Top 6 Best Lesson Plans for 'Văn Tế Nghĩa Sĩ Cần Giuộc - Part 2: The Work' (11th Grade Literature)

Structure

4 sections.

+ Introduction: A brief overview of the historical context and the lasting significance of the peasant’s death.

+ Description: Reflecting on the image and contributions of the peasant warriors.

+ Lamentation: Expressing the author's sorrow and respect for the fallen warriors.

+ Conclusion: Praising the immortal spirits of the warriors.

Lesson Content

'Văn Tế Nghĩa Sĩ Cần Giuộc' successfully depicts the tragic heroism of the peasant warriors who courageously fought and sacrificed for the country.

Lesson Guide

Question 1 (p. 65, 11th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1):

- Structure: 4 parts.

+ Introduction: A brief overview of the historical context and the lasting significance of the peasant’s death.

+ Description: Reflecting on the image and contributions of the peasant warriors.

+ Lamentation: Expressing the author's sorrow and respect for the fallen warriors.

+ Conclusion: Praising the immortal spirits of the warriors.

Question 2 (p. 65, 11th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1):

The image of the peasant warrior:

+ In daily life: Poor peasants, quiet laborers in villages.

+ When the enemy invades: Initially fearful => waiting for orders => hatred => rising to fight.

+ The heroic spirit of the peasant army: Remarkable fighting spirit, with basic military equipment, yet achieving great victories.

- The description is highly valued for:

+ Use of contrast techniques

+ Language that is both respectful and colloquial, with a strong Southern flavor.

+ Lyricism

Question 3 (p. 65, 11th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1):

- The author’s mournful cry stems from:

+ The sorrow of losing the country

+ A mix of sorrow and pride for the fallen warriors of Cần Giuộc who sacrificed for the nation

+ The cry is not merely mournful; it also conveys respect, admiration, and pride.

Question 4 (p. 65, 11th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1):

- The emotional power of the eulogy mainly comes from the combination of expressive elements with narration and description.

- Notable lines include: 'The hero’s tears cannot be wiped dry, mourning for the two words “heavenly people,” the fragrance of the warrior’s incense grows stronger, moved by a line of soil.'

Practice (p. 65, 11th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1)

Question 1: Students read with expression.

Question 2: Analyze the sentence in the text that reflects the life philosophy of Professor Trần Ngọc Giàu:

+ 'It is better to die in battle, following ancestors with honor, than to live in submission to foreign powers, suffering among the barbarians.'

+ Analyze and evaluate this worldview: Confirming that bravery and sacrifice for the nation’s independence and freedom are noble, while cowardice and submission to invaders represent weakness.

Question 1 (p. 65, 11th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1)

* Eulogy Form

a. Definition: A type of writing typically associated with funeral customs, used to express sorrow for the deceased, recounting their virtuous life and accomplishments, while showing deep sympathy and grief.

b. Features:

- Two main points:

+ Recounting the life, virtues, and deeds of the deceased.

+ Expressing the sorrow of the living.

- Tone: Mournful

- Style: Heartfelt and emotional

- Written in various forms: prose, couplets, or lyrical poetry.

* Structure of the Work

- Section 1: From the beginning to ‘the sound of the gong rings’: (description) outlines the historical context and affirms the immortal death of the peasant soldier.

- Section 2: From ‘the cannons roar’: (description) depicts the image of the peasant warrior both in daily life and in battle against foreign invaders.

- Section 3: From ‘everyone mourns’: (lamentation) expresses the sorrow and respect of the author and the people for the deceased.

- Section 4: The conclusion: praises the immortal spirit of the warriors.

Question 2 (p. 65, 11th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1)

a. The Image of the Peasant Soldier

* Origins:

- From hardworking, poor farmers ‘quietly toiling away’.

- Use of contrast: unfamiliar vs. familiar, knowing vs. not knowing.

=> The author emphasizes the contrast in the peasant's transition to a heroic figure, highlighting the hero's unexpected qualities.

* Changes when the invaders arrive:

- Emotions: anxious about the actions of the government, burning hatred towards the enemy.

- Awareness: a high sense of duty to protect the nation.

- Actions: voluntary participation, with unwavering resolve to fight.

* The heroic spirit of the peasant army in the battle against the French:

- The collective image of the warriors is both simple and noble, with a courageous and unwavering heart, facing all hardships with dignity and pride.

- Their indomitable fighting spirit, fierce determination, and relentless drive to defeat the enemy.

b. The Artistic Techniques in Depicting the Cần Giuộc Warriors:

- Realistic writing style, highlighting authentic details that capture the essence and essence of the peasant warriors.

- A rich vocabulary, using strong verbs, rural slang, distinctive Southern Vietnamese terms, contrastive expressions, and straightforward language, alongside effective rhetorical devices.

- The combination of realism and poignant lyricism.

Question 3 (p. 59, 11th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1)

- Section 3 (Lamentation) expresses the author’s mournful cry, arising from multiple emotions:

+ Sorrow for the hardworking people

+ Regret from those in the rear and frontline

+ Anger towards those responsible for the tragic fate

=> The poem is filled with sorrow, but not despair. It blends grief with profound hatred for the enemy, yet also expresses admiration, pride, and a call to continue the unfinished mission of the fallen warriors. Their deaths epitomize the truth of their era.

Question 4 (p. 59, 11th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1)

- The emotional depth of the eulogy comes from the heartfelt lines, vivid imagery, and the emotional tone.

- Notable lines include:

"How painful it is! ... drifting aimlessly in front of the gate."

"Better to die with honor than live in shame, floating like the water's flow."

- Additionally, the eulogy's emotional resonance is heightened by its varied tone, blending tragic, heartfelt lines with vivid imagery (tattered clothing, broken bamboo, bent rice stalks, elderly mothers...)

Practice

Question 2 (p. 65, 11th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1)

To clarify the viewpoint of Professor Trần Văn Giàu: 'The life that our ancestors valued cannot be separated from honor and shame. Whether something is honorable or shameful depends on one's stance on foreign invasion: fighting the French is honorable, serving them is shameful.' You can cite and analyze the following lines:

- 'What is the point of living like a traitor, throwing incense away, turning away from the ancestral altar? It only brings more sadness; what is the point of living like a lowly soldier, drinking diluted wine, eating dry bread, feeling even more disgusted.'

- 'Better to die with honor, joining ancestors in glory, than live under the foreign rule, suffering in barbarity.'

- 'Die to fulfill the debt to the nation, and let your name be honored across the six provinces; die and have a shrine built in your memory, your name will last forever, and all will revere you.'

=> The peasants would rather fight for freedom, even knowing it would cost them their lives. Death for the nation’s ideals is glorious, while living in submission under the enemy is worse than death.

Answer to Question 1 (Page 65, Literature 11 Textbook):

Genre and Structure:

- The funeral poem: associated with burial rituals, recited during memorial ceremonies for the deceased, typically evokes sorrow, poignancy, and intense emotion.

- The structure is divided into four sections:

+ Section 1 (Introduction – Lines 1, 2): Outlines the historical context and the significance of the death of the warrior.

+ Section 2 (Narrative – Lines 3 to 15): Reflects on the life of the fallen soldier.

+ Section 3 (Lamentation – Lines 16 to 28): Expresses mourning and admiration for the departed.

+ Section 4 (Conclusion – Remaining Lines): Praises the immortality of the warriors.

Answer to Question 2 (Page 65, Literature 11 Textbook):

The image of the peasant soldier:

- Before the battle, they are hardworking peasants, struggling in their daily lives:

+ Their lives are tough, filled with poverty and hardship.

+ They are completely unfamiliar with warfare: not accustomed to weapons or military life.

- Their transformation when the enemy invades:

+ Emotionally: They become anxious over the government's inaction, filled with hatred for the enemy.

+ Cognitively: They develop a deep sense of responsibility for the national cause.

+ Actions: Voluntarily join the fight; determined to defeat the invaders.

- The heroic image of the peasant army in the Western battle:

+ A collective memorial to the peasant soldiers, both simple and heroic, with a spirit of loyalty and a stance of defiance despite adversity and lack of resources.

+ Their courage and fighting spirit are unstoppable, charging forward like a storm, with relentless actions.

- The remarkable artistry in portraying the Cần Giuộc soldiers:

+ A distinctive realistic approach, focusing on genuine details, rich in lived experience, and emphasizing the essence of the peasant soldier.

+ The language uses strong verbs, rural dialect, southern expressions, contrastive techniques, simple yet effective language, and various rhetorical devices that are skillfully employed.

+ A blend of realism and deep, lyrical emotion.

Answer to Question 3 (Page 65, Literature 11 Textbook):

The tragic cry emerges from multiple emotions:

- The regret of those who sacrificed themselves while their mission remained unfinished (Lines 16, 24).

- The sorrow of families mourning their lost loved ones, especially the elderly mothers and young wives (Line 25).

- The intense anger toward those responsible for the dire circumstances (Line 21).

- The choking grief and outrage of the entire nation (Line 27).

- The widespread sorrow encompassing nature and the land.

- Admiration and pride for the peasants who boldly gave their lives to protect their homeland and families (Lines 19, 20).

- Recognition of the contributions of the peasant-soldiers (Lines 26, 28).

Answer to Question 4 (Page 65, Literature 11 Textbook):

The powerful impact of the funeral poem is mainly due to the following elements:

- The combination of emotional expression with description and narration.

- Sincere, deep, and intense emotions.

- A dramatic, poignant tone.

- Vivid imagery.

- Simple yet refined language, with profound emotional and aesthetic impact.

- A varied tone, shifting according to the emotions expressed.

Exercise

Question (Page 65, Literature 11 Textbook):

To clarify Professor Trần Văn Giàu's view: "Life, as conceived by our ancestors, is inseparable from the concepts of disgrace and honor. Disgrace or honor is judged based on political stance regarding the French invasion: fighting the French is honorable, siding with the French is disgraceful,” examples from the text can be cited and analyzed:

- Why live a life of deceit, where one is enslaved to the French, selling out to the invaders, when even the smallest joy brings more sorrow.

- Better to die in glory, following the ancestors, than to live in shame under the French rule.

- Dying for the nation brings honor and fame, while living as a puppet of the French leads to eternal disgrace.

=> The peasant soldiers refuse to accept the loss of their country and their dignity. They rise to reclaim freedom for their people, even knowing they may face death. They choose to die for the nation's cause, following the call of their ancestors to protect their homeland. In contrast, living under foreign oppression and betraying the country is worse than death.

Answer to Question 1 (Page 65, Literature 11 Textbook):

Structure:

- Section 1 - Introduction ("Alas ... the sound echoes like a bell"): Provides an overview of the historical context and affirms the significance of the death of the peasant soldier.

- Section 2 - Main Body ("Until the sound of cannons and guns"): Describes the transformation of the peasant from a laborer to a valiant warrior who fights the invaders and achieves glory.

- Section 3 - Lamentation ("Until the sun sets low, casting shadows"): The poet and the people mourn and express admiration for the fallen soldier.

- Section 4 - Conclusion (Remaining Lines): Praises the immortality of the peasant warrior's soul.

Answer to Question 2 (Page 65, Literature 11 Textbook):

The image of the peasant soldier is depicted with a realistic approach:

+ The poor, humble, and hardworking farmer, who spends his days toiling in the fields.

+ When war comes, he realizes his duty: volunteering to join the army, determined to defeat the enemy.

+ He uses his rudimentary farming tools as weapons of war.

⇒ The steadfast spirit and self-sacrifice of the simple people, carrying the responsibility and heroic resolve of their time.

- Artistic Value:

+ The technique of character development.

+ Language is simple, straightforward, with distinct southern characteristics.

+ Precise, truthful language, using strong verbs and comparisons.

Answer to Question 3 (Page 65, Literature 11 Textbook):

The poet's sorrowful cry stems from deep emotions and sympathy for the martyr:

+ The regret for those who sacrificed themselves with unfinished business and unfulfilled aspirations.

+ The sorrow of families who lose their loved ones.

+ The anger at those who caused the suffering and hardship.

+ The cries of the nation, overwhelmed with pain and injustice.

- The poet represents the people in mourning and praises the sacrifices of the warriors:

+ The cries mourn the death, but also acknowledge the suffering of the people under colonial invasion.

+ The cries inspire the warriors' continued resolve and commitment to their cause.

⇒ Though sorrowful, the cries are not drenched in despair, but rather carry a tone of pride and affirmation.

Answer to Question 4 (Page 65, Literature 11 Textbook):

The funeral poem’s powerful emotional appeal is due to its sincere, profound, and intense expression:

+ "How painful! The elderly mother weeps, the dim light flickers in the hut... how sorrowful!"

- It evokes deep feelings in the reader.

- The tone is diverse, with particularly striking passages of tragic grandeur.

+ "Better to die than live in disgrace... living with the barbarians is unbearable."

- The sorrowful tone is matched by vivid imagery, invoking feelings of tragic heroism (e.g., the simple clothing, the fading light, the flickering candle...)

Exercise

Question 1 (Page 65, Literature 11 Textbook):

Read the passage with expression.

Question 2 (Page 65, Literature 11 Textbook):

To clarify Professor Trần Văn Giàu’s statement: "Life, as our ancestors conceived it, is inseparable from honor and disgrace. Living under colonial rule is disgraceful," the following can be analyzed:

- Why live as slaves, betraying our heritage, when even the smallest pleasures bring only sorrow?

- Better to die with honor than live under the foreign oppressors.

- Dying for the country, leaving behind a legacy of heroism, ensures eternal admiration.

Summary

The piece is a funeral eulogy written to honor the fallen heroes who died during the attack on the French garrison in Cần Giuộc. It recounts the bravery, sacrifices of the soldiers, and expresses sorrow, loss, as well as the respect and gratitude of the living for those who have passed.

Structure

Part 1 (from the beginning to 'the sound echoes like a bell') - Opening: An overview of the lives of the Cần Giuộc soldiers.

Part 2 (from 'Remember the past' to 'cannon fire sounds') - Main Content: Recounts the lives and achievements of the soldiers.

Part 3 (from 'Alas!' to 'the shadow of dusk stretches before the gate') - Mourning: Expresses sorrow over the passing of the heroes.

Part 4 (remaining section) - Conclusion: Acknowledges the deeds and virtues of the soldiers with gratitude and affirmation.

Answer to Question 1 (Page 65, Literature 11 Textbook):

Structure of the funeral eulogy:

Part 1 (from the beginning to 'the sound echoes like a bell') - Opening: Provides an overview of the lives of the Cần Giuộc soldiers.

Part 2 (from 'Remember the past' to 'cannon fire sounds') - Main Content: Recounts the lives and heroic deeds of the soldiers.

Part 3 (from 'Alas!' to 'the shadow of dusk stretches before the gate') - Mourning: Expresses sorrow over the departure of the fallen soldiers.

Part 4 (remaining section) - Conclusion: Shows gratitude and recognition for the courage and integrity of the soldiers.

Answer to Question 2 (Page 65, Literature 11 Textbook):

The image of the peasant soldier:

+ In daily life: Humble, focused on survival, working hard in the fields, taking care of farm chores like plowing, sowing, and harvesting.

⇒ A life of poverty, hard labor, with sincerity and diligence.

+ When facing the enemy: Dressed in simple clothes, armed with crude tools like knives and wooden sticks, they charge into battle, undeterred by fear, striking the enemy with determination.

⇒ Despite using primitive weapons and being unaccustomed to warfare, they fight bravely, sacrificing their lives for their country.

⇒ A noble and grand image of patriotism.

Artistic Value:

+ The character is portrayed from two contrasting perspectives, which complement each other in building the character’s significance.

+ Language techniques: Rich, symbolic imagery, blending classical and colloquial language styles.

+ A blend of lyrical and narrative styles, full of descriptive elements.

Answer to Question 3 (Page 65, Literature 11 Textbook):

+ The poet’s tragic cry arises from: the pain of a nation under foreign invasion and the sorrow for the sacrifices of the fallen soldiers.

+ This cry is not mournful in a depressing way but is filled with respect, gratitude, and pride for the heroic deeds and patriotism of those who died.

Answer to Question 4 (Page 65, Literature 11 Textbook):

+ The emotional appeal of the funeral eulogy is mainly due to the combination of expressive elements with narrative and descriptive techniques.

+ "How painful!... the dusk stretches long before the gate": The deep sorrow and longing of the soldiers' families are vividly expressed through powerful imagery and details.

Exercise

Question (Page 65, Literature 11 Textbook):

Sentences in the eulogy that reflect the philosophy of choosing honorable death over a life of disgrace:

+ Why live by the traitor's ways, abandoning our ancestors' traditions?

+ Why live under the rule of foreign soldiers, drinking bitter wine, eating stale bread?

+ Better to die with honor, following the example of our ancestors, than live under the colonial oppressors' rule, which is a life of suffering.

⇒ Dying for the nation's cause and for the protection of our homeland is an honorable death. In contrast, living in submission to foreign powers and betraying the nation is worse than death.

Question 1 (Page 65, Literature 11 Textbook):

A funeral eulogy is a type of writing traditionally associated with mourning rituals, expressing deep sorrow for the deceased. Its content typically highlights the life, virtues, and accomplishments of the person who has passed, and conveys a heartfelt expression of loss.

Funeral eulogies can be written in various forms such as prose, seven-character verses, or poetic structures like lục bát and song thất lục bát. The structure usually consists of four main parts: Lung Khởi (Opening), Thích Thực (Main Content), Ai Vãn (Mourning), and Kết (Conclusion). The overall tone is typically sorrowful and emotionally charged, making use of exclamations and evocative imagery.

The structure of the Funeral Eulogy for the Cần Giuộc Heroes:

- Section 1 – Lung Khởi (from 'Alas' to 'the sound echoes like a bell'): Outlines the historical context and affirms the significance of the death of the peasant soldier.

- Section 2 – Thích Thực (from sentence 3 to sentence 15): Describes the life of the peasant soldier, from his humble labor to his rise as a warrior who fought against invaders and achieved heroic deeds.

- Section 3 – Ai Vãn (from sentence 16 to sentence 28): The author and the people express their sorrow and admiration for the fallen hero.

- Section 4 – Kết (final two sentences): Celebrates the eternal spirit of the heroes.

Question 2 (Page 65, Literature 11 Textbook):

The image of the Cần Giuộc peasant hero:

a) Origin and background:

- From poor, hardworking peasants who toiled in the fields.

- The use of contrast: unfamiliarity versus familiarity, known versus unknown.

The author emphasizes the contrast between the peasant's humble origins and the heroic stature he later attains.

b) Deep patriotism:

- When the French colonizers invade, the peasant first feels fear, then hope, followed by hatred, and finally rises to fight back.

This reflects the emotional evolution of the peasant soldier.

c) The spirit of sacrifice and struggle of the peasant soldiers:

- Their equipment was rudimentary: a piece of cloth for clothing, a bamboo spear, a machete, and straw sandals, yet they are etched into history.

- The author uses powerful verbs to depict action with urgency and determination: breaking through fences, charging forward, striking down enemies, using strong verbs like 'pierce' and 'slash' to intensify the battle’s fierceness.

→ Nguyễn Đình Chiểu has crafted an enduring artistic monument to the peasant hero who fought to save the country.

Artistically, the passage is grounded in realistic details drawn from everyday life, offering broad, profound insight without straying into trivialities. The blend of realism with lyrical depth gives the work a nuanced emotional texture. The language is both formal and colloquial, richly reflecting the Southern Vietnamese spirit.

Question 3 (Page 65, Literature 11 Textbook):

Section 3 (Ai Vãn) is the poet's heartrending cry, arising from multiple emotions:

- The sorrow for the fallen hero who died before completing his mission, leaving this world with unfinished dreams.

- The grief of the family who lost a loved one, particularly the elderly mothers and young wives.

- The anger toward those responsible for creating such tragedies, mingled with an expression of deep sorrow for the nation and its people.

→ A great cry with historical significance.

The sorrow in the work, while profound, is not lamentful or full of despair; rather, it carries the undertones of pride and reverence for the immortal death of a patriot who will forever be honored by future generations.

Question 4 (Page 65, Literature 11 Textbook):

The intense emotional impact of the funeral eulogy is primarily conveyed through the poet’s sincere, deep, and powerful emotions. Phrases like:

'How painful! The elderly mother weeps for her child, the dim light flickers in the hut; how tragic! The weak wife searches for her husband, the shadow of dusk lingers before the gate.'

These lines resonate deeply with the reader.

Additionally, the eulogy features a diverse tone, marked by dramatic and intense language combined with vivid imagery (the worn clothing, the bamboo spear, the straw sandals, the elderly mother...) that leaves a strong impression.

Exercise

Question 2 (Page 65, Literature 11 Textbook):

To clarify the viewpoint of Professor Trần Văn Giàu: "The concept of life, as understood by our ancestors, is inseparable from the notions of disgrace and honor. The evaluation of whether one lives in disgrace or honor is based on one's stance toward the Western colonial invasion: fighting the Westerners is honorable, while aligning with them is disgraceful," the following sentences can be cited and analyzed:

- Why live under the foreign oppressors, abandoning our ancestors’ traditions, spreading incense and tossing the altar table, it only brings sadness; why live as lackeys, drinking weak wine and eating stale bread, it only brings disgrace.

- Better to die with honor, carrying our ancestors' legacy, than live under the Western yoke, enduring hardship and humiliation.