Top 6 Best Essays on 'Satirical Songs' for 7th Grade

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Content

1. Essay on 'Satirical Songs' No. 4

2. Composition "Satirical Songs" Number 5

3. Lesson on "Satirical Songs" Number 6

4. Analysis of the "Sarcastic Songs" - Lesson 1

5. Analysis of "Sarcastic Songs" - Lesson 2

6. Analysis of "Sarcastic Songs" - Lesson 3

1. Essay on 'Satirical Songs' No. 4

A. MAIN KNOWLEDGE The satirical lyrics express the unique features of Vietnamese folk humor, highlighting the use of metaphors, symbolism, reversal, and exaggeration. These witty verses reveal contradictions, criticize the vices of certain social groups, and expose the absurdities of society. 1. The stork dives into the pond, Oh, young girl in a red dress, will you marry my uncle? My uncle loves liquor and opium, Drinks strong tea and sleeps all afternoon. By day, he wishes for rain, By night, he hopes the rooster crows again. 2. Your fate is neither rich nor poor, On the 30th of Tet, meat hangs in your home. You have a mother and father, Your mother is a woman, your father a man. Your fate includes a wife and a husband, Your first child will either be a girl or a boy. 3. The stork dies hanging from a tree, The young stork checks the calendar for a funeral. The water beetle drinks wine and sings loudly, The sparrow chirps and scurries to claim its share. The laughing thrush beats the war drum, The finch strips and walks around proclaiming. 4. The foreman hides his rooster feather, A ring on his finger, so they call him the foreman. He only goes out once every three years, His short coat is borrowed, his long trousers are rented. B. EXERCISES AND SOLUTIONS Exercise 1 (Page 52 of the textbook) Question: How is the character of "my uncle" introduced in the first two lines? What is the meaning behind these lines? Which type of person does this poem mock in society? Answer: The portrait of "my uncle": A man addicted to alcohol and opium ("loves liquor and opium") He enjoys indulgence and leisure ("drinks strong tea, sleeps in the afternoon") He is lazy ("wishes for rain by day, wishes for the rooster's crow at night") This paints a portrait of a man full of vices and flaws, leaving everyone shaking their heads in disapproval. The two opening lines are crucial for introducing the character, using contrast to create an impression: The beautiful girl in a red dress is completely opposite to my uncle, who is lazy and drunk, creating a comical paradox. This poem satirizes the lazy and hedonistic people of society, a type of individual present in any era, deserving of criticism and condemnation. Exercise 2 (Page 52 of the textbook) Question: Whose words are parodied in the second poem? What do you think about the fortune-teller’s statements? What social phenomenon does this poem criticize? Can you find similar poems? Answer: In the second poem, the folk author parodies the words of a fortune-teller speaking to someone seeking a reading. This creates a sense of both objectivity and sharp satire. The fortune-teller's statements are meaningless and clearly fallacious (about wealth, the roles of parents, and children’s gender), as they merely confirm what is obvious to everyone. Although the folk author doesn't directly comment, the poem subtly mocks the superstition prevalent in society and criticizes those who exploit others' belief in fortune-telling for personal gain, while the fortune-teller themselves is clearly ignorant. Additionally, the poem satirizes blind faith in such practices. Similar poems: The fortune-teller sits next to the altar, Mumbling to himself, his hand feels the dish of sticky rice. If stones could talk, The geographer would lose his teeth. The fortune-teller sees many clients, Yet his own fate is to attract flies. Exercise 3 (Page 52 of the textbook) Question: What do the animals in the third poem symbolize? Which type of people from ancient society do they represent? How are these animals used effectively in the poem? Is the scene of a funeral appropriate for these actions? What does this poem criticize? Answer: In the third poem, each animal represents a certain group in society: The stork symbolizes the humble peasants, the common folk. The water beetle represents those with status, such as village leaders. The sparrows and the laughing thrush symbolize low-ranking officials or enforcers, taking advantage of the situation. The finch represents town criers, spreading news about village affairs. This folk poem subtly and powerfully criticizes societal flaws through the use of animals. The metaphorical use of animals to represent humans brings life and humor to the social commentary. The scene of an opportunistic feast during a funeral is absurd and fittingly inappropriate, highlighting the hypocrisy and exploitation that occur at a time of sorrow. The poem criticizes the poor funeral customs in old society, where the grief of death is overshadowed by opportunism and vulgarity. Exercise 4 (Page 52 of the textbook) Question: How is the character of the "foreman" portrayed in the fourth poem? What can you say about the satire in this poem? Answer: The foreman’s image is depicted as: On the outside: The title "foreman" refers to a low-ranking officer in the feudal system; the term "cậu" (young man) adds a sarcastic tone. He wears a hat with a rooster feather – a symbol of authority. A ring on his finger – a sign of wealth, showing his pretentious nature. But in reality: He rarely leaves his post, having only one errand every three years. Even though he flaunts his wealth, his coat is borrowed and his pants are rented. The contrast between the high-sounding title and his actual circumstances is comically absurd, highlighting his pretentiousness and weakness. Satirical techniques used include: Pointed description, exaggeration to emphasize his ridiculousness (three years for one errand, borrowed coat, rented pants). The folk author’s choice of the term "cậu cai" (mocking title for a foreman) adds an ironic layer to the satire. Exercise 1 (Page 53 of the textbook) Question: What do the four poems have in common? Which statement do you agree with? Answer: I agree with option (c): All four poems share content and artistic satire. The common theme in the four folk poems is the exposure of social flaws and criticism of people with negative traits: the lazy, pleasure-seeking individuals; the superstitious and fraudulent fortune-tellers; the outdated funeral customs; and the arrogant, show-off figures. These poems use various satirical techniques, including metaphors, symbolism, reversal, and exaggeration, to mock and critique these societal issues. Exercise 2 (Page 53 of the textbook) Question: How are the satirical verses similar to folk jokes? Answer: These satirical lyrics share similarities with folk jokes in terms of both the targets of satire and the use of humor. Both aim to criticize social vices and absurdities, using exaggerated traits and ironic situations. Common literary techniques like metaphors, symbolism, reversal, and exaggeration are used in both genres, contributing to their comedic and critical nature.

Illustration (Source: internet)

2. Composition "Satirical Songs" Number 5

I. General Understanding

Folk poetry is a form of Vietnamese literature passed down through oral tradition in the form of songs, typically in the easily remembered and recited six-eight poetic meter.
Satire is an artistic technique that uses sharp, biting, and subtle language to expose the true flaws of individuals or events in society.
Satirical folk songs reveal the contradictions in the old society, criticizing and exposing the vices of certain groups and laughable events through techniques such as metaphors, symbolism, reversal, and exaggeration.

II. Study Guide

Question 1, Page 52, Textbook 7, Volume 1

In Folk Song 1, “my uncle” is introduced as someone who “drinks a lot and smokes a lot”; “drinks strong tea and sleeps in the afternoon”; “wishes for rainy days during the day”; “hopes for extra hours at night.”

The word “hay” is commonly used with nouns indicating positive qualities, but here it is paired with negative traits:

“hay tửu hay tăm” (loves alcohol and opium): a portrait of a heavy drinker
“hay nước chè đặc, hay nằm ngủ trưa” (loves strong tea and afternoon naps): a portrait of someone who only seeks pleasure and indulgence
“ngày thì ước những ngày mưa, đêm ước đêm thừa trống canh” (wants rainy days and long nights): a portrait of someone lazy and unproductive

The significance of the first two lines:

The “cô yếm đào” symbolizes youth and beauty.
The phrase “lặn lội bờ ao” represents hard work and perseverance. This image of the young woman contrasts sharply with that of “my uncle.” This highlights the absurdity of a lazy, drunk uncle trying to matchmake with such a graceful and virtuous girl, creating an ironic and humorous situation.
This song satirizes people who are lazy, self-indulgent, and avoid work.

Question 2, Page 52, Textbook 7, Volume 1

Song 2 imitates the words of a fortune teller speaking to a girl.

Observation on the fortune teller's words: The fortune teller makes general and obvious statements, such as: the girl will be wealthy, there will be meat hanging on New Year's Eve, the girl has parents, etc. These are just trivial facts anyone can guess.
This song critiques charlatan fortune tellers who deceive others for personal gain.
It also highlights the gullibility of people who blindly follow superstitions and waste money on these fraudulent practices.

Similar folk songs include:

“Fireflies mistaken for ghosts,
The master runs away,
Falls, drops the scarf,
Even drops a lump of sticky rice,
The master calls,
The ghost takes him away.”

Question 3, Page 52, Textbook 7, Volume 1

Symbolic meanings:

The “cò” (heron): represents the humble farmers in society.
The “cà cuống” (a type of bug): represents those with high social status, like the village chief or local authorities.
The “chim ri” (a type of bird) and “chim mào” (another bird): represent the henchmen of these authorities, such as lower-ranking officials and soldiers.
The “chim chích” (a bird): represents the town criers or public announcers.

The choice of animals in these roles is interesting because:

It makes the scene more dynamic and engaging. A society of animals mirrors a human society.
Each animal's actions and characteristics accurately reflect the people they represent.
This deepens the satirical critique, making it more subtle and effective.

The scene described in the song does not fit a funeral, as the attendees are not mourning but exploiting the situation for personal gain.
This folk song critiques the absurd funeral customs in rural villages that cause suffering to the poor.

Question 4, Page 52, Textbook 7, Volume 1

In Song 4, the image of the “cậu cai” (a low-ranking official) is depicted paradoxically: “wearing a hat with chicken feathers,” “wearing rings,” but when given a task, he has to “borrow a short jacket and rent long pants.”
This reveals that the “cậu cai” is a person with only the appearance of power and wealth. Despite his outward show of authority, he is in fact impoverished, relying on borrowed clothes to appear important.
This folk song uses contrast and exaggeration to satirize such people.

III. Exercises

Question 1, Page 53, Textbook 7, Volume 1

Observe the similarities between the four folk songs in the text. All four provided options are correct:

All four songs use metaphorical and symbolic imagery.
All employ exaggeration.
All contain satirical themes and techniques.
All include realistic descriptions of life.

Question 2, Page 53, Textbook 7, Volume 1

The satirical songs above share similarities with folk humor stories in that both create laughter by constructing paradoxes and absurdities in the events, making sharp and humorous critiques.

Illustration (Source: internet)

3. Lesson on "Satirical Songs" Number 6

READ AND UNDERSTAND THE TEXT Question 1 - Page 52 SGK How does the first poem 'introduce' 'my uncle'? What do the first two lines mean? Who or what does this poem satirize in society? The stork dives down by the pond. Oh, girl, do you want to marry my uncle? My uncle is fond of wine and tobacco, He enjoys strong tea, and loves to nap in the afternoon. During the day, he wishes for rainy days, At night, he wishes for longer nights with no watchman. Answer: The 'introduction' of my uncle through these lines humorously describes him with traits such as: - 'Fond of wine and tobacco' refers to a man addicted to alcohol and cigarettes. - 'Enjoys strong tea' implies an addiction to strong tea. - 'Loves to nap in the afternoon' and wishes for rainy days during the day, and long, quiet nights during the evening, reflect laziness and an affinity for sleep. Clearly, 'my uncle' is a person with several bad habits – he drinks, smokes, and is lazy. Normally, introductions to potential suitors are meant to highlight their good qualities, but here the opposite is done, sarcastically mocking 'my uncle.' The first two lines serve both to rhyme and set the stage for the character description. This is a common feature in folk songs. This poem satirizes those who are both addicted and lazy in society. Question 2 - Page 52 SGK Whose words does the second poem parody? What do you think of the fortune teller’s words? What social issue does this poem criticize? Can you find other similar folk poems? Answer: The second poem mimics the words of a fortune teller speaking to a person seeking a reading. The fortune teller uses vague, common statements to deceive the person, offering obvious answers. The poet uses the fortune teller's own words to expose his deceitful nature. This is an example of 'the trickster being tricked,' creating humor and satire. The poem criticizes those who exploit superstitions and deceive others for financial gain, as well as those who blindly believe in such practices. A similar folk poem: Chirp, chirp, it’s time to chant, The rooster’s been castrated, just for the fortune teller. When serving sticky rice, fill it to the brim, But if it’s less, the fortune teller’s power wanes. Question 3 - Page 52 SGK What does each animal in the third poem symbolize? What is the effect of using animals to represent people in society? Is the scene described suitable for a funeral? What social issue does this poem satirize? Answer: The symbolic meaning of the animals: To understand the symbolism of the animals in this folk poem, one must consider the customs and rules of village life in the past. + The stork symbolizes the humble peasant class, small and powerless in society. + The water bug (cà cuống) represents those in power, such as village leaders or landowners, who come to the funeral to drink and feast. + Birds like the sparrow and mynah are the henchmen of the village leaders, such as the tax collectors or local enforcers, who profit from the situation. + The finch represents the town crier or messenger. The interesting part of using these animals is that it brings life to the scene, making it more vivid and playful. The animal society mirrors human society, and each animal acts in a way that suits the social role it represents. The poem subtly criticizes the hypocrisy of people who take advantage of others' misfortunes, even at a funeral, to exploit the situation for gain. The scene described is not appropriate for a funeral, as it highlights the greed and exploitation of others. The stork, though mourning its dead parents, is still worried about preparations for the funeral, while others argue over their share of food and drink. The poem criticizes the senseless funeral rituals that burden the poor and emphasize social inequality. Question 4 - Page 52 SGK How is 'the headman' (cậu cai) portrayed in the fourth poem? What do you think about the satire in this poem? Answer: In the fourth poem, 'the headman' is portrayed with the following traits: - He wears a 'hat with a rooster’s tail,' which signifies that he is a low-ranking official, but still attempts to appear powerful. - He wears a ring on his finger, trying to look important. However, his clothes are 'borrowed' or 'rented,' showing the discrepancy between his outward appearance and his true status. This mockery reveals that the 'headman' has no real power and is merely pretending to be someone important. This satirical portrayal of 'the headman' shows him as someone who is vain, ostentatious, and lacks true authority, yet tries to fool others into thinking otherwise. The satire in this poem is evident in several ways: - The poet calls the headman 'cậu cai' (a familiar term that can be both respectful and sarcastic), subtly mocking him as someone who tries to look important but has little power. - The description of his appearance is exaggerated, pointing out that his 'status' is just for show. His 'borrowed' clothes emphasize the ridiculousness of his posturing. - The phrase 'three years for one trip' exaggerates how infrequent the headman's duties are, further illustrating how insignificant his role really is. This critique points to the ridiculousness of such individuals who pretend to have power but are ultimately powerless. PRACTICE Question 1 - Page 53 SGK What do you think is similar about all four folk poems? Which statement do you agree with? a) All four poems use satire in both content and style. b) All four use exaggeration as a literary technique. c) All four poems use satire in both content and style. d) All four poems employ realism. Answer: I agree with statement (c): All four poems use both satire in content and style. The content of all four poems satirizes the contradictory aspects of society, pointing out various vices and follies of different social classes and individuals. These poems highlight laziness, superstition, exploitation, and pretentiousness, among other societal flaws. The folk art of satire is expressed through vivid metaphors, symbolism, inversion, and exaggeration. These techniques not only create humor but also serve as a critique of the flaws in society, while subtly calling for change. Question 2 - Page 53 SGK How are these satirical songs similar to traditional folk tales? Answer: These satirical songs share similarities with traditional folk tales in terms of their targets and satirical techniques. Both the songs and folk tales criticize societal flaws, focusing on the vices and absurdities of certain social groups or situations. Both use literary techniques such as metaphor, symbolism, inversion, and exaggeration to highlight these issues and entertain the audience.

Illustration (Source: Internet)

4. Analysis of the "Sarcastic Songs" - Lesson 1

I. Overview of the Work 'Sarcastic Songs'
1. Content Value
'Sarcastic Songs' reveals the distinctive qualities of Vietnamese folk satire. These songs expose contradictions, offering biting critiques of the flaws, vices, and laughable elements within society.
2. Artistic Value
- Lục bát verse form
- Use of metaphor, imagery, and symbolism
- Employing irony and exaggeration as artistic techniques

Question 1 (Page 52, Vietnamese Language 7, Vol. 1)

- The portrait of 'my uncle' is a satirical caricature:

+ Fond of alcohol and tobacco: a heavy drinker and smoker

+ Enjoys strong tea: a tea addict

+ Loves afternoon naps, wishes for rain, and extra time at night: lazy and unwilling to work

- The use of 'fond' (skilled) ironically highlights his vices

→ A lazy and flawed character

In contrast, 'my uncle' is opposed by a hardworking young girl:

+ A beautiful and youthful girl

+ Diligent and hardworking (toiling through the fields)

→ The contrasting image of the girl emphasizes the satirical mockery of the lazy, indulgent drinkers

Question 2 (Page 52, Vietnamese Language 7, Vol. 1)

The second folk song mocks the fortune teller’s words to the girl:

- The fortune teller’s predictions are vague and obvious:

+ Her father is a man, her mother is a woman

+ On Tết Eve, meat is hung in the house

+ The child will either be a boy or a girl

- The fortune teller’s words are revealed as meaningless, outdated, and laughable

→ The folk song exposes the deceptive nature of such fortune tellers

- The song also criticizes the superstitions that lead people to believe in these fraudulent practices

Question 3 (Page 52, Vietnamese Language 7, Vol. 1)

The third folk song depicts a funeral scene where each animal represents a different type of person:

+ The stork: symbolizes the common farmer

+ The water bug: represents the powerful and influential

+ The sparrow and mynah: symbolize low-ranking officials

+ The finch: represents village watchmen

- The animal world mirrors human society:

+ Animals are used to represent various human social classes

+ Each animal symbolizes a specific type of person, with subtle satire embedded in the imagery

+ The satire is nuanced and profound

- The scene also highlights the callousness of those who enjoy revelry during the mourning of the deceased

→ The song criticizes and mocks the elaborate funeral rites that burden the poor in old society

Question 4 (Page 52, Vietnamese Language 7, Vol. 1)

The portrait of the bailiff paints a vivid, satirical picture:

+ The bailiff is portrayed as someone with power, shown through his feathered hat

+ His display of power is superficial, symbolized by the rings on his fingers

+ Despite his outward appearance, the bailiff’s low status is revealed by his need to rent clothes

→ The bailiff’s entire appearance is an attempt to deceive and appear more powerful than he is

- The satire is striking:

+ The term 'bailiff' is used mockingly, emphasizing his lack of real authority

+ Exaggerated descriptions make him appear pompous and pitiful

+ The absurdity of his rented attire emphasizes his lowly status

→ The satire exposes the bailiff as a powerless servant with no real authority

Practice

Exercise 1 (Page 53, Vietnamese Language 7, Vol. 1)

The similarities among the four folk songs:

- Both in terms of content and the satirical artistic techniques

Exercise 2 (Page 53, Vietnamese Language 7, Vol. 1)

'Sarcastic Songs' share similarities with traditional folk tales:

+ The subjects: vices, flaws, and those deserving of ridicule in life

+ Satirical techniques: exaggeration, revealing contradictions in life

Illustration (Source: Internet)

5. Analysis of "Sarcastic Songs" - Lesson 2

Answer to Question 1 (Page 52, Vietnamese Language 7, Vol. 1):

- Song 1 introduces my uncle as a 'skilled' man, meaning he is addicted to many things: alcohol, tea, and afternoon naps. He is also a 'dreamer,' always wishing for reasons not to work, preferring to sleep instead.

- The first two lines are a question from the stork when it meets the girl in a red áo yếm by the pond, asking about her uncle.

- This song mocks people who are addicted to drinking, sleeping, and are lazy in their work.

Answer to Question 2 (Page 52, Vietnamese Language 7, Vol. 1):

- Song 2 mocks the words of a fortune teller. The folk song exposes their true nature, based on exploiting people's psychology to make money.

- The fortune teller’s vague statements include: 'if you're not rich, you're poor; your father is a man, your mother is a woman; the child will be either a boy or a girl'—all common knowledge, making the fortune teller’s predictions laughable.

- Similar folk songs include:

- 'Fortune telling for people'

The fortune teller lets flies settle on his number.

- The fortune teller sits beside the altar

His mouth mumbles as his hands touch the plate of sticky rice.

Answer to Question 3 (Page 52, Vietnamese Language 7, Vol. 1):

* Each animal in the three songs represents a different type of person:

- The stork symbolizes the unfortunate farmer.

- The water bug represents those with power, authority, and wealth.

- The sparrow and mynah symbolize lower-ranking officials and lackeys.

- The finch represents the village constable under the feudal system.

⟹ By choosing animals to symbolize people, each animal's unique traits vividly reflect the type of person they represent, enhancing the satirical message of the song.

- The funeral scene depicted in the song is incongruous with the usual mournful atmosphere, as it involves feasting and merrymaking instead of solemnity.

- The song critiques the outdated funeral customs that still persist in some areas, which burden the grieving families and create unnecessary expenses and disruption.

Answer to Question 4 (Page 52, Vietnamese Language 7, Vol. 1):

* In Song 4, the bailiff is described as:

- His attire includes a feathered hat and rings on his fingers.

⟹ His outfit, meant to display wealth and status, actually highlights the absurdity of his low rank.

- 'The short coat is borrowed – the long pants are rented' for a rare work assignment.

⟹ This shows that he doesn’t even own enough proper clothing, relying on borrowed or rented garments.

⟹ This mocks and subtly sympathizes with the bailiff’s pathetic low status, as he tries to appear authoritative despite his insignificant position.

* Commentary on the satirical art: The author skillfully uses the term 'bailiff' to both flatter and mock him. Through the depiction of the bailiff, the author reveals the character’s ridiculousness: he is neither a true official nor a commoner, but something in between. Through exaggeration, the bailiff becomes the subject of public ridicule.

Practice

Answer to Question 1 (Page 53, Vietnamese Language 7, Vol. 1):

I agree with the opinion that all four folk songs share both thematic and artistic similarities.

Answer to Question 2 (Page 53, Vietnamese Language 7, Vol. 1):

The sarcastic songs above share similarities with folk humor tales in the following ways:

- Both target individuals or traits deserving of ridicule for their character and behavior.

- Both use humor and satire to convey their messages.

- Both provide the audience with an enjoyable and lively experience through laughter.

Main Idea:

'Sarcastic Songs' powerfully showcase the essence of Vietnamese folk satire, exposing contradictions, and offering critiques of the vices, flaws, and absurdities in society.

Illustration (Source: Internet)

6. Analysis of "Sarcastic Songs" - Lesson 3

I. About the Genre

Folk songs and folk music are terms that are often used interchangeably to describe traditional lyric poetry that combines words with music, reflecting the inner life of the people. Today, people differentiate between folk songs and folk music. Folk music refers to compositions that combine both lyrics and melody, such as songs performed in folk rituals. Folk songs, on the other hand, refer to the lyrics of these compositions and include poems with the same artistic style as folk songs. The term 'folk song' can also refer to a type of folk poetry.

Both folk songs and folk music belong to the lyrical genre, often capturing the emotions, thoughts, and inner worlds of individuals. Common figures in these songs include husbands, wives, mothers, children, lovers, and farmers, all portrayed through their relationships in family and society. There are also folk songs with a satirical tone, mocking the vices and flaws of people and events in society. Satirical folk songs highlight the distinct features of Vietnamese folk humor.

In addition to their lyrical qualities, folk songs and folk music have specific characteristics such as:

Short length, typically consisting of two or four lines of verse.
Frequent use of repetition as a primary stylistic device to organize imagery.
Folk songs and folk music serve as models of authenticity, simplicity, and memorability, with their evocative language and strong regional flavors, closely resembling everyday speech.

II. Lesson Guide

Question 1:

* The first folk song introduces the character of “my uncle”:

“Likes wine, likes fishing”: addicted to alcohol.
“Likes strong tea”: addicted to strong tea.
“Likes to nap in the afternoon,” dreams of rainy days during the day and “wishes for long nights” at night: addicted to sleep, lazy and unproductive.
* The first two lines of the poem are used to set the rhyme and introduce the character. This is a common structure in folk songs.

* The first folk song satirizes people who are lazy and addicted to vices. Typically, when matchmaking, people speak highly of others, but here, the poet does the opposite, using irony to mock the character of “my uncle.”

Question 2:

* The second folk song imitates the words of a fortune teller speaking to a customer.

* The fortune teller speaks in vague terms, stating obvious things. This is a trick to deceive the gullible. The song uses the fortune teller's words to reveal his true nature. This is a form of “self-deception,” mocking the fortune teller and creating humor through irony.

* This folk song criticizes superstitious practices, highlighting how people exploit the trust of others for financial gain. It also mocks gullible individuals who believe in such superstitions.

* Other folk songs with similar themes:

The number of the fortune teller is full of luck

Your wife will be a woman, that's all.

Or:

When things are just right, it’s good enough

The rooster’s testicles set aside for the priest

When preparing sticky rice, make sure it’s full

But if it’s too little, the priest loses his blessing.

Question 3:

* The symbolic meanings of the animals in the third folk song:

The stork: symbolizes the poor farmer in society, the small and insignificant figure.
The water bug: represents those with power and status in the community, such as the village head or police chief.
The sparrow and mynah: symbolize the minions of the village head or police chief, those who go around collecting bribes.
The finch: represents the village constable from the old feudal system.
* The use of animals to depict human society is fascinating because it illustrates a human society through the animal kingdom. Each animal behaves according to the social role it represents. Thus, the satirical message becomes more profound and subtle.

* The funeral scene depicted in the song is completely inappropriate for a proper mourning ceremony. The death of the stork’s family is turned into an opportunity for feasting and chaotic distribution of property.

* This folk song criticizes and mocks outdated funeral customs that cause unnecessary hardships for the people.

Question 4:

* In the fourth song, the character of “the bailiff” is described through these details:

Wearing a “feathered hat”: this indicates that the bailiff is a lower-ranked official with some authority.
“Wearing a ring on his finger”: a sign of wealth, showing off, yet revealing a character lacking integrity.
However, his clothes must be “borrowed” or “rented.” It’s shameful for someone in a position of power to appear so disorganized. The appearance of the bailiff is merely an attempt at showing off without substance.

* The satirical artistry of this folk song:

Calling him “the bailiff” is both flattering and mocking.
The description of the bailiff in the first two lines is an ironic commentary on his position, as the poet suggests that simply wearing a hat and rings doesn’t make someone an actual authority figure.
“Once every three years, he gets a mission” is an exaggeration, implying that the bailiff rarely has real work to do. As a result, when the time comes for him to perform his duties, he has to “borrow” or “rent” his uniform. The use of exaggeration makes the bailiff appear even more ridiculous and pathetic.

Illustration (Source: Internet)

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