Top 6 Best Lesson Plans for "The Last Prisoner" by Nguyễn Tuân

Structure

3 parts

• Part 1 (from the beginning to “will handle it”): The thoughts of the warden upon learning that Huấn Cao will be transferred.
• Part 2 (next, until “in the world”): The special treatment of Huấn Cao by the warden and Huấn Cao’s reaction.
• Part 3 (remaining): The scene of the calligraphy lesson.

Lesson Content

This short story vividly portrays the character Huấn Cao, a man of talent, courage, and noble character, affirming the immortality of beauty and subtly expressing patriotism.

Guidelines for Preparing the Lesson

Question 1 (page 114, Literature 11, Vol. 1):

• Plot situation: The meeting between Huấn Cao and the warden in prison.
• Purpose: To drive the plot forward and reveal the characters' traits.

Question 2 (page 114, Literature 11, Vol. 1):

The unique beauty of Huấn Cao’s character:

• An artist of great skill: capable of writing “very quickly and beautifully.”
• A person with unwavering, bold spirit.
• A noble soul with a pure heart: Only giving calligraphy to those who truly appreciate talent and beauty.

Nguyễn Tuân's philosophy: Talent must align with integrity; beauty and virtue are inseparable.

Question 3 (page 114, Literature 11, Vol. 1):

The warden’s character:

• A heart that appreciates rare talent.
• A thirst for and respect for beauty.

Question 4 (page 114, Literature 11, Vol. 1):

• Analyze the scene of the calligraphy lesson:

Time: The night before Huấn Cao is to be executed, with only “the faint sound of the drum in the watchtower” in the air.

Location: The provincial prison in Sơn.

Setting: A cramped, dark, damp room...

• This is a “scene never seen before” because:

• The status and actions of both the person giving and receiving the calligraphy are extraordinary.
• It creates a contrast of opposing ideas.

Question 5 (page 114, Literature 11, Vol. 1):

• Writing style: Romantic idealization, creating characters with vivid, strong traits.
• Description of the setting: Strong contrasts.
• Language: Rich in imagery, formal, using Sino-Vietnamese vocabulary.
• Practice (page 115, Literature 11, Vol. 1):
• Reflections on the character of Huấn Cao based on these three key points:
• An artist with great skill.
• A person with unwavering courage.
• A noble character with a pure heart.

Answer to Question 1 (page 114, Literature 11, Vol. 1):

The unique plot situation:

• Situation: The extraordinary meeting between Huấn Cao and the warden in a very special setting.
• Effect:
  • Highlights the dramatic tension of the story and the characters’ personalities: the characters are soulmates in their appreciation of beauty but enemies in the social context.
  • Emphasizes the themes and messages of the story.

Answer to Question 2 (page 114, Literature 11, Vol. 1):

The beauty of the character Huấn Cao:

• A talented calligraphy artist.
• Heroic spirit, disdain for power and material wealth.
• Pure and noble integrity.
• Nguyễn Tuân’s philosophy on beauty:
  • Approaching humanity through the lens of artistic talent.
  • A person of beauty is someone who is talented and possesses a pure soul.
  • Beauty has the power to purify life, transforming evil and vice.
  • Beauty can emerge from places dominated by evil, but beauty cannot coexist with evil or vice.

Answer to Question 3 (page 114, Literature 11, Vol. 1):

The warden’s character:

• The warden also possesses noble integrity.
• He appreciates and respects beauty, bowing down before it.
• Living amidst the ugliness of the prison, the warden maintains his integrity.

=> This is commendable in such a cruel, deceptive, and vile environment.

Answer to Question 4 (page 114, Literature 11, Vol. 1):

The scene of the calligraphy lesson is “an unprecedented spectacle” because:

• The act of giving calligraphy is noble, an artistic creation.
• Setting: A cramped, dark, spiderweb-filled prison cell, with rat and cockroach droppings; beauty is created in the midst of filth, and integrity shines in the place where evil reigns.
• Time: The night before Huấn Cao’s execution.
• Calligraphy giver: A condemned prisoner with a collar and shackles.
• Calligraphy receiver: The warden, the highest authority in the prison.
• The artist: Enthusiastically crafting each stroke of the brush, a condemned prisoner with shackles, facing execution the next morning.
• The warden: Bowing to the prisoner.

=> A reversal of roles.

Answer to Question 5 (page 114, Literature 11, Vol. 1):

Artistic mastery in the work:

• Character construction: Idealized, romanticized inspiration, characters who are always exceptional and artistically talented.
• Masterful depiction of both people and settings.
• Art of contrast.
• Language: Vivid, evocative, and rich in imagery.
• Creates a sense of ancient dignity and tragic grandeur.

Practice

Question (page 115, Literature 11, Vol. 1)

Huấn Cao in "The Last Prisoner" is depicted through three qualities:

• Huấn Cao is an exceptional, powerful individual. His calligraphy is renowned for its beauty and precision, famous throughout Sơn province. The warden is so captivated by his work that he longs to have it displayed in his home.
  - He exhibits an unyielding, bold spirit, embodying the hero’s attitude. Even when first entering the prison, Huấn Cao maintains his proud stance. His rebellious nature is further shown by his refusal to bow before authority or submit to imprisonment.
• Huấn Cao also possesses a pure and noble heart. This is shown by his respect for another virtuous soul (the warden), and his willingness to give calligraphy to someone with noble intentions. He shares heartfelt words with the warden before being taken to face his sentence, demonstrating a noble character.

Summary

The story is set around a dramatic, ironic situation involving the exchange of calligraphy between a condemned prisoner, the warden, and a prison clerk. Both the warden and the clerk deeply appreciate beauty and talent. Upon hearing that Huấn Cao, a master calligrapher admired by the warden but also a leader of an uprising against the government, would be brought to prison to await execution, the warden eagerly hopes to receive his calligraphy. The warden waits anxiously for this opportunity. Huấn Cao enters the prison with a dignified stance, and the prison welcomes him with unusual politeness. The warden goes to great lengths to treat Huấn Cao with care and respect, even as the prisoner remains aloof. The warden's persistent hope to receive a calligraphy work from Huấn Cao is filled with yearning. The clerk assists in conveying the warden’s admiration for Huấn Cao. Moved by the warden’s respect for beauty, Huấn Cao agrees to share his art. The calligraphy scene takes place in a damp, narrow prison cell, vividly described by Nguyễn Tuân as “an unprecedented spectacle.”

Structure

Structure: 3 parts

• Part 1 (From the beginning to “we will decide how to proceed”): The conversation between the warden and the clerk.
• Part 2 (Next, until “almost lost a noble heart”): The warden’s special treatment of Huấn Cao.
• Part 3 (The rest): The calligraphy scene.

Main Content

• The Last Prisoner successfully portrays the character of Huấn Cao, a talented man with a pure heart and an unyielding spirit.
• The author presents his philosophy on beauty, affirming its immortality and subtly revealing a deep sense of patriotism.

Question 1 (Page 114 of Literature 11 Textbook, Volume 1)

What is the plot situation in the story "The Calligraphy of a Condemned Prisoner"? How does this situation contribute to revealing the characters' personalities and enhancing the story's dramatic tension?

Detailed Answer:

Nguyen Tuan created a unique plot situation: The awkward and unusual encounter between Huân Cao, the condemned prisoner, and the prison warden.

• Two characters: Huân Cao and the Warden, who are socially opposite, yet both are artists at heart. In terms of art, they are true confidants and understand each other deeply.
• The author places these characters in an adversarial situation: a prisoner and a warden, creating an unusual encounter in a dark and filthy prison.

=> The special and paradoxical relationship between these two like-minded souls leads to various tensions: the condemned man becomes someone the warden admires and seeks calligraphy from, while also becoming a guiding figure for the warden's future moral transformation. This unique situation highlights the character of Huân Cao and reveals the warden's sincere respect for talented individuals. The theme and message of the story are also conveyed through this situation.

Question 2 (Page 114 of Literature 11 Textbook, Volume 1)

Analyze the unique beauty of the character Huân Cao. What can you deduce about Nguyen Tuan's view on beauty through this character?

Detailed Answer:

• Huân Cao is an extraordinarily talented individual. He has a remarkable skill in calligraphy, with his characters being "beautiful and square," causing many people, including the warden, to desire his writing to display in their homes.
• He is a bold and courageous man, a true hero with a fearless attitude even as he awaits his execution. His defiance is evident, as he remains unshaken even in the face of death, and he shows no submission to authority, even mocking the warden.
• He also has a noble and pure "heavenly morality." This is evident in his respect for the warden's character and his willingness to offer his writing to the warden, offering genuine and heartfelt advice before his execution: "This place is corrupt. I suggest you leave... here, virtue is hard to preserve, and it will soon become tarnished, ruining your good life." This is the respectful behavior of a noble person.

=> Through Huân Cao's character, Nguyen Tuan expresses his belief that true talent must align with integrity. Beauty and virtue are inseparable. This reflects the author's progressive aesthetic philosophy.

Question 3 (Page 114 of Literature 11 Textbook, Volume 1)

What qualities of the warden made Huân Cao consider him "a pure heart in the world," and why does the author describe him as "a pure note amidst a chaotic symphony"?

Detailed Answer:

• Though he works as a prison guard, the warden has refined tastes and enjoys calligraphy.
• The warden appreciates the value of human beings and recognizes true talent, as shown by his special treatment of Huân Cao and the other prisoners.
• He is someone who values "heavenly morality" and appreciates cultural beauty.
• The warden's inner growth and his actions demonstrate that, despite his harsh environment, he retains a noble character—a pure heart in the world. This is why Huân Cao describes him as "a pure note amidst a chaotic symphony"—a rare person of virtue in a world of turmoil.
• He is someone who preserves his "heavenly morality," unable to create beauty himself but deeply appreciative of it.

=> The warden is someone who values "heavenly morality" and recognizes the worth of talent. He has the soul of an artist who admires beauty.

Question 4 (Page 114 of Literature 11 Textbook, Volume 1)

Analyze the scene where Huân Cao gives his calligraphy to the warden in the prison. Why does the author describe this as "a scene never seen before"?

Detailed Answer:

* The location for the calligraphy is unusual:

• Typically, people exchange calligraphy in clean, quiet, respectful, and solemn settings.
• The calligraphy exchange in this story occurs in a grimy, dark prison, a place typically associated with evil and cruelty.

* The timing is special:

• Usually, calligraphy is given when one is calm and at peace, but here, it occurs on the eve of Huân Cao's execution, when he chooses to dedicate his final moments to leaving beauty behind, despite his tragic fate.

* The positions of the giver and receiver are unique:

• The giver, Huân Cao, is a condemned prisoner, a person typically in need of reform, yet he freely offers his calligraphy and wisdom to the warden.
• The warden, as the authority figure, humbly receives the gift and listens to Huân Cao's advice.

=> The social positions of the characters are different from their artistic roles.

=> In the cruel prison, it is not the oppressors who dominate, but the prisoner, who holds the power to give and inspire. This represents the triumph of goodness over evil; it is a celebration of beauty, virtue, and human dignity.

Question 5 (Page 114 of Literature 11 Textbook, Volume 1)

What are your thoughts on Nguyen Tuan's methods of character development, his depiction of settings, and his use of language in "The Calligraphy of a Condemned Prisoner"?

Detailed Answer:

• Character development: Characters are depicted with idealized features through a romantic lens.
• Setting: The scenes are built using contrasting elements to highlight the stark opposition between beauty and evil, good and evil, and the clash between character and circumstances.
• Language: Rich in visual imagery, using many Sino-Vietnamese and archaic words to evoke the historical atmosphere and the revered art of calligraphy from the past.

Exercise

Question (Page 115 of Literature 11 Textbook, Volume 1)

Write a paragraph expressing your feelings about the character Huân Cao in "The Calligraphy of a Condemned Prisoner".

Detailed Answer:

Huân Cao's character

In "The Calligraphy of a Condemned Prisoner," Nguyen Tuan focuses on highlighting the beauty of Huân Cao's character, which is reflected in three qualities:

• Huân Cao is a person of extraordinary talent and authority. He is a master of calligraphy, with his work being "beautiful and square." His fame spreads across the region, and even the warden longs to own his writing.
• He has a bold, unyielding spirit. As a prisoner awaiting execution, he maintains an unwavering, dignified stance. His defiance is clear, and he remains unbowed before authority, even mocking the warden.
• Huân Cao is also a person of pure and noble morality. This is shown in his respect for the warden's integrity and his willingness to share his wisdom with the warden before going to face his fate. His behavior demonstrates the actions of a person with high moral standing.

Structure

• Part 1 (from the beginning to “then we will consider”): The meeting between Huân Cao and the prison warden
• Part 2 (continuing from “in the world”): The warden’s desire to receive a calligraphy piece from Huân Cao
• Part 3 (the rest): The scene of the calligraphy exchange in prison

Question 1 (page 114, Literature 11, Vol. 1)

Unique narrative situation:

• Two characters, Huân Cao and the prison warden, are from opposing social backgrounds. One is a death row prisoner, the other is the warden—a representative of the societal order. Despite this, both share an artist’s soul and a love for beauty, becoming kindred spirits. The author creates an ironic situation where they meet in a filthy, dark prison, which forms a memorable and extraordinary encounter.

• Effect:
  • Highlights the full beauty of Huân Cao’s character and talent
  • Clarifies the warden’s “unique appreciation for talent”
  • Reveals the main theme of the work

Question 2 (page 114, Literature 11, Vol. 1)

Huân Cao’s qualities and character:

• A talented, superior, and powerful individual (his calligraphy is “beautiful and square,” well-known throughout Sơn province, leading the warden to want to request his writing)
• Huân Cao’s boldness and courage (he retains his dignity and heroic spirit even in prison)
• A person of “pure and noble moral character” (his respect for beauty, his heartfelt exchange with the warden)

The author’s purpose in creating Huân Cao’s image:

• To express the author’s artistic conception of beauty
• The belief that talent must align with moral integrity, that beauty and virtue are inseparable: a progressive view of the author

Question 3 (page 114, Literature 11, Vol. 1)

Qualities of the prison warden:

• The warden is a prison guard, yet he finds solace in the elegant hobby of calligraphy
• He values human worth (his special treatment of Huân Cao)
• His noble desire to possess Huân Cao’s calligraphy, risking his life, with an unyielding attitude toward death and money
• The development of the warden’s internal conflicts and actions reveals a noble spirit—a “heart that appreciates talent” and a kindred soul
• “A pure sound interrupts a chaotic orchestra filled with dissonance”

⇒ The warden exemplifies “moral integrity” and a true appreciation for talent and beauty, possessing an artistic soul.

Question 4 (page 114, Literature 11, Vol. 1)

Nguyễn Tuân masterfully depicts “a scene never before seen” to highlight the dignified, immortal image of Huân Cao

• The act of giving calligraphy—a noble artistic gesture—takes place in a small, dark, damp, and smelly prison cell
• Beauty shines through, with the artist carefully crafting each stroke of calligraphy not as a free person, but as a condemned prisoner
• The image of the condemned man, dignified and noble, contrasts sharply with the warden, who is free
• The hierarchy of the prison is overturned: the prisoner dispenses beauty and imparts wisdom to the warden

⇒ The triumph of moral integrity and true artistic light. It reinforces the noble, defiant character of Huân Cao.

Question 5 (page 116, Literature 11, Vol. 1)

• Artistic creation of the character: through idealization
• The scene of calligraphy in the work uses contrasting techniques to highlight beauty and ugliness, virtue and evil, character and circumstance
• Oppositional techniques present the full magnificence of the scene
• The language is rich with vivid imagery, evoking the atmosphere of the era (ancient, sacred…)

Exercise

Huân Cao as a character:

Huân Cao’s character is captivating for his integrity, talent, heroic spirit, and his unique defiant charisma

He lives with dignity and self-respect

• “In my life, I will never write couplets for gold, jewels, or power”
• “Only a few individuals dare to challenge the heavens and shake the earth”

He defies authority, showing no fear of death or oppression

• He resists the royal court and is imprisoned but does not fear death
• He displays bold, free-spirited behavior

He despises those who represent corrupt authority

• His boldness and defiance persist even in the prison
• He scorns the cruel, tyrannical powers

He loves and creates beauty

• He is gifted at calligraphy
• He dedicates his artistry to his kindred spirit

The majestic image of Huân Cao when he writes calligraphy for the warden

• His writing is inherently noble
• The image of the prisoner, shackled and writing, emphasizes the beauty of his script, contrasting with the trembling, humble scribe who holds the ink pot and bows in reverence

⇒ The image of Huân Cao reflects the author’s artistic philosophy about beauty: moral purity shines brightest in the darkness and amidst evil.

Summary

The story of the condemned prisoner, Huấn Cao, recounts the meeting between him and the jailer, set in the dark confines of the prison. It highlights Huấn Cao giving a calligraphy piece to the jailer, against the grim backdrop of imprisonment.

Structure

Part 1 (from the beginning to “see how things go”): The jailer's mood and thoughts upon hearing that Huấn Cao, the condemned prisoner, will soon arrive at the prison.

Part 2 (from there to “I almost lost a good heart in this world”): Huấn Cao's changing attitude toward the jailer after recognizing the jailer's pure heart.

Part 3 (the remainder): The scene of Huấn Cao gifting his calligraphy to the jailer, and his words of wisdom to him.

Question 1 (page 114, Literature textbook 11th grade):

• Plot situation: The unique encounter between Huấn Cao and the jailer, set in an unusual context.
• Effect: The situation allows the characters to reveal their traits naturally as they interact with each other, providing the readers with surprises through their development.

Question 2 (page 114, Literature textbook 11th grade):

The unique beauty of the Huấn Cao character:

• Huấn Cao is a heroic figure with remarkable bravery: moments such as breaking his shackles, and his interactions with the jailer and the clerks, while facing his impending execution.
• Huấn Cao is a true artist: his exceptional calligraphy skills and the scene where he shares his art with the jailer.
• Huấn Cao possesses a pure soul and noble character: his change of heart towards the jailer and his decision to share his art and advice.

⇒ Nguyễn Tuân's philosophy: true beauty is extraordinary, exceptional, and has the power to lead individuals toward purity of soul.

Question 3 (page 114, Literature textbook 11th grade):

The jailer character:

• Educated, and appreciates the value of calligraphy: the jailer's thoughts upon hearing of Huấn Cao's arrival at the prison.
• Respects talent (appreciates the gifted): his genuine desire to request Huấn Cao's calligraphy, his behavior when Huấn Cao shares it with him.

Question 4 (page 114, Literature textbook 11th grade):

A scene unlike any other:

• Setting: a narrow, damp, filthy, dark prison, illuminated only by a torchlight.
• Time: the night before Huấn Cao's execution.
• Objects: the white silk still intact from its original form.
• Calligrapher: a prisoner, shackled and chained, but exuding the aura of an artist and a true gentleman.
• Recipient: the jailer, a man of higher rank, yet humbly respectful and moved.
• Witnesses: shaking, holding the ink basin.

⇒ The scene is bizarre, paradoxical, and unprecedented—where the power dynamics are reversed.

⇒ The beauty and character of Huấn Cao, along with the power of true art, transcend the mundane reality of society, rising above confinement to shine brightly.

Question 5 (page 114, Literature textbook 11th grade):

• Character creation style: idealized, romanticized, with a focus on exceptional, talented, extraordinary figures.
• Describing the setting: using contrasting techniques.
• Language: rich in visual imagery, incorporating many Sino-Vietnamese words.

Exercise

Question (page 115, Literature textbook 11th grade):

Thoughts on the character of Huấn Cao:

• First and foremost, Huấn Cao is a heroic figure with remarkable courage: he stands undaunted before power and death, always pursuing his great ideals.
• Huấn Cao is a true artist: with his exceptional calligraphy skills, treating his art as an extension of himself, as seen in the scene where he shares his work with the jailer.
• Huấn Cao possesses a pure heart and noble character: he offers his calligraphy to the jailer after recognizing his pure heart, along with words of wisdom for him.