the queen conceived the prince.
- The king thus ordered the construction of the Diên Hựu Pagoda on the right side of the One-Pillar Pagoda to provide worship.
b. Structure
- The Lotus Platform of the One-Pillar Pagoda is square, each side three meters long, with a curved roof mounted on a four-meter-high stone pillar (not counting the submerged portion) with a diameter of 1.2 meters.
- The stone pillar is made of two sections, perfectly joined, giving the appearance of a single solid block.
- The uniqueness of the One-Pillar Pagoda lies in its use of a single stone pillar to support the entire structure.
- The design cleverly combines romantic imagination with precise architectural solutions, like the symmetry of the lotus petals and perfect structural balance.
- The surrounding pond and trees add to the aesthetic harmony, creating a clean and refined atmosphere.
c. Significance
- The One-Pillar Pagoda has inspired numerous works of Vietnamese poetry.
- It is one of Hanoi’s iconic images today.
3. Conclusion
- The One-Pillar Pagoda remains one of the most distinctive pagodas.
- We must preserve and share its image with the world.
Main content
For over a century, Long Bien Bridge has witnessed many significant historical events in Hanoi. Today, although it stands in a modest position, Long Bien Bridge continues to serve as a historical witness, not only for Hanoi but for the entire country.
Image reference (Source: Internet)
6. Analysis of "Long Bien Bridge - A Historical Witness" Part 3
A. KEY CONCEPTS
Work:
The Long Bien Bridge – A Historical Witness is regarded as a "modern document". At the same time, the work is a memoir-style piece with significant autobiographical elements.
A modern document addresses issues relevant to everyday life, such as nature, the environment, population, health, children's rights, drug threats, and so on. A memoir is a genre that captures events and scenes that the writer has directly experienced, with their personal thoughts and feelings expressed, without the tight plot structure of a journalistic piece or the informal tone of an essay.
Summary of the Work:
The essay introduces Long Bien Bridge, a structure built during the French colonial period that spans the Red River in Hanoi. The bridge serves as a vibrant and poignant witness to the capital's history. It has witnessed the suffering of the Vietnamese people under French rule, the peaceful years in the North post-1954, and the heroic resistance during the American War. Today, with newer bridges like Chuong Duong and Thang Long over the Red River, Long Bien Bridge stands modestly, but to the author and to the Vietnamese people, it continues to hold immense significance.
B. EXERCISES AND GUIDELINES
Question 1: Page 127, Vietnamese Language Textbook, Grade 6, Volume 2
How many paragraphs can this piece be divided into? What are the main points and meanings of each paragraph?
Answer:
The piece can be divided into three paragraphs:
Paragraph 1: From the beginning to "a vibrant and poignant witness to the capital's history". => An introduction to Long Bien Bridge over a century of existence.
Paragraph 2: From "Long Bien Bridge when it was first inaugurated" to "still resilient and steadfast". => The bridge as a vibrant and poignant witness to history.
Paragraph 3: From "Now Long Bien Bridge" to the end. => The bridge's place in present-day life and the author's reflections.
Question 2: Page 127, Vietnamese Language Textbook, Grade 6, Volume 2
What do you learn about Long Bien Bridge from the passage describing its early formation and the challenges it faced during construction? Compare this with the information provided in the two additional readings about Thang Long and Chuong Duong bridges. What can you infer about the scale and significance of Long Bien Bridge?
Answer:
The passage describing Long Bien Bridge's early formation and its struggles during construction reveals that, aside from a third-person perspective, the author employs an expository style to share detailed information about the bridge's history, length, structure, and weight, as well as its connection to significant historical and social events. This emphasizes Long Bien Bridge's role as a "historical witness".
When compared with the information about Thang Long and Chuong Duong bridges, it becomes clear that although Long Bien Bridge is smaller in scale, it played an important role for nearly a century, especially before the other two bridges were built.
Question 3: Page 127, Vietnamese Language Textbook, Grade 6, Volume 2
Read the passage from "In 1945" to "still resilient and steadfast".
A) What scenes and events are depicted in the passage? What do these scenes tell us about history?
B) How does the inclusion of a poem and a piece of music in the passage enhance the portrayal of the bridge as a "historical witness"?
C) Compare the narrative style of this passage with the one analyzed in Question 2. Why does the author express more emotion in this passage than in the previous one? (Hint: Consider the point of view, method of expression, and use of language.)
Answer:
A) The scenes and events depicted reveal important historical moments:
- The bridge's presence in history textbooks.
- Views from the bridge, including the lush green fields of crops and Hanoi at dusk.
- Memories of the secret military movements of 1946.
- The bombing raids by American forces during the war.
- The violent floods of the Red River.
These scenes give us insight into major historical events, including the departure of troops in 1946, bombings during the American War, and the bridge’s enduring resilience against floods.
B) The inclusion of a poem and a song strengthens the portrayal of Long Bien Bridge as a living historical witness, evoking vivid emotions tied to significant moments in history.
C) Comparing this passage to the one discussed in Question 2, there are notable differences:
- Point of View: In the earlier passage, the author narrates from a third-person perspective, while in this passage, the author directly uses the first-person "I".
- Method of Expression: The earlier passage uses expository writing, while this one conveys stronger emotions.
- Language: The language in this passage is more expressive, with terms like "etched in memory", "touching", "longing", and "wounded". These choices convey deep feelings and make the narrative more personal and heartfelt.
Thus, the author’s use of different techniques makes their emotions clearer and more intense in this section.
Question 4: Page 127, Vietnamese Language Textbook, Grade 6, Volume 2
A) Why did the author title the piece "Long Bien Bridge - A Historical Witness"? Can the word "witness" be replaced with "testimony" or "remnants" (objects that serve as evidence of past events)? Summarize the historical events Long Bien Bridge has witnessed and explain the meaning of the adjectives "vibrant", "poignant", and "heroic".
B) Compare the artistic value of the final sentence of the essay with the following shortened version: "As for me, I strive to impart my love for the bridge to others so that visitors may come closer to Vietnam." Why can the steel bridge's rhythm become an invisible bridge connecting hearts?
Answer:
A) The title "Long Bien Bridge - A Historical Witness" is fitting because it personifies the bridge, making it feel like a living entity witnessing history firsthand. Replacing "witness" with "testimony" or "remnants" would not convey the same sense of living history. Long Bien Bridge has witnessed significant events, such as the 1946 resistance movement during the French colonial period and the 1972 bombings by the Americans. It has also witnessed countless other moments of hardship and triumph.
The adjectives "vibrant", "poignant", and "heroic" highlight the bridge’s dynamic role, its emotional resonance, and its enduring strength in the face of adversity.
B) The final sentence of the essay is more emotionally charged due to its use of evocative language that creates connections between the bridge and the hearts of visitors. The phrase "invisible bridge" symbolizes the bridge’s role in linking people through shared historical experiences and emotions.
PRACTICE
Research the historical landmarks in your area (such as towns, villages, or cities) that could be considered "historical witnesses". Answer:
This will vary based on the location, but students should explore their local area for significant landmarks and reflect on how they relate to history, ensuring a deep understanding of the term "historical witness".
REFERENCE AND EXTENSION
Question 1: The Content and Artistic Value of "Long Bien Bridge - A Historical Witness"
Answer:
1. Content Value: The essay presents Long Bien Bridge as a historical witness to major events, while expressing pride and affection for the bridge as a symbol of the glorious victories of Hanoi and Vietnam. Although it has taken a modest position today, it will forever remain a living historical witness, not just for Hanoi but for the entire country.
2. Artistic Value: The essay uses a heightened lyrical tone, incorporating comparison, personification, and emotional language, bringing the inanimate bridge to life. Long Bien Bridge becomes a companion to every generation, bearing witness to the changing tides of Hanoi, the country, and the people.
Illustration image (Source: internet)
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