Top 6 Best Explanations of 'Thương vợ' (Trần Tế Xương) - (Literature 11)

Structure: 2 parts

Part 1 (the first 4 lines): The image of Mrs. Tú depicted as hardworking and resilient.

Part 2 (the remaining two lines): Tú Xương’s attitude towards his wife.

Lesson Content

The poem portrays the wife’s image with a sense of love and self-mockery, alongside a perspective on the plight of women from Tú Xương’s viewpoint.

Study Guide

Question 1 (page 30, Literature 11, Volume 1):

The image of Mrs. Tú is depicted as:

* Hard work and challenging circumstances, constantly traveling and enduring hardship.

- Working year-round, precarious, and unstable work on the riverbank.

- The image of the lone woman trudging through the desolate path or crowded ferry: evoking the difficult and lonely nature of the job.

* Mrs. Tú is careful and diligent: She manages to feed the family without excess or shortage.

Question 2 (page 30, Literature 11, Volume 1):

The noble virtues of Mrs. Tú:

+ Struggling alone on the isolated path: Symbolizing patience, hard work, and perseverance.

+ Enduring hardships and taking on responsibilities without complaint: A quiet, noble sacrifice for her family, showing devotion and patience.

Question 3 (page 30, Literature 11, Volume 1):

The “curse” in the last two lines reflects Tú Xương’s protest against the injustice faced by women in society, highlighting their suffering and unfair treatment.

Question 4 (page 30, Literature 11, Volume 1):

- Tú Xương’s genuine sympathy for his wife is clearly conveyed through:

+ His compassion for her struggles and exhaustion.

+ His recognition and admiration for her admirable qualities.

+ From his deep love for his wife, Tú Xương also criticizes a cruel world that burdens women with injustice.

=> Through this, we can perceive the sincere emotions and noble character of the poet.

Practice (page 30, Literature 11, Volume 1):

The creative application of folk imagery and language:

+ The phrase 'struggling on the desolate path' is inspired by the folk saying 'The stork struggles by the river' but with more creativity (changing the word order or replacing 'the stork' with 'the body of the stork').

+ 'One fate, two debts', 'five suns, ten rains': creative use of idiomatic expressions.

Answer to question 1 (page 30 Literature 11, Volume 1):

The image of Mrs. Tú struggling to make a living is conveyed in the first four lines:

- Her working conditions are tough and exhausting.

+ All year round: throughout the year, continuously, with no rest.

+ Riverbank: a place evoking the feeling of precariousness and lack of safety.

+ The business of trade is exhausting and tiring, just to get by.

- Her fate: the image of a lonely woman, symbolizing the pain and unfairness of a small, laborious life.

- The words 'lặn lội' and 'eo sèo' suggest the struggle and busy life of small-scale traders.

- The phrase 'when the boat is empty, during busy hours' evokes both space and time filled with anxiety, risks, and uncertainty.

Answer to question 2 (page 30 Literature 11, Volume 1):

Analyze the lines that express Mrs. Tú's admirable qualities:

- Raising five children with one husband: she is diligent, efficient, and attentive to her family.

- A fate of two debts, enduring the rain and sun without complaint: she is hardworking, patient, humble, and self-sacrificing.

- Struggling like a crane when the boat is empty: she is diligent and tireless from morning till night.

Answer to question 3 (page 30 Literature 11, Volume 1):

The curse in the last two lines:

- Self-accusation for being a burden to his wife: Parents' behavior, a reflection of life's unfairness.

- Self-judgment, condemning himself: Having an indifferent husband is as if having no husband at all.

- The deeper meaning of Tú Xương's self-curse reflects societal judgment, condemning the coldness of the world, which leads to his helplessness and his wife’s continuous suffering.

Answer to question 4 (page 30 Literature 11, Volume 1):

The sorrow for his wife from Tú Xương:

- A sincere heart filled with love, admiration, and gratitude towards his wife: Raising five children with one husband.

- Self-blame, condemning himself for being unable to alleviate the burden of life with his wife.

Practice

Question (page 30 Literature 11, Volume 1)

The creative application of images and folk literary language:

- The image of the crane: symbolizes the small, hard-working lives that must endure hardship and suffering.

=> Borrowing the image of the crane, a common symbol in folk poetry, to represent his wife.

- Proverbs “one fate, two debts”, “five suns, ten rains”

+ One fate, two debts: A lament for life's unfairness on behalf of his wife.

+ Five suns, ten rains: Depicting the tireless efforts and enduring qualities of Mrs. Tú.

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Question 1 (page 30, Literature 11 textbook, volume 1)

What is your impression of the image of Mrs. Tú in the first four lines? (Note the words with figurative value and the creative use of the image of the crane in folk songs.)

Detailed explanation:

- The two words "quanh năm" (all year round) and "mom sông" (riverbank), one indicating time and the other space, effectively highlight the hardworking life of the wife.

⟹ The first two lines vividly describe the continuous and challenging work of Mrs. Tú. To emphasize the hardships she faced, the poet uses the image of a crane from folk songs to represent her:

Lặn lội thân cò khi quãng vắng,

Eo sèo mặt nước buổi đò đông.

- The phrase "when the space is desolate" evokes an empty, quiet space filled with anxiety and danger.

- The inversion in the first line (placing "lặn lội" at the beginning) and using the term "thân cò" (crane's body) instead of simply "con cò" (crane) intensify the image of hardship and express the sorrowful fate of Mrs. Tú. As a result, the poetry becomes deeper and more poignant.

- The fourth line clarifies the struggle with the difficult life Mrs. Tú faced:

Eo sèo mặt nước buổi đò đông.

The line vividly portrays the crowded, busy atmosphere on the river, where people engaged in small-scale trade face many anxieties and dangers, as suggested by "when the space is desolate".

⟹ The first four lines not only depict the work and fate of Mrs. Tú but also reveal the poet's deep sympathy for her.

Question 2 (page 30, Literature 11 textbook, volume 1)

Analyze the lines that depict the noble qualities of Mrs. Tú.

Detailed explanation:

- Mrs. Tú’s beauty is first felt in her diligence, resourcefulness, and devotion to her husband and children. The word "đủ" (enough) in the line "nuôi đủ" refers to both quantity and quality. Interestingly, the line divides into two parts: one side represents the husband, while the other side carries the weight of five children. The line highlights the reality of feeding her husband, not just with meals, but also with other expenses like money for tea and wine, symbolizing her sacrifices. The poet is aware of his wife's struggles and his own inadequacies, and this line expresses a deep sorrow and bitterness.

- Mrs. Tú’s resourcefulness and devotion also go hand in hand with her self-sacrifice. As previously analyzed, her sacrifice for her family is evident in her determination to work and earn money despite hardship. The poet expresses his admiration and sorrow for her, adding to the description:

Năm nắng mười mưa dám quản công.

The idiom "năm nắng mười mưa" symbolizes the difficulty and hardship of daily life, and in Mrs. Tú’s case, it emphasizes her resilient spirit and dedication to her family.

Question 3 (page 30, Literature 11 textbook, volume 1)

Who speaks the words of "cursing" in the last two lines, and what do they mean?

Detailed explanation:

- The last line is spoken by Tú Xương. It is a self-criticism and an expression of regret:

Cha mẹ thói đời ăn ở bạc,

Có chồng hờ hững cũng như không.

The "curse" about the fickleness of life and an indifferent husband seems to be directed at the wife, but in reality, it is a self-reproach from the poet, a unique expression of his feelings toward his wife. This also reflects the gender biases of the feudal society. Tú Xương openly admits his flaws and shortcomings, showing that he possesses a noble character.

Question 4 (page 30, Literature 11 textbook, volume 1)

How is the poet’s sympathy for his wife portrayed? What is your opinion on the poet’s emotions and character traits revealed in this poem?

Detailed explanation:

- The poet’s sympathy for his wife is portrayed through two complementary portraits: the literal portrayal of Mrs. Tú and the spiritual portrait of Tú Xương. In the poet’s works about his wife, there is always the dual imagery of Mrs. Tú in the forefront and Tú Xương in the background.

- In this poem, Tú Xương does not appear directly, but he is reflected in every line. Behind the humor and irony lies a heartfelt love, gratitude, and respect for his wife.

- Love, admiration, and gratitude for his wife are the key elements that define Tú Xương’s character. He does not shirk his responsibilities or blame fate. Even though Mrs. Tú married him due to "destiny," he feels that he is a burden in her life. This perception adds to her hardship. Perhaps this is why, in the last line, Tú Xương curses himself: "Having a husband indifferent is like having no husband at all."

- Despite his Confucian background, Tú Xương does not adhere to the traditional notions of gender roles, such as "men are superior to women" or "a woman should follow her husband." Instead, he is fair and self-aware, recognizing his own shortcomings and expressing regret. This reflects his noble character.

Practice

Question (page 30, Literature 11 textbook, volume 1)

Analyze how the poet creatively uses images and language from folk literature in the poem.

Detailed explanation:

"Thương vợ" is one of the poems in which Tú Xương creatively uses images and language from folk literature.

- Regarding imagery: In folk songs, the image of the crane holds various meanings. Sometimes it symbolizes the hardship of women who work tirelessly, sacrificing for their families ("Con cò lặn lội bờ sông - Gánh gạo đưa chồng tiếng khóc nỉ non"). Other times, it represents the plight of laborers in general, facing uncertainties and setbacks ("Con cò mà đi ăn đêm - Đậu phải cành mềm lộn cổ xuống ao"). Thus, the crane in folk songs often evokes feelings of bitterness and sorrow. However, in the context of Mrs. Tú’s life, the crane image becomes even more poignant. As previously discussed, the crane in folk songs is troubled by the vast space, while the crane in Tú Xương’s poem is surrounded by both space and time, making the feelings of sorrow even deeper. Moreover, the term "thân cò" (crane’s body) is more abstract than the traditional "con cò" (crane), which allows Tú Xương’s affection for his wife to become even more profound and touching.

- Language use: One of the most creative uses of language is the idiom "năm nắng mười mưa." The words "nắng mưa" describe hardships, while the numbers "năm" (five) and "mười" (ten) serve as vague references to large quantities. The combination of these elements creates a unique expression that not only emphasizes the hardships but also highlights Mrs. Tú’s diligence and sacrifice for her family.

Structure

- Can be divided into: Introduction, Body, Conclusion

- Alternatively divided as:

+ The first 6 lines: Image of Mrs. Tú

+ The last 2 lines: The poet’s feelings

Question 1 (page 30, Literature 11 Textbook): The image of Mrs. Tú through the first four lines

- Occupation: Trading

- Location: On the riverbank

- "Quanh năm": All year round, from year to year, without exception, regardless of weather conditions.

- The metaphorical image of “the stork's body” in the empty and perilous space and time emphasizes the struggles and loneliness of Mrs. Tú.

- The term “crowded boat” suggests a competitive, chaotic scene of street vendors, while also implying unforeseen dangers.

⇒ The image portrays a difficult livelihood in an unstable environment, showing Mrs. Tú's struggles and hardships in her business.

Question 2 (page 30, Literature 11 Textbook): Mrs. Tú's admirable qualities

- Mrs. Tú is a diligent and caring person who takes care of her husband and children: “Supports five children and a husband.”

- She demonstrates deep sacrifice, resilience, and devotion to her family: “Endures through storms and sunshine without complaint.”

Question 3 (page 30, Literature 11 Textbook): The curse in the last two lines

- The curse is the poet Tú Xương’s reflection on his own shortcomings, acknowledging his inadequacy.

- This reflects the patriarchal society’s devaluation of women, where Tú Xương admits his dependence on his wife, yet shows humility and a noble character.

Question 4 (page 30, Literature 11 Textbook): The poet’s inner feelings

- Expresses love and appreciation for his wife’s struggles and sacrifices

- He self-critically admits his role as a burden rather than a provider, acknowledging his wife's constant care.

- The curse reflects his societal criticism, emphasizing the unjust system that burdens Mrs. Tú, revealing his deep affection for her.

Exercise (page 30, Literature 11 Textbook)

- Regarding imagery: Tú Xương uses the image of “the stork” from folk poetry, turning it into a more sorrowful metaphor, emphasizing Mrs. Tú’s hardships and pain.

- Regarding language: The expression “endures through storms and sunshine” is creatively applied. The terms “sunshine” and “rain” symbolize hardships, with the numbers “five” and “ten” used as placeholders to convey a greater sense of difficulty and perseverance.

Structure

Part 1 (first six lines): The image of Mrs. Tú through the poet Tú Xương's perspective.

Part 2 (last two lines): The poet's self-reproach and self-mockery.

Question 1 (page 30, Literature Textbook, Grade 11, Volume 1):

Image of Mrs. Tú:

+ Throughout the year: patience, resilience, and hard work.

+ Mrs. Tú's work: trading by the river's edge.

+ Raising five children with her husband: bearing the burden of the family.

+ The image of a little crane: a life full of hardship, trials, and struggles.

+ Hunchbacked: enduring constant complaints and hardships, having to bear everything.

Question 2 (page 30, Literature Textbook, Grade 11, Volume 1):

Mrs. Tú's noble qualities:

+ Enduring hardships alone when the road is empty: hardworking and diligent, working tirelessly day and night.

+ Rain or shine, never complaining about her duty: facing numerous hardships yet maintaining her devotion to the marital bond silently, without complaints.

Question 3 (page 30, Literature Textbook, Grade 11, Volume 1):

The 'curse' in the last two lines is the poet’s lament over the cruel fate, as well as self-blame for causing Mrs. Tú additional suffering.

Question 4 (page 30, Literature Textbook, Grade 11, Volume 1):

- The poet’s deep affection for his wife is conveyed in a sincere, simple, and straightforward manner without exaggeration.

- Through this, we perceive the poet's love for his wife as well as the noble character and self-respect of a Confucian scholar and devoted husband.

Exercise

Creative use of imagery and folk language:

+ The image of the crane: a symbol of the frail, struggling lives that endure hardship and misfortune.

+ Idioms like “one fate, two debts,” “ten suns, ten rains”:

→ One fate, two debts: The poet’s lament for his wife’s unjust fate.

→ Ten suns, ten rains: Illustrates Mrs. Tú's tireless nature and her resilience in the face of hardship.

Meaning

With deep affection and respect, the poet paints a heartfelt and realistic picture of his wife, a self-sacrificing woman. 'Loving his wife' is a representative poem of Trần Tế Xương's lyrical poetry: sincere emotions, simple yet profound words.

I. About the Author and the Poem

1. Tran Te Xuong (1870 – 1907), also known as Tu Xuong, was born in Vi Xuyen village, My Loc district, Nam Dinh province. Tu Xuong lived only 37 years and only passed the bachelor's exam, but his poetry has become immortal.

2. 'Thương Vợ' (Loving the Wife) is one of Tu Xuong's most touching and beautiful poems about his wife, Ba Tu.

II. Lesson Guide

Structure

- Part 1 (first 4 lines): The image of Ba Tu, hardworking and enduring, emerges through the poet's deep affection for her.

- Part 2 (remaining lines): The poet’s emotions and attitudes are expressed.

Question 1 (page 30, 11th Grade Literature Textbook):

- The first two lines describe Ba Tu’s labor and the burdens she carries:

+ 'Quanh năm': This indicates the relentless, year-round hard work.

+ 'Mom sông': A dangerous, unstable workplace, symbolizing a difficult, precarious livelihood.

→ The lines evoke a harsh, struggle-filled life in an uncertain environment.

- The next two lines vividly depict Ba Tu's arduous work for survival:

+ The inversion of 'lặn lội' emphasizes the difficulties she faces.

+ 'Quãng vắng, đò sông': A desolate, quiet space full of worry and danger.

+ 'Eo sèo': Conveys a cramped, busy atmosphere of small traders.

→ These lines highlight Ba Tu’s hardship and the grueling nature of her labor.

=> The first four lines describe the working conditions and Ba Tu’s hardship, while also expressing Tu Xuong’s sympathy.

Question 2 (page 30, 11th Grade Literature Textbook):

- Ba Tu’s beauty is reflected in her capability, diligence, and care for her family:

She raises five children and her husband.

The word 'đủ' ('sufficient') in 'nuôi đủ' indicates both quantity and quality, emphasizing the balance of responsibilities.

- Her diligence is also tied to her sacrificial nature:

‘Năm nắng mười mưa’ reflects the harsh realities of her life, emphasizing her resilience, sacrifice, and devotion to her family.

Question 3 (page 30, 11th Grade Literature Textbook):

The last two lines express Tu Xuong’s self-reproach for causing his wife’s suffering, while also criticizing society for its cruel nature, which burdens her and turns him into a useless husband.

=> The curse comes from love and is imbued with sorrow and regret.

Question 4 (page 30, 11th Grade Literature Textbook):

The poem 'Loving the Wife' portrays two portraits: Ba Tu’s real-life image and Tu Xuong’s spiritual image. Although Tu Xuong doesn’t appear directly in the poem, his love and gratitude for his wife are clear.

The poet’s admiration and deep respect for his wife highlight his true, noble character. In a patriarchal society, Tu Xuong’s recognition of his own shortcomings and his self-blame make his persona even more admirable.

III. Practice

(page 30, 11th Grade Literature Textbook): Analyze the use of ...

'Loving the Wife' is one of Tu Xuong’s poems where he creatively uses folk literature’s imagery and language.

- About imagery: In folk songs, the image of the 'cò' (heron) symbolizes the suffering of women working hard and enduring hardships (Con cò lặn lội bờ sông – Gánh gạo đưa chồng tiếng khóc nỉ non). It also represents the laboring, enduring working class (Con cò mà đi ăn đêm – đậu phải cành mềm lộn cổ xuống ao). Thus, in the poem, the 'cò' image intensifies the sorrowful, pitiful life of Ba Tu.

- Language use: A notable element is the creative use of the idiom 'năm nắng mười mưa'. The combination of numbers 'năm' and 'mười' with 'nắng mưa' emphasizes the relentless hardships she faces, while showcasing her enduring nature and sacrifice for her family.