Top 6 Best Lesson Plans on "The Meaning of Literature" by Hoai Thanh for Grade 7

I. General Introduction to the Lesson on The Meaning of Literature

1. Author:

Hoai Thanh (1909 - 1982), born Nguyễn Đức Nguyên, also known by various pen names such as Văn Thiên and Le Nhà Quê. He was a renowned Vietnamese literary critic, contributing significantly to the criticism and theory that affirmed the New Poetry movement in 20th-century Vietnamese literature. His work "Vietnamese Poets," co-authored with his brother Hoai Chân, established him as one of the foremost literary critics of early 20th-century Vietnamese literature.

2. Work:

The text is excerpted from "Literary Criticism".
Structure:

Part 1 (from the beginning to... all creatures): The origin of poetry.
Part 2 (remaining section): The purpose and function of literature in human life.

II. Guide to Preparing for the Lesson on The Meaning of Literature for Grade 7

Question 1, page 62, Grade 7 Literature Textbook (Volume 2)

According to Hoai Thanh, "The core origin of literature is human compassion, which extends to love for all beings." => This emphasizes that the essence of literature lies in emotions and selflessness.

Question 2, page 62, Grade 7 Literature Textbook (Volume 2)

Hoai Thanh writes: "Literature is the depiction of life in all its diverse forms." This means:

Literature serves as a mirror reflecting life in all its beauty and complexity.
Interpretation: Literature is a condensed world of life, where we find all representations of the objective world, such as people and nature...
"Literature also creates life":

Literature does not only capture what exists in reality but also creates its own unique inner life. Through literature, we enter a completely new and original world.
Interpretation: Literature is not like a camera capturing reality; it reflects life through the subjective lens of the artist, meaning that while life is depicted in literature, the exact replication of life cannot be found within it.

Question 3, page 62, Grade 7 Literature Textbook (Volume 2)

Hoai Thanh states that the function of literature is "to evoke feelings we do not have, and to cultivate those feelings we already possess."

Question 4, page 62, Grade 7 Literature Textbook (Volume 2)

a) The text "The Meaning of Literature" is a literary critique because its content discusses the nature of literature itself.

b) The uniqueness of Hoai Thanh’s writing lies in its blend of logical reasoning, emotional depth, and vivid imagery.

Example: The opening lines of the text: "People say... the origin of poetry."

III. Practicing the Lesson on The Meaning of Literature

Question, page 63, Grade 7 Literature Textbook (Volume 2)

Explain the phrase: "Literature evokes feelings we do not have, and cultivates those feelings we already possess."

Literature evokes emotions we don't have:

When we read literature, we experience and absorb emotions we have never felt before, possibly unlocking hidden feelings within us.
For example: In reading the excerpt "Crossing the Waterfall," even though we've never felt that specific danger, the words in the text make us vividly imagine the peril of the waterfall, stirring curiosity or fear within us.

Literature cultivates emotions we already possess:

When we read, existing emotions within us are awakened and deepened in our minds.
For example: The love for one's homeland is a universal emotion, and when reading the poem "Homeland" by Đỗ Trung Quân, that emotion is stirred again, making our love for our homeland even more profound.

A. Essential Knowledge

1. Author:

Hoai Thanh (1909-1982), born in Nghi Trung, Nghi Loc District, Nghe An Province, was an outstanding literary critic. In 2000, he was awarded the Ho Chi Minh Prize for Literature and Arts by the State. The appeal of Hoai Thanh’s critical essays lies not in the depth of his logical system or in the precise use of technical terms, but in his sensitive appreciation and the way he presents issues simply yet wittily and profoundly. He developed a unique critical style, most prominently showcased in his work *Thi Nhân Việt Nam*, where he introduces, critiques, and selects outstanding authors and works of the New Poetry movement (1932-1945).

2. Work:

The essay *The Meaning of Literature* has been republished with the title *The Meaning and Functions of Literature*.

3. Summary of the Work:

The essential origin of literature is emotions and compassion. Literature reflects life in all its complexity and also creates life, generating emotions we do not have and refining those we already possess. Without literature, humanity’s spiritual life would be exceedingly impoverished.

B. Exercises and Solution Guide

Question 1: Page 62, 7th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 2

According to Hoai Thanh, what is the essential origin of literature? Pay attention to the meaning of the two words 'essential' (main, most important but not the only) and read the first four lines of the text to find the answer.

Answer:
According to Hoai Thanh, the essential origin of literature is the love for people and, more broadly, compassion for all living beings. 'Essential' means the most important, but not the only aspect. Therefore, there may be other views on the origin of literature, such as 'literature arises from human labor.' These views, though differing, are not mutually exclusive and can complement one another.

Question 2: Page 62, 7th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 2
Hoai Thanh writes: 'Literature will be the image of life in all its forms. Moreover, literature also creates life.' Read footnote 5, then explain and provide evidence to clarify these ideas.
Answer:
Footnote 5: 'Image' here is used as a noun (not a verb), meaning an impression or a representation.
Hoai Thanh writes: 'Literature will be the image of life in all its forms. Moreover, literature also creates life.'
Literature is the representation of life in its diversity. It mirrors life, and because life is diverse, the images reflected in literature are also varied. Through literature, we learn about the lives and aspirations of the Vietnamese people in the past, as well as the lives of different cultures around the world.
Literature also creates life. Through literary works, we envision an idealized life. It is the dream of a hero with the strength of Phu Dong to fight invaders, or a hero like Son Tinh who can battle floods and natural disasters, or even a character like Ma Luong who creates tools to defeat enemies.

Question 3: Page 62, 7th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 2
According to Hoai Thanh, what are the functions of literature? Read the passage from 'Thus, either it represents life...' to the end of the text to find the answer.
Answer:
The essential origin of literature is compassion for people, extending to all living beings. Literature is the image of life in all its complexity, and it also creates life.
Literature helps us develop empathy and compassion: It evokes emotions that we do not have and nurtures those emotions that we already possess.
Literature helps us appreciate the beauty of nature: For example, describing the beauty of a river or the landscape might seem excessive, but it helps us connect with the beauty of the world.

Question 4: Page 62, 7th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 2
Review the knowledge of argumentative essays learned in Lessons 18, 19, 20 from the Writing section, and answer the following questions:
a) What type of argumentative essay does *The Meaning of Literature* belong to and why?
- Political and social arguments;
- Literary arguments.
b) What is special about Hoai Thanh's argumentative style in *The Meaning of Literature*? Choose one of the following to answer:
- Clear and logical reasoning;
- Clear reasoning, emotional, and expressive;
- Balanced with logic, emotion, and imagery.
Find a passage in the text to illustrate your chosen response.
Answer:
a) *The Meaning of Literature* belongs to literary argumentation because it discusses the significance and function of literature.
b) The essay is distinguished by its combination of logic, emotion, and imagery. For example, the opening passage or the section discussing the powerful influence of literature.

Practice
Task: Page 62, 7th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 2
Hoai Thanh writes: 'Literature causes us to feel emotions we do not possess, and refines those we already have.' Based on your literary knowledge, explain and provide evidence to support this statement.
Answer:
Explanation:
Literature evokes emotions we do not possess: literature has the power to stir up feelings within us, such as sadness, joy, or empathy.
Literature refines the emotions we already have: it captures human emotions so deeply that it clarifies, sharpens, and enriches them.
Evidence:
The short story *Song Nuoc Ca Mau* by Doan Gioi evokes a deep sense of appreciation for the beauty of Ca Mau’s rivers, even for those who have never visited it, and nurtures a love for the homeland. The poem *Luom* evokes strong emotion and sympathy for the sacrifice of a young messenger during wartime, making the reader appreciate the peaceful life they have today.

Extended Reference
Write a short paragraph discussing the meaning of literature.
Answer:
Literature is rooted in emotions, with compassion for others at its core. It represents life in all its forms, from the cyclical nature of the seasons to the delicate emotions we feel as we interact with nature. Through the lens of literature, we appreciate the beauty and significance of all living beings. It also reflects the poet’s deep emotions, whether of sorrow, hope, or joy. Literature creates an emotional connection, making us feel what we otherwise might not—like the compassion for the suffering of others or the joy of triumph. In works such as *Cảnh Khuya* by Ho Chi Minh, literature becomes a powerful tool for expressing concern about national resistance. Literature also nurtures our inherent emotions, as shown in the poem *Me Toi*, where a boy’s love for his mother becomes clearer and deeper. Thus, literature enriches our emotional lives, making them more vivid and meaningful. It is truly a gift, a source of nourishment for the soul. Without literature, human spiritual life would be impoverished.

I. Understanding the Text:

Question 1:

*According to Hoai Thanh, the primary source of literature is: emotions, compassion for both people and all living things.

Question 2:

Hoai Thanh writes: “Literature is the embodiment of life… it creates life…”

*Explanation and examples to clarify these points:

- “Literature is the reflection of life in all its diverse forms”: Literature mirrors the diversity of life, reflecting various aspects of human existence. Through literature, we understand the lives, dreams, and experiences of people across different cultures and regions.

Example:

“The wind carries the bamboo branch lightly
The Trấn Vũ bell tolls, the Thọ Xương rooster crows
Mist rises, fog covers the landscape
The rhythm of the chày in Yên Thái, the clear reflection of Tây Hồ.”

In the pond, what is more beautiful than the lotus?
Its leaves green, flowers white, with yellow stamens mixed in.

The yellow stamens, the white flowers, and green leaves
Near the mud yet not tainted by its smell.

- Literature also creates life. Through literary works, we experience the imagined world of the human spirit:

Example: Humans yearn for strength to fight against natural disasters like Sơn Tinh.

Question 3:

*According to Hoai Thanh, the function of literature is: it enhances feelings of compassion and encourages selflessness; it enables people to appreciate beauty and the finer aspects of life.

Question 4:

a. The text “The Meaning of Literature” is an argumentative essay: it discusses the meaning and function of literature.

b. Hoai Thanh’s argument is special: it combines logic, emotion, and vivid imagery.

Example: The opening passage: “People tell stories from the past… the origins of poetry and song.”

II. PRACTICE:

Hoai Thanh writes: “Literature creates feelings we don’t possess, and strengthens those we already have.” Explain and provide examples to support this claim:

- First, literature creates feelings we don’t have:

These are new emotions that emerge from reading and understanding a literary work. It may be feelings of compassion, nobility, hatred for evil, a desire to rise above, or determination, depending on the reader’s personality and traits.

Example: In “Dế Mèn Phieu Luu Ki” (The Adventures of the Cricket), it cultivates feelings of sympathy, regret, and forgiveness.

- Literature strengthens the emotions we already have:

This means that we already have some feelings, but literature brings them out more clearly, without being overshadowed by other emotions.

I. A Brief Introduction to the Author Hoai Thanh
- Hoai Thanh (1909-1982), originally from Nghi Trung village, Nghi Loc district, Nghe An province
- He was an outstanding literary critic, with his most famous work being 'The Poets of Vietnam,' published in 1942
- In 2000, he was awarded the Ho Chi Minh Prize for Literature and Arts by the State

II. A Brief Overview of the Work "The Meaning of Literature"
1. Origin
- "The Meaning of Literature" was written in 1936 and later published in the collection "Literary Criticism" (1998, Education Publishing House, Hanoi)
- The work was sometimes republished with a revised title, "The Meaning and Utility of Literature"
2. Structure (3 sections)
- Section 1 (from the beginning to "all things, all creatures"): The origin of literature
- Section 2 (from there to "evoking compassion"): The mission of literature
- Section 3 (the remainder): The function of literature
3. Content Value
Hoai Thanh emphasizes that the core origin of literature lies in emotion, in compassion. Literature is a reflection of life in all its varied forms and creates life itself, fostering emotions that were once absent or nurturing those already present. Without literature, the spiritual life of humanity would be impoverished.
4. Artistic Value
- Rich in unique imagery
- The argumentative style is a blend of reason and emotion

III. Guide for Preparing the Lesson

Question 1 (page 63, 7th Grade Literature textbook, Volume 2)

- According to Hoai Thanh: "The essential origin of literature is compassion for others, and extended to all creatures and things."

- However, another view suggests: "Literature originates from the laborious life of humans."

→ These views are not contradictory but complement each other.

Question 2 (page 63, 7th Grade Literature textbook, Volume 2)

Literature is:

- A reflection of a diverse and rich life, mirroring reality.

+ As life is diverse, so too is the reflection of this diversity in literature.

+ Through literature, we can learn about the past life and dreams of the Vietnamese people as well as other nations around the world.

- Literature also creates life.

+ Through literature, we gain an understanding of an ideal life envisioned by humanity.

Question 3 (page 62, 7th Grade Literature textbook, Volume 2)

The purpose of literature according to Hoai Thanh:

- It helps people develop compassion and empathy

- It evokes emotions we do not yet possess and nurtures those we already have.

+ It enables us to appreciate the beauty and magnificence of nature and the world around us.

+ It preserves the traces of human history and culture.

⇒ Literature enriches our spiritual lives and stirs authentic emotions in us, making us more humane and aware.

Question 4 (page 62, 7th Grade Literature textbook, Volume 2)

a, The meaning of literature falls within argumentative literary discourse (an analysis of literary issues)

b, The distinctiveness in Hoai Thanh's literary argumentation: it combines logical reasoning, emotional depth, and vivid imagery.

- For example, in the opening paragraph: "It is said... the origin of poetry."

+ This section debates the origins of poetry.

+ The author draws upon an ancient anecdote about an Indian poet.

Practice

Question (page 63 Textbook): Explain Hoai Thanh's statement: "Literature gives us emotions we do not have and strengthens those we already possess," and provide examples to support this claim:

+ Explanation:

→ Literature evokes emotions we lack: it can stir deep feelings within us, such as sorrow, joy, empathy, and more.

→ Literature strengthens emotions we already have: it expresses emotions in a way that clarifies and intensifies them, making them more vivid and complex.

+ Examples:

→ "The Waters of Ca Mau" by Doan Gioi: This work moves the reader, even if they have never been to Ca Mau, and fosters a love for the landscape and the country.

→ The poem "Luum" evokes deep emotions, making readers mourn the sacrifice of a young messenger in a past war, reminding them to cherish the peace they enjoy today.

Conclusion:

Hoai Thanh's style of literary argumentation, which blends logical reasoning with emotional depth and striking imagery, brings forth the central theme: the origin of literature is rooted in compassion and empathy, it reflects the richness of life, and it has the power to shape and nurture human emotions, making it an essential part of our spiritual existence.

GENERAL OVERVIEW OF THE AUTHOR AND HIS WORK

1. Author

- Hoai Thanh (1909 - 1982), from Nghi Trung, Nghi Loc, Nghe An.

- He was a renowned literary critic.

- In 2000, he was awarded the Ho Chi Minh Prize for Literature and Arts by the State.

- His most famous work is "Thi Nhân Việt Nam" (Vietnamese Poets), published in 1942.

2. Work

- The text "The Meaning of Literature" was written in 1936 and published in the book "Bình Luận Văn Chương" (Literary Criticism). The title was later revised to "The Meaning and Function of Literature" in reprints.

- The structure of the text is divided into two parts:

+ Part 1 (From the beginning to... "stimulating compassion"): The origin of literature comes from the love for humanity.

+ Part 2 (The remainder): The function of literature.

READING AND UNDERSTANDING

Question 1 - Page 62, Textbook

According to Hoai Thanh, what is the essential origin of literature? Pay attention to the meaning of the term "essential" (the main and most important, though not necessarily everything), and read the first four lines of the text to find the answer.

Answer:

The essential origin of literature:

"Essential" refers to the primary and most significant, though not exhaustive. According to Hoai Thanh: "The essential origin of literature is human compassion, and more broadly, compassion for all living creatures." This idea is accurate, but other views can complement it. For example: "Literature originates from human labor and life."

Question 2 - Page 62, Textbook

Hoai Thanh writes: "Literature is the representation of life in all its diverse forms. Moreover, literature also creates life..." Review note 5 and explain these ideas with supporting examples.

Answer:

There are two key points in Hoai Thanh's words:

a) Literature is the representation of life in all its diverse forms.

b) Literature also creates life.

- The first point means: Human life and society are inherently diverse. Literature's role is to reflect this life. Here, "representation" means the image or result of this reflection in literature.

- The second point means: Literature creates images and ideas that do not yet exist or are not yet needed in real life, to inspire people to build and bring them into a better reality in the future.

Question 3 - Page 62, Textbook

According to Hoai Thanh, what is the function of literature? Read the passage from "Therefore, either it represents life..." to the end of the text to find the answer.

Answer:

The function of literature is: to help the reader develop feelings, compassion, "to evoke feelings we do not have, and cultivate those we already possess", and to appreciate the beauty and goodness of nature. If literature were erased from human history, it would erase all traces of humanity and make our spiritual life impoverished.

Question 4 - Page 62, Textbook

Review the lessons on argumentative essays from Lessons 18, 19, 20, and then answer the following questions:

a) What type of argumentative text is "The Meaning of Literature"? Why?

- Political-Social Argumentation;

- Literary Argumentation.

b) What makes Hoai Thanh's argumentation (through "The Meaning of Literature") stand out? Choose one of the following to answer:

- Logical and clear argumentation;

- Logical, clear, and emotional argumentation;

- Both reasoning and emotion, with vivid imagery.

Find a passage in the text to support your answer.

Answer:

a) "The Meaning of Literature" is a literary argumentative text because it focuses on issues related to literature.

b) Hoai Thanh's literary argumentation (through "The Meaning of Literature") is characterized by a combination of reason, emotion, and imagery.

- For example, in the opening paragraph: "It is said... the origin of poetry."

+ This section discusses the origin of poetry

+ The author cites an ancient story about an Indian poet

EXERCISES

Requirement: Hoai Thanh wrote: "Literature evokes feelings we do not have and cultivates those we already possess." Based on your knowledge of literature, explain and provide examples to demonstrate this statement.

Answer:

- Explanation:

+ Literature evokes feelings we do not have: literature has the power to stir and awaken emotions within us, such as sadness, joy, empathy, etc.

+ Literature cultivates feelings we already have: literature expresses human emotions so profoundly that it brings clarity, sharpness, and richness to these emotions.

- Examples:

+ The poem "Cà Mau River" by Doan Gioi: it evokes deep emotions in the reader for the beauty of the Cà Mau river, even if the reader has never been to this place. The work fosters love for the homeland's scenery.

+ The poem "Lượm" stirs the reader's emotions and sympathy for the sacrifice of a young messenger during the war, making readers appreciate the peaceful life they enjoy now.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

With an argumentative writing style that blends reason, emotion, and vivid imagery, Hoai Thanh affirms that the essential origin of literature is emotion, compassion. Literature is the image of life in all its diverse forms and it creates life. It evokes feelings we do not have and cultivates those we already possess. Without literature, the spiritual life of humanity would be impoverished.