Top 6 Best Essays on 'A Gift of Young Rice: Green Rice' by Thach Lam for Grade 7

BASIC KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE AUTHOR AND THE WORK

1. Author

- Thach Lam (1910 – 1942), born in Hanoi with the birth name Nguyen Tuong Vinh, later changed to Nguyen Tuong Lan, was a famous writer and a member of the Self-Strength Literary Group before the August Revolution of 1945.

- He was known for his short stories and was a sensitive, refined writer, especially adept at exploring the emotional and sensory world of individuals.

2. The Work

- The essay "A Gift from the Young Rice: Green Rice Cake" was extracted from the collection *Hanoi, Thirty-Six Streets* (1943), a series of essays that depict the landscapes and flavors of Hanoi, particularly focusing on everyday foods and simple gifts, which, though humble, carry deep and distinct flavors. The work demonstrates a refined and skillful portrayal of Hanoi’s rich cultural identity.

- Genre: Essay

- Main Content: This essay discusses "com" – a simple but profound gift made from young rice, symbolizing the pure and modest beauty of the Vietnamese countryside.

- Structure: 3 sections

+ Section 1 (from the beginning to “the dragon boat”): The origin of "com".

+ Section 2 (continuing until “soft and delicate”): The value of "com".

+ Section 3 (the remainder): The appreciation of "com".

READ - UNDERSTAND

Question 1 - Page 162 Textbook

What is the essay about? What methods of expression does the author use to describe the subject? Which method is the most prominent? How many sections are there, and what is the main content of each?

Answer:

- This essay talks about the unique cultural beauty and special characteristics of the traditional Vietnamese gift, "com" (green rice cake).

- To describe "com", a gift from young rice, the author employs various methods such as description, narration, evaluation, and commentary. However, the most prominent technique is the lyrical expression, directly conveying the author's emotions.

- The essay consists of three sections, each with the following main content:

Section 1: From the beginning to “the unintentional boat”: Introduces the origin of "com" and how its delicate grains are created from nature’s essence and human ingenuity.

Section 2: From “"Com" is a unique gift”... to “soft and delicate”: Describes the special qualities of "com" and its cultural value, particularly its connection to the Tet ritual.

Section 3: The remaining part: Discusses the appreciation of "com".

Question 2 - Page 162 Textbook

Read the paragraph from the beginning to “the purity of heaven and earth,” and explain:

- What images and details does the author use to begin the essay about "com"?

- What feelings and impressions create the emotional tone of the paragraph?

Answer:

- The author opens the essay by using the following details:

+ The fragrance of lotus leaves in the summer breeze.

+ The refreshing scent of rice flowers in the green fields, symbolizing the delicate purity of "com".

- The elements that contribute to the emotional tone of the paragraph include:

+ Refined, evocative imagery: lotus pond, rice field, rice flowers, rice milk, and the overwhelming fragrance: lotus scent, rice scent, milk scent.

+ Beautiful, poetic associations that convey a sense of respect: “Within that green husk, there’s a drop of white milk, subtly fragrant, carrying the essence of a thousand flowers and grasses…”

+ A gentle, deep narrative style.

+ The sentences have a rhythm that almost feels like prose poetry.

Question 3 - Page 162 Textbook

How does the author view the tradition of offering "com" and red peaches as Tet gifts in our culture? What aspects of harmony and compatibility between the two have been analyzed?

Answer:

In the main part of Section 2, Thach Lam reflects and comments on the cultural value of "com" in relation to the Tet offering tradition.

The author presents "com" as a gift from heaven, embodying the delicate and rich flavors of the rural countryside.

Therefore, offering "com" during Tet is especially appropriate and has a profound meaning. "Com" pairs harmoniously with the ceremonial customs of a rice-based agricultural society like Vietnam. The phrase “"com" and red peaches make a perfect pair” emphasizes the beauty of this combination. The author analyzes their compatibility through color and taste: “Never have two colors matched better than the vibrant green of "com" like precious jade, and the deep red of peaches like ripe pomegranate. One is subtle, the other sweet and sharp. Together, they support the longevity of happiness.”

Question 4 - Page 163 Textbook

“"Com" is a unique gift of the country, a gift from the vast rice fields, carrying the pure, modest, and serene flavor of the Vietnamese countryside.” How do you feel about the author's comment?

Answer:

This passage reveals the author’s deep appreciation for the value, meaning, and flavor of the gift "com":

+ In terms of value: "Com" is a unique gift of the country.

+ In terms of meaning: It is a gift from the vast rice fields.

+ In terms of flavor: "Com" carries the simple, humble, and pure flavor of the Vietnamese countryside.

= > This short passage encapsulates the profound essence of the gift in just a few lines.

Question 5 - Page 163 Textbook

In the paragraph from “"Com" is not a gift for the impatient” to the end, how does the author express the elegance and respect in appreciating such a simple gift?

Answer:

The subtlety of enjoying this humble gift is conveyed through the idea that eating "com" should not be rushed. One must savor it slowly, thoughtfully, to fully appreciate its fragrance, flavor, and the freshness of young leaves. Buying "com" is about nurturing, caressing, and respecting the gift of nature and human effort. Enjoying "com" with culture and grace makes it taste better and more beautiful.

Question 6* - Page 163 Textbook

The essay demonstrates Thach Lam’s distinctive writing style, characterized by subtle, gentle, and profound sensations. Find and analyze some specific examples in the essay to prove this observation.

Answer:

This essay embodies Thach Lam’s signature style, which is focused on delicate, gentle, and profound sensations.

We can observe this in the introductory passage: “The summer wind brushes through the lotus leaves on the lake, absorbing the fragrance of the leaves, heralding the arrival of a refined and pure gift. Can you smell it when passing by the green fields, where the first grain of rice bends the stalks and releases the fragrance of young rice? Inside the green husk, there’s a drop of white milk, subtly fragrant, carrying the essence of a thousand flowers. Under the sunlight, the milk solidifies, and the rice flower bends under the weight of the precious purity of the sky.”

Thach Lam’s writing is extremely sensitive and careful in capturing his observations and emotions. In this passage, he skillfully uses sensory details, especially smell, to capture the pure aroma of the rice field, lotus leaves, and young rice.

EXERCISE

Question 1 - Page 163 Textbook

Choose a 5-6 line passage from the essay to memorize.

(Students should choose a passage they like and memorize it)

Question 2 - Page 163 Textbook

Collect and transcribe some lines of poetry or folk songs that mention "com".

Suggestions:

1.

If your heart changes its way,

Com will turn moldy, and the peaches lose their charm.

2.

Hey girl with the blue waistband,

Will you come and make "com" with me?

3.

"Com" Vong, rice from Me Tri,

Tamarind from Bần, and mint from Lang, what could be tastier?

4.

The wind blows in autumn, the fresh smell of "com",

I miss the autumn days long gone,

The cold morning in the heart of Hanoi,

Long streets full of the scent of fabric.

SUMMARY:

"Com" is a unique gift of the country, a gift from the endless rice fields, carrying the pure, modest, and serene flavor of the Vietnamese countryside. Through a sensitive and refined writing style, the author highlights the beauty of the national culture in this simple but remarkable gift.

General Overview of the Work

Author:
Thach Lam (1910 - 1942) was born in Hanoi, with the real name Nguyen Tuong Lan.
He was known for his short stories and achieved success in writing essays.
Thach Lam's writing style is gentle, delicate, poetic, and compassionate.
Work:
Origin: "A Gift from the Young Rice: Green Rice Cake" was published in the essay collection "Hanoi's Streets" (1943).
Genre: Essay
Expression Method: Combines several descriptive, emotional, and commentary methods with a foundation of expressiveness.
Structure: 3 parts
Part 1: From the beginning to 'dragon boat' => The origin and formation of green rice cakes.
Part 2: From there to 'soft' => Reflections on the value of green rice cakes.
Part 3: The remaining part => Discussing the enjoyment of green rice cakes.

Essay Preparation Guide
Question 1: What is this essay about? What methods did the author use to discuss this topic?

The essay is about a rural gift with a pure fragrance—green rice cake.
The author employed a variety of descriptive, emotional, and commentary methods, with the primary focus on expressiveness.
The essay is divided into three parts:
Part 1: From the beginning to 'dragon boat' => Origin and formation of green rice cakes.
Part 2: From there to 'soft' => Reflections on the value of green rice cakes.
Part 3: The remaining part => Discussing the enjoyment of green rice cakes.

Question 2: Read the passage from the beginning to 'the purity of heaven' and tell us:

What images and details does the author use to begin writing about green rice cakes?
Which impressions from the author contribute to the emotional tone of the passage?

Answer:

The author begins the essay with beautiful, specific images:
The fragrance of lotus leaves, evoking the scent of this pure gift.
Describing the young rice flowers, which contain the pure essence of the sky, the ingredients for making green rice cakes.
The author evokes the fragrance of lotus leaves, the green of the rice fields, the fresh scent of young rice, the delicate sweetness in the rice grains, and a faint floral fragrance.
Factors contributing to the emotional tone:
Beautiful, evocative images: lotus ponds, rice fields, rice flowers, dewdrops, the intoxicating fragrance.
Creating a lyrical and sentimental mood with a sense of reverence.
The writing style is soft and profound.

Question 3: How does the author comment on the custom of using persimmons and green rice cakes as Tết gifts?

How does the author analyze the harmony between these two items?

Answer:

The author comments on the use of green rice cakes as Tết offerings, presented by the groom's family to the bride's family before marriage during the Tết holiday.
Green rice cakes are a wonderful gift from nature, a divine offering, a simple yet pure rural food item from Vietnam.
The custom of using green rice cakes as Tết offerings has become a symbol of the agricultural land of Vietnam. This gift pairs with the persimmon, symbolizing the harmony and connection between lovers.
The harmony between these items is analyzed in terms of their colors and flavors:
Color: the author compares the jade-green color of green rice cakes with the ruby-red color of the persimmon, making the two items more valuable.
Flavor: Green rice cakes are subtle and sweet, with both flavors complementing each other.

Question 4: “Green rice cakes are a unique gift of the land, an offering from the vast rice fields, carrying the rustic, simple, and pure taste of rural Vietnam.” What is your response to this description by the author?

Answer:

“Green rice cakes are a unique gift of the land, an offering from the vast rice fields, carrying the rustic, simple, and pure taste of rural Vietnam.”

This statement is a concise expression of the author’s admiration and respect for green rice cakes, a simple yet refined gift born from the natural bounty and the craftsmanship of the Vietnamese people.
This description evokes feelings of love for the homeland and national pride, showing the author’s appreciation for the creative labor of the Vietnamese people, as well as the cultural beauty embedded in this humble gift.

Question 5: The later part of the essay (from 'Not a gift for hasty eaters...' to the end) discusses the enjoyment of green rice cakes. How does the author express the subtlety and respect for this simple gift?

Answer:

Enjoying the green rice cake:
Eat it slowly, savoring each bite.
Buy it gently, handling it with care.
Enjoy it using:
The sense of smell: the aroma of rice.
The sense of taste: the sweet flavor of the green rice cake.
The sense of sight: the green color.
The sense of touch: the freshness of the leaves.
Reflecting: the delicate, subtle nature.
This passage on enjoying the green rice cake reflects a cultural approach to food. The author suggests that enjoying green rice cakes should be done with care, just as one would handle a precious gift. The suggestion that 'the enjoyment of green rice cakes will be more elegant and joyful when done with reverence' highlights the cultural significance of how we savor food. It also represents the author’s pride in their homeland and in the people of Hanoi.

Question 6: This essay showcases the distinctive qualities of Thach Lam's writing, focusing on delicate and profound sensations. Find and analyze examples from the essay to support this view.

Answer:

Thach Lam was a sensitive and refined writer, and his work evokes beautiful feelings about life and people.

The opening passage: “The summer breeze, passing over the lotus pond, absorbs the fragrances of the leaves, foreshadowing a delicate and pure gift.” The breeze moves gently, and the fragrance of the air is refined and soft, carrying a message about the soul.

The passage about savoring the green rice cake: “Green rice cakes must be eaten slowly, with careful thought. Only then will one fully appreciate the fragrance of the fresh rice, the wildflowers by the pond, the green color of the cake, the freshness of the leaves, and the sweet, delicate flavor of the green rice cake.”

These examples show the refinement in Thach Lam’s writing, where he conveys a deep cultural understanding of food and the importance of savoring it with care. The use of respectful and evocative language emphasizes the uniqueness of the green rice cake as a special gift.

Practice:

Collect and write down some poems or folk songs that mention green rice cakes.

Answer:

“This morning as clear as a morning long ago,
The autumn wind blows, bringing the fragrance of new green rice cakes.
I remember the autumns that have passed.”
(Nguyen Dinh Thi)

“Pick the green rice cakes in a round basket,
Red persimmons and Hồng Bạch Hạc, bringing joy to the heart.”
(Folk Song)

“Rice fields ripen with golden grain,
I and my friends go out to harvest rice,
Fry the rice, and gather around the fire,
The fragrance of green rice cakes fills the air.”
(Autumn Green Rice Cake Fragrance – Nguyen Dinh Huan)

“Fresh as the mornings of May,
The autumn wind blows, bringing the fragrance of green rice cakes,
I remember the autumns long gone.”
(The Land – Nguyen Dinh Thi)

“The autumn green rice cakes call me back,
Bringing a strange excitement of the rural harvest,
The pale yellow sunlight, the gentle breeze,
Autumn whispers in the streets of Hanoi.”
(Autumn Green Rice Cakes – Vu Dung)

I - BASIC KNOWLEDGE TO MASTER FIRMLY

1. Author

Thạch Lam is the pen name of the famous writer Nguyễn Tường Lân (1910-1942), a notable member of the Tự Lực Văn Đoàn group. He excelled in short stories, known for his delicate and sensitive writing style.

2. Genre

Essays are a form of writing similar to descriptive and narrative texts but focus more on expressing emotions, thoughts, and reflections on life’s phenomena and issues.

3. Work

With his refined and sensitive pen, the author praises a unique gift from the land, with the fresh, pure fragrance of the countryside, discovering the beauty of the national culture within simple yet distinctive products.

The essay 'A Gift of Young Rice: Cốm' is from the collection *Hà Nội Băm Sáu Phố Phường* (1943), a series of essays about the landscapes and flavors of Hanoi, especially ordinary, humble foods with a deep and unique flavor, reflecting the subtlety and finesse of the ancient capital’s culture.

The essay 'A Gift of Young Rice: Cốm' is written in the essay genre, a form of narrative writing. This genre allows the writer to freely flow from one idea or image to another, revealing emotions, reflections, and opinions about people and places, almost like lyrical poetry.

Essays are arguably the most poetic form of narrative writing. The subjects and events mentioned in the essay don’t form a rigid system, but they must follow the logical flow of the author's emotions and thoughts, while remaining authentic. The essay’s value lies in its deep, introspective reflections drawn from seemingly trivial, everyday events. Its appeal also comes from its polished language, rich with unexpected and intriguing imagery, creating a unique poetic quality.

II - GUIDE TO READING AND UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT

Question 1. As indicated by the title, this essay focuses on a gift of young rice: Cốm. To describe this, the author employs a mix of descriptive, explanatory, expressive, and reflective techniques, with the primary method being the expression of personal feelings.

The essay can be divided into three sections:

a) From the beginning to 'thuyền rồng' (dragon boats): The fragrance of Cốm evokes memories of how it is made and sold.

b) From there to 'nhũn nhặn' (humble): The author discovers and praises the value of Cốm, highlighting its connection to beautiful traditions.

c) The remainder: Discusses the cultural ways of appreciating Cốm and buying it with respect.

Question 2. The author begins the essay with the scent of lotus leaves on a lake, reminiscent of the delicate and pure fragrance of this gift. The author then describes the young rice plants, which contain the pure essence of the heavens, the raw material for making Cốm. The sensory impressions of lotus leaves, the green fields, the refreshing smell of young rice, and the subtle fragrance of rice grains filled with the essence of flowers and herbs contribute to the expressive tone of the passage, praising the purity and elegance of Cốm.

Question 3. The author remarks that the tradition of offering both peaches and Cốm is very fitting. Cốm, a gift of the fields, when paired with peaches, creates a meaningful ceremonial offering. This harmony is analyzed in terms of color and flavor. The colors and tastes complement each other, making the tradition even more beautiful.

Question 4. The author's observation is subtle and accurate. Cốm is a truly unique gift. It is made from something closely tied to rural life, like a ceremonial offering from the fields to the people. The flavor of Cốm is the taste of rice, a humble, simple, and pure aroma from the countryside. Cốm is more than just a common food; it becomes a gift, a special offering. Furthermore, it is tied to cultural customs, like how bánh chưng and bánh giầy are associated with ancestor worship and the Lunar New Year. Cốm, on the other hand, is tied to marriage traditions and the Sêu Tết custom, making it an even more distinct gift.

Question 5. The delicacy in appreciating this simple gift lies in the experience of enjoying it. Eating Cốm is an act of savoring; one must eat slowly and reflect deeply to fully appreciate its fragrance, sweetness, the freshness of the young leaves, and the subtle herbal taste. Buying Cốm is an act of reverence, cherishing the gift of nature and the effort of those who make it. Purchasing it in a culturally respectful way makes the experience more graceful and refined.

Question 6. Thạch Lam’s sensitivity is evident in his depiction and emotional expression about the formation of young rice, which embodies the purity of nature. This delicacy is also shown in his emotional analysis of the harmony between peaches and Cốm in terms of color and flavor when used in rituals. The part where the author discusses how to enjoy Cốm reveals his ability to analyze sensations with both subtlety and depth. Only someone with deep understanding and sensitivity could express the value of such a simple, pure, and unique gift.

III - PRACTICE GUIDE

1. You can memorize the first paragraph, or the section from 'Cốm is a unique gift' to 'Peaches and Cốm go well together.'

2. Some poems and folk sayings about Cốm:

- Golden straw tied to the wind

Lotus leaves wrapped in lake waves

The passionate sun of Bến Nghé

Fall in love with the fragrance of autumn Cốm.

(Nguyễn Vũ Tiềm)

- Struggling to select Cốm from Vòng

Select peaches from Bạch Hạc to make the heart rejoice.

(Folk saying)