Top 6 Best Interpretations of 'Tao Thao's Wine Drinking Debate on Heroes' by Lao Quan Zhong for Grade 10

Question 1

The mindset and character of Liu Bei when living under Tao Thao's roof.

At the time, Liu Bei had no land to call his own, so he was forced to live with Tao Thao. With no clear way to escape, Liu Bei had to carefully conceal himself to avoid arousing suspicion from Tao Thao. Although harboring grand dreams and the spirit of a hero, Liu Bei’s weak position forced him to keep his strategies hidden.

When Tao Thao invited him for a debate on heroes, Liu Bei found himself in a vulnerable position, risking exposure. However, 'Xuan De was able to conceal his surprise even when he dropped his chopsticks upon hearing Tao call him a hero.' Therefore, Liu Bei’s 'innate humility, caution, discretion, and wisdom' were highlighted even more in this situation.

This scenario also made Tao Thao, already arrogant, more so. His self-confidence led him to lose his guard, even though he was typically known for his paranoia.

Question 2

Through Tao Thao's treatment of Liu Bei and his evaluation of the heroes Liu Bei proposed, such as 'having great ambition,' 'capable of conquering the heavens and the earth,' and 'possessing high strategies and talents to rule the universe,' it becomes clear that Tao Thao’s ideas reflect a desire for absolute power. This ideology aligns with the ruling class’s approach to using any means necessary to achieve their goals and oppress the common people in feudal society.

The excerpt clearly reveals Lao Quan Zhong's portrayal of the relationship between the figures of Sun and Liu, as well as Tao, through its plot structure, character depictions, and language use.

The character Tao Thao, as depicted by the author, emerges as both despicable and formidable. In the short story 'The Eyes,' Nam Cao has the character Hoang comment on Tao Thao: 'Truly remarkable! Truly remarkable! Such talent! Damn Tao Thao.' To the people, Tao Thao has always been seen as a 'traitor-hero.' He was intelligent, cunning, tough, suspicious, and ruthless. The smarter Tao Thao became, the more paranoid he grew; the more clever he was, the more malicious he became; the more determined he was, the more brutal he became. This is the essence of a 'traitor-hero.'

Question 3

In Lao Quan Zhong’s creation of characters, Liu Bei’s personality stands in stark contrast to Tao Thao’s. To say that Liu Bei is a transparent mirror that reveals Tao Thao’s wickedness and dark heart is accurate. For instance, while Tao Thao once said: 'I’d rather betray others than be betrayed myself,' Liu Bei countered with: 'I’d rather die than betray righteousness.' That was their words. But in deeds, Tao Thao, in trying to win over strategist Tu Shi, had his mother kidnapped to lure his son but failed. On the other hand, Liu Bei allowed Tu Shi to return to his mother, and as a result, Tu Shi recommended Kong Ming. Liu Bei's group was often compared to Tao Thao’s: Tao was quick, while we were steady; Tao used deceitful plots, we valued sincerity; Tao relied on force, we followed virtue. In his dealings with others, Liu Bei valued talent, wholeheartedly welcoming scholars (as seen in the Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage, the Peach Garden Oath), and cared for the common people, winning their support. It was remembered that when Liu Bei served as a county governor, he 'never harmed the people' and when traveling through Tu Zhou, 'the villagers greeted him with offerings and invited him to stay and govern.' In Tân Dã, Liu Bei was so loved by the people that 'praise of his name spread everywhere.'

In the early days of China’s history, Liu Bei and his group, including Kong Ming, Guan Gong, Zhang Fei, Zhao Zilong, and Ma Xie, have always been remembered as heroes in the people’s hearts. In contrast, in the minds of the people, Tao Thao will forever remain a 'traitor-hero.'

Question 4

The captivating storytelling in this passage can be attributed to Lao Quan Zhong’s masterful guidance, leading the reader from confusion to clarity and then back again. It is a clever game of hide-and-seek between one determined to escape and another intent on finding him. Liu Xuan De nearly revealed himself when he startled and dropped his chopsticks—a brilliant detail.

I. MAIN THEORETICAL CONTENT

1. Lưu Bị Seeking Shelter Under Tào Tháo's Roof

- Engaging in garden chores to divert Tào Tháo’s attention.

- His mindset: fearful of Tào Tháo’s suspicions, trying to thwart any harm or obstacles.

- When invited to Tào Tháo’s mansion for a wine gathering:

+ He was startled and worried that Tào Tháo might have suspected him.

+ He feared facing Tào Tháo’s probing questions.

+ He felt relieved upon understanding Tào Tháo’s intentions.

- During the conversation about heroes:

+ He humbly insisted that he was ignorant.

+ When pressured, he cleverly pointed out prominent figures like Viên Thuật (a general with abundant resources), Viên Thiệu (a noble family with skilled subordinates), Lưu Biểu (renowned throughout the region), Tôn Sách (a strong man, known for his father's reputation), and Lưu Chương (a prince with noble lineage)...

Attempting to conceal his thoughts and feelings.

+ He was so startled by Tào Tháo’s declaration “Only the warlords and I are true heroes of the world!” that he dropped the chopsticks in his hand.

- Lưu Bị was hiding under Tào Tháo’s protection, trying to present himself as an ordinary person.

- The remark showed that Tào Tháo had already guessed Lưu Bị’s true aspirations. If Lưu Bị were to admit them, Tào Tháo, known for his cruelty, cunning, suspicion, and ambition for world dominance, would not let Lưu Bị live unless he imprisoned him for life.

Key characteristics of Lưu Bị in this passage: composed, full of resolve, humble, wise, persistent, and patient in pursuit of his grand goals.

2. The Character of Tào Tháo

- Tào Tháo’s offer to house Lưu Bị and his brothers was a tactical move to probe and recruit them.

- The purpose of the wine feast and discussion on heroes was to test Lưu Bị’s mindset, emotions, thoughts, and determination.

- Tào Tháo’s perspective on the world and people: intelligent, insightful, self-assured, and resourceful.

His observations on the heroes of the world were mostly accurate, as most of the warlords Lưu Bị named were eventually defeated or neutralized by Tào Tháo.

- Tào Tháo’s concept of a hero:

+ He focused on individual talents and personal glory, believing a true hero must possess great ambitions and abilities.

+ He failed to acknowledge the moral obligations that should accompany true heroism.

- The significance of Tào Tháo’s declaration that only Lưu Bị and himself were true heroes of the world:

+ It was a way to test Lưu Bị’s true feelings and intentions.

+ It demonstrated Tào Tháo’s confidence, generosity, and his ability to recognize worthy individuals.

Key characteristics of Tào Tháo in this passage: confident to the point of arrogance, self-assured, and dismissive of Lưu Bị.

II. SOLUTIONS TO TEXTBOOK EXERCISES

Question 1 (Literature textbook, Grade 10, Volume 2 – Page 83)

The mindset and character of Lưu Bị when staying with Tào Tháo:

- Fearful that Tào Tháo might become suspicious and attempt to harm or obstruct him.

- Lưu Bị tries to stay calm and hide his true thoughts, emotions, and intentions.

Question 2 (Literature textbook, Grade 10, Volume 2 – Page 83)

Through Tào Tháo’s treatment of Lưu Bị and his evaluation of the heroes Lưu Bị mentioned, we can infer the following about Tào Tháo:

- Tào Tháo is ambitious, with aspirations to dominate the world, possessing great plans, high aspirations, and immense talents.

- Tào Tháo has a treacherous nature: strategic, yet deceitful, suspicious, arrogant, and prone to overconfidence, ultimately outsmarted by Lưu Bị.

Question 3 (Literature textbook, Grade 10, Volume 2 – Page 89)

The differences between the personalities of Lưu Bị and Tào Tháo:

Tào Tháo (the cunning tyrant):
- He holds power, territory, and military strength, currently in a winning position, using the Emperor to control other warlords.
- Confident, skillful, intelligent, and insightful, understanding both himself and others.
- Overconfident, self-assured, dismissive of others.
- Deceived by Lưu Bị, outwitted with subtlety and finesse.
Lưu Bị (the hero):
- Defeated, losing his territory and military strength, forced to seek refuge with his enemy in a dangerous situation.
- Anxious and fearful, attempting to hide his true feelings and intentions from Tào Tháo.
- Cunning and quick-witted, managing to conceal his mistakes.
- A symbol of the ideal hero in the eyes of the Chinese people in ancient times.

Question 4 (Literature textbook, Grade 10, Volume 2 – Page 89)

The reason the story is so engaging to readers:

- The dramatic conflict in the plot.

- The natural storytelling style, with a concise and clear conclusion.

- The author’s clear attitude towards the characters.

- The lively and engaging dialogue between the characters.

I. Lesson objectives:

The goal is to help students grasp: - The emotions and personality of Liu Bei when he has to rely on Cao Cao.

– The deceptive and tyrannical nature of Cao Cao.

– The differences between the two characters.

– The dramatic narrative technique used.

II. General overview:

The work *Romance of the Three Kingdoms* portrays two contrasting characters: the righteous Liu Bei and the cunning Cao Cao. Liu Bei once asserted, 'I would rather die than betray righteousness.' In contrast, Cao Cao lived by the maxim, 'I would rather betray others than allow others to betray me.' By reading the excerpt where Cao Cao discusses heroism over wine, we gain a deeper understanding of these two characters.

1. Location:

Chapter 21 (Cao Cao Drinks Wine and Discusses Heroes – Guan Gong Traps and Kills Xia Zhou).

2. Structure:

+ Opening: The situation where Liu Bei is staying under Cao Cao's roof.

+ Conflict: Cao Cao invites Liu Bei to his residence.

+ Development: Liu Bei suggests various heroic figures, which Cao Cao dismisses.

+ Climax: Cao Cao expresses his views on heroism, asserting that both he and Liu Bei are the only true heroes, causing Liu Bei to drop his chopsticks in fear.

+ Conclusion: Liu Bei cleverly avoids suspicion, aided by a thunderclap, making his actions seem perfectly timed.

III. Detailed analysis of the text:

1. Liu Bei's emotions and personality when depending on Cao Cao:

– The act of tending to the garden serves to distract Cao Cao's attention.

” Liu Bei feels anxious, fearing that Cao Cao may suspect him and attempt to obstruct or harm him.

– When Cao Cao invites him to his residence for wine:

+ Liu Bei is startled and worried, thinking Cao Cao has grown suspicious of him.

+ He fears being exposed by Cao Cao’s probing questions.

+ Liu Bei feels reassured once he understands Cao Cao’s true intent.

– When Cao Cao speaks about heroes:

+ Liu Bei downplays his knowledge, humbly claiming ignorance.

+ When pressed further, he cleverly suggests notable figures such as Yuan Shu, Yuan Shao, Liu Biao, Sun Ce, and Liu Zhang, while attempting to conceal his true thoughts and feelings.

+ Liu Bei is so frightened that he drops his chopsticks when Cao Cao proclaims, 'The only heroes in the world are the warlords and Cao Cao himself!'”

” This moment reveals that Liu Bei is secretly concealing his ambitions, trying to appear ordinary.

– Cao Cao’s statement shows he has already guessed Liu Bei’s intentions. If Liu Bei had confirmed it, given Cao Cao’s ruthless, suspicious, and power-hungry nature, he would not have spared Liu Bei, possibly imprisoning him for life.

– A critical turning point: thanks to the thunder and Liu Bei’s precise reaction, Cao Cao’s suspicions are eased.

– Liu Bei’s character, as revealed in this excerpt, is calm, capable, humble, wise, patient, and persistent in pursuing his grand ambitions.

2. Cao Cao’s personality:

– Cao Cao’s purpose in allowing Liu Bei and his companions to stay is to observe, test, and win them over.

– The banquet and discussion on heroes serve as a way for Cao Cao to probe Liu Bei’s emotions, thoughts, and intentions.

– Cao Cao’s view of the world and people: intelligent, perceptive, confident, and assertive.

– His concept of a hero:

+ Only valuing personal talent, 'One must surpass the world, with great ambitions to conquer all lands.'

+ Cao Cao fails to consider the moral virtues required of a true hero.

– The significance of his assertion that only he and Liu Bei are heroes:

+ This is an attempt to gauge Liu Bei’s true feelings and tailor his response accordingly.

+ It reflects Cao Cao’s self-assurance, magnanimity, and knowledge of the noble qualities of others.

– Cao Cao’s character in this passage: confident to the point of arrogance, self-assured, and dismissive of Liu Bei.

3. Narrative technique:
– The story creates a situation that is both logical and natural, skillfully crafted to maintain tension and suspense.
– Rich in dramatic intensity.

III. Exercises

Answer to question 1, from *Romance of the Three Kingdoms*, page 83

Emotions and personality
– Liu Bei’s behavior is cautious and confused.
– When Cao Cao suddenly summons him, Liu Bei 'is startled'. During the wine drinking session, he becomes increasingly reserved.
– When he drops his chopsticks, Liu Bei cleverly handles the situation, avoiding Cao Cao’s suspicion.

Answer to question 2, from *Romance of the Three Kingdoms*, page 83
In his interaction with Liu Bei, Cao Cao displays his arrogance and self-importance.
+ He dismisses all the other heroes in the world.
+ Cao Cao’s self-esteem leads him to consider himself the only hero, subtly elevating himself above Liu Bei.
+ Despite his brilliance and resourcefulness, Cao Cao’s cunning and ruthlessness make him a dangerous figure.
→ Cao Cao reveals his deceitful and tyrannical nature.

Answer to question 3, from *Romance of the Three Kingdoms*, page 83
In the story and folk evaluations, Liu Bei is still admired for his virtue.
– Liu Bei serves as a mirror that reflects the treacherous and ruthless nature of Cao Cao.
– Liu Bei wins people’s hearts through kindness and moral integrity.
– He is beloved by the common folk.
Cao Cao, on the other hand, is cruel, devious, and manipulative, using all sorts of tricks to achieve his goals, abandoning virtue in the process.

Answer to question 4, from *Romance of the Three Kingdoms*, page 83
The author’s storytelling technique is highly captivating. The story becomes a thrilling game of cat and mouse, with one person trying to escape and the other determined to find them. Liu Bei nearly exposes himself when he drops his chopsticks.
This excerpt is intriguing due to the author’s skillful narration. The tale unfolds like a game of hide and seek between a man trying to evade capture and a man determined to find him. The most exciting moment occurs when Liu Bei drops his chopsticks, nearly revealing himself. This narrative is further enriched by the author’s clear stance, with the characters positioned in stark opposition, embodying exemplary examples of good versus evil.

I. Author
1. Biography
- Luo Guanzhong (1330 – 1400), birth name Luo Ban, pen name Ho Hai Tan Ren.
- From the Taiyuan region, formerly part of the Shanxi province.
- Luo Guanzhong was born into an aristocratic family. In his youth, he aspired to serve the emperor and help the country but lived during the decline of the Yuan Dynasty. His grand ambitions were unfulfilled, and he wandered, earning the nickname Ho Hai Tan Ren.
- Personality: solitary, preferring to travel alone.
- He was a man with great aspirations, dreaming of achieving the career of a powerful monarch, but this did not come to fruition.

2. Literary Career
a. Artistic Style
- Luo Guanzhong is famous for his literary talent, excelling in writing verses, couplets, and plays, but most notably in novels.
- He specialized in collecting and compiling historical records.
b. Notable Works
- His prominent works include: "Romance of the Three Kingdoms", "Records of the Two Dynasties of Sui and Tang", "The Chronicles of Jin, Tang, and Five Dynasties", "The Tale of the White Snake", ...
=> He is recognized for making significant contributions to the historical novel school during the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

II. The Work
1. Position of the Excerpt:
- Chapter 21 (Tao Tao Drinking Wine and Discussing Heroes – Guan Gong Deceives and Plans to Kill Xian Zhu).
2. Structure: 5 parts
+ Beginning: The situation of Liu Bei relying on Tao Tao for shelter.
+ Rising Action: Tao Tao invites Liu Bei to his residence.
+ Development: Liu Bei presents examples of heroes, which Tao Tao rejects.
+ Climax: Tao Tao shares his view on what makes a hero, asserting that both he and Liu Bei are heroes, causing Liu Bei to drop his chopsticks in fear.
+ Conclusion: Thanks to thunder, Liu Bei cleverly escapes Tao Tao's suspicion.
3. Content Value:
Praises Liu Bei – a man of humility, caution, discretion, wisdom.
4. Artistic Value:
- Depicts character traits through speech, actions, mannerisms, and details rich in dramatic tension, enhancing the story’s appeal.
- Uses natural imagery to highlight the characters' personalities.

III. Answer Guide for Questions
Question 1 (page 83, Literature 10, volume 2):

Mood and Character Traits

- Behavior: cautious, anxious

- When summoned unexpectedly by Tao Tao, Liu Bei "was scared stiff". While drinking wine, he was even more cautious

- When dropping the spoon or chopsticks: Liu Bei cleverly responded, avoiding suspicion from Tao Tao

Question 2 (page 83, Literature 10, volume 2):

In his exchange with Liu Bei, Tao Tao displays arrogance and pride.

+ He dismisses all the heroes in the world

+ Tao Tao is so full of himself that he considers himself a hero, subtly placing himself above Liu Bei

+ Tao Tao is also intelligent, strategic, and persistent.

+ The more intelligent he is, the more devious and cruel he becomes

→ Tao Tao reveals his true nature as a cunning and ambitious character

Question 3 (page 83, Literature 10, volume 2):

In the story and in the folk perception, Liu Bei is still regarded for his virtue.

- Liu Bei reflects the wickedness and brutality of Tao Tao

- Liu Bei wins hearts through sincerity, using righteousness in his dealings with others

- Liu Bei earns the admiration of people everywhere

Tao Tao is deceitful, cruel, and treacherous, handling life with many tricks

- Tao Tao does whatever it takes, even ruthlessly, to achieve his goals, discarding patience and moderation

Question 4 (page 83, Literature 10, volume 2):

The way the author narrates the story is absolutely captivating. The story becomes thrilling because one person tries to escape while another is intent on finding them. Liu Bei almost reveals himself when he drops his chopsticks in shock

This is a highly engaging passage due to the author's skillful narration. The story resembles a game of hide-and-seek, where one person tries to escape, and the other is determined to catch them. In the end, Liu Bei almost gives himself away when he drops his chopsticks. This is the most intriguing detail in this excerpt.

The excerpt is captivating also because of the author’s clear stance in praise and criticism, with the characters being arranged into two contrasting sides, black and white, representing clear opposites, exemplary and model figures.

Question 1 (page 83, Vietnamese Language 10, Volume 2)

- Mood:

+ Constantly worried that Tao Thao will discover his grand ambitions, trying to hide his dreams and stay alert.

+ When Xu Chu comes to invite him to meet Tao Thao: startled, scared, with a pale face.

+ Throughout the discussion, always anxious, cautious, humble, and reserved.

=> Personality: Huyen Duc is intelligent, skillful, wise, calm, patient, knowing how to bide his time and conceal his great plans.

Question 2 (page 83, Vietnamese Language 10, Volume 2)

- Ambitious with the thought of becoming the ruler of the world: he has a great vision, high strategies, and talent.

- Keeps his brothers Luu Bi in his house to monitor and stay cautious.

- His true nature as a cunning villain: skillful in tactics but full of deceitful schemes, willing to use any means to achieve his goal, suspicious, arrogant, and ultimately overconfident, allowing Luu Bi to outwit him.

Question 3 (page 83, Vietnamese Language 10, Volume 2)

Tao Thao (the villain):

– Holding power, with an army, manipulating the Han Emperor to control the lords.
– Confident, capable, and knowledgeable.
– Overconfident, smug, and dismissive of others, leading to Luu Bi outsmarting him with ease.

Luu Bi (the hero):

– Currently in a weak position, having lost his land and army, living under the threat of a dangerous enemy.
– Anxious, fearful, trying to conceal his thoughts and emotions.
– Clever and resourceful, able to hide his actions successfully.

Question 4 (page 83, Vietnamese Language 10, Volume 2)

- The dramatic situation is captivating, requiring characters to reveal themselves, allowing the reader to form their own judgment of the characters.

- The narrative is natural and concise, avoiding unnecessary elaboration.

- The characters are depicted vividly.

- The dialogue is lively and engaging.

Summary

The passage recounts the battle of wits during a banquet between Luu Bi and Tao Thao while Luu Bi is living under Tao Thao's protection. Through this story, the two characters emerge clearly and authentically.

Structure

The structure consists of 5 parts:

+ Introduction: Luu Bi’s temporary refuge under Tao Thao’s rule.

+ Rising action: Tao Thao sends an invitation to Luu Bi’s residence.

+ Development: Luu Bi presents various hero figures while Tao Thao dismisses them.

+ Climax: Tao Thao expresses his view on heroes, asserting both his and Luu Bi's heroic status, while Luu Bi nervously drops his chopsticks.

+ Conclusion: Thanks to a thunderclap, Luu Bi cleverly escapes Tao Thao's scrutiny.

Main content

The passage praises Luu Bi as a humble, cautious, reserved, and intelligent person.

GENERAL INTRODUCTION ABOUT THE AUTHOR AND THE WORK

I. The Author

- Luo Guanzhong, originally named Luo Ban, with the pen name Huohai Sanren, was born in Taiyuan County, Shanxi Province, China. He lived during the Yuan Dynasty and passed away at the beginning of the Ming Dynasty (1330 - 1400?).

- He lived in an era where ethnic and class conflicts were intense and complex. As a result, his life was unstable, and he had to move frequently.

- His works show a strong influence of Confucianism. Through his writing, he describes and exposes the essence of a society where "common people die of starvation in villages, heroes are wasted in deep forests, and loyal men are unjustly killed by swords..."

- After 1364, his whereabouts were no longer known.

- His major works include: "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms," "The Chronicles of the Sui and Tang Dynasties," "The Tales of the Five Dynasties in the Tang Dynasty," "The Song Dynasty Tales," and "The Rise and Fall of the Longhua Dynasty."

II. The Work

* "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms":

- Written at the beginning of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), based on historical data and existing legends.

- The main content describes the complicated political and military struggles that lasted for a century (from the 184th year of the Eastern Han Dynasty to the 280th year of the Western Jin Dynasty).

- It consists of 120 chapters, telling the story of a kingdom divided into three. This is the intense struggle between three military feudal factions: Wei, led by Cao Cao, occupying the northern region above the Yangtze River (Northern Wei); Shu, led by Liu Bei, controlling the southwest (Western Shu); and Wu, led by Sun Quan, ruling the southeast (Eastern Wu).

* The excerpt "Cao Cao Drinking Wine and Discussing Heroes":

- An excerpt from Chapter 21 of "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms" by Luo Guanzhong, praising the intelligence, quick thinking, and resourcefulness of Liu Bei when he faces Cao Cao to discuss the heroes of the world.

- The excerpt is well-structured: Introducing Liu Bei and his situation - Cao Cao invites Liu Bei to drink - Cao Cao discusses heroes - Liu Bei responds - Liu Bei takes his leave.

- The structure of the excerpt:

+ Part 1 (from the beginning to "...drinking wine in the small pavilion"): Liu Bei uses gardening to distract Cao Cao and introduces the setting for the banquet.

+ Part 2 (the remainder): The discussion between Cao Cao and Liu Bei about heroes at the banquet.

GUIDELINES FOR WRITING THE ESSAY

Question 1 - Page 83, Textbook

Analyze the mood and character of Liu Bei when he has to live under Cao Cao's roof.

Answer:

Analysis through two events: gardening and discussing heroes, revealing the basic mood and character of Liu Bei:

- He fears that Cao Cao will become suspicious and try to hinder or harm him.

- He tries to hide his true thoughts and feelings.

- He speaks and acts in a way that matches the situation, preventing Cao Cao from suspecting anything.

In conclusion, Liu Bei is calm, wise, and skillful at concealing his true emotions and intentions from his enemy. He is persistent and patient in carrying out his grand goal of supporting the emperor and helping the country. This is the character of an ideal hero in ancient China, a future emperor.

Question 2 - Page 83, Textbook

Through Cao Cao's treatment of Liu Bei and his evaluation of the heroic figures proposed by Liu Bei, what can you infer about Cao Cao's character?

Answer:

- He is a villainous character.

- A brilliant politician and military strategist, intelligent, clever, and braver than most.

- A distinguished poet and cultural figure.

- A ruthless warlord who is suspicious, sinister, and cruel, with a selfish philosophy of life: "Better to betray others than to be betrayed."

Question 3 - Page 83, Textbook

Analyze the differences in character between Liu Bei and Cao Cao.

Answer:

Cao Cao (villain)

- Holds power, land, and an army, currently victorious, manipulating the Han Emperor to control the other lords.

- Confident, skilled, intelligent, self-aware, and insightful.

- Overconfident, complacent, and dismissive of others.

- Deceived by Liu Bei, who outwits him cleverly and easily.

Liu Bei (hero)

- Currently defeated, losing land and army, forced to live under the threat of his enemies in a dangerous place.

- Anxious and fearful, trying to conceal his true thoughts and feelings from Cao Cao.

- Clever and adaptable, able to hide his mistakes successfully.

- He is the ideal hero of ancient China.

Question 4 - Page 83, Textbook

Why is the storytelling in this excerpt so captivating for the reader?

Answer:

Thanks to the captivating storytelling techniques:

- The circumstances and situation are cleverly and naturally set: the dream of drinking wine, discussing heroes of the world.

- The art of storytelling between the two characters.

- Dramatic details elevate the dialogue to its peak.

- The conclusion is simple, brief, and meaningful.

NOTES

The excerpt "Cao Cao Drinking Wine and Discussing Heroes" praises the intelligence, quick thinking, and resourcefulness of Liu Bei when he faces Cao Cao to discuss the heroes of the world.
Through this lesson, students enhance their reading comprehension skills: the ability to feel, analyze the beauty and character of the characters, and identify the distinctive features in the artistic technique of the excerpt.