Top 6 Best Essays on "Lão Hạc" by Nam Cao

1. Answer question 1 (page 49, Textbook Literature 8, Volume 1):

Describe the emotional development of Lão Hạc regarding the sale of Cậu Vàng. What kind of person do you think Lão Hạc is based on this?

Detailed answer:

- Lão Hạc's feelings towards Cậu Vàng:

+ He respectfully calls the dog Cậu Vàng

+ He befriends Cậu Vàng for emotional comfort

+ He treats Cậu Vàng like a grandchild: feeding it in a bowl, picking up food for it, affectionately scolding and pampering it…

- The desperate situation forces Lão Hạc to sell Cậu Vàng:

+ After an illness and a storm, Lão Hạc's condition is dire, “hungry and desperate”

- The psychological changes after selling Cậu Vàng:

+ Trying to appear cheerful, but his “eyes are brimming with tears,” “whimpering like a child”

+ Lão Hạc is in pain, regretting and feeling guilty for betraying Cậu Vàng.

⟹ Lão Hạc is a kind, affectionate person, and he is deeply tormented by the need to sell Cậu Vàng.

2. Answer question 2 (page 50, Textbook Literature 8, Volume 1):

How do you interpret the cause of Lão Hạc's death? After arranging things and asking the teacher to take care of his garden, and only then deciding to end his life, what do you think of Lão Hạc's situation and character?

Detailed answer:

- Lão Hạc was very poor, old, and ill, and could no longer work to earn a living. Although he had a small garden and had saved some money, he chose to give everything to his son and lived on simple meals to survive.

- In this situation, he decided to commit suicide, a quiet and resolute decision. Before doing so, he asked the teacher to look after his garden so no one would steal it, planning to pass it on to his son later… So Lão Hạc died to protect the garden for his son, whom he believed would return soon. This is a deeply moving sacrifice of a father.

- Due to his strong sense of pride, Lão Hạc refused any help from others, even if it meant starving. When deciding to end his life, he acted with great dignity and integrity, not wanting to burden his neighbors, and entrusted the teacher with the money for his funeral.

⟹ Through his decision to commit suicide and die in agony, we can see Lão Hạc’s noble qualities: his love for his son, an extraordinary sense of pride, and his high moral consciousness.

3. Answer question 3 (page 50, Textbook Literature 8, Volume 1):

What do you think about the attitude and feelings of the “teacher” towards Lão Hạc?

Detailed answer:

- When hearing that Lão Hạc wanted to sell his dog, the teacher was indifferent and detached

- When Lão Hạc cried after selling the dog, the teacher sympathized and wanted to embrace him, offering help

- When hearing Binh Tư say Lão Hạc asked for poison to catch a neighbor's dog, the teacher was doubtful and slightly saddened

- When witnessing Lão Hạc's death, the teacher respected his character and the humble man’s heart

⟹ The “teacher” became a confidant of Lão Hạc, understanding and deeply respecting him.

4. Answer question 4 (page 50, Textbook Literature 8, Volume 1):

When Binh Tư told the teacher that Lão Hạc had asked for poison to catch a neighbor's dog, the teacher felt “life is really sad.” But when witnessing Lão Hạc's painful death, the teacher thought: “No! Life is not necessarily sad, or maybe it is, but in a different sense.”

Detailed answer:

- When hearing Binh Tư, the teacher was shocked, suspicious, and disappointed

+ The teacher felt disillusioned quickly: a man as honest and righteous as Lão Hạc should not “follow Binh Tư’s example.”

+ Saddened that poverty and hunger could corrupt human character (poverty could make Lão Hạc as corrupted as Binh Tư)

- After witnessing Lão Hạc's tragic death, the teacher saw the sadness in a different light.

+ The teacher’s doubts were resolved, but he felt sorrow for another reason

+ He felt sorrow for someone as decent, kind, and honest as Lão Hạc having to end his life in such pain

5. Answer question 5 (page 50, Textbook Literature 8, Volume 1):

What are the artistic features of the story Lão Hạc?

Detailed answer:

- The appeal of the story lies in the psychological portrayal of the characters and the storytelling style.

+ Lão Hạc’s psychological development around selling the dog

+ The change in the teacher’s attitude, from indifference to sympathy, then to respect

- Both characters possess admirable qualities despite their struggles

+ Lão Hạc is full of compassion, pride, and honesty

+ The teacher is kind, compassionate, and understanding

- The narrator “I” leads the story, but also embodies the voices of other characters, making the work rich in tone and not monotonous.

6. Answer question 6 (page 50, Textbook Literature 8, Volume 1):

After his wife commented negatively about Lão Hạc, the teacher thought: “Oh my! For those around us, if we do not make an effort to understand them, we will only see them as ridiculous, foolish, petty, and vile, all excuses for us to be cruel and never see them as deserving our sympathy... we never love them...”

Detailed answer:

- This is a deep philosophical observation:

+ We must truly understand and appreciate others, discovering their goodness

+ People’s suffering may obscure their beautiful nature, but we must “try to understand”

+ We must place ourselves in others’ positions to understand, empathize, and accept them

- It’s a humane, compassionate way of interacting, born from a spirit of love for humanity.

7. Answer question 7 (page 50, Textbook Literature 8, Volume 1):

What do you think of the life and character of the old farmer in the old society, as seen through the excerpt from “Tức nước vỡ bờ” and the short story Lão Hạc?

Detailed answer:

- Life of the farmer before the August Revolution:

+ Exploited, impoverished, starving, deprived

+ Life became increasingly narrow and hopeless

- They possess noble qualities:

+ Innocence, integrity, and deep affection

+ They are ready to die, resist, and maintain their dignity

+ Farmers carry the potential to resist injustice through their deep emotional strength

8. Summary

Lão Hạc was a poor farmer, his wife died young, and his son could not afford a wife, so he left to work in a rubber plantation. Lão lived alone, poor, with only a dog named Cậu Vàng as a companion. After an illness, Lão could no longer work as before, and faced with a desperate situation, he made the painful decision to sell Cậu Vàng. He then entrusted the money and the garden to the teacher, a poor intellectual who often visited him. Lão lied to Binh Tư, a dog thief, claiming he needed poison to catch a neighbor's dog, but he actually intended to end his life. Lão died in agony, and only Binh Tư and the teacher knew the true reason behind his death.

9. Structure

Structure: 3 parts

- Part 1 (from the beginning to “he said this to the teacher”): Lão Hạc's inner turmoil and guilt after selling Cậu Vàng.

- Part 2 (continuing to “one more sorrowful thing”): Lão Hạc arranges his finances and home.

- Part 3 (the rest): Lão Hạc’s death.

10. Main content

The tragic fate of farmers in the old society and the hidden qualities of their character.

Question 1.

Lão Hạc is deeply distressed by his decision to sell his dog, Cậu Vàng. The reasons are as follows:
- Cậu Vàng is not only the last memento left by his son but also a close companion who has stayed with Lão Hạc during his lonely, sorrowful years.
- Lão Hạc tries to appear happy, but his smile looks like a grimace, and his eyes are filled with tears. His face suddenly tightens, the wrinkles bunching up as tears spill down. His head tilts to one side and his lips quiver like those of a child. Lão Hạc sobs quietly...
- Lão Hạc suffers immense guilt, blaming himself for deceiving Cậu Vàng.
- In his mind, he always imagines Cậu Vàng looking at him as if accusing him, with a look that says, "Ah! You old man, you're terrible."
Lão Hạc is portrayed as a poor but compassionate farmer, full of affection and love for animals.

Question 2.
The death of Lão Hạc stems from several factors:
- His extreme poverty
- His deep love for his son
- His desire to preserve his dignity and self-respect as a person
🡺 Lão Hạc's death symbolizes a protest against the colonial feudal society that has pushed the farmer to such dire circumstances. At the same time, the author uses this tragic death to highlight and honor the noble character of the poor farmers.
Before his death, Lão Hạc went to see the teacher, asking for two things:
- First, to look after his son's land
- Second, to keep the money for his funeral arrangements.
Lão Hạc is a man of pride, who does not want to burden others, and is a loving father who always thinks of his son.

Question 3.
- To the teacher, Lão Hạc is a dear friend with whom he shares both joys and sorrows.
- Understanding Lão Hạc's heartbreak over selling Cậu Vàng, the teacher feels a deep empathy and even wishes to hold him and cry with him.
- The teacher comforts and reassures Lão Hạc.
- After witnessing Lão Hạc's painful death, the teacher is filled with sorrow and admiration for his character.

Question 4.
When hearing from Binh Tư that Lão Hạc had asked for dog poison to catch a neighbor’s dog, the teacher thought, "Life is truly...sad," but after witnessing Lão Hạc's agonizing death, the teacher thought, "No! Life is not necessarily sad, or it is sad, but it is sad in a different way." This reflects the teacher’s belief in the dignity of a person like Lão Hạc.

Question 5.
The brilliance of the story lies in the following aspects:
- In terms of content: It successfully builds the character of Lão Hạc, a poor yet honorable farmer with valuable qualities.
- In terms of artistry:
+ The surprising plot twists.
+ The profound inner monologue language.

Question 6.
This passage emphasizes patience and evaluating people with deep empathy and respect. When evaluating someone, it is necessary to consider multiple perspectives to fully appreciate their true qualities, avoiding a superficial or mistaken judgment.

Question 7.
The lives and characteristics of farmers in the old society are reflected in the excerpt from "Tức nước vỡ bờ" and the short story "Lão Hạc":
- It portrays a life of poverty, hardship, and the suffering caused by the oppressive colonial feudal regime.
- Characters like Chị Dậu and Lão Hạc symbolize the admirable qualities of old society’s farmers:
+ Chị Dậu represents the diligent and loving Vietnamese woman, willing to sacrifice everything to protect her family.
+ Lão Hạc embodies the hardworking, kind, affectionate, and self-respecting farmer.

1. Author

Nam Cao (1915-1951), born Trần Hữu Trí, hails from Đại Hoàng village, Lí Nhân district, Hà Nam province. He was an outstanding realist writer, known for his poignant short stories and novels that depicted the harsh realities faced by poor farmers and intellectuals in the old society. After the Revolution, Nam Cao devoted himself to writing in service of the resistance. He tragically died while on a mission in enemy-controlled territory. The state posthumously awarded him the Hồ Chí Minh Prize for Literature and Arts.

- Major works: Chí Phèo, Trăng sáng, Đời thừa, Lão Hạc...

2. The Work Lão Hạc is one of Nam Cao's most celebrated short stories, first published in 1943. The story realistically and emotionally portrays the tragic fate of a farmer in the old society while highlighting their potential nobility. It also expresses the author's deep compassion and admiration for the rural people, showcasing his extraordinary literary talent, especially in depicting characters' psychology and storytelling.

Question 1 - Page 48 of the Textbook

Describe the emotional development of Lão Hạc around the sale of his dog, Cậu Vàng. What does this reveal about his character?

Answer:

* Lão Hạc's emotional journey concerning the sale of his dog.

- The bond between Lão Hạc and Cậu Vàng:

Lão Hạc lives alone. His son left to work far away, leaving him with sad memories. He bought a dog to raise, intending to kill it when he married. However, his son could not marry due to poverty. In his bitterness, the son ran away as a hired laborer, leaving Lão Hạc heartbroken: “I’ve already been photographed by others. He took their money. He belongs to them.” Lão Hạc’s heart broke with pain and longing. Cậu Vàng replaced the son, sharing in his grief and sorrow. Lão Hạc bathed and fed the dog from a rich person’s bowl, treating it lovingly, speaking to it, and pampering it. Cậu Vàng was both a keepsake of his son and a loyal companion in Lão Hạc's lonely life.

- The reason for selling Cậu Vàng:

+ Lão Hạc feels guilty for his son’s departure: “As a father, I failed to provide for my child.” The burden of his son’s absence weighs heavily on him. Despite having three small plots of land, Lão Hạc is determined to keep them, hoping his son will return and build a family.

+ A long illness wiped out all his savings. A storm destroyed his crops. After his illness, Lão Hạc was too weak to work, and he lost everything, sinking into destitution.

+ Cậu Vàng consumes two hào of rice every day, and Lão Hạc cannot afford to feed both himself and the dog. He thinks about death to preserve the land for his son. If he dies, Cậu Vàng would also perish, so he must let the dog go first.

- Lão Hạc’s emotional state when selling Cậu Vàng:

“Lão Hạc tries to appear cheerful, but his smile looks like a grimace, and tears well up in his eyes... His face suddenly contorts. The wrinkles tighten, forcing the tears to fall. His head tilts to one side, and his thin, wrinkled lips quiver like a child’s. Lão Hạc sobs.”

➜ The overwhelming pain tears at his heart. “The passage is like it’s being torn apart with every word, reflecting the broken heart of Lão Hạc in its raw form? It is a heart-wrenching, regretful anguish over deceiving a dog - ‘The son is away, Lão Hạc dies old, but selling Cậu Vàng means he dies for good.’”

➨ Lão Hạc is a person of great kindness, integrity, and purity.

Question 2 - Page 48 of the Textbook

What do you think is the cause of Lão Hạc’s death? Reflecting on the arrangements he made and his request to Mr. Giáo before his death, what do you think of his situation and character?

Answer:

- The cause of Lão Hạc’s death:

+ After his illness, Lão Hạc became destitute.

+ Selling Cậu Vàng not only made him lose his beloved companion but also left him feeling guilty, as though he had betrayed the dog.

+ He refused any help, despite his suffering, choosing to bear his hardship alone.

+ Lão Hạc chose not to touch the small amount of money or land he had left, wanting to preserve them for his son.

➜ Due to his dignity, love, and overwhelming goodness, Lão Hạc sought death. Nam Cao delves into the tragic depths of the human soul, exploring the moral complexities of a person’s character.

- Lão Hạc’s arrangements with Mr. Giáo:

+ First, he asked Mr. Giáo to keep his three plots of land for his son, hoping that when his son returns, he will have a home.

+ Second, he gave thirty đồng (five đồng from selling the dog and twenty-five from his savings over the year) to Mr. Giáo to arrange his funeral when he died.

➨ All of Lão Hạc’s actions were preparations for his death. His life was one of silent resolution, preparing for his end.

- Lão Hạc’s death:

+ Lão Hạc struggled on his deathbed, his hair disheveled, his clothes ragged, his eyes bulging. He screamed, foam frothing from his mouth, his body convulsing violently at intervals.

+ It was a painful and tragic death. It seemed as though Lão Hạc chose such a painful end as self-punishment for deceiving his beloved dog - “dying like the dog that was betrayed.” And, more deeply, what is the human life if not like the life of a dog?

- Lão Hạc’s situation and character:

+ His situation: tragic, pitiful – a widowed father raising his child alone, followed by his only son leaving him, living in solitude. Weakness, illness, poverty, and hardship, particularly in the tragic dilemma between his love for his child and his attachment to a pet.

+ Character traits:

• A humble man with graceful manners, understanding of life and people, yet helplessly tormented by his own incapacity.

• A man with high self-respect.

• A father who loved his son without limit, sacrificing himself for his child's well-being – a noble self-sacrifice.

Lão Hạc was truly like his name – an old heron, elegant amidst a world full of suffering and corruption.

Question 3 - Page 48 of the Textbook

How do you interpret the attitude and feelings of the character “I” toward Lão Hạc?

Answer:

The character “I” develops a deeper understanding and sympathy for Lão Hạc as the story progresses:

+ Initially: The character “I” views Lão Hạc’s attachment to his dog with indifference, comparing it to the way “I” cherish books. This is a natural reaction.

+ Later: Upon hearing Lão Hạc’s story, Mr. Giáo exclaims: “Lão Hạc, I understand now why you didn’t want to sell your dog. It was your only companion.”

+ When witnessing Lão Hạc’s tears: “I wanted to embrace him and cry with him. Now, I no longer lament the loss of my five books as much as I did before.” The character “I” begins to offer comfort and understanding to Lão Hạc, subtly helping him through his financial struggles.

+ When witnessing Lão Hạc’s painful death: The character “I” is deeply moved and promises to fulfill Lão Hạc’s final wishes, ensuring that he can rest in peace.

➨ Mr. Giáo is a person of deep compassion and love.

Question 4 - Page 48 of the Textbook

Upon hearing Binh Tư mention that Lão Hạc asked for rat poison to kill a neighbor's dog, the character “I” thought, “Life is truly sad.” But upon witnessing Lão Hạc’s painful death, the character “I” concluded, “No! Life may not be entirely sad, or perhaps it is, but in a different way.”

Answer:

+ The character “I”’s thoughts upon hearing about Lão Hạc from Binh Tư:

“Oh Lão Hạc! I never thought a man like him could resort to such extremes… A man who cried for deceiving a dog… A man who starved himself to save money for his funeral, so as not to burden his neighbors… Now, he’s resorting to rat poison to survive? Life truly grows more tragic by the day…”

- This reflects the character’s sorrow over the degradation of human dignity, feeling disappointed as he thought Lão Hạc had done something wrong, leading him to believe that the world had lost all trust.

+ The character “I”’s thoughts after witnessing Lão Hạc’s death:

- No! Life is not entirely sad, but it is sadly so in a different sense.

• It is sad because of the misfortunes faced by those who are genuinely good.

• It is sad because society doesn’t allow these people to live a dignified life.

Question 5 - Page 48 of the Textbook

What do you think is the greatest strength of the story? What effect does the unexpected plot twist have? How is the character development portrayed?

Answer:

+ The plot twist: It is unexpected and surprises the reader. The twist acts like a photographic developer, bringing out the true character of Lão Hạc for the readers. Nobody expects that Lão Hạc would destroy his life by poisoning a dog.

+ Character development: It is authentic and vivid, from physical appearance to inner emotions, especially the portrayal of Lão Hạc’s face when he cries.

+ The narrative style: The story is told in the first person, making it feel more intimate and real, as if the events are happening before the reader’s eyes.

Question 6 - Page 48 of the Textbook

What do you understand from the character “I” (perhaps the author) through the following passage:

"Oh! For those around us, if we do not try to understand them, we only see them as foolish, ignorant, mean, and vile... all reasons for us to be cruel. We never see them as deserving our compassion, and never feel sympathy... The good nature of a person is obscured by worries, pains, and selfishness."

Answer:

- This passage reflects a philosophical thought that offers a lesson on how to view life and interact with others.

- It reveals the author’s deep compassion and love for life and all people.

Question 7 - Page 48 of the Textbook

From the excerpt "Tức nước vỡ bờ" and the short story “Lão Hạc,” how do you understand the life of farmers in the old society?

Answer:

- The life of farmers in the old society: + Lão Hạc and Chị Dậu were both poor, suffering farmers.

+ They were oppressed by society and fell into poverty and hardship.

- Their character:

+ They were kind-hearted, honest people.

+ They loved their families deeply and sacrificed everything for them.

+ They tried to maintain their integrity no matter the circumstances.

1. Summary:

Lao Hac is a poor farmer, whose wife passed away early. His son, unable to afford a marriage, went to work on a rubber plantation. Lao Hac lives in solitude and poverty, accompanied only by his dog, Cậu Vàng, his companion. After an illness, Lao Hac becomes too weak to work as he used to. In desperation, he makes the painful decision to sell Cậu Vàng. He then uses the money and his small garden to pay for his funeral arrangements, entrusting the funds to Mr. Giáo, a poor scholar who often visits him. Lao Hac deceives Binh Tư, a dog thief, into believing that he wants to lure his dog with poison. In truth, he intends to end his life. Lao Hac dies in agony, and no one understands the cause of his death except Binh Tư and Mr. Giáo.

2. Structure:

- Part 1 (from the beginning... a sad conclusion): Lao Hac's decision to sell his dog, his sorrow, and his life after that event.

- Part 2 (No! Life is ... over): Lao Hac's death.

Question 1 (page 49 of the 8th-grade Literature textbook, Volume 1): The emotional development of Lao Hac in relation to selling his dog:

- The relationship: Cậu Vàng is both a memento and a symbol from his son, as well as a loyal companion in Lao Hac's lonely life.

- Lao Hac is deeply pained by the decision to sell Cậu Vàng: 'He tried to appear cheerful, but his smile looked more like a grimace, and his eyes welled up with tears... He sobbed and cried,' the pain of deceiving a dog overwhelmed him.

→ Lao Hac is a poor, honest, and compassionate farmer with a pure heart.

- The cause of his death: despair after an illness, losing his dog was the loss of a dear friend. He felt guilty for deceiving Cậu Vàng, and could not wait for his son to return. Lao Hac dies due to his pride, his love, and his overwhelming sense of righteousness.

- Before his death, Lao Hac asked Mr. Giáo to look after his garden and to hold onto money for his funeral.

→ Lao Hac’s situation is both tragic and pitiable, but he does not want to burden those around him. He is a person with high self-respect, kindness, humility, and an understanding of life and people, yet powerless. He is a father who loves his son deeply, an elderly man full of affection and integrity.

Question 3 (page 50 of the 8th-grade Literature textbook, Volume 1): The change in the attitude and feelings of the narrator towards Lao Hac:

At first, the narrator is indifferent and detached when hearing about the dog sale. Later, they come to understand and console Lao Hac. Witnessing Lao Hac’s death, the narrator is deeply moved and holds his character and moral integrity in great respect. Mr. Giáo is a person with deep empathy, understanding, and compassion for those in hardship.

Question 4 (page 50 of the 8th-grade Literature textbook, Volume 1):

Initially, when Binh Tư speaks, Mr. Giáo is saddened by the moral degradation of people, feeling disappointed because he believed Lao Hac had lost his inherent goodness. Upon witnessing Lao Hac’s death, Mr. Giáo believes that 'life is not necessarily tragic,' as hope remains in society through people who maintain their virtuous nature. However, it is 'sad in another sense.' There is a silent pause, for life remains sorrowful due to the unfortunate fate of virtuous people, mourning the agonizing death that someone like Lao Hac had to endure.

Question 5 (page 50 of the 8th-grade Literature textbook, Volume 1):

- The beauty of the story is clearly reflected in the portrayal of the characters' psychology and the storytelling technique.

- The plot twist clarifies Lao Hac's character to the readers and the other characters.

- The way the character is built is vivid and realistic, from physical appearance to deep internal thoughts.

- The first-person perspective is skillfully used to create closeness and authenticity. The narrator, 'I,' tells the story as though they are immersed in Lao Hac’s experience, every emotion felt deeply and sincerely.

- The thoughts of the narrator present a philosophical reflection on how to view others, life, and conduct oneself in society.

- They also express the author’s deep compassion for humanity.

- The life of rural farmers in old society: poor, unfortunate, oppressed, and repressed by society.

- High moral qualities: kindness, honesty, deep love, and the ability to resist being polluted by the societal tide.

1. Structure:

Divided into three parts:

- Part 1 (from the beginning … that's how it is, Mr. Teacher): Lão Hạc's torment and inner conflict after selling his dog Cậu Vàng.

- Part 2 (continuing … one more sorrowful thing): Lão Hạc entrusts his money and asks to take care of his house.

- Part 3 (the remainder): The death of Lão Hạc.

Question 1 (Page 48, Literature 8, Volume 1):

- Lão Hạc's feelings toward Cậu Vàng:

+ He fondly calls the dog Cậu Vàng.

+ He befriends Cậu Vàng to find solace.

+ Treats Cậu Vàng as if he were his own child: feeding him from a bowl, offering food, praising, and showering affection.

- The dire circumstances that force Lão Hạc to sell Cậu Vàng:

+ After a prolonged illness and a devastating storm, Lão Hạc is in a state of hunger and destitution.

- The psychological turmoil after selling Cậu Vàng:

+ He tries to act cheerful, but his eyes are filled with tears, and his smile is like a child's.

+ Lão Hạc is devastated, feeling guilty and cruel for deceiving the dog.

→ Lão Hạc is a kind and honorable man, and he experiences deep sorrow and guilt after selling Cậu Vàng.

Question 2 (Page 48, Literature 8, Volume 1):

- The cause of Lão Hạc's death:

+ Due to extreme poverty: enduring hunger and deprivation.

+ Lão Hạc could not bring himself to use the money reserved for his son.

+ He chose death to escape his suffering and preserve the money for his son.

- Lão Hạc makes arrangements with "Mr. Teacher" before taking his life, which shows:

+ Lão Hạc values his self-respect and is forward-thinking.

+ He refuses to resort to dishonorable means and does not accept help from others.

+ Lão Hạc holds his dignity and honor above his own life.

Question 3 (Page 48, Literature 8, Volume 1):

- When Mr. Teacher hears about Lão Hạc wanting to sell the dog, he is indifferent and detached.

- When Lão Hạc cries over selling the dog, Mr. Teacher feels sympathy and shares in his pain, wanting to comfort him.

- When hearing Binh Tư's story about Lão Hạc asking for poison for the dog, Mr. Teacher feels doubtful and a little sad.

- After witnessing Lão Hạc's death, Mr. Teacher deeply respects his character and simple yet noble heart.

→ Mr. Teacher becomes a true confidant of Lão Hạc, understanding and admiring his deep humanity.

Question 4 (Page 48, Literature 8, Volume 1):

- Upon hearing Binh Tư's words, the narrator feels surprised, skeptical, and disappointed.

+ The narrator is quickly disillusioned: how could someone as honest and noble as Lão Hạc follow Binh Tư's lead?

+ He is saddened by the idea that poverty and hunger could corrupt a person's soul (the narrator fears that poverty might have degraded Lão Hạc just as it did Binh Tư).

- After witnessing Lão Hạc's painful death, Mr. Teacher feels sadness from a different angle.

+ His doubts are eased, but a new sorrow arises.

+ He feels sorrow for a good, kind, and honest man like Lão Hạc having to choose such a painful and tragic end.

Question 5 (Page 48, Literature 8, Volume 1):

- The strength and charm of the story lies in its portrayal of the characters' emotions and the storytelling method.

+ The emotional journey of Lão Hạc surrounding the sale of his dog.

+ The evolving emotions and attitudes of Mr. Teacher, from indifference to empathy, to admiration.

- Both characters possess noble qualities despite their personal struggles.

+ Lão Hạc embodies love, self-respect, and honesty.

+ Mr. Teacher shows kindness, empathy, and understanding.

- The narrator guides the story but also immerses in other characters, adding depth and richness to the narrative style.

Question 6 (Page 48, Literature 8, Volume 1):

- This is a profound philosophical discovery:

+ One must truly understand and appreciate the goodness in people.

+ Suffering only temporarily obscures the true nature of a person; we must "try to understand" them.

+ We need to place ourselves in others' shoes to understand, empathize, and accept them.

- This approach embodies a compassionate and humane way of interacting with others, based on a spirit of love.

+ It avoids conflict through understanding and forgiveness.

Question 7 (Page 48, Literature 8, Volume 1):

- The life of farmers before the August Revolution:

+ They were exploited, impoverished, and deprived.

+ They lived in misery in the countryside.

+ Their lives gradually grew more confined, leading to exhaustion and hopelessness.

- However, they possessed admirable qualities:

+ They were pure, kind-hearted, and full of love.

+ They were willing to sacrifice their lives and resist to maintain their dignity.

+ Within them lay the strength of emotion, capable of standing up to injustice.

1. Structure: Divided into three parts:

- Part 1 (from the beginning... Mr. Teacher): The torment and regret of Old Hac after selling the dog, Cu Vang.

- Part 2 (continuing... an even sadder development): Old Hac entrusts his money and garden to Mr. Teacher, asking him to take care of his house.

- Part 3 (the remainder): The death of Old Hac.

2. Summary:

Old Hac is a poor old farmer. His son, unable to afford a wedding, becomes disheartened and goes to a rubber plantation. Old Hac lives alone with his dog, Cu Vang. He is frugal, saving every penny for his son. However, an illness and the hardship of poverty drain his savings. He is forced to sell Cu Vang, his beloved companion, to provide money for his son, keeping his hardship from his neighbors. Old Hac leaves his garden and savings with Mr. Teacher. He endures hunger, eating whatever he can find, and refuses any assistance from Mr. Teacher. Through Binh Tu, Mr. Teacher learns that Old Hac bought poison for the dog. Mr. Teacher is shocked and feels deeply sorrowful. But then, Old Hac suddenly dies - his death is violent and painful. Mr. Teacher understands everything, and in deep pain, reflects on the life and death of Old Hac.

Question 1: (Page 48, Literature 8 Textbook 1): Analyze Old Hac's emotions surrounding the sale of his dog:

- He is happy and content when Cu Vang keeps him company.

+ He lovingly calls the dog 'Cu Vang'.

+ He treats Cu Vang like a child, feeding him from a bowl, picking food for him, scolding him playfully, and pampering him.

- Psychological changes after selling Cu Vang:

+ He tries to appear cheerful, but his 'eyes are brimming with tears', 'his face contorts like a child'.

+ He feels sorrow and guilt for having tricked the dog. 'His face suddenly crumples,' 'his head tilts to one side' when Mr. Teacher asks, 'Did he allow you to catch him?'

+ Old Hac feels pain thinking about how the dog was captured, imagining the dog's reproachful gaze and words towards him.

→ Old Hac is a kind-hearted, honorable person, and he suffers greatly from his conscience after selling Cu Vang.

Question 2: (Page 48, Literature 8 Textbook 1): The cause of Old Hac's death:

- Due to his poverty and desperate situation.

- He does not want to touch the money saved for his son.

- He is heartbroken over Cu Vang's departure, feeling guilty for betraying his loyal friend.

The situation and character of Old Hac as he arranges things with Mr. Teacher before seeking death:

- His circumstances: extreme poverty, unable to live without using his son's savings → he is trapped with no way out.

- His character:

+ Old Hac is thoughtful and foresighted.

+ He is a man of great dignity, unwilling to impose on his neighbors, whether in life or death.

+ He values his honor, his son's welfare, and his integrity more than his own life.

Question 3: (Page 48, Literature 8 Textbook 1): The attitude and feelings of the narrator ('I') towards Old Hac:

- Indifference when hearing that Old Hac intends to sell the dog, as Old Hac had mentioned it many times before.

- Sympathy, empathy, and sorrow when witnessing Old Hac's tears after selling Cu Vang.

- Concern and a desire to help when the narrator secretly aids Old Hac, even though his wife is unaware.

- Doubt and disappointment when hearing from Binh Tu that Old Hac had purchased poison for the dog.

- Respect for Old Hac’s character when understanding the reasons behind his death.

Question 4: (Page 48, Literature 8 Textbook 1):

- When hearing from Binh Tu that Old Hac had asked him for poison to kill a neighbor's dog, the narrator ('I') feels that 'life is truly... sad.' 'I' could not have imagined that a man who cried over selling a dog would now ask for poison to kill another. The teacher thought that hunger and despair had corrupted Old Hac's character.

- But when witnessing Old Hac's death, 'I' then think: 'No! Life is not necessarily as sad as it seems, or it is sad, but in a different way.' Life is still sad because of the tragic end of a noble, kind man who was driven to the edge by hunger and poverty, but his character remained intact.

Question 5: (Page 48, Literature 8 Textbook 1): The brilliance of the story is most evident in the following points:

+ The surprising plot twist: It makes the reader, just like Mr. Teacher, initially doubt Old Hac, only to later be overwhelmed with compassion and respect for him.

+ The detailed and profound depiction of the psychological developments of both Old Hac and Mr. Teacher.

+ The language of the story: concise, with dialogue and monologue that carries both emotional depth and the character’s inner thoughts.

+ The narrative technique: The story is told through the voice of the narrator ('I'), who not only participates in but also witnesses the events. This makes the story feel more authentic and relatable to the reader, offering a multi-voiced perspective instead of a monotonous one.

Question 6: (Page 48, Literature 8 Textbook 1):

- Do not judge others superficially, try to understand their inner world, their true nature.

- Place yourself in their shoes to understand them, and do not make judgments based on external appearances.

- We must explore and cherish the beauty within people, showing them empathy.

Question 7: (Page 48, Literature 8 Textbook 1):

The life of the peasants in the old society as portrayed in the excerpt 'The Water Breaking the Dike' and the short story 'Old Hac':

- A life of poverty, hunger, and backwardness.

- They were exploited, oppressed, and lived in injustice.

- Yet they preserved their purity, noble character, love, and the potential for resistance against injustice.