Top 6 Best Essay Outlines for 'Hai đứa trẻ' (Thạch Lam) - (Vietnamese Literature 11)

Structure

3 parts

+ Part 1 (from the beginning to 'smaller towards the village'): The town street scene at dusk

+ Part 2 (from there to 'vague, incomprehensible feelings'): The street scene late at night

+ Part 3 (the remaining part): The image of the train and the mood of waiting for the night train

Content

Through the story of the two sisters, Liên and An, and the people in the town waiting for the train, Thạch Lam poignantly expresses his sympathy for the fate of the small, helpless people, and the respect for their faint hopes and dreams.

Instructions

Question 1 (page 101 Vietnamese Literature 11, Volume 1):

+ Time: from dusk to late night

+ Setting: the poor town street

Question 2 (page 101 Vietnamese Literature 11, Volume 1):

The life and images of the people in the town

- Life: poor, restricted, dark

- People in the town:

+ Poor children scavenging the leftovers in the market.

+ Ms. Tí and her simple water stall with few customers.

+ Ms. Thi: slightly crazy, buying alcohol late at night and disappearing into the dark.

+ Mr. Siêu with his noodle cart - a luxury treat.

+ The blind musician family living on singing and the charity of passing strangers.

Question 3 (page 101 Vietnamese Literature 11, Volume 1):

The mood of Liên and An:

+ In front of the natural landscape: a deep, reflective sadness.

+ In front of the life scene: compassion, love, pity for the poor, broken lives, and dreams of a prosperous Hanoi.

Question 4 (page 101 Vietnamese Literature 11, Volume 1):

* The image of the train:

- When the train arrives:

+ The bright lights of the carriages shining down onto the street.

+ The upper-class carriages filled with people, flashing silver coins, and sparkling windows.

- When the train leaves:

+ Leaving behind glowing coal spots on the railroad.

+ The green light hanging on the last carriage, gradually fading behind the bamboo groves.

* The two sisters try to stay awake to wait for the train, both to sell their goods and because the arrival of the train, with its loud sound and brilliant light, will bring a different world to the poor town - the world Liên has always dreamed of.

Question 5 (page 101 Vietnamese Literature 11, Volume 1):

+ Artistic techniques: vivid, delicate descriptions, use of symbolic language and images, contrasting style.

+ Tone: soft, poetic, deeply lyrical.

Question 6 (page 101 Vietnamese Literature 11, Volume 1):

Thạch Lam's message: deep sympathy for the small lives and a deep respect for their simple, sincere desires and dreams.

Practice (page 101 Vietnamese Literature 11, Volume 1):

Question 1

+ Most memorable character: poor children scavenging for leftovers.

+ Artistic detail: the dim light of Ms. Tí's oil lamp.

=> These characters and details symbolize the darkness and hopelessness in the lives of the people in the poor town who seemingly have no way out.

Question 2

- Thạch Lam's artistic style:

+ Subtle psychological descriptions

+ Contrasting techniques

+ Skillful blending of narrative and lyricism, realism and romanticism

Answer to Question 1 (page 101, Literature 11 textbook):

- The time from late afternoon to night.

- The setting of the market street in a poor district, contrasting between light and darkness.

+ The dusk scene (the sound of the 'trống thu không' drum, clouds glowing like dying embers, etc.)

+ The market closing scene.

+ The street scene as night falls, dark and monotonous.

Answer to Question 2 (page 101, Literature 11 textbook):

The life and image of the residents in the poor district:

- The two sisters, Lien and her sibling, with their small stall.

- The mother and daughter of Ms. Ti: catching crabs during the day, serving drinks at night, but it never seems to improve their situation.

- The elderly woman Thi: the only person who laughs in the story, yet she is somewhat mad and drinks alcohol.

- The poor children: scavenging whatever they can find in the rundown market.

- Mr. Sieu’s noodle stand is empty, so he has to carry it back to the village; Mr. Xam’s family barely gets any customers, dozing on a mat while their child plays in the dirt.

=> The harsh, stagnant, dull, and pitiful lives of these destitute people.

Answer to Question 3 (page 101, Literature 11 textbook):

The mood of Lien as she observes the market street:

- Lien’s mood during the evening:

+ The sadness of the rural twilight slowly fills her innocent soul; darkness takes over her eyes.

+ She silently watches the market at dusk.

+ She feels pity for the poor children but cannot afford to help them.

+ She hurries to pack up her stall to obey her mother’s request.

- Her mood late at night:

+ She recalls fond memories and the more prosperous life she had in Hanoi: visiting Hoan Kiem Lake, eating ice cream, remembering a bright, bustling place.

+ She quietly observes the despairing lives around her in the poor street.

+ She craves Mr. Sieu’s noodles but dares not eat them as they are too luxurious for her.

+ Along with her sister, she gazes at the stars, but quickly grows tired, her thoughts returning to the dark, oppressive ground beneath her.

Answer to Question 4 (page 101, Literature 11 textbook):

- The image of the train:

+ It marks the final activity of the night.

+ The loud noise of the train horn as it enters the station, rumbling powerfully as it approaches.

+ The train is bathed in bright light, its metal parts gleaming, with people bustling around.

- Lien and An struggle to stay awake to see the train pass because:

+ The train is beautiful, loud, and captivating.

+ On a deeper level, the train symbolizes a world of happiness, wealth, and prosperity, in stark contrast to their poor, dull lives in the district.

+ The train represents hope and dreams for Lien and An.

Answer to Question 5 (page 101, Literature 11 textbook):

The unique artistic elements in the story:

- The story is deeply lyrical, lacking a traditional plot, yet captivating due to its poetic nature and the warmth of human emotions.

- The contrast technique (between light and dark), rich with meaningful details and symbolic images.

- The writing style is gentle, subtle, but heartfelt, full of affection.

- The psychological portrayal of the characters is masterfully done.

Answer to Question 6 (page 101, Literature 11 textbook):

The short story *Two Children* embodies deep humanitarian values:

- Sympathy for the poor, struggling people.

- Understanding and valuing the hopes of these impoverished individuals for a brighter future.

- These small, forgotten lives are easily overlooked by society => We must care for them.

Exercise

Question 1 (page 101, Literature 11 textbook)

- Impression of Lien, especially through the detail: 'Lien felt moved, but she didn’t even have enough money to give them.'

=> Lien is still a young girl, but she is compassionate and full of love.

Question 2 (page 101, Literature 11 textbook)

The artistic style of Thach Lam:

- A delicate and deep analysis of characters' psychology.

- A gentle, intimate, and lyrical tone.

- The use of light-dark contrasts in descriptions.

- The technique of describing movement to depict stillness.

- A harmonious blend of narration and lyricism, of realism and romance.

Question 1 (Page 101, Literature 11 Textbook, Volume 1)

The scenery in the story is described in terms of both space and time:

- The time is late afternoon, the end of a day transitioning into night. This is the moment when dusk gradually turns into nightfall.

=> The effect: it evokes a sense of melancholy, nostalgia, and a bittersweet feeling (artistic time).

- Space: The story begins with the sound of the evening drum call, signaling twilight, accompanied by the pink clouds in the west, resembling a dying ember. It ends with the quiet of the late night, as everyone in the village falls asleep, leaving the streets shrouded in darkness.

- The village street scene: quiet, peaceful, though sad, yet poetic. It reflects the author's realistic yet romantic style.

Question 2 (Page 101, Literature 11 Textbook, Volume 1)

The life and the image of the villagers are observed through Liên's eyes. The life in this place suggests decay and loneliness:

- The scene of the fading day: the sound of drums, insects, mosquitoes buzzing… darkness slowly overwhelms Liên’s vision.

- The aftermath of the market: children picking up leftovers, the familiar musty smell...

- The darkness dominates the village: streets are dark, the road to the river is dark… a few dim lights flicker...

- The withered lives: the blind man and his wife, Tý's family, the slightly mad old woman, poor children, Siêu the man, and even Liên and her sister… Their lives merge with the darkness, like wandering, fleeting shadows.

=> The village is poor and engulfed in darkness. The lives of the people here are monotonous, repetitive, and dull: “These people, in the darkness, await something brighter for their everyday lives of poverty.”

Question 3 (Page 101, Literature 11 Textbook, Volume 1)

In front of this natural scenery, both Liên and her sister An experience their own emotions.

- Liên's feelings at dusk:

+ The sadness of the evening seeps into her innocent soul, and darkness gradually fills her eyes.

+ Sitting still, watching the village street as the sunset fades away.

+ Feeling pity for the poor children but unable to help them financially.

+ Hastily packing up as instructed by her mother.

- Her feelings at midnight:

+ She remembers the beautiful moments and prosperous life in Hanoi: going to the lake, eating ice cream, recalling a world full of light.

+ Quietly watching the tattered lives around her in the village.

+ Craving the soup from Siêu but refraining because it is a luxury dish.

+ With her sister, looking up at the stars but quickly losing focus, turning back to the earth covered in darkness.

Question 4 (Page 101, Literature 11 Textbook, Volume 1)

- The image of the train in the story is depicted in great detail: The train appears 10 times in the narrative. It comes with its brightly lit windows, “blue-green lanterns,” the “whistle of the locomotive,” the smoke glowing white in the distance, the soft murmur of the passengers, and gradually fades away into the vast night. The train is described from its first sign to its arrival and departure. It represents Hanoi, happiness, and the warm memories of childhood.

* The purpose of Liên’s waiting for the train:

- The night train through the village is the only joy in the day for the two sisters:

+ The train brings a glimpse of another world: strange lights, brightly lit compartments, lively sounds, and the passengers’ chatter—completely contrasting the dull, repetitive, and dark life in the village.

+ The train also evokes memories of their happy childhood in Hanoi: “A bright, lively Hanoi, full of joy and noise.”

=> The train becomes an essential part of the sisters’ lives. It symbolizes a lively, happy, and modern world. Though only for a moment, it offers the village an escape from its stagnant, trapped existence.

=> Through Liên’s feelings while waiting for the train, Thạch Lam aims to awaken the villagers, urging them to rise above their sorrow and despair to reach for something better.

Question 5 (Page 101, Literature 11 Textbook, Volume 1)

The artistic techniques and narrative style of Thạch Lam in this story:

- Artistic techniques:

+ Whether describing scenes, characters, or telling a story, the author carefully selects symbolic details that highlight the essence of the work: describing the transformation of the setting in the story.

+ The portrayal of the characters' inner thoughts is subtle and profound.

+ The technique of contrast (using light to describe darkness, action to describe stillness).

- The narrative tone is gentle, intimate, and reflective. The sentences are light, clear, rich in imagery, and evocative.

Question 6 (Page 101, Literature 11 Textbook, Volume 1)

- The voice of compassion for the poor, trapped, and hopeless lives.

- Through this, the author evokes empathy and respect for their desire to reach for a better life.

- It sounds a warning bell: Small lives are often neglected by society. We must pay attention to them.

=> It carries both realistic and humanitarian value.

Practice

Question 1 (Page 101, Literature 11 Textbook, Volume 1)

- The character Liên (along with An, the old woman Thi, Tý, etc.)

- Liên is a kind-hearted, responsible, sensitive, and empathetic girl. Her emotional development is subtle, delicate, easily relatable, yet difficult to grasp.

- The symbolic meaning of the train: It represents Hanoi, happiness, and childhood memories. It symbolizes a truly livable world: rich, lively, full of light, in stark contrast to the monotonous, poor, dark, and stagnant life of the villagers.

Question 2 (Page 101, Literature 11 Textbook, Volume 1)

The artistic features of Thạch Lam's style are reflected in the short story 'The Two Children':

- The work blends both realism and a touch of romanticism and poetry.

- It exemplifies Thạch Lam’s intimate storytelling style (genuine human emotions, gentle, deeply felt, focusing on the inner world of the characters, with a narrative tone like confiding in the reader).

- The language is simple yet highly expressive.

- Exceptional artistic techniques: vivid scenery description, detailed portrayal of characters' psychology.

Structure

- Part 1 (from the beginning to "for them"): The fading evening and Liên's emotions.

- Part 2 (continues with "an unclear feeling"): The village street at nightfall.

- Part 3 (the rest): The waiting for the train by the two sisters Liên.

Question 1 (Page 101, Literature Textbook Grade 11, Volume 1)

The time and space depicted in the story:

+ The evening (the Western sky ablaze like a burning fire and the pink clouds resembling burnt-out embers)

+ The fading day, the shrinking space of the impoverished village

+ The scene of the impoverished village, the dying market, a bare and dilapidated corner of the market

Question 2 (Page 101, Literature Textbook Grade 11, Volume 1)

The life of the downtrodden people in the village is depicted realistically:

- Sister Tí spends her days collecting crabs and snails, and at night she sets up a small stall with a flickering oil lamp (but earns very little)

- The blind man’s family sits on a mat, with a bowl in front, contributing only the sound of the đàn bầu in the silence

- The old woman Thi, who is mentally unstable and an alcoholic, laughs eerily like a ghost, swaying like a shadow

- Liên and her sister are depicted more vividly:

+ Liên’s father lost his job, forcing the family to move back to the village, while her mother runs a small grocery store so the two sisters can help sell

+ Liên sympathizes with the poor children and reflects on the soup from Uncle Siêu as an unattainable luxury

+ The family of Liên struggles with hardship and poverty

⇒ All of this paints a picture of sorrow, exhaustion, and a monotonous, unchanging life, deserving of sympathy

Despite this, they still hope—though vaguely—that their lives will change, and the author subtly conveys a sense of compassion.

Question 3 (Page 101, Literature Textbook Grade 11, Volume 1)

The emotions of the two children before the natural landscape and the village street scene are portrayed delicately:

+ Liên and her sister experience the evening with personal feelings—both sadness and a deep connection

+ In harmony with nature, the two children discover its subtle transformations (looking up to find the Milky Way)

+ The children’s emotions are attuned to the natural world (through the leaves of the banyan tree… an incomprehensible dream)

⇒ The two sisters quietly observe the events in the village street, feeling a deep sadness and empathy for the fragile lives of people in the harsh darkness

Question 4 (Page 101, Literature Textbook Grade 11, Volume 1)

The image of the night train appears during the sisters' eager wait:

+ Liên, "so sleepy her eyes were closing," still tries to wait for the night train, and An reminds her to wake her up when the train passes

+ The sisters stay awake not to sell goods, but because they "want to see the train pass"

+ To Liên and her sister, the train represents a different world

- The author focuses on describing, in detail, the chronological progression and the sisters’ anticipation of the train

- The meaning of the night train for the impoverished village residents:

+ A symbol of vitality, wealth, and radiant light

+ The train evokes the sisters' memories of a better time, when their father still had a job

+ The villagers cease their activities when the night train passes by

⇒ Through Liên’s anticipation of the train, the author seems to awaken the stagnant, repetitive lives of the people

Question 5 (Page 101, Literature Textbook Grade 11, Volume 1)

The narrative style and descriptive techniques of Thạch Lam:

- The short story delicately portrays the subtle changes in the landscape and the character’s emotional development, creating an atmosphere for the work

- The narrative style is gentle, calm, objective, yet filled with sadness for the lives of the poor and confined people

- The story is rich in lyrical tones and poetic qualities

Question 6 (Page 101, Literature Textbook Grade 11, Volume 1)

- Thạch Lam subtly conveys sympathy for the lives of the people stuck in the monotony of village life before the Revolution

- The author expresses respect for their desire to reach a better life

- The story demonstrates a profound humanitarian perspective, filled with respect and compassion

Practice

Question 1 (Page 101, Literature Textbook Grade 11, Volume 1)

- The most impressive character is Liên

+ A girl whose childhood is immersed in the fading, decaying life filled with darkness

+ Liên is a compassionate girl, empathetic toward the poor people in the village

+ Liên is in tune with nature

+ She longs for a better life, yearning to escape the confinement of her circumstances

Question 2 (Page 101, Literature Textbook Grade 11, Volume 1)

Two children is one of the most representative short stories of Thạch Lam’s artistic style:

- The writing blends realism with a touch of romanticism and poetry

- The story is a quintessential example of Thạch Lam's narrative style, focusing on sincere human connections, gently unfolding in a confessional tone

Summary

'The Two Children' is a short story about the monotonous, confined life of two siblings, An and Lien, living in a poor rural town. Every night, they wait together for the passing of the night train from Hanoi, the only event that disrupts the quietude of their day.

Structure

Part 1 (from the beginning to 'fading towards the village'): Life in the town at dusk.

Part 2 (from 'continuing to the vague feelings'): The life of the town at night as the two sisters await the train.

Part 3 (the rest): The passing of the train through the poor town.

Question 1 (page 101 Literature Textbook, Volume 1):

+ Time: transitioning from evening to night and into the late hours.

+ Space: built on contrasts between light and darkness, set in the small, impoverished town.

Question 2 (page 101 Literature Textbook, Volume 1):

+ Life in the town:

- Quiet and dull: the evening is tranquil, with only the distant croak of frogs and the stillness, with no activity aside from the passing train.

- Poor: the market is empty, only scraps of trash, pomelo peels, lychee leaves, and sugarcane remnants litter the ground.

+ The people of the town: Struggling and living on meager means, stuck in a repetitive existence.

- Children from poor families gather anything they can use.

- Mrs. Ti, the mad old woman, and others like Mr. Sieu and the porters are depicted in their daily survival.

- The two sisters, Lien and An, with their small market stall.

Question 3 (page 101 Literature Textbook, Volume 1):

Emotions of Lien and An:

+ In response to the natural scene: a melancholic, somewhat confused feeling.

+ In response to the depiction of life: sympathy for the people, for themselves, and nostalgic longing for the vibrant life they once had in Hanoi.

Question 4 (page 101 Literature Textbook, Volume 1):

+ The image of the train: the only event in the town. The train rushes through with bright lights, silver and brass gleaming, and windows shining, though it’s less crowded than usual.

+ The sisters stay awake waiting for the train because: it represents the only glimpse of a bright, happy life from Hanoi, a life they yearn for. The train provides a brief escape from the town’s bleak, repetitive existence.

Question 5 (page 101 Literature Textbook, Volume 1):

+ Descriptive techniques: detailed portrayal of the contrasting lights and shadows.

+ Tone: full of lyrical beauty, gentle and empathetic toward the lives of the working poor.

Question 6 (page 101 Literature Textbook, Volume 1):

Thach Lam’s ideology: expresses deep sympathy for the poor, struggling people living in darkness before the August Revolution.

Practice

Question 1 (page 101 Literature Textbook, Volume 1):

+ The most memorable character: the mad old woman Mrs. Thi

Her brief appearance seems to foreshadow the fate of the trapped, hopeless lives in the town, signaling the future for Lien.

+ Symbolic detail: The passing of the night train.

The image of the train is a powerful symbol of Lien’s yearning for a brighter life, reflecting the theme of the story.

Question 2 (page 101 Literature Textbook, Volume 1):

Thach Lam’s artistic style:

- A keen, insightful analysis of the characters’ psychology.

- A gentle, lyrical tone, full of intimacy.

- The use of light and shadow contrasts in descriptions.

- A harmonious blend of narration and lyricism, reality and romance.

Meaning

Through a simple narrative, Thach Lam subtly and poignantly expresses his sorrow for the poor, trapped lives in a rural town before the Revolution, while also showing deep respect for their vague yet hopeful desire for change.

I. About the author and the work

1. Author

- Thạch Lam (1910 – 1942), born Nguyễn Tường Vinh (later changed to Nguyễn Tường Lân), was born in Hanoi into a family of Confucian scholars with ties to the former ruling class.

- He believed in progressive, wholesome literature and was known for his mastery of the short story. His works often lacked complex plots, focusing instead on exploring the inner lives of characters and their subtle, fleeting emotions in daily life. Thạch Lam’s writing is pure, simple, yet profoundly deep and reflective.

- Notable works: Short story collections like Gió đầu mùa (1937), Nắng trong vườn (1938), Sợi tóc (1942), and essays in Hà Nội 36 phố phường...

2. Short story “Hai đứa trẻ” is one of Thạch Lam’s most outstanding stories, published in the collection Nắng trong vườn. Like many of his other short stories, “Hai đứa trẻ” beautifully blends elements of realism and romanticism.

II. Guidelines for preparation

Structure

- Part 1 (from the beginning to “cười khanh khách”): The scene of the village street at dusk.

- Part 2 (from there to “cảm giác mơ hồ không hiểu nổi”): The scene of the village at night.

- Part 3 (remaining): The scene of the night train passing through the village.

Question 1 (page 101, Literature 11, Vol. 1):

- Time: From the fading afternoon to the passing of the night train through the village.

- The setting in the story depicts a poor village before the August Revolution. It is surrounded by fields and hamlets, near a river. The summer evening is filled with the sounds of frogs and crickets. At night, the village becomes eerily quiet with very few lights.

Additionally, the story touches upon the nostalgic space of Liên and An’s family life in Hanoi, and the dreamlike vision of Hanoi: bustling, lively, bright, and happy.

Question 2 (page 101, Literature 11, Vol. 1):

The life and imagery of the villagers are seen through Liên’s eyes. The life here evokes feelings of decay and desolation:

+ The dusk scene: the sound of drums, insects, and mosquitoes... darkness begins to engulf Liên’s vision.

+ The market scene: children scavenging, familiar damp smells...

+ The darkness that envelops the village: streets dark, paths leading to the river dark... A few flickering lights...

+ The lives of the impoverished: The blind beggar couple, Tí’s family, the crazy old woman, the poor children, the cart puller, and even Liên and An’s family... Their lives blend into the darkness, like shadows that wander aimlessly, lingering in despair.

=> The poor, dark village and the monotonous, repetitive, bleak life of its inhabitants. “These people in the darkness long for something bright to lift the despair of their daily existence.”

Question 3 (page 101, Literature 11, Vol. 1):

Liên and An’s feelings about the natural surroundings and the life depicted in the village:

* Regarding the natural surroundings:

- Liên and her sister feel the rural evening with unique emotions, both sad and affectionate.

+ Liên feels: “a melancholy, lingering sadness at the twilight hour.”

+ She senses “the unique smell of the earth, of her homeland.”

- As night falls: Liên and An silently observe the sky: “Through the soft leaves, countless stars twinkle, a firefly clings to a leaf, its tiny green glow flickering... then the flowers from the trees fall softly onto Liên’s shoulders, occasionally in clusters. Liên’s soul becomes calm, with vague, inexplicable feelings.”

* An and Liên quietly observe the goings-on in the village and feel a deep sympathy for the lives of those struggling, living in the dark, trapped in poverty and hopelessness.

→ The sadness of the village fills Liên’s eyes, but in her heart, she still harbors hope and longing in the night: The night train.

Question 4 (page 101, Literature 11, Vol. 1):

The village as the night train passes:

- The image of the train is repeated 10 times in the story.

- The night train passing through the village is the only joy for Liên and her sister in the day:

+ The train brings a completely different world: strange lights, brightly lit carriages, lively sounds, noisy passengers... it contrasts sharply with the dull, repetitive life of the village.

+ The train also evokes fond memories of their joyful childhood in Hanoi: “A bustling, bright, lively Hanoi.”

→ The night train becomes an indispensable part of Liên and An’s daily life. It symbolizes a vibrant, joyful, modern life. Even if only for a moment, it frees the village from its stagnant, despairing existence.

=> Through Liên’s anticipation of the train, Thạch Lam seems to awaken those who are trapped in despair, urging them to reach for something better.

Question 5 (page 101, Literature 11, Vol. 1):

The narrative style and tone of Thạch Lam in the story:

- Masterful descriptive technique: Thạch Lam excels in vividly depicting the subtle changes in scenery and the characters’ emotions.

- A gentle, lyrical tone; simple language yet always carrying a sense of compassion for the impoverished, hardworking people living in despair.

Question 6 (page 101, Literature 11, Vol. 1):

Through this short story, Thạch Lam expresses his deep sympathy for the lives of those trapped in the endless darkness and despair of the poor village before the August Revolution. At the same time, he also shows respect for their simple, humble desires: “These people in the darkness long for something brighter to ease their daily struggles.”

Practice

Question 1 (page 101, Literature 11, Vol. 1):

- The story features several memorable characters such as Liên, Tí’s family, the crazy old woman, and the blind beggar couple...

- Artistic details: the image of the night train passing through the village, the interplay of light and darkness...

Question 2 (page 101, Literature 11, Vol. 1):

“Hai đứa trẻ” is a representative short story of Thạch Lam’s literary style, demonstrated by:

- A simple plot, highlighting flowing emotional expressions and fragile, fleeting feelings in the characters’ souls.

- A sensitive portrayal of the changing scenery and the emotional states of the characters.

- The use of contrasting opposites: a rich blend of realism and subtle romanticism.

- A narrative voice that is intimate, reflective, and deeply poetic.