Top 6 Best Analyses of 'The Three Great Contributions of Karl Marx' by Friedrich Engels for 11th Grade

Question 1. How can this eulogy be divided? What is the content of each part?

Answer:

The eulogy can be divided into 3 parts as follows:

- Part 1: From the beginning to "the death of the great man caused", introducing the time and space when Marx passed away.

- Part 2: From there to "for that person could do no more". The significant contributions of Marx to human life.

- Part 3: The rest: Expresses the boundless sorrow of many people around the world at Marx's passing.

Question 2. What contributions of Marx made him the "greatest modern thinker"?

Answer:

The contributions that made Marx the "greatest thinker among modern thinkers":

- The first contribution of Marx was "discovering the law of historical development of humanity" through different historical periods, where the essence of that law is the base (including the means of production, methods of producing the means of production, economic development levels, etc.) determining the superstructure of society (including forms of state, religion, literature, art, etc.).

- The second contribution was "discovering the specific motion law of the capitalist production mode and the bourgeois society created by this mode". This is the law of surplus value.

Question 3. To highlight the greatness of Marx, Engels used the comparative technique of degrees (also known as progressive comparison). How was this technique applied in the eulogy?

Answer:

To emphasize Marx's greatness, Engels applied the comparative technique of degrees (progressive comparison).

* This artistic form appears repeatedly throughout the eulogy:

- The opening passage consists of two sentences: The first sentence announces the time of Marx's death. The second sentence informs of the peaceful passing of the great man with sorrow from those close to him: "Leaving Marx alone for only two minutes, yet when we returned to the room, we found him peacefully asleep on the armchair – but this sleep was eternal". This sentence seems to express emotions, to explain the sorrow, and to justify to comrades and colleagues. The opening passage sets the tone of infinite grief from those left behind at Marx's passing, while also showing the respect from his friends and comrades to the one who had departed.

- The second passage, also consisting of two sentences, maintains this tone of sorrow and respect. First, the universal significance of Marx is affirmed: "That person’s passing is an immeasurable loss to the proletariat struggling in Europe and America, to the science of history". Here, Marx is portrayed as both a revolutionary for the working class and a historian-scientist. The repetitive structure is used here to emphasize Marx's greatness:

That person – gone = (is) an immeasurable loss.

+ For the proletariat struggling in Europe and America.

+ For the science of history.

This loss creates a profound emptiness for humanity, for science (progressive). The respect and sorrow are magnified many times. Marx's death becomes a monumental loss for humanity.

* The second part of the eulogy, as we know, focuses on assessing the deceased's career. In this section, the author continues to use the hierarchical structure of argumentation combined with comparison. This can be seen in the following model:

For example:

- Darwin discovered the laws of organic evolution.

- Marx discovered the laws of historical development of humanity.

But it doesn’t stop there...

Marx is compared to other great figures of his era, with the famous scientific achievements of that time. This is a unique comparison: comparing Marx to the leading figures and significant contributions of his time, achievements that transcend the era and are not found in previous periods. These people and scientific achievements being compared form the basis of humanity's greatness, marking the pinnacle of the era. Marx is compared to these peaks of his time, but not only in the same position of human greatness (through people like Darwin), but also transcending these peaks. Therefore, Marx himself becomes the pinnacle of all peaks, the greatest of all great men, the "greatest modern thinker". This is the effect brought by progressive comparison.

It is also important to note that the comparison at the bottom level also forms a series of repetitions, creating a progressive effect (through a sequence of continuous comparative terms, constantly).

The comparison here is initially placed on an equal level, creating a contrast to emphasize the idea (Marx with Darwin). Following that, the equivalent comparison leads to a superior comparison, which is immediately confirmed in the sentence: "But it doesn’t stop there". The argumentation is shown not only by stating the thesis but also by providing a persuasive example: "Marx also discovered the specific law of motion for the capitalist mode of production today and the bourgeois society it generates". The author then immediately points out the profound significance Marx discovered: it is a light to oppose the darkness that "socialist critics have been groping for". The comparison is further emphasized in subsequent parts.

* As a scientist, Marx’s discoveries are invaluable, and his name deserves to be immortalized in history. This recognition is entirely correct. However, if we only stop at this recognition, we would not fully appreciate Marx's greatness or the depth of Engels' sorrow over Marx’s passing. One must understand Marx from two perspectives: as a man of discoveries and as a man of practical action. Between these two figures, there is a dialectical relationship, a close causality. As the author emphasizes: "For Marx, science was a historical force, a revolutionary power". "Because first and foremost, Marx was a revolutionary".

Marx's discoveries were great, but his practical actions were even greater, because: "In one way or another, (he) participated in overthrowing the bourgeois society and the state institutions it created, and in the liberation movement of the modern proletariat, which he was the first to awaken with an awareness of their status and needs, an awareness of the conditions for their own emancipation. That was truly the mission of his life". That is truly the most admirable quality of Marx ("Struggle was the natural action of Marx").

d. The eulogy highlights Marx's image but does not dwell on his death, and this is the unique aspect of this eulogy. Instead of doing so as usual, the eulogy emphasizes the meaning of life, the significance of Marx's life, and the immortality of his creative contributions to humanity.

- The third contribution, according to Engels' reasoning, is the most important. It is the integration of theory and practice, transforming revolutionary science into revolutionary action, because "science for Marx was a historical force, a revolutionary force" and "first and foremost, Marx was a revolutionary", in Marx "struggle was his natural action".

These contributions are arranged in a progressive order, with each successive contribution greater than the previous one, though even one of these contributions would already mark him as a great man.

To highlight Marx's contributions, Engels compares them with those of Darwin and other scientists of the era. The 19th century in the West was a period of significant inventions that drove societal development. Marx's contributions carry a universal significance, opening the way for the new era. In this sense, Marx stands out as the "greatest modern thinker" among all thinkers.

Question 4. Analyze Engels' attitude and feelings toward Marx through the comparative reasoning in the eulogy.

Answer:

By presenting Marx's scientific discoveries, Engels indirectly praises his contributions and the immense value of Marx's work for humanity. At the same time, this praise of the deceased also reflects Engels' deep sorrow for Marx’s passing. The eulogy ends with a cry expressing grief in the form of a prayer: "May his name and legacy live forever!".

Question 5. What is your interpretation of the statement: "[...] He may have many adversaries, but surely no personal enemies?"

Answer:

Throughout his life and career, Marx "participated in overthrowing the bourgeois society and the state institutions it created", in other words, he fought against injustice, against oppression and authoritarianism.

Along with this struggle, Marx "participated in the liberation movement of the modern proletariat, and was the first to bring awareness to this class of their status and needs, of the conditions for their own liberation". In other words, Marx defended the working class, the oppressed. He gave them faith in happiness within a new world, a world where workers are truly the masters of society.

Marx's contributions are undoubtedly the common property of humanity. These contributions are not just theoretical, but also practical, opening the way for human progress.

Since Marx’s activities were not for personal gain but for the benefit of the whole people, he "may have many adversaries, but surely no personal enemies".

A. KEY KNOWLEDGE

1. Author

Friedrich Engels (1820-1895) was a German philosopher and a close friend of Karl Marx. He was also a renowned revolutionary figure of the new generation and international community.
His theoretical legacy plays an essential role in Marxist theory.

2. Works

Karl Marx (1818-1883) was a great philosopher and theorist of Germany, an extraordinary talent who had a profound impact on workers and leaders worldwide. Marx's theory of scientific socialism paved the way for humanity to enter the era of socialism and communism.
The text "The Three Great Contributions of Karl Marx" is Engels' eulogy read at Marx's grave. In this eulogy, Engels praised Marx's great contributions and expressed the deep sorrow of the working-class community for the immense loss that cannot be replaced. The title was given by the compiler.

B. EXERCISES AND GUIDELINES

Question 1: Page 95, Literature 11, Volume 2

How can the eulogy be divided? Summarize the content of each part.

Answer:
The eulogy can be divided into three parts:
Part 1 (From the beginning to "the passing of the great man"): This part announces the death of Karl Marx, a tremendous loss for humanity.
Part 2 (From "Like Darwin... he will do no more"): This section evaluates the great contributions of Marx.
Part 3 (From "And this is why... the end"): This part expresses the infinite grief over Marx's death and affirms his immortality in the hearts of people worldwide.

Question 1: Content and artistic value in "The Three Great Contributions of Karl Marx"
Answer:
1. Content value
With his profound ideas and significant contributions, Marx deserves to be considered one of the greatest thinkers. His name and legacy will live on forever. Through this eulogy, we also sense Engels' personal sorrow and the widespread sympathy of millions of people for the loss of this great thinker.
2. Artistic value
It is a persuasive argumentative essay with logical reasoning and strong persuasion. The use of comparative art and progressive structure (increase in importance) is masterfully applied, making the text even more compelling.

I. Author and Work

1/ Author:
Engels (1820-1895) (SGK)
Marx (1818-1883) (SGK).
Note:
A great philosopher and political theorist, German
A genius leader of the working class and the laboring people worldwide.
He invented dialectical materialism and historical materialism, developed Marxist economic theory, and scientific socialism.
His theories served as the intellectual and practical weapon of the working class in their struggle against capitalist domination..
2/ Context of creation:
The text "The Three Great Contributions of Marx" is a eulogy Engels delivered at Marx's grave. It was created in March 1883, shortly after Marx's death on 14/03/1883 at 3:15 AM

II. Answering the Questions

Question 1:

The text is divided into three sections:

- Part 1: From the beginning to "the death of this great figure", introducing the time and space of Marx’s departure from life.

- Part 2: From there to "for that person will not do anything further." The immense contributions of Marx to humanity.

- Part 3: The remainder: Expressing the endless sorrow of many people around the world at the passing of Marx.

Question 2:

Marx's great contributions made him the "greatest thinker among modern thinkers".

- The first contribution of Marx is: Discovering the law of development of human society. The essence of the law is that the base structure determines the superstructure.

- The second contribution of Marx is: Discovering the laws of motion unique to the capitalist mode of production today and the bourgeois society it creates.

- The third and most important contribution of Marx: The integration of theory and practice, turning revolutionary theory into revolutionary action.

- Moreover, he was the founder of the International Workers' Association.

⟹ Marx became a distinguished scientist, a revolutionary leader, and a pioneer in the struggle to liberate the modern proletariat.

Question 3:

To highlight Marx's great stature, Engels used a method of comparison combined with a hierarchical structure (gradual escalation): arguing in an increasing order, with each successive contribution being greater than the previous one.

+ Engels mentioned Darwin's discovery about the laws of development of organic life to emphasize Marx's discovery of the law of human history development.

+ Then came Marx's profound contributions like

+ Engels used phrases such as: "But it’s not just that, it’s not the main thing in Marx, his joy is even greater."

⟶ Highlighting Marx’s intellectual and ideological contributions.

Question 4:

Engels’ attitude and emotions towards Marx as reflected in his speech:

- Respect, praise, and admiration for Marx’s firm character:

- A sincere, deep, and boundless sorrow for Marx's death:

+ "He passed away, and millions of his revolutionary companions from across Europe and America, from the Siberian mines to California, revered, loved, and mourned him".

+ Family, nation, and millions of people across Europe and America ⟶ admired his noble character.

⟹ Admiration, sorrow, pride, and affirmation of his immortality: "His name and legacy will live on forever". This shows that Marx was indeed a great figure.

Question 5:

- The final sentence:

+ Enemies: The capitalists, those who exploit the working people. They despise Marx because he exposed their true nature, and they hate and fear him for revealing the truth they cannot deny or refute.

+ Marx "Perhaps didn’t have any personal enemies at all". His target for criticism and struggle was bourgeois society and its reactionary, idealist, and anti-scientific doctrines, not any individual. Marx stood with the laboring masses, with the proletariat. Therefore, his enemies were the enemies of the working people.

PRACTICE

Question 1:

Marx’s contributions are an invaluable intellectual treasure for humanity. They are not only theoretically significant but also practically influential, helping humanity move forward.

Throughout his life, Marx courageously opposed injustice, oppression, and tyranny; defended the working people, the downtrodden. Marx brought them hope for a better world, where workers are the true masters of society. His actions were not for personal gain but for the benefit of all humanity. Therefore: ... he may have had many enemies, but he certainly didn’t have any personal foes.

This demonstrates that Marx is "the greatest thinker among modern thinkers".

Question 2:

a) Introduction:

- Introduce the author: Engels

- The main content of the eulogy

b) Body:

- Marx’s great achievements in history:

- Marx’s role:

+ He was not only a pioneer in the national liberation movement, but also a politician with a significant role in the nation’s liberation.

+ He was not just involved in revolutionary activities

+ He founded the workers' organization

⟶ His contributions to the revolutionary cause were immense

- The author’s attitude of admiration and deep sorrow.

c) Conclusion:

- The significance of the work

- Its influence in Vietnam

I. Brief Introduction to Author Friedrich Engels
- Friedrich Engels (1820 - 1895) was a German philosopher and a prominent revolutionary figure in the international labor movement and the Communist International.
- He was a close friend of Karl Marx.
- Engels made significant contributions to the Marxist theory.

II. Brief Overview of the Work 'Three Great Contributions of Karl Marx' (Friedrich Engels)
1. Background of the Work
- The essay was written after Marx's death and was presented at his funeral.
2. Structure
- Part 1 (paragraphs 1 and 2): announces the death of Karl Marx, a great loss to humanity.
- Part 2 (paragraphs 3, 4, 5, 6): evaluates Marx's great contributions.
- Part 3 (remaining sections): expresses sorrow and affirms Marx's immortality.
3. Content Value
- The essay serves as a summary of Marx's life and monumental achievements.
4. Artistic Value
- Logical arguments, incorporating the technique of progressive comparison.

III. Answer Guide

Question 1 (Page 95, Literature Textbook, Grade 11, Volume 2):

The funeral oration is divided as follows:

Part 1 (paragraphs 1, 2) announces Marx's death, a great loss to humanity.

Part 2 (paragraphs 3, 4, 5, 6) evaluates the great contributions of Karl Marx.

Part 3 (paragraph 7, concluding sentence): expresses sorrow and confirms Marx's immortality.

Question 2 (Page 95, Literature Textbook, Grade 11, Volume 2):

Marx discovered:

- The law of development of human history through different historical periods, with the underlying base determining the superstructure.

- The specific law of motion of the capitalist mode of production and the bourgeois society it creates. This is surplus value.

- The relationship between theory and practice, transforming revolutionary theory into a scientific method.

→ With these monumental contributions, Marx became a pioneering scientist, leading the modern proletariat to liberation.

Marx's ideas are the most profound of modern philosophers.

Question 3 (Page 95, Literature Textbook, Grade 11, Volume 2):

To emphasize Marx's monumental stature, the author uses the method of comparative progression:

- Superior comparison:

- Similar comparison:

+ Darwin discovered the law of organic world development.

+ Marx discovered the law of historical development of humankind.

- Progressive comparison:

+ Marx also uncovered the concept of surplus value...)

+ Marx was a revolutionary leader.

→ Expression value: Marx is compared to the great figures of his time (a unique achievement that few others can claim).

- The logical reasoning effectively highlights Marx's greatness, the admiration and sorrow felt by Engels and all humanity upon his passing.

Question 4 (Page 95, Literature Textbook, Grade 11, Volume 2):

The deep sorrow and respect towards Karl Marx:

- Attitude: admiration, praise.

- Sentiment: stemming from love, reverence.

- When presenting Marx's accomplishments, there is an underlying tone of praise and sorrow, reflecting Engels' mourning for Marx.

Question 5 (Page 95, Literature Textbook, Grade 11, Volume 2):

Marx stood against: bourgeois society and its state institutions.

→ He opposed oppression, authoritarianism, and injustice.

- Marx defended: Marx “joined the cause of the modern proletariat's liberation, bringing awareness of self-liberation to this class.”

→ Marx defended the oppressed, the working class, giving them hope and happiness.

- His contributions are the shared assets of humanity, with the practical value to help advance mankind.

EXERCISES

Exercise 1 (Page 95, Literature Textbook, Grade 11, Volume 2):

Marx's contributions have a profound meaning for the progress of all humankind.

+ His contributions are humanistic, embodying high human values.

+ They represent the voice of civilization and social justice.

+ Serving the common good, not individual gain.

Exercise 2 (Page 95, Literature Textbook, Grade 11, Volume 2):

Outline of the funeral oration:

Introduction: Detail the time related to Marx's passing.

Second part: Address Marx's great contributions.

- Third part: Discuss the overall significance of his contributions for humanity.

- Final part: Affirm his name and legacy in the hearts of all people.

I. About the author and the work

1. Author

Friedrich Engels (1820 – 1895) was a German philosopher, a close friend of Marx, and a renowned revolutionary activist in the global workers' movement and the Communist International. His theoretical legacy is a crucial part of Marxist theory.

Karl Marx (1818- 1883) was a great German philosopher and political theorist, the brilliant leader of the working class and oppressed people worldwide. Marx's theory of scientific socialism paved the way for humanity to enter the socialist and communist era. He developed dialectical materialism and historical materialism, established Marxist economic theory, and scientific socialism... His theories are the intellectual and practical weapons of the working class in their struggle against bourgeois domination.

2. The Work

The text “Three Great Contributions of Marx” is Engels' eulogy delivered at Marx’s gravesite, in which he praised Marx's immense contributions and expressed the deep sorrow of the communists for this irreplaceable loss. The title of the piece was given by the editor.

II. Lesson Plan

Question 1 (page 95, Literature Textbook 11, Volume 2):

Structure of three parts:

- Part 1: from the beginning to “the great man caused”: announces the time of Marx's death and provides a general assessment of Marx's extraordinary contributions.

- Part 2: from there to “furthermore”: evaluates Marx's significant contributions to humanity's progress.

- Part 3: the remaining part expresses infinite sorrow and affirms the immortality of Marx's name and work.

Question 2 (page 95, Literature Textbook 11, Volume 2):

The contributions of Marx that made him “the greatest thinker among modern thinkers”:

- First: discovering the law of human development (The essence of this law: the base determines the superstructure).

- Second: discovering the law of surplus value.

- Third: the most important contribution: the combination of theory with practice, turning scientific revolutionary theory into revolutionary action.

=> Marx's contributions are of a universal scope, paving the way for a new era.

Question 3 (page 95, Literature Textbook 11, Volume 2):

To emphasize Marx's greatness, Engels used a hierarchical comparison (a progressive rhetorical device): Just as A... so B did... But not just like A, B also...:

- But it's not just that (Marx also discovered surplus value).

- But that’s not the most important aspect of Marx (first and foremost, Marx is a revolutionary...)

→ Effect: It highlights the immense stature of Marx: a great man, the pinnacle of his era.

Question 4 (page 95, Literature Textbook 11, Volume 2):

Engels' feelings and attitude towards Marx:

- Through the eulogy, Engels indirectly praised Marx’s contributions to humanity.

- Emphasized the immortality of Marx.

- Expressed profound grief at the passing of Marx.

→ Engels' prayer for Marx: “His name and legacy will live forever.”

Question 5 (page 95, Literature Textbook 11, Volume 2):

Opinion: “[...] He may have many opponents, but probably no personal enemies,” because:

- Marx's lifelong criticism and struggle were against capitalism, reactionary, idealist, and socially unjust ideologies, not against any specific individual.

- Marx’s contributions benefit all of humanity.

→ Engels’ statement is like a prayer for Marx.

Exercise

Question 1 (page 95, Literature Textbook 11, Volume 2):

On Marx's contributions to humanity:

- Discovered the law of human development (The essence of this law: the base determines the superstructure).

- Discovered the law of surplus value.

- The most important contribution: the combination of theory with practice, turning scientific revolutionary theory into revolutionary action.

→ Marx is the pinnacle of all pinnacles, the greatest thinker among modern thinkers.

Question 2 (page 95, Literature Textbook 11, Volume 2):

Outline the eulogy

Main points to include:

- Announce the time of Marx’s death and provide an overview of Marx.

+ General overview: Marx is the greatest thinker among modern thinkers.

+ Infinite sorrow at Marx's passing.

- Marx’s great contributions:

+ Discovered the law of human development (The essence of this law: the base determines the superstructure).

+ Discovered the law of surplus value.

+ The most important contribution: the combination of theory with practice, turning scientific revolutionary theory into revolutionary action.

- Engels’ grief for Marx

+ Praised, praised, and deeply mourned Marx's passing.

+ Marx's lifelong goal of critiquing and fighting against capitalism, idealist, reactionary, and socially unjust ideologies, not any specific person. Thus, “He may have many opponents, but probably no personal enemies.”

Question 1 (page 95, Literature Textbook 11, Volume 2)

* Structure: 3 parts:

- Part 1: From the beginning to "the death of this great figure causes", introduces the time and space when Marx left life.

- Part 2: From there to "for that person will do nothing more". The great contributions of Marx to humanity's life.

- Part 3: The rest: Showing the boundless sorrow of many people around the world over Marx's passing.

Question 2 (page 95, Literature Textbook 11, Volume 2)

* Marx's great contributions made him the "greatest thinker among modern thinkers":

- Marx's first contribution: Discovering the law of social development of humankind.

- Marx's second contribution: Discovering the specific law of motion of the capitalist production mode and the capitalist society it creates.

- Marx's third contribution: The combination of theory and practice, turning revolutionary scientific theory into revolutionary action.

- Additionally, he was the founder of the International Workingmen's Association.

Question 3 (page 95, Literature Textbook 11, Volume 2)

- To highlight the greatness of Karl Marx, Engels used the method of comparison combined with progressive structure (incremental): presenting an argument in increasing order, with each subsequent contribution greater than the previous one.

+ Engels referenced Darwin's discovery about the law of organic world development to emphasize Marx's discovery of the law of human history development.

+ Next are the significant discoveries of Marx.

=> Highlighting Marx's intellectual stature and contributions.

Question 4 (page 95, Literature Textbook 11, Volume 2)

Engels' attitude and feelings toward Marx as shown through the comparison in the eulogy:

- Respectful attitude, praising and honoring Marx for his resilient spirit.

- Genuine and deep sorrow for Marx's passing.

Question 5 (page 95, Literature Textbook 11, Volume 2)

- The last sentence:

+ "The enemy": The capitalists, those who exploit the laborers. They were exposed by Marx's clear truth, causing them to hate and fear him because it was an undeniable fact.

+ "Perhaps there is no specific enemy": Because Marx's lifelong goal, all his passion and talent, was to oppose the entire capitalist system and protect the proletariat and the working people, not to oppose any specific individual.

Exercise

Question 1 (page 98, Literature Textbook 11, Volume 2)

Marx's contributions are a priceless intellectual legacy of humanity. They not only have theoretical value but also practical value, contributing to the progress of humanity.

Throughout his life, Marx courageously fought against injustice, oppression, and tyranny; defended workers and the oppressed. He gave them hope for happiness in a new world, where workers would truly be the masters of society. Marx's actions were not for personal gain but for the benefit of all humanity. Marx is "the greatest thinker among modern thinkers."

Question 2 (page 98, Literature Textbook 11, Volume 2)

a) Introduction:

- Introduction of the author: Engels

- Main content of the eulogy

b) Body:

- Marx's great achievements in history:

- Marx's role:

+ He was not only a pioneer in the national liberation struggle but also a significant political figure in the fight for the country's liberation.

+ He was involved in revolutionary activities.

+ He founded the workers' movement.

⟹ His contributions were immense to the revolutionary cause.

- The attitude of praise and sorrow expressed by the author.

c) Conclusion:

- Significance of the work

- Its influence on Vietnam

Summary

The text is Engels' eulogy for Marx. It introduces the moment when Marx, one of the greatest modern thinkers, passed away. Engels highlights three of Marx's great contributions to humanity: Discovering the laws of human history development; discovering the specific laws of capitalist production methods and the society they create; and the greatest contribution of all, combining theory and practice to transform scientific revolutionary theory into revolutionary action. Engels conveys his deep sorrow over Marx's passing.

Main content

- Recognizing Marx's critical contributions to human history.

- Grateful and respectful of the revolutionary achievements made by previous generations.