Top 6 Best Lesson Plans for "I and We" by Lưu Quang Vũ for 9th Grade

I. About the Author
- Luu Quang Vu (1948-1988)
- Hometown: Thieu Co, Ha Hoa District, Phu Tho Province, though originally from Hai Chau Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang City.
- Life and career:
+ From 1965 to 1970, he joined the military and served in the Air Defense-Air Force, during which Luu Quang Vu's poetry began to flourish.
+ From 1978 to 1988, Luu Quang Vu worked as an editor at the Drama Magazine, starting to write plays, with his first drama being 'Living Forever at 17'.
+ Notable works: 'The Soul of Truong Ba, the Butcher's Skin', 'The Soul of Stone', 'The Judge's Umbrella', etc.
- Writing style:
+ Luu Quang Vu's poetry is not only ethereal and artistic but also rich in emotion, questioning, and yearning. He was also the author of many short stories that reflect his unique style, while his plays delve deeply into contemporary social issues.

II. The Play
1. Background of the Work
- This excerpt is from the third scene of the play 'I and We' (a play consisting of 9 scenes), which reflects the intense struggle between old and new to drive progress.
2. Structure
- Part 1 (from the beginning of the play to 'at least five times as much'): Director Hoang Viet and engineer Le Son begin implementing a new business plan.
- Part 2 (continuing from the first segment to 'the comrades disperse'): The new business plan faces opposition, but Director Hoang Viet decides to proceed with it.
- Part 3 (continuing until the end): Reactions from workers, Deputy Director Nguyen Chinh, and engineer Le Son when the new business plan is implemented and the success of the progressive, reformist side.
3. Content Value
- This excerpt highlights the issue of innovation in production, benefiting both the country and its people. The author emphasizes that in order to develop, outdated thinking must be discarded, and new organizational methods and practices must be adopted.
4. Artistic Value
- The dramatic tension created through the situation in the play.
- The successful characterization of the characters.
Question 1: Analyze the central conflict in 'I and We'. What is the significance of the issue raised by the play in relation to the development of society at that time?

Answer: To identify the central conflict in the play, one must carefully read the notes in the textbook to understand the social context of the country at that time and think about the title of the work.
- When was 'I and We' written? What was the social and production situation like, and what urgent demands did it pose?
- Is there a complete conflict between 'I' (the individual) and 'We' (the collective), or do they exclude each other? What is the relationship between the two sides?
From there, analyze the central conflict of the play: one side represents outdated, rigid thinking and attitudes that hold onto principles and mechanisms that have become outdated, while the other side advocates for new ways of organizing and managing to push production forward. One side is the general collectivist mindset, while the other is focused on the individual’s life and rights.
To analyze the significance of the core issue raised by the play, consider: if this issue is not addressed correctly and promptly, what will happen to society and the lives of working people? What effect will it have on production and on the happiness and rights of individuals?

Question 2: What challenge does the Thang Loi factory and Director Hoang Viet face in Scene 3 of the play? How do you perceive the character of Director Hoang Viet through his response?

Answer: To answer this, one needs to clearly understand the position of Scene 3 (the excerpt) in representing and resolving the central issue of the play.
The factory’s production stagnation has reached a point where bold decisions must be made.
After taking on the role of Director for over a year and having reorganized the factory, Hoang Viet decides to announce plans to expand production and adopt a new business model. This signifies a declaration of war against the management system and the organizational norms of the time.
The proposals and measures outlined by Director Hoang Viet are comprehensive and bold. His presentation is decisive and confident, exuding assurance.

Question 3: Analyze the personalities of the two characters, Hoang Viet and Nguyen Chinh, in the excerpt.

Answer: It’s difficult to fully analyze the characters based on just an excerpt. However, Scene 3 focuses on the most prominent features of both main characters, Hoang Viet and Nguyen Chinh, who represent opposing forces.
To analyze their personalities, we must focus on their actions and dialogues, particularly during their debates. We also gain insight into Nguyen Chinh’s character through the remarks of engineer Le Son.
- Director Hoang Viet: A responsible and dynamic leader, willing to take bold actions for the factory’s development and the welfare of the workers. He is honest, straightforward, and committed to fighting for what he believes is right.
- Deputy Director Nguyen Chinh: A conservative figure, embodying rigidity and cunning. He clings to outdated systems and principles to resist innovation, cleverly manipulating the situation and currying favor with superiors.

Question 4: Evaluate Luu Quang Vu's art of dialogue construction in this excerpt.

Answer: Luu Quang Vu's approach to dialogue in Scene 3 is intricately tied to the situation at hand and its specific developments. The dialogue's setting and the characters involved are important to consider. Observe how the rapid shift in dialogue participants involving Hoang Viet reflects the development of the dramatic conflict and character personalities. Pay attention to the characters' attitudes and emotions as expressed through their tone in these exchanges.

I. ABOUT THE AUTHOR AND THE WORK

- Luu Quang Vu (1948 - 1988) was a renowned poet and playwright in Vietnam. Born in Hoa Ha District, Phu Tho, with ancestral roots in Quang Nam, he spent his childhood in Phu Tho before moving to Hanoi for his studies in 1954. During the American War, he served in the military. In the 1960s, he began writing poetry, and by the early 1980s, he fully transitioned to theater. His plays were known for their sharp, perceptive critique of contemporary issues. They often addressed the hot social debates of the time, reflecting the profound changes in society, particularly during the reform period. In 2000, he was posthumously awarded the Ho Chi Minh Prize for Literature and Arts.

- This excerpt covers the majority of the third act of the play *I and We*, capturing the first direct conflict between two factions with opposing views. One side, represented by Nguyen Chinh (the Deputy Director) and Truong (the workshop manager), is conservative, clinging to outdated, rigid principles. The other side, led by Hoang Viet (the factory director), advocates for change and innovation for the greater good. Although Hoang Viet's progressive ideas have not yet materialized, they are supported by solid reasoning and the endorsement of the people, making it clear that these ideas will eventually come to fruition and lead to a better life for the workers and the factory's development.

II. READING GUIDELINES

Question 1. *I and We* reflects the intense struggle to change the production methods and management style at the Thang Loi Factory during the period of national reform. After the victory in Spring 1975, Vietnam reunified and entered a new era of peace and development. The country's primary political task became the restoration, reform, and continuous development to build a prosperous, strong nation. In this context, many old systems and regulations became outdated and ineffective. At the time, many factories suffered from outdated machinery, shrinking production scales, inefficient labor allocation, and worsening living conditions for workers.

Thus, to develop production, it was necessary to change mindsets and management styles, leading to a reform in both management and production approaches.

Question 2. From the explanations and this excerpt, the fundamental conflict in *I and We* is between the outdated systems, which rely on old, ineffective rules and regulations, and the new approaches that prioritize fresh, practical, and effective methods. A collective spirit cannot be forced; the 'we' is built upon the 'I'—each individual. Therefore, the life and well-being of each person should be considered practically. The old, rigid systems must be replaced with more flexible and realistic management methods, focused on practical outcomes rather than rigid formalism.

The issues raised in *I and We* during the reform period hold great practical significance, directly affecting the country's development and renewal.

Question 3. To showcase the progression of the conflict, the playwright needed to create a dramatic situation. At this point, the Thang Loi Factory's stagnation required bold, timely decisions. After over a year in office, Director Hoang Viet, alongside engineer Le Son, decided to unveil a new production plan and business strategy. This was essentially a public challenge to the old, outdated management system, which surprised many, including Deputy Director Nguyen Chinh and workshop manager Truong. As the conflict intensified, the dramatic tension grew. This clash demonstrated the need for significant reforms in production and management.

Question 4. Character analysis of Director Hoang Viet, Engineer Le Son, Deputy Director Nguyen Chinh, and Workshop Manager Truong:

Through their actions and words, we gain insight into their personalities:

- Director Hoang Viet: A bold leader committed to change, with a strong sense of responsibility and a proactive approach. He is dynamic and daring, motivated not only by the collective good of the factory but also by the welfare of the workers.

- Engineer Le Son: A skilled professional with excellent qualifications, dedicated to the factory's success. Despite the hardships, he is willing to support Director Hoang Viet in reforming the factory's operations.

- Deputy Director Nguyen Chinh: A conservative character, shrewd and crafty. He holds onto outdated principles and resists change, often using his connections and the old system to maintain the status quo.

- Workshop Manager Truong: A rigid thinker, prone to bossing around workers and asserting authority in a domineering manner.

Question 5. This conflict is inevitable and intense. In the early stages, new, bold ideas often face strong resistance but ultimately prevail. The approaches of Hoang Viet and Le Son align with the real-life needs of society and thus gain widespread support from the workers, ensuring their success.

Key takeaway:

To develop production and ensure prosperity for all, outdated mindsets and systems must be dismantled. Bold and innovative organizational changes are necessary. This is a challenging struggle that requires intelligent and courageous individuals willing to think outside the box. Luu Quang Vu's *I and We* demonstrates this through its engaging plot and clearly defined characters.

I. General Overview of 'I and We'

1. Author:

Lưu Quang Vũ (1948 - 1988) was a renowned playwright, poet, and modern Vietnamese author. His works have left a lasting impact on the Vietnamese public. Some of his most famous plays include 'Eternal Youth 17', 'The Soul of Trương Ba, The Butcher', 'The 9th Oath', and 'I and We'.

2. The Play:

'I and We' is a famous play by the playwright Lưu Quang Vũ, written in 1984 and repeatedly staged on various theaters.

Structure:

Part 1 (from the beginning to "at least five times greater"): Director Hoàng Việt and Lê Sơn launch a new business plan.
Part 2 (from here to "the comrades disperse"): The plan faces strong opposition from many, but Hoàng Việt remains determined.
Part 3 (the rest): The reactions of people when the new plan is implemented.

II. Guide for the Play 'I and We' – 9th Grade

Question 1 on page 180 of 9th Grade Textbook, Vol. 2

Read the annotations carefully to understand the content and themes of the play, and to grasp the roles of the characters.

Question 2 on page 180 of 9th Grade Textbook, Vol. 2

The main conflict in the play revolves around the clash between the collective ideology and individual rights and happiness. It’s a persistent, intense conflict between new (progressive, revolutionary ideas) and old (outdated methods).
The play argues that there cannot be a vague collective ideology that ignores individual needs. 'We' is made up of many 'I's, thus, individual rights and happiness must be considered. This struggle requires smart, brave individuals who are willing to act for change.
'I and We' was written during a time of national hardship and crisis, and it contributed to the movement for social and economic reforms in Vietnam.

Question 3 on page 180 of 9th Grade Textbook, Vol. 2

The situation in the play: When the Thắng Lợi factory faces continuous production stoppages and a declining performance, Director Hoàng Việt proposes bold solutions. The conflict here is seen in the strong opposition to his actions from many people.

Question 4 on page 180 of 9th Grade Textbook, Vol. 2

The characters' personalities are shown as follows:

Director Hoàng Việt: A decisive leader, responsible, dynamic, courageous, honest, straightforward, and relentless in his struggles.
Engineer Lê Sơn: A capable engineer with strong professional skills, ready to work with Hoàng Việt to overhaul the organization.
Deputy Director Nguyễn Chính: A rigid, mechanical, and conservative person, though cunning with many tricks.
Factory Supervisor Trương: Thinks and works mechanically, lacking human empathy, enjoys showing off authority, and is arrogant towards workers.

Question 5 on page 180 of 9th Grade Textbook, Vol. 2

Lưu Quang Vũ skillfully builds a situation that grows increasingly tense, with seemingly unsolvable problems, but eventually, the tension is released and the reformers and progressives win.

III. Exercises on 'I and We'

Summarize the development of the dramatic conflict:

After a year of working as the director and rebuilding the Thắng Lợi factory, Hoàng Việt decides to implement new strategies, firmly rejecting outdated principles that have hindered the factory's progress. However, his opinions are met with resistance from conservative colleagues, leading to intensifying conflicts between both sides.

Structure

- Part 1 (from the beginning to "increased at least five times"): Director Hoang Viet and Le Son introduce a new business plan.

- Part 2 (continues until "the comrades disperse"): The plan faces resistance from Deputy Director Nguyen Chinh and Director Hoang Viet.

- Part 3 (the remaining part): Reactions from everyone when the plan is implemented.

Question 1 (page 180, Vietnamese Literature 9, Vol. 2)

Read the notes carefully to understand the content, theme, and the role of the characters.

Question 2 (page 180, Vietnamese Literature 9, Vol. 2)

The fundamental conflict in "Me and We" is the clash between the outdated old system and the effective, practical new one.

- It's impossible to create results with a centralized system, because the collective "we" is made up of individual "I"s.

- The individual life and benefits need to be given real attention and care.

- The old regulations and methods must be discarded and replaced with new approaches to enhance productivity.

- The pressing issue raised in the play at that time had significant real-world implications and directly contributed to the country’s renewal efforts.

Question 3 (page 180, Vietnamese Literature 9, Vol. 2)

The central conflict in the play:

- The production stoppage situation required drastic and bold solutions.

+ Director Hoang Viet decides to expand production and propose new business strategies.

+ His announcement surprises many (Deputy Director, Production Manager).

- Reactions from the Labor Organization and Finance Department heads, concerning staffing and salary funds.

- Reactions from Production Manager Truong, regarding organizational efficiency when Hoang Viet insists on eliminating unnecessary positions.

- The intense conflicts highlight that expanding production requires strong, synchronized changes.

This scene portrays the intense conflict between two character groups: progressive and innovative thinkers versus conservative, rigid individuals.

Question 4 (page 180, Vietnamese Literature 9, Vol. 2)

The play clearly shows the characteristics of key figures, with the stage focusing on the main conflict of the work:

- Director Hoang Viet: A responsible and dynamic leader, willing to take bold actions for the company’s success and the workers’ welfare.

+ Honest, straightforward, and trusting in the truth.

- Engineer Le Son: A competent and skilled professional, deeply committed to the company.

+ Aware of the difficulty of the struggle but still collaborates with Hoang Viet to overhaul operations.

- Deputy Director Nguyen Chinh: A representative of the rigid, conservative, and manipulative type.

+ Always uses rules and principles to oppose innovation.

+ A crafty, sycophantic figure.

- Production Manager Truong: A mechanical thinker, lacking human empathy.

+ Likes to assert authority and behave arrogantly toward the workers.

Question 5 (page 180, Vietnamese Literature 9, Vol. 2)

- This is a fierce struggle: the conflict situation reflects urgent issues in real life.

- Bold new ideas in the initial phase will face many obstacles.

- The struggle is intense, but eventually, progress and innovation triumph.

+ Hoang Viet and Le Son’s approach aligns with the era's needs, pushing society forward, and they gain widespread support from the workers.

A. KEY KNOWLEDGE

1. Author:

Lưu Quang Vũ (1948 - 1988) was a talented poet, writer, and playwright. His poem 'Tiếng Việt' is widely loved and memorized by many. He left behind around 50 plays, most of which have been staged, showcasing a sharp and insightful artistic style. His works addressed many urgent issues of Vietnam’s reform era during the 1980s.

2. The Play:

Context: The play 'I and We' consists of nine scenes, set in the 1980s, a time when the country faced numerous challenges due to the continued existence of the subsidy-based economic system.
The play reflects a fierce struggle to change the organizational structure and production methods at the Thắng Lợi factory, pitting the conservative forces against those advocating for reform.

B. EXERCISES AND GUIDANCE

Question 1: Page 180, Vietnamese Language 9, Volume 2

Read the notes to understand the content, theme of the play, and the role of each character.

Answer: Content: The play 'I and We' depicts the intense conflict between those with progressive ideas, seeking significant changes in management and production methods, and the conservatives who cling to outdated traditions, using the excuse of preserving legacy at Thắng Lợi factory. The theme centers around the struggle between these outdated conservatives and those pushing for societal transformation.

Question 2: Page 180, Vietnamese Language 9, Volume 2What is the basic conflict presented in the play 'I and We', and how does it relate to the social development of that time?

Answer: The fundamental conflict of the play 'I and We' is the clash between new, innovative approaches and outdated, obsolete ways of doing things. It shows that rigid adherence to old principles and systems stifles progress. There is a clear need for a bold shift in organizational methods and management to boost productivity. The play stresses that practical outcomes, not superficial formalities, should be prioritized. The 'We' must be made of individual 'I's, each person’s rights and livelihoods must be meaningfully considered. In the context of Vietnam in the 1980s, the play raised a crucial issue—how vital it was to address these real-world challenges to help the country move forward.

Question 3: Page 180, Vietnamese Language 9, Volume 2To show the development of the dramatic conflict, what situation does the author create in Scene 3? How is the core conflict revealed at this point?

Answer: The situation presented: Thắng Lợi factory was facing a production standstill, needing bold measures to revive and modernize the operations. Director Hoàng Việt, who had only recently taken up the position, decided to announce an expansion plan and new methods, challenging the outdated management system. The conflict emerges as follows: Hoàng Việt announces the new business plan, and the conservatives initially respond passively but later begin to find loopholes to undermine it. The first reaction comes from Deputy Director Nguyễn Chính, who uses his higher authority to oppose the plan. When Hoàng Việt easily dismantles Nguyễn Chính's arguments, the head of the Financial Department, concerned with budgets and salaries, refuses to allocate funds for machinery repairs. Hoàng Việt counters with the workers’ living conditions as his justification. Finally, Hoàng Việt directly attacks the position of the factory manager, effectively removing him after presenting convincing arguments. Ultimately, he challenges Nguyễn Chính’s argument by pointing out the outdated nature of their former practices. Nguyễn Chính’s final, sharp counterargument, invoking the Party's resolution, is also defeated when Hoàng Việt successfully applies the resolution’s focus on ‘boosting production and improving workers' lives’.

Question 4: Page 180, Vietnamese Language 9, Volume 2From this excerpt, what do you understand about the personalities of Director Hoàng Việt, Engineer Lê Sơn, Deputy Director Nguyễn Chính, and Factory Manager Trương?

Answer: Director Hoàng Việt is a responsible, dynamic leader who is determined to drive progress for both the factory and its workers. He is honest, straightforward, and fights for truth. Engineer Lê Sơn is a capable and experienced engineer, committed to improving the factory despite the challenges. Deputy Director Nguyễn Chính represents the rigid, conservative forces, often using manipulative tactics to oppose change. He hides behind outdated principles to resist reforms. Factory Manager Trương is someone who thinks and acts mechanically, with little regard for human compassion. He tends to assert his authority over the workers in an overbearing way.

Question 5: Page 180, Vietnamese Language 9, Volume 2What are your thoughts on the development and resolution of the dramatic conflict?

Answer: This is an inevitable and fierce battle between the old and the new. Innovative ideas and bold methods will naturally face resistance. The conflict described in the play is deeply relevant to the actual struggles of life. Though difficult, this battle will ultimately result in victory for the new and the progressive.

III. PRACTICE EXERCISESSummarize the development of the dramatic conflict in the excerpt above.

Answer: Refer to Question 3 for details: The conflict unfolds as Hoàng Việt announces a new business plan. Initially, the conservatives keep quiet, only to later challenge the proposal. The first major opposition comes from Deputy Director Nguyễn Chính, followed by the Financial Department head. Hoàng Việt’s decisive actions dismantle these objections, leading to a victory for the reformist approach.

Basic Knowledge

1. Lưu Quang Vũ (1948 - 1988) was a renowned poet and playwright in Vietnam. He served as a soldier during the resistance against the American invasion. His writing style in drama was sharp and insightful, addressing contemporary, pressing issues and reflecting societal changes. In 2000, he was posthumously awarded the Hồ Chí Minh Prize for Literature and Art by the government.

2. The conflict in the play "Me and Us" is not a dramatic, life-or-death struggle like those seen in anti-colonial and anti-imperialist war literature. Instead, it represents a quiet, ongoing struggle between progressive, revolutionary ideas and outdated, conservative structures that remain entrenched. Initially, the new ideas are weaker and sometimes overshadowed, but eventually, they gain strength and triumph.

In this excerpt, the progressive ideas proposed by Director Hoàng Việt have not yet materialized, but with a strong foundation of practical experience and logical reasoning, along with public support, it is clear that these ideas will become reality, improving the lives of workers and steering the factory toward a new direction.

Reading - Understanding the Text

Question 1 - Page 180 SGK

Carefully read the notes to understand the content and themes of the play, and recognize the roles of the characters.

Answer:

- The play portrays a fierce struggle between progressive ideas, innovation, and conservative, outdated thinking.

- The play raises important questions:

• It is not acceptable to cling to outdated rules and principles; instead, we must be bold enough to change organizational and management methods to foster growth and productivity, focusing on the practical results rather than formalism.

• There is no such thing as a general, all-encompassing collectivism. The 'we' is made up of individual 'I's. Therefore, we must give proper attention to the lives and rights of each individual.

Question 2 - Page 180 SGK

From the notes and the excerpt, what is the core conflict represented in the play "Me and Us"? How does it relate to the practical development of society at that time?

Answer:

- The stagnation of the factory’s production had to be addressed with bold decisions. After conducting an investigation and reinforcing the factory’s structure, Director Hoàng Việt announced a plan for expansion and a new business approach. These announcements took many by surprise and were met with strong opposition from Deputy Director Nguyễn Chính.

- The dramatic tension escalates:

+ The response from the Head of the Labor Organization and Head of Finance regarding staffing and salary funds.

+ The increasingly heated opposition from Deputy Director Nguyễn Chính, who relied on higher authority and party resolutions.

Question 3 - Page 180 SGK

To show the development of the dramatic conflict, the author needs to create a situation. What is the situation in this scene? How is the core conflict of the play revealed at this point?

Answer:

The conflict begins with the new ideas and actions of Director Hoàng Việt and Lê Sơn in a workplace trapped by outdated systems and regulations. Hoàng Việt and Lê Sơn are the first to challenge the conservative establishment by implementing new methods for salary calculation, removing ineffective positions, and encouraging workers to improve their lives through legitimate work at the factory. However, these progressive ideas face resistance from the conservative faction, who hold powerful positions and obstruct change. The development of the dramatic conflict revolves around overcoming these barriers.

Question 4 - Page 180 SGK

What do you understand about the characters of Director Hoàng Việt, Engineer Lê Sơn, Deputy Director Nguyễn Chính, and Workshop Manager Trương?

Answer:

- Director Hoàng Việt represents the new, energetic leadership with talent, integrity, and a strong commitment to innovation. He is honest, courageous, and willing to confront challenges for the benefit of the factory and workers.

- Engineer Lê Sơn is a highly skilled professional dedicated to the company’s success. Having worked for many years at the factory, he supports Hoàng Việt’s reforms despite facing strong opposition. The factory’s progress and the triumph of innovation rely on people like him.

- Deputy Director Nguyễn Chính symbolizes conservatism and stagnation. He is manipulative, using old principles to resist change. He is a key figure in holding back the factory's progress.

- Workshop Manager Trương is rigid and authoritarian, treating subordinates harshly.

Question 5 - Page 180 SGK

What is your opinion about the trend and conclusion of the dramatic conflict?

Answer:

The trend and conclusion of the conflict are inevitable. The struggle between the old and the new is complex and challenging, but in the end, progress prevails. The triumph of innovation will drive social development.

Practice

Task: Summarize the development of the dramatic conflict in the excerpt above.

Answer:

The conflict develops in stages. Initially, Director Hoàng Việt introduces his new plan by questioning Lê Sơn and Nguyễn Chính to highlight its feasibility. However, the plan faces resistance from various members of the factory, such as the Deputy Director, the Head of Finance, and the Workshop Manager. Despite this, with determination and a commitment to the workers' interests, Hoàng Việt and Lê Sơn continue to pursue their reform plan with the support of the workers.