Top 6 Best Essays on 'The Happiness of a Bereaved Family' (Vũ Trọng Phụng) (Vietnamese Literature 11) - Outstanding Selections

Structure

3 Parts

+ Part 1: From the beginning to 'for Tuyết, that’s it': the joy and happiness of family members and others when the ancestor passes away.

+ Part 2: Continuing to 'The funeral procession keeps going': A model funeral procession.

+ Part 3: The rest: The burial scene.

Lesson Content

The excerpt, and the work 'Số Đỏ' in general, shows Vũ Trọng Phụng’s sharp criticism of the falsehoods and the decadence of the so-called 'upper class' in urban society before the revolution.

Guide to Writing the Essay

Question 1 (Page 128, Vietnamese Literature 11, Volume 1):

- The meaning of the title: the title contains a satirical paradox that adds a bitter humor, arousing the reader's curiosity.

+ The satirical situation: the joyful excitement of the family members upon the death of the ancestor—this reveals a mocking, humorous, and ruthless reality.

Question 2 (Page 128, Vietnamese Literature 11, Volume 1):

- The death of the ancestor brings happiness to the family members because 'this farewell will move from theoretical to practical actions.'

- The happiness of the family members:

+ Cụ Hồng: Seizes the chance to act elderly in front of others for praise.

+ The couple Văn Minh: Happy that the will will be fulfilled, with fashionable funeral traditions being displayed.

+ Tuyết: Takes the opportunity to flaunt fashionable clothing.

+ Tú Tân: Delighted to use his new camera to take photos.

+ Phán: Receives part of the inheritance for his 'horned' reputation.

+ Xuân Tóc Đỏ: Gains even more fame.

- The happiness of the attendees at the funeral:

+ The police officers Min Đơ and Min Toa: They enjoy steady employment, no risk of unemployment.

+ Friends of the deceased ancestor: Show off various medals, clothes, hairstyles, and beards.

+ The women of high society and the young men: Gossip, critique, and complain about each other.

+ The neighborhood: Loudly boasting about having a grand funeral.

Question 3 (Page 128, Vietnamese Literature 11, Volume 1):

The model funeral scene:

- The funeral procession:

+ Slow and chaotic.

+ A mixture of traditional, Western, and foreign instruments, all exaggerated.

+ Attendees gossiping as they walk.

+ The repeating phrase 'The procession keeps going.'

- The burial scene:

+ Tú instructs everyone to pose for photos.

+ Cụ Hồng pretends to show respect, but his actions reveal insincerity.

+ Phán, after playing his part, secretly slips Xuân a five-dollar note while feigning grief.

=> These scenes highlight the satirical nature of the excerpt.

Question 4 (Page 128, Vietnamese Literature 11, Volume 1):

- The upper class society has lost all sense of humanity, with no respect for hierarchy, all upended by greedy, corrupt individuals who have lost their moral compass and decency.

- Vũ Trọng Phụng’s stance: Strongly denounces, criticizes, and mocks the society with sharp sarcasm.

Question 5 (Page 128, Vietnamese Literature 11, Volume 1):

Satirical Techniques:

- Creating a basic situation, then unfolding more satirical circumstances.

- Highlighting contrasting details within one person, object, or event.

- Using hyperbolic, sarcastic, and ironic speech for emphasis.

- Describing in vivid detail, capturing the essence of each character's personality.

Exercise (Page 128, Vietnamese Literature 11, Volume 1):

Exercise 1: Students are encouraged to read the full work of 'Số Đỏ'.

Exercise 2:

+ The satirical contradiction: The joy of the children at the passing of their ancestor.

+ The satirical portrait: A portrait of the family and the funeral guests—representing the upper-class society of the time.

Question 1 (page 128, Literature 11, Vol. 1)

Meaning of the title:

- Happiness: The joy of individuals when their life aspirations are fulfilled.

- Funeral: The sorrow and profound grief experienced when a loved one passes away permanently.

=> The title of the excerpt reflects an ironic, humorous reality: the descendants of this extended family are truly happy when their ancestor dies. This is the central satirical situation in the entire chapter.

- A funeral yet happiness. A family in mourning, yet cheerful and jubilant.

=> The title reveals a contradiction in human psychology: on one hand, happiness, on the other, an irreplaceable loss, yet both coexist, revealing the absurdity of the story.

=> In conclusion: The title foreshadows a tragic-comic scene filled with paradoxes and moments of laughter mingled with tears.

Question 2 (page 128, Literature 11, Vol. 1)

a. When the family of the late ancestor mourns yet remains "happy". The cause of this tragic-comic situation.

- The death of the ancestor means the execution of their will.

- This situation unveils a plethora of satirical contradictions, highlighting various humorous character portraits.

b. The happiness of the family members of the deceased.

- The late ancestor:

+ At 50, they had long yearned to be called the ancestor.

+ The opportunity arrives, they eagerly imagine wearing their ceremonial attire.

+ With a cane, coughing and pretending to cry in a feeble act of aging, drawing attention in the bustling streets.

=> This character represents the ignorant and fame-hungry type.

- Văn Minh – the modernist reformer of European-style clothing "hesitates", "ponders", "rubs his head in confusion", not because of the death, but figuring out how to execute the will and deal with Xuân Tóc Đỏ, who has "two small faults" but "one great favor".

=> This is his chance to advertise his products and earn money.

- Mrs. Văn Minh wears trendy ceremonial clothing, showcasing the boldest fashion styles.

- Tuyết is given the chance to wear a "delicate, innocent outfit", with a slightly melancholic yet fashionable look befitting a mourning household.

- Mr. Phán, wearing horns, feels elated because he unexpectedly finds the horns on his head valuable and is confident he will be rewarded accordingly.

- Xuân Tóc Đỏ's reputation and influence grow because it was thanks to him that the ancestor passed away.

c. The joy of those outside the family.

- Two policemen, Min Đơ and Min Toa, were unemployed until they were hired to maintain order at the funeral, and they were "ecstatic".

- The elite friends of the late ancestor proudly displayed their medals and honors.

- Monk Tăng Phú felt "overjoyed and smug", believing that among the crowd, someone would surely recognize him for "defeating the Buddhist Association".

Question 3 (page 128, Literature 11, Vol. 1)

The "model funeral" scene:

- A "grand funeral" was organized "in the style of the Vietnamese, Chinese, and Western, with eight-bearer palanquins, roasted pigs, and even loud music and dance".

- The absurdity: a chaotic, mixed-up funeral, resembling a parade.

- The mourners: numerous and elegant, laughing and flirting in a scene resembling a celebration rather than mourning.

=> The funeral turned into a farce, exaggerated, vulgar, and a mockery of cultural values.

- Onlookers commented on the extravagant size of the funeral, particularly the fashionable mourning clothes from the Western-style tailoring shop.

- The burial scene: Phán, with horns on his head, weeping while handing Xuân Tóc Đỏ five coins, and the late ancestor's body was almost fainting in a false display of sorrow.

=> The funeral scene unfolds like a comedy, exposing the farcical, corrupt, and deceptive nature of the event. A grand funeral masking the ugly, heartbreaking truth of the society it represents.

Question 4 (page 128, Literature 11, Vol. 1)

The author's attitude towards the upper class: It is a society of confusion, decay, and corruption, where moral values are destroyed. Through the depiction of the "procession that keeps moving", the author aims to expose the falsehoods, deceit, and immorality of an arrogant, self-satisfied upper class. The author sharply criticizes the negative aspects of this society.

Question 5 (page 128, Literature 11, Vol. 1)

The satirical techniques of Vũ Trọng Phụng in this excerpt:

- The use of impactful, contradictory, and ironic details in the excerpt:

+ The grand funeral organized in an extravagant manner.

+ The scene where Tú Tân forces everyone to act for the photographs.

+ The moment when Phán stumbles, crying on Xuân Tóc Đỏ’s arm.

- The construction and development of situations in the narrative.

- The sarcastic tone, with the use of exaggeration and hyperbole to effectively enhance the absurdity.

- Sharp character descriptions: Each character's unique traits are vividly portrayed in the excerpt.

Exercise

Question (page 128, Literature 11, Vol. 1)

The contradictions and satirical portraits in the excerpt:

* Satirical contradictions in the excerpt:

- The story of Xuân Tóc Đỏ and the death of the ancestor. A person guilty like Xuân unexpectedly becomes a hero in the family.

- The satirical contradiction is present in the title of the chapter: "The Happiness of a Mourning Family".

- A detailed depiction of everyone's joy at the death of the late ancestor.

=> Vũ Trọng Phụng exposes the true face of a society obsessed with appearances, devoid of humanity, and uncovers the hypocrisy of those who claim to be intellectuals, civilized, yet are morally bankrupt.

* The satirical characters: the late ancestor, Văn Minh and his wife, Tuyết, Tú Tân, Phán with horns, Xuân Tóc Đỏ. In addition, there are portraits of those outside the family, such as the two policemen Min Đơ and Min Toa, and friends of the late ancestor.

Question 1 (page 128, Literature 11, Volume 1)

'The Happiness of a Bereaved Family' is a part of the title of Chapter XV of the novel *Số đỏ*, coined by Vũ Trọng Phụng. What do you think about this title and the satirical situation in the excerpt?

Detailed Answer:

- The title is unusual, creating curiosity and drawing the reader's attention. It also conveys an absurd paradox: happiness in a mourning family.

- The central satirical contradiction lies within the title itself. The family members are overjoyed by the death of the ancestor because they have waited for this moment for so long. The ancestor's death brings them happiness as they will inherit the family wealth.

- In the excerpt, the author sets the scene of a chaotic mourning family. They are not merely confused but are busy and anxious, not over a funeral, but to arrange a grand and extravagant celebration. Thus, the title not only grabs attention but also reflects a bitter, ironic, and cruel truth.

Question 2 (page 128, Literature 11, Volume 1)

Why is the death of the ancestor a source of happiness for all the family members? Analyze the different types of happiness each person in the large family of the ancestor experiences, and how others at the funeral feel due to the death.

Detailed Answer:

- The ancestor's death brings happiness to all the family members because they will inherit the fortune.

- Different forms of happiness:

+ The ancestor imagines being admired by everyone while wearing shabby clothes and walking with a cane, to gain praise.

+ Mrs. Văn Minh is restless because she hasn't had a chance to wear the fashionable, modern clothes and a white-bordered hat.

+ Miss Tuyết looks forward to showing off her youthful figure in a delicate dress, proving her purity.

+ Those attending the funeral treat it as a social gathering, showcasing various outfits or offering critiques of one another.

=> Each person has their own form of happiness, but they all act like disrespectful descendants. Through this, the author critiques the shallow, degenerate people who lack empathy and humanity.

Question 3 (page 128, Literature 11, Volume 1)

Analyze the scene of the 'model funeral.'

Detailed Answer:

- The overall scene of the funeral gives readers a sense of confusion, blending Western and Eastern elements, clearly revealing the artificial, pretentious nature of the mourners:

+ There are a mix of traditional Vietnamese, Western, and Chinese instruments.

+ Hundreds of couplets, wreaths, and banners.

- In close-up descriptions, the author focuses on the actions and whispers of the mourners, whose conversations are entirely unrelated to the deceased.

- The writer repeats the refrain 'The funeral keeps going...'. This refrain is ironic and humorous. It portrays a chaotic, ridiculous funeral, combining many styles to show off. The funeral procession moves forward, the mourners gossip, and the descendants indulge in their own happiness. Each person has a different mindset and goal, all gathered under the pretense of fulfilling 'duty to the deceased'. The most prominent and common feature of this group is their hypocrisy, a false moral high ground.

Question 4 (page 128, Literature 11, Volume 1)

Considering the 'happiness' of the characters caused by the ancestor's death and the scene of the 'model funeral,' how would you evaluate the contemporary urban upper-class society? What is the author's attitude toward this society?

Detailed Answer:

- A decaying society with corrupt systems is fully depicted in the text, showcasing imagery that symbolizes how money blinds people, causing them to value wealth over human connections.

Question 5 (page 128, Literature 11, Volume 1)

What is your opinion on Vũ Trọng Phụng's satirical art in this excerpt?

Detailed Answer:

- From the central satirical situation—'The Happiness of a Bereaved Family'—the author explores multiple contradictions through various scenarios, creating a grand, complex, and ever-changing comedy that fascinates the reader. One of the common techniques used is presenting sharply contrasting details that coexist within a single event or character, highlighting the satirical laughter.

- Additionally, the author employs exaggerated techniques such as irony and sarcasm, which are skillfully interwoven throughout the excerpt, achieving specific effects. For example, the ancestor's death leads to unique reactions from the dysfunctional family, with the funeral procession becoming an absurd opportunity for people to gather, show off, and criticize each other.

- The author has a keen eye for capturing and describing each character's individuality in the excerpt. Vũ Trọng Phụng's narrative style is dynamic, humorous, and subtle, with sharp attention to even the smallest details. He deserves recognition as an outstanding realist writer who excels in the use of satirical art.

Practice

Question (page 128, Literature 11, Volume 1)

Identify the contradictions and satirical portraits in the excerpt from 'The Happiness of a Bereaved Family.'

Detailed Answer:

Contradictions and satirical portraits in the excerpt:

* Satirical contradictions in the excerpt:

- The story of Xuân Tóc Đỏ and the death of the ancestor. A guilty person like Xuân unexpectedly becomes a hero in the family.

- The satirical contradiction is evident in the title of this chapter: 'The Happiness of a Bereaved Family.'

- A detailed portrayal of the happiness everyone feels due to the ancestor's death.

=> Vũ Trọng Phụng exposes the true nature of a flashy, superficial society, where people value appearances and money over human emotions, revealing the moral decay of the so-called intellectual and civilized upper class.

* Satirical characters: The ancestor, the Văn Minh couple, Miss Tuyết, Mr. Tú Tân, Mr. Phán Mọc Sừng, Xuân Tóc Đỏ. There are also portraits of people outside the family (two policemen Min Đơ, Min Toa, and friends of the ancestor...).

Structure

- Part 1 (from the beginning to "causing Tuyet much pain"): the family's joy at the death of their ancestor, great-grandfather Hong.

- Part 2 (from "and the funeral procession continues..."): the absurdity of the exemplary funeral procession.

- Part 3 (remaining portion): the scene of those attending the funeral.

Question 1 (page 128 of Literature 11, Volume 1 textbook)

- The title of the work is paradoxical, arousing curiosity in the reader: The Happiness of a Bereaved Family.

+ The comedic contradiction lies within the title, reflecting a bitter, humorous, and sorrowful truth: the grandchildren rejoice at the death of their great-grandfather because they have waited too long to inherit his wealth.

+ The author creates a confused, anxious, and busy atmosphere in the family following the passing of their ancestor, but this is overshadowed by the anticipated joy of the inheritance from the deceased's will. This ironic contradiction reflects the underlying humor of the situation.

Question 2 (page 120 of Literature 11, Volume 1 textbook)

Great-grandfather's death is a source of joy for the entire "immoral" family.

- The author meticulously portrays the individual joy of each family member, each in their own way.

+ Great-grandfather Hong represents the ignorant and fame-seeking type, imagining the moment when he will be dressed in shabby clothes, feebly leaning on a cane, hoping for public admiration.

+ Van Minh uses the occasion to flaunt bold fashion choices and enjoys the inheritance as the eldest grandchild.

+ Tuyet sees it as an opportunity to dress in an "innocent" outfit, showing off her youthful beauty.

+ Tu Tan enjoys the chance to take photographs, indulging in his hobby.

+ Judge Phan enjoys the value of his horns, symbolizing his satisfaction over his newfound status after the death of great-grandfather.

+ Xuân Tóc Đỏ gains prestige because he played a role in orchestrating the death of great-grandfather.

- The funeral spreads happiness to outsiders: the policemen Min Do, Min Toa, and the bourgeois friends of Great-grandfather Hong.

Question 3 (page 120 of Literature 11, Volume 1 textbook)

The depiction of the funeral procession, from Great-grandfather Hong's house to the burial site, is both humorous and masterful.

+ The funeral procession resembles a chaotic and absurd parade, making one feel discomfort at the ridiculousness of it all.

+ The funeral setting is lively and bustling, with a mix of flirtation, and what should be a solemn event turns into a raucous celebration (with the presence of Western and Eastern music and the crowd's mingling...)

+ The exemplary funeral: a professional performance by the family of the deceased, showing off all the shameless, immoral people involved.

+ “It was such a grand funeral that even the deceased would have smiled in the coffin, if not nodded his head in approval.”

⇒ The funeral unfolds like a ridiculous comedy, satirizing the fake society of the time.

Question 4 (page 120 of Literature 11, Volume 1 textbook)

The “upper class” society of the time:

+ A decaying society with corrupt systems.

+ The imagery detailed in the text symbolizes how money corrupts the human soul.

+ This society is chaotic, where the fraudulent and decadent are elevated to the highest ranks.

Question 5 (page 120 of Literature 11, Volume 1 textbook)

Số Đỏ is the finest example of modern Vietnamese prose.

- The work deeply criticizes the chaotic bourgeois society, chasing after a corrupt lifestyle.

- Using humor as a weapon, the author exposes the rotten core of the elite class.

- The author mocks the "Westernization," "sports," and "youthful joy" movements promoted by the ruling class.

+ The excerpt employs exaggeration, reversal, and sarcasm.

+ It utilizes artistic techniques of contradiction and contrast.

⇒ The excerpt represents the pinnacle of the author’s sharp satirical style.

Practice

Exercise 1 (page 120 of Literature 11, Volume 1 textbook)

Read the entire Số Đỏ by Vũ Trọng Phụng.

Exercise 2 (page 120 of Literature 11, Volume 1 textbook)

The comedic contradictions:

+ The principle of humor is based on discovering and highlighting contradictions, presenting absurdities that reveal the true nature of phenomena.

+ The comedic contradiction in the title: the ridiculous and absurd nature of the situation.

+ The contradiction between the fake and the real: between the outward appearance of the family and the tragic reality of the funeral. The fraudulent and hypocritical people are elevated and praised. Caricatures of characters emerge one after another.

⇒ The author vividly depicts the reality of the upper class society, with its hypocritical, absurd, and fake nature.

Summary

The excerpt from 'The Happiness of a Funeral' (excerpt from 'Số đỏ') recounts the extravagant, ostentatious, and distasteful funeral of Mr. Hong, a wealthy member of the urban upper class.

Structure

Part 1 (from the beginning to 'caused Tuyet so much'): The thoughts and happiness of the family members upon the death of their elder ancestor, Mr. Hong.

Part 2 (from 'The procession just keeps going...'): A description of the so-called 'model' funeral.

Part 3 (remaining part): The burial scene.

Question 1 (page 128, Vietnamese Literature 11, Vol. 1):

+ The title: paradoxical, absurd, signaling abnormality.

+ The satirical situation in the excerpt: The joy stemming from the loss of a loved one, leading to a sharp and mocking situation.

Question 2 (page 128, Vietnamese Literature 11, Vol. 1):

+ The death of Mr. Hong serves as an opportunity for the family to flaunt their wealth and modernity to others.

+ Various 'joys':

- Xuân Tóc Đỏ’s fame increases even more.

- Mr. Phan, after being cheated on, receives a portion of the inheritance.

- Mr. Hong is dressed in a shabby suit, leaning on a cane, sobbing in front of the crowd.

- Mr. Văn Minh is happy that the will will be carried out.

- Tú Tân eagerly awaits using his camera.

- Mrs. Văn Minh is anxious to wear her new fashionable outfit.

- Mr. Hong’s friends boast about their medals.

- Tú Tân’s friends show off their photography skills.

- The young men and women seize the opportunity for romantic escapades.

…

⇒ The 'joys' come from personal gain, boasting, and self-indulgence.

Question 3 (page 128, Vietnamese Literature 11, Vol. 1):

The 'model' funeral scene:

+ Appearance:

- The procession is loud, crowded, and chaotic, drawing everyone’s attention.

- Everyone puts on a sorrowful expression, pretending to mourn or showing respect to the family.

+ In reality:

- It is a disordered, confused mix of Western, Eastern, and Chinese influences.

- The mourners are not there out of genuine grief but to satisfy their own desires and show off.

Question 4 (page 128, Vietnamese Literature 11, Vol. 1):

+ The urban upper-class society at the time was corrupt and decayed, wrapped in an outwardly fashionable appearance but internally grotesque and vulgar.

+ The author's stance: condemnation, mockery, and scorn.

Question 5 (page 128, Vietnamese Literature 11, Vol. 1):

The satirical technique:

+ Using descriptive techniques to create a contrast between outward appearances and inner reality.

+ The tone is ironic, mocking, and critical.

+ The use of exaggeration, reversal, and irony.

Practice

Question 2 (page 128, Vietnamese Literature 11, Vol. 1):

+ The contradiction: Human happiness coming from the loss of a loved one, revealing the hypocrisy and decay of the urban elite.

+ The satirical portrait: The urban upper class at the time with its grotesque, vulgar appearance and the hollow, corrupted nature of human relationships.

Meaning:

Through sharp satire, the excerpt from 'The Happiness of a Funeral' strongly criticizes the falsehood and vulgarity of the pre-revolutionary urban elite.