Top 6 Best Analyses of 'The First Life Lesson' by Tô Hoài for 6th Grade

A. Key Knowledge 1. Author Introduction - Tô Hoài, born in 1920, originally named Nguyễn Sen, was from Hanoi. - He began writing before the August Revolution of 1945. - He is a renowned modern Vietnamese author with a vast and diverse collection of works in many genres. - He is particularly known as a children's author. 2. Work Introduction - First published in 1941, the book contains 10 chapters. - It is one of the most notable and beloved works for children, focusing on animals. - The text 'First Life Lesson' is extracted from Chapter 1 of this work. 3. Summary of the Work The story is about a strong, healthy cricket named Dế Mèn who is full of pride about his beauty and strength. His arrogance leads him to bully others. One day, to show off to Dế Choắt, he teases a female Cốc, which results in Dế Choắt’s tragic death. This event causes Dế Mèn to deeply regret his reckless behavior. B. EXERCISES AND SOLUTIONS Question 1: Page 10, Vietnamese Literature 6, Volume 2 Summarize the excerpt and answer the following questions: a) Who is the narrator of the story? b) How many paragraphs are in the text, and what is the main idea of each? Solution: - a) The story is narrated by the main character, Dế Mèn, in the first person ('I'). His narrative is sincere and reflects his remorse, creating a sense of closeness with the reader. - b) The excerpt can be divided into two sections: 1. From the beginning to '... cannot be undone': A self-portrait of Dế Mèn. 2. The remainder: The first life lesson of Dế Mèn. Question 2: Page 10, Vietnamese Literature 6, Volume 2 Read carefully the section from the beginning until 'I will soon be the greatest'. Then answer the following: a) Record the details describing Dế Mèn's appearance and actions. What do you think of the order and method of description in this part? b) Find the adjectives that describe Dế Mèn’s appearance and personality in this passage. Replace some of them with synonyms or similar words, and discuss the author's choice of words. c) How would you describe Dế Mèn's character in this part? Solution: - a) Descriptions of Dế Mèn’s appearance and actions: - Appearance: + Strong and healthy cricket + Sharp, pointed claws + Long wings that reach the end of its body, shiny and brown + Its head is large, with rough patches + Black, shiny teeth + Long, curved antennae - Actions: + Stomping noisily + Fluttering wings loudly + Chewing fiercely + Gently grooming antennae + Walking proudly + Teasing (neighbors) + Shouting (at grasshoppers) + Kicking (at others) The author uses vivid descriptive language, employing personification and dynamic comparisons to create an image of Dế Mèn’s prideful character. The description flows logically, beginning with general traits and moving to more specific details, combining both appearance and actions to build a clear, lively portrait. - b) Adjectives describing Dế Mèn’s appearance and personality, with synonyms: - Mẫm bóng = plump, smooth - Nhọn hoắt = sharp as a spearhead - Ngắn hủn hoắt = stubby - Đen nhánh = pitch black, dark - Hùng dũng = majestic, commanding - Bóng mỡ = glossy - Bướng = stubborn The author’s word choices are precise and evocative, making the character come alive. The synonyms do not capture the same vividness, as the original words are rich in emotional and visual impact. - c) Dế Mèn’s character in this passage: Dế Mèn is portrayed as a youthful, impulsive, and arrogant creature who believes he is superior to others. His self-importance and brash behavior highlight his immaturity and self-deception. Question 3: Page 11, Vietnamese Literature 6, Volume 2 Comment on Dế Mèn’s attitude towards Dế Choắt (through his speech, tone, and manner of address). Solution: - Dế Mèn treats Dế Choắt with disdain and arrogance, showing a condescending attitude. He refers to Dế Choắt as 'you' and 'I' even though they are peers, a display of superiority. - He describes Dế Choắt’s appearance as pitiful and unattractive, reflecting his haughty attitude toward his friend. - He also dismisses Dế Choắt’s home, calling it messy and poor, further showcasing his arrogance and selfishness. Question 4: Page 11, Vietnamese Literature 6, Volume 2 Discuss Dế Mèn’s thoughts and actions when teasing Cốc, leading to Dế Choắt’s death. What lesson did Dế Mèn learn from this event? Solution: - Dế Mèn begins by teasing Cốc out of pride and to prove his strength to Dế Choắt. However, as Dế Choắt gets killed by Cốc, Dế Mèn undergoes a shift in mindset. Initially confident and arrogant, he becomes terrified and regretful, realizing the consequences of his actions. - The event teaches Dế Mèn that arrogance and recklessness lead to destruction. The key life lesson is that one should not be overly proud or act without thinking. Question 5: Page 11, Vietnamese Literature 6, Volume 2 Do the animals in the story resemble their real-life counterparts? What human traits are attributed to them? Are there other works written about animals in a similar way? Solution: - The animals are depicted quite realistically in the story, especially Dế Mèn, whose features like its horns, claws, and wings are accurately described. - However, the animals are anthropomorphized, as they are given human-like qualities, such as pride, arrogance, and regret. - Similar works about animals include 'The Cricket's Song' and 'The Tortoise and the Hare.' EXERCISES Question 1: Page 11, Vietnamese Literature 6, Volume 2 At the end of the story, after burying Dế Choắt, Dế Mèn stands silently by the grave of his unfortunate friend. Imagine Dế Mèn’s emotional state and write a paragraph describing his feelings from his perspective. Solution: - Sample answer: I truly feel guilty, Dế Choắt. My arrogance and desire to show off have caused me to lose a good friend. Reflecting on what you said, I feel the weight of my actions more than ever. Is it too late for me to regret? Don’t blame me. Perhaps I am the one who should be punished, not someone as good as you. I regret what I did. I was foolish to think I was better than everyone else. But now I realize that I’m nothing more than a frog at the bottom of a well. Your death has woken me up. I promise I will change my ways and never act arrogantly again. Your sacrifice has made me see the truth.

I. Genre The text 'The First Life Lesson' is classified as a story. A story is a narrative form that represents life in its entirety, capturing its objective essence. A narrative work (or story) reflects reality through a broader depiction of life in space and time, with events and incidents occurring in people's lives. In such narratives, the author expresses their thoughts and emotions. However, in this genre, the author's feelings and thoughts are so deeply embedded in the actions and events of the characters that there is almost no distinction between them. The author recounts and describes external events, leading readers to feel as if the reality portrayed in the story exists independently, evolving outside the author, unaffected by their emotions or intentions. The text 'The First Life Lesson' is an excerpt from the work 'The Adventures of Men Cricket' by the writer To Hoai, first published in 1941 and later republished several times. II. Author (For further reading, refer to Vietnamese Literature Textbook 6, Volume 2) III. Summary The excerpt tells the story of a strong and boastful Cricket, who takes pride in his beauty and strength while bullying others. One day, Cricket plays a prank on Sister Cốc to impress his neighbor, Cricket Choắt, which leads to the tragic death of Choắt. Choắt's death causes Cricket to deeply regret his arrogance and harsh behavior. IV. Study Guide Question 1: a) The excerpt from 'The First Life Lesson' showcases the author's keen observational and descriptive talent. The story is narrated from the first-person perspective (by the character Cricket), which adds to the liveliness and appeal of the narrative. b) The story can be divided into three sections: - Section 1: From the beginning to the line 'could be at the top of the world'. This section describes Cricket's strong, imposing appearance and his arrogant, aggressive character. - Section 2: From 'in trouble' onward: Cricket teases Sister Cốc, leading to Choắt's tragic death. - Section 3: The remainder: Cricket's deep regret. Question 2: a) Details describing Cricket's appearance and actions: Appearance: The shiny, muscular legs, the sharp, twisted claws, the wings now form a long coat covering his tail, and his head, obstinate and bulky, with dark teeth gnawing fiercely like two sickle-shaped tools. Actions: He lifts his legs, stamping loudly on the grass, walks with a trembling body of brown, shiny fur, and his dark teeth are constantly gnawing. Occasionally, he pauses with dignity, lifting both legs to stroke his mustache. The author's description emphasizes both the general appearance and the striking details, effectively showcasing Cricket's strong and dynamic character. b) Descriptive adjectives of Cricket's appearance and personality: strong, shiny, rigid, sharp, proud, brittle, brownish, obstinate, dark, gnawing, curved, powerful, dignified, leisurely. * Some of these adjectives can be replaced with synonyms or near-synonyms: 'proud' with 'arrogant', 'brittle' with 'crispy', 'dignified' with 'majestic'. However, these replacements don't quite capture the vividness and charm of Cricket's character. To Hoai's word choices are perfect for emphasizing the character's strength and personality. c) Through this passage, we see that Cricket is a character who is arrogant, proud of his looks and strength, dismissive of others, and often aggressive. Question 3: Cricket's attitude toward Choắt is one of disdain, indifference, and lack of empathy, as shown by: - Naming his peer Choắt, describing Choắt as unattractive, and using the informal, dismissive 'you' for him. - When Choắt asks for help, Cricket arrogantly responds with a loud laugh and mockery. - His attitude is one of contempt, without sympathy for Choắt's weak condition. Question 4: * Cricket's psychological transformation and attitude shift after teasing Cốc, leading to Choắt's death: - Initially dismissive of others and cruel toward Choắt. - Mischievous, planning to tease Sister Cốc. - Proud of his prank (lying down in the burrow, feeling pleased). - Terrified upon hearing Cốc's attack on Choắt (frozen in fear). - Stunned and confused by the unforeseen consequences. - Alarmed and fearful of Choắt's death and his final advice. - Remorseful, sincerely repenting while standing before Choắt's grave, reflecting on his first life lesson. * Through this event, Cricket learns a crucial life lesson: one should not be arrogant, careless, selfish, or reckless, as it can bring harm to others and oneself. Question 5: The portrayal of animals in the story is remarkably realistic. However, To Hoai also anthropomorphizes the characters, allowing them to speak, think, feel, and form relationships just like humans. Other works about animals, such as 'The Frog at the Bottom of the Well', 'Putting Bells on Cats', and 'The Tiger's Meaning', also use a similar technique of anthropomorphism to depict animals.

I. General Information

1. Author

• The writer Tô Hoài's real name is Nguyễn Sen, born in 1920 in Hanoi.
• He began writing before the August Revolution of 1945.
• His main subjects before the revolution included fables about animals and stories about humans, as well as the rural scenery surrounding Hanoi.

2. The Work

• The text "First Life Lesson" is an excerpt from the first chapter of the story "The Adventures of Dế Mèn".
• The work is based on the author's childhood memories in his hometown.
• It is a fable-style novel.

3. Summary of First Life Lesson

Dế Mèn is a strong, robust cricket, but his character is haughty and self-centered. He looks down on Dế Choắt, his frail and sickly neighbor, refusing to help him. Driven by impulsiveness and thoughtlessness, Dế Mèn plays a prank on Cốc, leading to the death of Dế Choắt. Before dying, Dế Choắt advises Dế Mèn to stop being reckless and arrogant, urging him to use his mind wisely. Dế Mèn regrets his actions deeply and learns his first life lesson.

II- Understanding the Text

Question 1, Page 10, 6th Grade Literature Book, Vol. 2:

a. The story is narrated from Dế Mèn's perspective.

b. The text can be divided into two parts:

• Part 1: From the beginning... to the line: A self-portrait of Dế Mèn
• Part 2: The rest: Dế Mèn's prank on Cốc and the lesson he learns from it.

Question 2, Page 10, 6th Grade Literature Book, Vol. 2:

a. Descriptions of Dế Mèn's appearance and actions:

• Appearance:
• Shiny legs
• Sharp claws on his feet and knees
• Wings that extend like a long coat
• Large head with prominent features
• Two sharp, always chewing teeth
• Long, curled antennae that give a powerful impression

Actions:

• Moves gracefully, struts, bounces his legs, shakes his thighs
• Scolds the grasshoppers, teases the locusts
  => The author uses many dynamic verbs and adjectives, along with comparisons, to emphasize Dế Mèn as a youthful, muscular cricket, but with a haughty and arrogant character.

b. Adjectives describing appearance: shiny, sharp, hardened, black, bulky, powerful...

• Adjectives describing personality: stubborn, proud, formal, intimidating, majestic...
• These can be replaced with other words: large, firm, dark, defiant, slow-moving.

=> The author's word choice is subtle and effective, capturing the essence of a cricket while giving Dế Mèn human-like qualities.

c. Dế Mèn's character: aware of his own beauty but arrogant, self-centered, and disrespectful to others.

Question 3, Page 11, 6th Grade Literature Book, Vol. 2:

Dế Mèn's attitude toward Dế Choắt:

• Gives him the nickname “Dế Choắt”
• Disrespects Dế Choắt, referring to him as “you little”
• Views Dế Choắt as weak, ugly, lazy, and contemptible, calling him “like a drug addict”
• Refuses to help Dế Choắt and treats him rudely, arrogantly

=> Dế Mèn is conceited, dismissive, and treats his frail neighbor with disdain.

Question 4, Page 10, 6th Grade Literature Book, Vol. 2:

• The emotional development and attitude of Dế Mèn as he plays a prank on Cốc, leading to Dế Choắt’s death:
• He feels pleased with his mischief at first.
• He becomes scared when he hears Cốc’s call signaling the death of Dế Choắt.
• He is shocked and frightened by Dế Choắt’s death and reflects deeply on his friend's final advice.
• Dế Mèn regrets his behavior, reflecting on the valuable lesson he must learn from this experience.
• Dế Mèn expresses remorse for his actions, grieves for Dế Choắt, and learns the first lesson of life:
• Do not be arrogant, reckless, or impulsive in your actions.
• Help the weak, show kindness, and foster unity with others.

Question 5, Page 10, 6th Grade Literature Book, Vol. 2:

The depiction of animals in the story mirrors real-life creatures:

The author employs personification, making these animals more vibrant and relatable, imbued with human emotions and thoughts.

Similar works about animals include: The New Year of the Kitten (Nguyễn Đình Thi), The Adventure of General Văn Ngan (Vũ Tú Nam), The Brave Praying Mantis (Tô Hoài).

III- Practice

Question 1, Page 11, 6th Grade Literature Book, Vol. 2:

This passage captures Dế Mèn’s feelings:

Dế Choắt, I am deeply remorseful for my hasty actions. I never thought through the consequences, and now, your death is an unjust result. I will remember your wise words, strive to change, and abandon my arrogance and rashness so that I never pay such a heavy price again.

Question 1 (page 10, Literature 6, Volume 2)

a. Summary of the excerpt: The story tells about a young, strong cricket who is arrogant and self-centered, always considering himself the "future ruler of the world." Due to this arrogance, in one foolish act, he teases a grasshopper, which leads to the tragic death of his weak and pitiful neighbor, Dế Choắt. Filled with regret, Dế Mèn learns his first life lesson.

• The story is narrated by the character Dế Mèn, who uses "I".
• The essay can be divided into two parts:
  • Part 1 (from the beginning to "the future ruler of the world"): Introduction of Dế Mèn's appearance and personality.
  • Part 2 (the remainder): The story about his first life lesson.

Question 2 (page 10, Literature 6, Volume 2)

a. Describing Dế Mèn's appearance and actions:

- Appearance:

• Shiny, sleek legs
• Sharp claws on the feet and knees
• Wings that form a long coat down to the tail
• A large head with stubborn patches
• Two dark, sharp teeth
• Long antennae, curved in a proud and heroic way

- Actions:

• Testing the strength of his claws
• Carefully grooming his antennae with both legs
• Walking with pride
• Teasing everyone in the neighborhood

=> Dế Mèn's strong and youthful appearance is emphasized. The author blends his appearance with his character traits: arrogance and haughtiness.

b. Adjectives to describe his appearance: strong, sleek, sharp, thick, crispy, glossy, dark, gnawing, etc.

• Adjectives to describe his personality: stubborn, proud, dignified, grand, fierce, terrifying, etc.
• These can be replaced by words like: big, short, chubby, tiny, black, bold, etc.

=> The author uses precise language to describe the characteristics of crickets, while highlighting their human-like arrogance.

c. Dế Mèn is a character who is aware of his strengths and appearance but falls into vanity and arrogance, even deluding himself about his own worth.

Question 3 (page 11, Literature 6, Volume 2)

The attitude of Dế Mèn toward Dế Choắt is one of superiority and disdain.

• He calls his friend Dế Choắt
• Compares him to a drug addict
• Uses a condescending tone, calling him "you" and "my little one"
• Acts arrogantly, speaking and behaving like a superior
• Dế Mèn remains indifferent and unwilling to help Dế Choắt

=> Dế Mèn behaves rudely, arrogantly, and indifferently toward Dế Choắt.

Question 4 (page 11, Literature 6, Volume 2)

The psychological development and attitude of Dế Mèn after teasing the grasshopper, leading to the death of Dế Choắt:

• Arrogantly declares: "What do I fear? Who can scare me?"
• After teasing the grasshopper, he smugly hides in his hole, thinking he has won.
• Upon hearing the sound of the grasshopper’s death, he becomes scared and hides in fear.
• After the danger is over, he creeps out and regrets his actions.

=> Dế Mèn moves from aggressive and arrogant to cowardly and fearful.

• Dế Mèn learns the lesson of humility and empathy: Never be arrogant, always respect others, and help those weaker than yourself.
• The first life lesson is summed up in Dế Choắt's words: "In life, if you act recklessly and without thought, you will ultimately bring disaster upon yourself."

Question 5 (page 11, Literature 6, Volume 2)

• Animal characters are depicted realistically, similar to their real-life counterparts.
  • Contrasting characters: Dế Mèn, strong and healthy vs. Dế Choắt, weak and ill.
• The author uses anthropomorphism, making the animals come alive by giving them human-like actions, language, and philosophical thoughts.
• Other works featuring anthropomorphized animals include: "The Little Kitten’s Tet" by Nguyễn Đình Thi, "The Praying Mantis Hero" by Tô Hoài, and "Little Red Riding Hood", "The Bear, the Lion, and the Fox".

Practice (page 11)

Activity 1 (page 11, Literature 6, Volume 2)

After burying Dế Choắt, Dế Mèn feels:

• Grief turning into regret and sorrow. The more he feels sorry for Dế Choắt, the more he regrets his thoughtless actions.
• "Dế Choắt, I am truly sorry. I hope you can forgive my reckless and arrogant behavior. I deeply regret my actions. I’ve lost a good friend because of my vanity. From now on, I promise to give up my arrogance and selfishness to live a better, more meaningful life."

Activity 2 (page 11, Literature 6, Volume 2)

Divide the class into groups and assign roles for students to perform the scene where Dế Mèn teases the grasshopper, leading to the tragic death of Dế Choắt.

Answer to Question 1 (page 10, Literature 6, Volume 2): Summarize the excerpt from the story "The First Lesson of Life" and answer the following questions: (a) Who is the narrator of the story? (b) How can the essay be divided into sections, and what are the main points of each section? Detailed Solution: Summary of the excerpt from "The First Lesson of Life": The excerpt tells the story of Men, a strong and proud young cricket. Men is very proud of his martial-arts appearance. He mocks everyone around him and belittles a nearby cricket, Choat, calling him weak and frail. Men taunts the female cuckoo, then retreats into his burrow. The cuckoo mistakes Choat for the one who taunted her and injures him fatally. Before dying, Choat advises Men to stop his arrogant behavior and to think carefully before acting. This is Men’s first life lesson. (a) The story is narrated by the main character: Men. (b) The essay can be divided into two parts: Section 1: From the beginning until "almost the ruler of the world": describing Men’s strong, proud appearance. Section 2: The rest of the story: the lesson Men learns after Choat’s death. Answer to Question 2 (pages 10-11, Literature 6, Volume 2): Read carefully the passage from the beginning to "almost the ruler of the world," then: (a) Write down details describing Men’s appearance and actions. Comment on the sequence and style of description in the passage. (b) Identify adjectives that describe Men’s physical traits and character. Replace some of these adjectives with synonyms or similar words, then comment on the author’s choice of words. (c) Comment on Men’s character in this passage. Detailed Solution: (a) Details describing Men’s appearance: shiny, thick legs, sharp claws, a tough head, two dark, sharp teeth, long, curved antennae. Actions: lifting his legs, stamping his feet on the grass; while walking, his body shakes with a glossy brown color; his sharp teeth are always gnawing, while occasionally raising both legs to groom his antennae. The author’s description not only highlights Men’s physical features but also his gestures and actions, creating a vivid, robust image that reflects his character. (b) Adjectives describing Men’s appearance and character: strong, shiny, stiff, sharp, rough, crispy, brown, tough, dark, gnawing, curved, imposing, formal, leisurely. These can be replaced with synonyms like stiff for short, crispy for crunchy, and formal for dignified. However, these alternatives do not evoke the same lively and detailed portrayal of Men as the original adjectives. (c) From this passage, we see that Men has a proud, self-centered attitude towards his physical appearance and strength, while dismissing others and acting arrogantly. Answer to Question 3 (page 11, Literature 6, Volume 2): Comment on Men’s attitude toward Choat (as shown in his words, tone, and manner). Detailed Solution: Men’s attitude toward Choat is one of disdain and disregard. This is shown in the following details: - The way Men addresses Choat: "you" and "you little guy." - When Choat asks for help, Men arrogantly laughs and scolds him loudly. - Men’s condescending attitude and harsh words toward Choat. Answer to Question 4 (page 11, Literature 6, Volume 2): Describe Men’s emotional journey and attitude after teasing the female cuckoo, which leads to Choat’s death. What life lesson did Men learn from this event? Detailed Solution: Men’s emotions are depicted subtly and logically: - Initially, Men is dismissive of others and cruel toward Choat, his neighbor. - He mischievously plans to tease the cuckoo. - Men enjoys the joke at first but feels fear when hearing the cuckoo attacking Choat. - He is shocked by the unexpected consequences of his actions. - Men panics and regrets his role in Choat’s death, feeling helpless. - Finally, he sincerely repents, standing still at Choat’s grave, reflecting on the valuable life lesson he must learn. The life lesson Men learns is that one should not act arrogantly or selfishly, causing harm to others and ultimately to oneself. Answer to Question 5 (page 11, Literature 6, Volume 2): Do the animals described in the story resemble real-life animals? Are there any human characteristics attributed to them? Do you know of any other works that describe animals in a similar way? Detailed Solution: - The animals in the story resemble real-life creatures, but the author anthropomorphizes them, giving them the ability to speak, think, feel, and form relationships like humans. - Other works with a similar style include: "The Frog in the Well," "Putting a Bell on the Cat," and "Limbs, Hands, Ears, Eyes, Mouth." Answer to the Practice Question: Answer to Question 1 (page 11, Literature 6, Volume 2): Write a passage from Men’s perspective after he buries Choat. Detailed Solution: Here is a suggested passage: I regret deeply and feel sorrow I can hardly express. My thoughtless prank has caused Choat to suffer. I realize the damage caused by my arrogance and boastfulness. The more I think about Choat’s last words, the more painful they become. Today, I narrowly escaped danger, but Choat paid the price with his life. If I don’t change my haughty and reckless nature, I may bring harm upon myself. Today’s events have taught me a great life lesson. I will never forget Choat in his final moments and the words he spoke. Choat, forgive me. Standing by your grave, I promise I will become a better person. Main Content: The essay describes Men’s strong and youthful appearance, but also his arrogant and impulsive personality. His prank on the cuckoo leads to Choat’s tragic death. Men regrets his actions and learns his first life lesson.

General Information about the Author and the Work

1. The Author

• Tô Hoài, born Nguyễn Sen in 1920, hails from Thanh Oai, Hà Tây (now part of Hà Nội), but grew up in Nghĩa Đô village, now within the Cầu Giấy district of Hà Nội.
• He began his writing career before the August Revolution of 1945, producing an extensive and varied body of work across many genres.
• In 1996, Tô Hoài was awarded the Hồ Chí Minh Prize for Literature and Arts.

2. The Work

• The Adventures of the Cricket, first published in 1941, is Tô Hoài's most well-known and remarkable work, written for children. The book contains ten chapters that narrate the adventures of the Cricket as it explores a world of tiny creatures.
• The main plot centers on the Cricket, who, tired of the mundane life by the field, sets out to broaden his knowledge and find the purpose of his existence. Despite encountering numerous challenges and dangers, the Cricket remains determined, embodying the youthful thirst for knowledge, idealism, and commitment to high causes.
• The excerpt titled 'The First Life Lesson' is taken from Chapter 1 of The Adventures of the Cricket.

3. Summary of the Excerpt from 'The First Life Lesson'

The Cricket is a strong, youthful insect who takes pride in his disciplined lifestyle, yet his arrogance leads him to believe he is invincible and superior. He refuses to assist the frail Cricket named Choắt, his neighbor, who is much weaker and ill-looking.

In an act of thoughtless mischief, the Cricket mocks and teases the female Bush-Cricket, which results in Choắt's tragic death. Before passing, Choắt forgives the Cricket and advises him to abandon his arrogance. The Cricket, upon burying Choắt, feels deep remorse and reflects on the lesson he has learned about life.

Reading and Understanding the Text

Question 1 - Page 10 in the Textbook

Summarize the excerpt and answer:

a) Which character narrates the story?

b) How can the essay be divided, and what is the main point of each section?

Answer:

Summary: The story is about a proud, strong Cricket who, in a moment of reckless behavior, mocks the Bush-Cricket, which leads to the tragic death of Choắt, his weak neighbor. The Cricket, feeling remorse, learns his first life lesson.

• The story is told from the perspective of the Cricket, who refers to himself as 'I'.
• The text can be divided into two parts:

+ Part 1 (from 'I am going to be the greatest' onward): Introduction of the Cricket’s physical appearance and personality.

+ Part 2: The events leading to the life lesson.

Question 2 - Page 10 in the Textbook

Read the passage carefully up to 'I am going to be the greatest,' then:

a) List the details describing the Cricket's appearance and actions. Comment on the sequence and style of the description.

b) Identify the adjectives describing the Cricket's appearance and personality. Replace some of these words with synonyms and discuss the author's choice of words.

c) Comment on the Cricket's personality in this section.

Answer:

a) Details of the Cricket's appearance and actions:

• Appearance:
• Shiny, strong legs
• Sharp claws on its feet and knees
• Wings that cover its body, reaching to the tail
• A large, stubborn head
• Black, prominent teeth
• Long antennae that curl in a proud manner

Actions:

• Testing the sharpness of its claws
• Slowly, in a formal way, grooming itself
• Walking with pride
• Mocking its neighbors

This physical description highlights the Cricket's strength and arrogance.

b) Adjectives describing appearance: Strong, shiny, sharp, black, curled...

Adjectives describing personality: Stubborn, proud, formal, boastful...

These can be replaced with words such as 'muscular,' 'glossy,' 'pointed,' 'dark,' 'twisted,' 'headstrong,' 'self-important,' and 'ceremonial.'

The author's language effectively portrays both the Cricket's physical form and its haughty attitude.

c) The Cricket is aware of its strength and beauty but becomes overly proud, leading to a misunderstanding of its true worth.

Question 3 - Page 11 in the Textbook

How does the Cricket treat Choắt? What does this reveal about his character?

Answer:

The Cricket treats Choắt with arrogance, disrespect, and disdain:

• He refers to Choắt dismissively
• Compares him to a drug addict
• Uses informal, condescending language
• Displays a superior attitude in his manner and tone
• Refuses to assist Choắt when needed

These behaviors demonstrate the Cricket's rude, haughty attitude and lack of empathy.

Question 4 - Page 11 in the Textbook

Describe the Cricket's mindset and attitude when teasing the Bush-Cricket, leading to Choắt's death. What lesson does the Cricket learn?

Answer:

The Cricket’s attitude changes throughout the incident:

• Initially, he is boastful: 'What do I have to fear?'
• After mocking Choắt and the Bush-Cricket, he feels invincible and safe
• When he hears Choắt's death, he becomes fearful and hides
• Later, he regrets his actions and reflects on the lesson he has learned

Through this experience, the Cricket learns the importance of humility, empathy, and responsibility.

Question 5 - Page 11 in the Textbook

Do the animals in the story resemble their real-life counterparts? What human traits are attributed to them? Are there other works that anthropomorphize animals in a similar way?

Answer:

• The animals are described in a way that reflects their true nature, such as the Cricket’s legs, wings, and antennae. The Cricket’s physical description is accurate and vivid.
• However, the author gives the animals human characteristics, such as the Cricket’s pride and regret, as well as its ability to reflect on its actions.

Other works with anthropomorphized animals include: The Tale of the Two Mice, The Adventures of the Fox and the Crow, and Aesop's Fables.

Practice

Question 1 - Page 11 in the Textbook

Imagine the Cricket's thoughts and feelings after burying Choắt, and write a paragraph expressing his emotions.

Answer:

After burying Choắt, the Cricket feels a deep sense of loss, regret, and sorrow. He wishes he could take back his reckless actions and undo the harm he caused. He resolves to change and never forget the lesson he learned.

Question 2 - Page 11 in the Textbook

Divide into groups of three students to read aloud the part where the Cricket mocks the Bush-Cricket, leading to Choắt's death.

Suggestion: The students can assign roles to read out the section of the story where the Cricket teases the Bush-Cricket.