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1. Study Guide for 'Bến quê' - Version 4
2. Essay on "Ben Que" - Version 5
A. KEY KNOWLEDGE
1. Author: Nguyễn Minh Châu
Nguyễn Minh Châu (1930 - 1989), born in Quỳnh Lưu, Nghệ An province, was a military writer who participated in both the French and American wars. His works, such as "Footprints of a Soldier" (novel) and “Different Skies” (short story collection), are considered epic hymns of battle, full of romantic and historical qualities. After 1975, his works like “The Woman on the Express Train”, “Ben Que”, and “Reed Grass” explored new artistic and philosophical depths, focusing on human fate, simple dreams, and the everyday lives around us, highlighting the joys, sorrows, light, and shadows of life in a deeply humanistic way. His writing is rich with philosophical depth and multiple meanings.
2. Work:
Creation Context: The short story “Ben Que” was published in the 1985 collection of the same name by Nguyễn Minh Châu.
Content: Through the character Nhĩ, a seasoned man in his final days, the author conveys profound reflections on life and humanity, urging readers to avoid indifference and to appreciate the simple, familiar beauties and values of life, family, and homeland.
B. EXERCISES AND SOLUTIONS
Question 1: Page 106, 9th Grade Literature Book, Volume 2
What is the situation of the character Nhĩ in the story? What does the author intend to convey by constructing this situation?
Answer:
Nhĩ’s situation is exceptional. Having traveled the world, he is now bedridden due to a terminal illness, unable to move. His wife has to feed him, wiping his mouth and chin just as one would care for a child.
By building this narrative situation, the author uses Nhĩ’s life reflections to lead the reader into a deeper understanding of life: human existence is full of contradictions, random occurrences, and things that go beyond human plans and desires, as well as beyond one’s understanding and calculations.
Question 2: Page 107, 9th Grade Literature Book, Volume 2
In the last days of his life, while lying in bed, what does Nhĩ see through the window, and what does he long for? Why does Nhĩ have this longing, and what is its significance?
Answer:
In the early autumn morning, as he nears the end of his life, Nhĩ suddenly notices beauties he had previously overlooked, even though he had the chance to travel the world:
A vast, open space unfolds before him, from the purple flowers outside his window to the Red River, now tinged with a light red hue of fall, the sky and the sandbars on the opposite bank.
Nhĩ perceives subtle details: the sparse, yet vivid flowers, the widening of the Red River, the heightened sky, and the early rays of sunshine moving from the water to the far shores...
Nhĩ’s longing is to step on the sandbar on the opposite bank. This desire symbolizes his awakening to the lasting, simple, and profound values of life, often neglected or forgotten when distracted by distant and unattainable desires.
Question 3: Page 108, 9th Grade Literature Book, Volume 2
Why can we say Nguyễn Minh Châu’s psychological portrayal in this story is very delicate and infused with humanitarian spirit? Analyze the psychological description of Nhĩ to confirm this observation.
Answer:
In this short story, Nguyễn Minh Châu’s depiction of psychology is exceptionally delicate and filled with a sense of humanity. While other writers may create a character in a life-threatening situation to depict a rise in the will to live, Châu explores this scenario differently. He develops a character who, despite facing the end, reflects deeply on life, with profound thoughts on existence, relationships, and the meaning of life. Nhĩ’s reflections on life, death, and his loved ones are presented in such a way that even at the brink of death, the world around him appears strangely beautiful. The image of his frail wife, whose loving hands provide him comfort, becomes a symbol of family as a source of solace. Nhĩ’s realization of the beauty of the sandbar is highlighted by the contrast with his child, who, in a typical childlike manner, does not appreciate the beauty of the scene. This illustrates a deep love for life, shaped by years of experience and moments of crisis.
Question 4: Page 108, 9th Grade Literature Book, Volume 2
At the story's conclusion, the author focuses on describing Nhĩ’s appearance and actions in a very unusual way. Explain the significance of these details.
Answer:
At the story's end, the author emphasizes Nhĩ’s unusual gestures and appearance: “He gathered the last bit of strength left to stretch his frail arm out towards something.” This action could be seen as him urging his son to hurry before the last boat of the day departs. However, from Nhĩ’s earlier reflections, we can discern a deeper meaning: it is a call to awaken people from their “roundabout” lives, urging them to focus on the true, simple, and enduring values of life.
Question 5: Page 108, 9th Grade Literature Book, Volume 2
Many images and details in the story have symbolic meanings. Find some of these details and explain their symbolic significance. (Hint: the sandbar image, the eroded riverbank, the detail of the son playing with the chess pieces...)
Answer:
In this short story, nearly all the imagery has dual meanings—literal and symbolic.
The sandbar, beyond its literal meaning, represents the beauty of simple, familiar life in one’s homeland. The flowers of the late season seem more vivid, and the crumbling riverbank near Nhĩ’s home symbolizes the nearing end of his own life.
The son’s playful disregard for the task at hand evokes the idea of life's detours and distractions. Nhĩ’s actions at the end of the story further emphasize this idea, symbolizing the awakening to what is truly meaningful in life.
Question 6: Page 108, 9th Grade Literature Book, Volume 2
This short story contains profound reflections by the author on life and humanity. Find the passage that focuses on the theme of the story and share your thoughts on it.
Answer:
The passage that encapsulates the theme of the story is the part where Nhĩ reflects on his son’s carelessness in not fulfilling his request: “If he’s not careful, my son will miss the last boat of the day,” Nhĩ thinks sadly. This reveals a fundamental truth about life: people often get caught in unnecessary detours, losing sight of the true, simple, and enduring beauty that lies in front of them.
EXERCISE
Exercise 1: Page 108, 9th Grade Literature Book, Volume 2
Read the beginning of the story and comment on the author's depiction of nature in this section.
Answer:
The portrayal of nature in the beginning reflects the character’s inner feelings. The flowers, though in bloom, have already begun to fade, symbolizing the impending autumn and the melancholy that comes with it.
Exercise 2: Page 108, 9th Grade Literature Book, Volume 2
Nhĩ thinks to himself, “If my son doesn’t hurry, he will miss the boat,” as he reflects on life’s detours. This passage reflects Nhĩ’s realization of the preciousness of time and the elusive nature of true fulfillment.
Express your thoughts on this passage.
Answer:
The passage captures Nhĩ’s reflections on his own life and the lessons he hopes to impart to his son. Through his own experiences, Nhĩ emphasizes the importance of recognizing the simple, enduring values of life, which are often overlooked in pursuit of distant and unattainable goals.
3. Analysis of "Ben Que" - Version 6
Question 1. The short story "Ben Que" revolves around a rather unusual situation. What is this situation? Identify the contradictions within it and explain their significance.
Answer:
The central situation of the story is the tragic and challenging condition of the character Nhi during his final days. Despite having traveled to every corner of the world, Nhi finds himself confined to his bed due to a debilitating illness that nearly paralyzes his entire body, with his life force nearly depleted. The author uses this situation to emphasize the contradictions within Nhi's circumstances: Although Nhi had traveled across the globe, he never set foot on the fertile riverbank just across the river; having flown halfway around the world, he is now unable to shift a few inches on his sickbed; the son he entrusted with his final wish—to visit the riverbank—gets distracted by a street chess game, possibly missing the only ferry of the day.
By highlighting these contradictions, the author seeks to explore the deeper truths and philosophical reflections about human existence.
Question 2. Analyze the natural scene described at the beginning of the story (from "Outside the window" to "right outside the window of his house"). Pay attention to: Who is observing the scene? How are the shapes and colors of the landscape portrayed, and what emotions do they evoke in the observer?
Answer:
The scene is described through Nhi's perspective, from near to far, creating a space that feels both deep and expansive: from the purple-flowered trees outside the window to the Red River, tinged with a pale red as autumn begins, the sky stretching above, and finally, the riverbank on the opposite side.
On this early autumn morning, Nhi perceives the landscape with a unique beauty, one that can only be appreciated through subtle emotions. The late-season purple flowers are sparse but more vivid; the Red River appears wider, its surface extending further; the sky seems higher. The familiar, everyday scenery feels fresh and new to Nhi, as if it were the first time he truly noticed its beauty and richness. This perspective expresses Nhi’s deep affection for life and the profound beauty of his homeland.
Question 3. How do you interpret the symbolic meaning of the following images and details in the story: the fertile riverbank across the river, the crumbling earth embankment on the near side of the river, and Nhi's son getting caught up in a street chess game?
Answer:
Many images and details in the story have dual meanings: both literal and symbolic. To understand their symbolic significance, one must place these images in the context of the entire story, particularly in relation to its themes and the author's philosophy of life.
For example, the image of the riverbank across the river in the story is closely linked to the title "Ben Que", symbolizing the simple yet enduring values of home, the quiet beauty of rural life that transcends time. The crumbling earth embankment and the sound of falling earth at night symbolize the unpredictability of human life and the fragility of Nhi's existence as he faces his final days.
(You may find additional symbolic meanings in the story's other images and details.)
Question 4. In the story's conclusion, the author focuses on describing Nhi's appearance and actions in an unusual manner. What is the significance of these details?
Answer:
Re-read the conclusion of the story to observe Nhi's unusual and urgent actions. His movements suggest that he is eagerly urging his son to hurry, so he does not miss the only ferry of the day. However, this image carries a deeper, more generalized meaning. It symbolizes the author’s call for people to break free from distractions and procrastination, and to focus on the true, simple, and lasting values of life.
Question 5. What reflections and philosophies about life and human existence does the author explore in "Ben Que"? What are your thoughts on the author's reflections?
Answer:
This short story contains deep reflections and philosophical insights from Nguyễn Minh Châu about the human condition, the result of the author's profound and thoughtful contemplation. Key ideas include:
- Life and human destiny are full of unpredictability, contradictions, and random events that often defy our plans, desires, and understanding.
- Human life is often full of detours and delays, especially in youth. It is only after going through many experiences or facing unusual circumstances that one recognizes the true values of life—values that are simple, enduring, and close to us. But often, when we come to this realization, there is little time or energy left to achieve these values.
(You may find other philosophical insights in the story. It is important to express your thoughts on the author's reflections sincerely and naturally.)
Question 6. How do you interpret the title of the story, "Ben Que", in relation to its content?
Answer:
When compared to the content of the story, the title "Ben Que" can carry several meanings, such as:
- The homeland, family, and simple, enduring values represent a person's source of peace and stability, a refuge, no matter how far one may travel.
- "Ben Que" not only refers to the specific, familiar space of one’s homeland, but also symbolizes values that are simple, enduring, and often overlooked, yet ever-present and worth cherishing.
4. Preparation for "Ben Que" - Version 1
Structure
- Part 1 (from the beginning... to the window of my house): The situation of the character Nhi through the conversation between Nhi and Lien.
- Part 2 (continuation... the bat-winged sails reflected on a red river): The journey of crossing the river to the other side by Tuan.
- Part 3 (remaining): The visit of Teacher Khuyen to Nhi.
Question 1 (page 107, Vietnamese Literature 9, Volume 2)
The character Nhi has a unique situation:
He traveled around the world, but in the end, his life was confined to a hospital bed due to a terminal illness, making it impossible for him to move on his own.
- Nhi discovers that the land on the other side is beautiful and peaceful, but he cannot reach it.
- By placing the character in this paradoxical situation, the author allows readers to experience the nature of life.
- Life and human fate are filled with the unexpected, paradoxical, and random, often beyond human plans, knowledge, and desires.
- Throughout life, people inevitably face detours or delays, and only at the end, like Nhi, do they realize the richness and beauty of the things close by—like the sandbank across the river and his wife’s steadfast love and sacrifices.
Question 2 (page 107, Vietnamese Literature 9, Volume 2)
Through the window, Nhi discovers a beauty he had never seen before, even though he had traveled the world.
- The space has both depth and breadth: the purple flowers outside the window, the pale red color of the Red River in autumn, the sky dome, and the sandbank on the opposite shore.
- The beautiful, simple scenes surrounding Nhi, yet it’s only at the end of his life, when he is bedridden, that he truly realizes them.
- Nhi yearns to set foot on the sandbank across the river. This wish symbolizes the awakening of the enduring, simple, and profound values of life—values often overlooked.
→ The awakening is mixed with Nhi's regret and sorrow.
Question 3 (page 108, Vietnamese Literature 9, Volume 2)
The author’s portrayal of psychology is subtle and full of humanistic spirit.
- The author places the character in a dire situation, allowing him to reflect and experience life deeply, contemplating his own existence.
- Nhi reflects on life, its purpose, and the people in it—his wife, his child, and himself.
+ Everything in Nhi’s view becomes beautiful as he nears the end of his life.
+ His frail wife, tirelessly working for the family, becomes the "anchor" of the household.
+ Nhi’s awakening to the beauty of the sandbank highlights the image of his child, who is too busy playing to appreciate the beauty of the sandbank.
+ This reflects a deep love for life, shaped by many ups and downs.
- Nhi reflects on Lien: he recognizes all the quiet sacrifice and dedication of his wife.
- Nhi longs to set foot on the sandbank across the river.
Question 4 (page 108, Vietnamese Literature 9, Volume 2)
In the conclusion, the author focuses on the unusual portrait and gestures of the character.
- "He gathered all his remaining strength to stretch himself out, raising a thin arm to wave out the window."
→ This action shows his urgency, trying to signal to his son not to miss the last ferry of the day.
- There is another meaning: he wants to awaken everyone to stop their "detours and delays" and focus on the simple, enduring values in life.
Question 5 (page 108, Vietnamese Literature 9, Volume 2)
The images in the story have multiple meanings, both literal and symbolic:
- The image of the sandbank and riverbank not only represents the real landscape but also symbolizes the simple, close, and familiar beauty of life—extended to represent one’s homeland and country.
- The late-season purple flowers, the sounds of the riverbank’s landslides during Nhi’s sleep at dawn… symbolize Nhi’s approach to the end of his life.
- The playful child symbolizes the detours and delays in human life.
- Nhi’s final actions and gestures express his awakening and his hope that his son will fulfill his final wish.
Question 6 (page 108, Vietnamese Literature 9, Volume 2)
The theme of the story is expressed in this passage: "In life, people often cannot avoid detours and delays. It is necessary to awaken the true values and beauty of life in the simple, everyday, enduring things."
- The author reminds people to awaken and recognize the right path to follow.
- The enduring value exists in the most simple, familiar things in life.
Exercises
Exercise 1 (page 108, Vietnamese Literature 9, Volume 2)
The author's depiction of nature in the opening passage is striking:
- Nature images are rich in symbolism.
+ The vivid purple flowers represent Nhi’s last strength as he tries to reach the sandbank on the other side of the river.
+ The picturesque, colorful beauty of nature, through the image of the sandbank across the river, expresses Nhi's deep love for his homeland.
Exercise 2 (page 108, Vietnamese Literature 9, Volume 2)
The passage conveys the author’s life philosophy through Nhi’s thoughts. It awakens the reader to the paradox of life. People cannot escape detours and delays, which cause them to forget the enduring happiness right next to them. In youth, many seek happiness far away without realizing that the true beauty lies in one’s homeland and family. Only when it is too late do they realize this truth.
Meaning - Values
- Content: Students are encouraged to appreciate and analyze the deep reflections and experiences of the author about humanity and life, as well as to awaken and value the simple beauty right next to us, respecting the importance of family life.
- Artistic merit: Students can analyze the author’s unique psychological portrayal and rich symbolic images, as well as how the author builds the narrative through the character’s emotional flow.
5. Essay on "Ben Que" #2
Structure: 3 parts
- Part 1 (from the beginning… to the window of my house): The situation of the character Nhi through the conversation between Nhi and Lien.
- Part 2 (continuation… the bat-winged sail reflecting on a red river): The journey of crossing the river to the other side by Tuan.
- Part 3 (the rest): Teacher Khuyen’s visit to Nhi.
Main message: Through the circumstances and emotions of Nhi, the story "Ben Que" conveys the author’s deep reflections on humanity and life, urging readers to appreciate the simple, familiar beauty and values of family and homeland.
Answer to Question 1 (page 107, Vietnamese Literature 9, Volume 2):
- Situation: Nhi, who once traveled the world, is now bound to his sickbed by a terminal illness, paralyzing him and leaving him with little time left. He cannot even move the upper part of his body. It is only in this moment that he notices the beauty of the sandbank across the river.
- By creating this situation, Nguyen Minh Chau reveals life’s paradoxes and invites us to contemplate life’s deeper truths: life is full of unexpected twists, and thus, we should cherish the beautiful values around us.
Answer to Question 2 (page 107, Vietnamese Literature 9, Volume 2):
- Nhi sees: the purple flowers just outside the window, the pale red River Hong as autumn arrives, the sky’s dome, and the sandbank across the river.
- Nhi longs to set foot on the sandbank across the river, a longing that is hopeless as he is nearing the end of his life.
=> A late awakening to the enduring values often forgotten by people.
Answer to Question 3 (page 108, Vietnamese Literature 9, Volume 2):
- Sensitivity: From the hesitant gestures "not daring to look at his son", to the questions posed to Lien, fearing that he is becoming a burden on his family. His awkwardness in expressing his strange request to his son. Worrying that his son might miss the last ferry due to his playful nature. Imagining himself as the son on the ferry. Summoning every last bit of strength to stretch himself out of the window and wave to his son.
- Humanitarian spirit: Despite his critical condition, Nhi still harbors hope of reaching the sandbank across the river. This demonstrates Nhi’s love for his homeland.
Answer to Question 4 (page 108, Vietnamese Literature 9, Volume 2):
- Nhi’s unusual action: waving to his son. This can be understood as his urgency, signaling to his son to hurry up or he will miss the only ferry of the day.
- This symbolizes the desire to awaken everyone to avoid the "detours and delays" in life and remind readers of the simple, enduring, and authentic values.
Answer to Question 5 (page 108, Vietnamese Literature 9, Volume 2):
- The image of the sandbank across the river: the beauty of life found in the simple, everyday, and familiar things.
- The late-season purple flowers seem more vibrant, and the sounds of landslides from the riverbank at dawn in Nhi’s sleep symbolize that Nhi’s life is nearing its final days.
- Nhi’s son, immersed in a game, represents the detours and delays in human life.
Answer to Question 6 (page 108, Vietnamese Literature 9, Volume 2):
- The passage highlights the main theme of the story, which is captured in Nhi’s thoughts as he sees his son neglecting his father’s request because of his playful nature.
- The passage deeply reflects the story’s theme: in life, people often face detours and delays, which makes them forget the simple, lasting values right around them. It calls on readers to recognize and cherish these simple, everyday beauties.
Exercise
Answer to Question 1 (page 108, Vietnamese Literature 9, Volume 2):
The familiar, everyday images of a row of trees, a boat, a river, a ferry station, and a sandbank… All these seemingly ordinary images hold deep symbolic meaning.
Answer to Question 2 (page 108, Vietnamese Literature 9, Volume 2):
The passage serves as the author’s reflection on the philosophy of life through Nhi’s thoughts. These thoughts awaken readers to the paradoxes of life. People often face detours and delays in life that cause them to overlook the true values of happiness and the simple, lasting beauty that surrounds us, such as the sandbank across the river. In youth, people often seek beauty in distant places without realizing that their own family and homeland are the true sources of beauty. But when they come to this realization, it is too late, just as Nhi, who cannot reach the sandbank across the river because of his illness, has no chance to fulfill his final wish. His son, Tuan, cannot help him achieve this final desire.
Main Message:
Through the circumstances and emotions of Nhi, the story "Ben Que" conveys the author’s deep reflections on humanity and life, urging readers to appreciate the simple, familiar beauty and values of family and homeland.
6. Essay on "Ben Que" #3
I. A Few Words About the Author
- Nguyễn Minh Châu (1930-1989)
- Hometown: Văn Thai village (commonly known as Thơi village), Quỳnh Hải commune, Quỳnh Lưu district, Nghệ An province
- Life and Career:
+ In 1945, he graduated from Huế Industrial School with a general diploma.
+ In January 1950, he studied at Huỳnh Thúc Kháng School in Nghệ Tĩnh, then joined the army and attended the Tran Quoc Tuan Military Academy.
+ In 1961, he studied at Lạng Sơn Culture School.
+ In 1962, he began working at the Military Arts Department and later at the Army Literature and Arts magazine.
+ In 1972, he was inducted into the Vietnam Writers' Association.
Notable Works: *The Boat Outside the Bay*, *The Soldier's Footprints*, *Ben Que*...
- Writing Style:
+ After the war, Nguyễn Minh Châu continued to harness the combativeness of his pen, writing not only about the echoes of war but also addressing civil issues through the lens of a seasoned soldier.
II. The Work:
The short story *“Ben Que”* appears in the collection of the same name by Nguyễn Minh Châu, published in 1985.
Through the character Nhĩ, a man in his final days, the author conveys deep reflections on human life, urging readers to appreciate the simple, familiar beauty and values of life, family, and home.
III. Text Understanding
Question 1 - Page 107, Literature 9, Volume 2: What is the situation of the character Nhĩ in the story? What does the author aim to convey through this situation?
Answer: The character Nhĩ is in a unique situation: having traveled the world, in his final days, he is confined to a sickbed. He discovers the simple and alluring beauty of the land across the river, yet is unable to reach it. By placing the character in this paradoxical situation, the author seeks to guide readers toward reflections on life.
Question 2 - Page 107, Literature 9, Volume 2: In his last days, confined to his sickbed, what does Nhĩ see through the window, and what does he yearn for? Why does Nhĩ feel this yearning, and what does it symbolize?
Answer
Nhĩ longs to set foot on the sandbank across the river.- This wish signifies an awakening to enduring values.- It reflects a mixture of awakening, regret, and sorrow.
Question 3 - Page 108, Literature 9, Volume 2: Why can it be said that Nguyễn Minh Châu's depiction of Nhĩ's psychology in this story is very delicate and imbued with humanitarian spirit? Analyze the portrayal of Nhĩ’s psychology to support this claim.
Answer
In this short story, Nguyễn Minh Châu's depiction of the character’s psychology is highly delicate and full of humanitarian spirit.- This is evident in his choice of situations and their treatment.- The character’s reflections on life, his thoughts on people like his wife and child, and on his own existence, express love for life despite the hardships faced and the impending danger.
Question 4 - Page 108, Literature 9, Volume 2: At the end of the story, the author focuses on describing Nhĩ’s unusual gestures and demeanor. Explain the significance of these details.
Answer
At the end of the story, the author highlights Nhĩ’s unusual appearance and actions.- These gestures suggest that Nhĩ is anxiously urging his son to hurry, as it is the last chance to catch the boat for the day.- This action aims to awaken readers to recognize the simple, close, and enduring values of life.
Question 5 - Page 108, Literature 9, Volume 2: Many images and details in the story are symbolic. Identify a few such images and explain their symbolic meaning. (Suggestions: the sandbank across the river, the eroded riverbank, the son getting caught in a game of chess...)
Answer
The image of the sandbank and riverbank symbolizes the beauty of simple life.- The flowers of the end-of-season by the river and the sound of earth sliding down into the river symbolize the nearing end of Nhĩ’s life.- His son’s distraction with the chess game represents the wandering, roundabout nature of human existence.- Nhĩ’s final gestures serve as a reminder to value life’s essential, enduring truths.
Question 6 - Page 108, Literature 9, Volume 2: This short story contains the writer’s reflections on human life. Identify the passage in the text that concentrates the theme of the story and share your thoughts about it.
Answer
The passage where the character reflects on his son's carelessness, forgetting his father's request, profoundly conveys the theme of the story.
IV. Practice
Question 1 – Practice - Page 108, Literature 9, Volume 2: Read the opening paragraph of the story and comment on the author’s use of nature imagery in this section.
Answer
- The scenery is described from Nhĩ’s perspective.
- The description moves from near to far, creating both depth and breadth.
- The depiction is filled with subtle emotions.
Question 2 – Practice - Page 109, Literature 9, Volume 2:
“I fear my son will miss the last boat of the day,” Nhĩ thought sadly. Life is full of these roundabout paths that people must navigate. Besides, his son doesn’t even seem to see the beauty of the sandbank across the river. Only someone like him, who has traveled the world, can appreciate the richness and beauty of the riverbank—its simplicity yet depth. This realization is filled with both fascination and regret, a feeling that cannot be fully explained.
Share your thoughts on this passage.
Answer
Write a paragraph: - Describe the situation - Analyze the character’s longing and aspirations - Reflect on the lesson about life Nhĩ has learned.
