Top 6 Best Study Guides for "The Sisters Thúy Kiều" in 9th Grade

I. General Overview:

1. Author

• Nguyễn Du (1766-1820)
• Official during the Lê dynasty and Nguyễn dynasty

2. The Work

• "The Tale of Kiều" (refer to the textbook)
• Excerpt from "The Sisters Thúy Kiều"
• Located at the beginning of the masterpiece
• Depicts the portraits of the two sisters Thúy Vân and Thúy Kiều

II. Understanding the Text "The Sisters Thúy Kiều"

Question 1, page 81, 9th-grade literature textbook, volume 1

Structure of the excerpt:

• The first four lines: Introduction of the two sisters
• The next four lines: Description of Thúy Vân's beauty
• The following twelve lines: Depiction of Thúy Kiều's complete beauty and talent
• The last four lines: The life of the two sisters

Question 2, page 81, 9th-grade literature textbook, volume 1

Sketch of Thúy Vân's portrait:

Her face is as round as the moon
Her full lips and flourishing smile
Her beauty is like a blooming flower, pure and graceful
Her hair like clouds, her skin like snow

Nguyễn Du's portrayal of Vân emphasizes the idealized beauty of the time, with nature as the standard. Vân is portrayed as a delicate and graceful young woman, harmonizing with the natural world:

A rounded face like the moon
Sharp eyebrows like dragon's wings
Smiling mouth like a flower
Voice as clear as jade
Hair dark like the clouds
Skin white as snow
Her beauty suggests a peaceful and smooth life ahead

Question 3, page 81, 9th-grade literature textbook, volume 1

Thúy Kiều's beauty is depicted using idealized images, yet there are striking details that add emphasis:

Kiều has a sharper, more alluring beauty
Her talents and appearance surpass that of others
Her eyes are as clear as autumn water
Her beauty rivals the brightest flowers, surpassing others in splendor

The terms “sharp and alluring” depict Thúy Kiều’s extraordinary beauty. By first describing Vân, the author creates a contrast that makes Kiều’s beauty even more unforgettable.

While Vân’s full figure is described, the focus on Thúy Kiều is more on her eyes and eyebrows, as the eyes are the window to the soul.

Her eyes are as clear as the still autumn waters
Her eyebrows as fresh as the spring hills

Question 4, page 81, 9th-grade literature textbook, volume 1

In addition to her beauty, Kiều's talents are also celebrated:

“Beauty is one, but her talent is two.” This talent is portrayed through traditional ideals: playing the zither, calligraphy, poetry, and painting. Of these, her mastery of the zither stands out, composing songs that reflect her emotional struggles. Kiều’s beauty and talent make her admired but also pitied for her “tragic fate”

Question 5, page 81, 9th-grade literature textbook, volume 1

In the excerpt, Thúy Vân is described first, while Thúy Kiều is described in more depth. This seems to be the author’s intent, using Vân's portrayal to set the stage and accentuate Kiều’s beauty and talent. This is also reflected in the structure of the passage, with more lines dedicated to Kiều.

Question 6, page 83, 9th-grade literature textbook, volume 1
Which portrait stands out more, Thúy Kiều or Thúy Vân, and why?
Answer
Thúy Kiều's portrait stands out more. This aligns with the artistic intent of the author in creating "The Tale of Kiều", which focuses on the tragic life of Kiều. This is reflected in the disparity in the number of lines describing the two characters (4 for Vân, 12 for Kiều). Thúy Vân's beauty is depicted through her appearance and personality, while Kiều’s beauty, intelligence, and soul are highlighted. Though Vân is the younger sister, her portrayal is done first to create a backdrop that enhances Kiều's portrait.

1. Question 1, page 83, Textbook:

Examine the structure of the passage and discuss how it relates to the sequence of character descriptions by the author.

Answer:

The structure of the passage "The Two Sisters Thúy Kiều" is as follows:

• The first four lines: Introduce the two sisters Thúy Kiều.
• The next four lines: Describe Thúy Vân's beauty.
• The next twelve lines: Describe Thúy Kiều's beauty.
• The last four lines: Provide a general summary of the life of the two sisters.

This structure reflects the author's approach in portraying the characters:

• The first four lines briefly introduce the general beauty (a graceful demeanor, a pure spirit, flawless features) and individual beauty (each with their own distinct charm) of both sisters. Afterward, the author delves deeper into the description of each character's appearance.
• The following four lines focus on Thúy Vân's features, from her face, eyebrows, hair, skin, smile, and voice, all contributing to an image of a wholesome, noble, and graceful young woman.
• The portrait of Thúy Vân is sketched first, creating a backdrop that highlights the portrayal of Thúy Kiều's beauty in the following twelve lines.
• The next twelve lines vividly describe Thúy Kiều, emphasizing not just her beauty but also her talent and soul. Thúy Kiều is depicted as an exceptional beauty, captivating and intellect-rich. Her beauty is symbolized through her eyes and eyebrows, as well as her extraordinary skills in music, chess, poetry, and painting.
• The final four lines provide an overall description of the two sisters' affluent, disciplined, and virtuous lives.

This cohesive structure effectively highlights the shared and unique beauty of both sisters, enhancing the narrative.

Question 2: What do you think about Nguyễn Du's artistic style in portraying people?

Answer:

In portraying characters' outward appearances, Nguyễn Du strategically chooses a style that emphasizes personality traits. At times, he uses symbolic, generalized descriptions to express the character’s beauty, as seen in the portraits of Thúy Kiều and Thúy Vân. The author uses just a few quick strokes, yet the beauty of both sisters shines through, from their faces to their smiles, skin, and hair.

Some may argue that the specific features like a face being "full and round" or skin as "white as snow" seem unrealistic or hard to depict. However, it’s important to note that Nguyễn Du is not concerned with rendering physical likenesses but with conveying idealized beauty. His portrayal transcends the ordinary to elevate the beauty of the two sisters. The choice of symbols and metaphorical imagery elevates their beauty beyond the ordinary, creating a perfect portrayal of their charm.

Nguyễn Du's artistic genius lies in painting an image of beauty so compelling that the reader can feel its truth. The depiction doesn’t just capture their external traits but also the inner essence of their personalities. For instance, Thúy Vân is gentle and virtuous, while Thúy Kiều’s beauty is a reflection of her tragic fate and complex emotions.

Question 3: Compare the passage "The Two Sisters Thúy Kiều" from Nguyễn Du’s Truyện Kiều with the additional reading from Thanh Tâm Tài Nhân's Kim Vân Kiều Truyện. Point out the differences in how the two authors describe their characters.

Answer:

Compare the descriptions of the two sisters in both works, paying attention to the following points:

• How does Thanh Tâm Tài Nhân describe the family background compared to Nguyễn Du’s brief introduction?
• How does Thanh Tâm Tài Nhân portray the sisters' beauty? Does he describe it in detail or only mention it briefly? Does he convey their personalities? How does Nguyễn Du describe the sisters, and does he highlight their personalities?
• In terms of structure, how does Nguyễn Du order the descriptions of the sisters, and how does Thanh Tâm Tài Nhân approach this order?

By noting these differences, you can appreciate Nguyễn Du's creative choices and the unique qualities of the passage "The Two Sisters Thúy Kiều".

Question 4: What humanitarian sentiment does Nguyễn Du express through this excerpt from Truyện Kiều?

A. Sympathy for human suffering
B. Criticism of the brutal and corrupt forces
C. Respect for the beauty of humanity
D. Desire for justice and righteousness

Answer:

Read the relevant section (SGK Vietnamese Literature 9, Volume 1, page 83) to answer this question.

Structure:

Part 1 (first 4 lines): Introduction to the sisters Thuy Kieu

Part 2 (next 4 lines): Thuy Van's beauty

Part 3 (next 12 lines): Thuy Kieu's beauty

Part 4 (last 4 lines): The peaceful life of the sisters Thuy Kieu

Guide to writing the essay:

Question 1 (page 83, Literature 9, Volume 1)

The structure of the excerpt:

- First four lines: General introduction of the beauty of the two sisters Thuy Kieu

- Next four lines: Thuy Van's beauty

- Twelve lines: Thuy Kieu's beauty

- Last four lines: The peaceful life of the two sisters Thuy Kieu

The sequence of describing the characters follows the structure from general to specific.

Question 2 (page 83, Literature 9, Volume 1)

The author uses symbolic imagery to depict Thuy Van's beauty:

+ A round face, a well-defined figure

+ A smile like flowers, with grace and nobility

- These are common images in classical literature.

- Her beauty symbolizes harmony and peaceful coexistence with the world around her, foreshadowing a calm and smooth life.

→ This expresses the virtuous and noble beauty of the young girl.

Question 3 (page 83, Literature 9, Volume 1)

- Thuy Kieu's beauty is described through symbolic images: autumn water, spring mountains, flowers, and willows.

+ Sharp, insightful intellect and rich, emotional depth

+ The depiction of her eyes as 'autumn water' symbolizes clarity and intellect, evoking her quick wit and perceptiveness.

- The poet doesn't describe Thuy Kieu in detail like Thuy Van, but her beauty radiates the essence of an unparalleled beauty.

→ Thuy Kieu's beauty reflects a transcendent level of grace and intelligence.

Question 4 (page 83, Literature 9, Volume 1)

The poet devotes many verses to portraying Thuy Kieu's talents.

- Her talents are idealized according to traditional aesthetic values: music, chess, poetry, and painting.

+ The poet emphasizes her mastery of the lute, which stands as her greatest skill.

- By focusing on her musical talents, the poet highlights Kieu's extraordinary emotional depth.

+ The 'Bạc mệnh' (Tragic Fate) tune she plays reflects her melancholic and sensitive heart.

→ Kieu's beauty is harmoniously balanced in her appearance, talent, and emotions, reaching perfection.

Question 5 (page 83, Literature 9, Volume 1)

The two portraits of Thuy Van and Thuy Kieu, with Thuy Kieu’s standing out more:

- This aligns with the author's intention to depict the painful, tragic life of the talented but ill-fated Thuy Kieu.

- More verses are dedicated to describing Thuy Kieu than Thuy Van.

- Thuy Van’s portrait emphasizes her appearance and character, while Thuy Kieu's portrayal combines beauty, talent, and soul.

- The depiction of Thuy Van first serves to highlight Thuy Kieu's portrayal.

Question 6 (page 83, Literature 9, Volume 1)

+ The portrait of Thuy Kieu is more prominent than that of Thuy Van:

+ Thuy Van’s portrait is used as a background to accentuate Thuy Kieu’s beauty.

+ Nguyen Du uses four lines to describe Thuy Van, while devoting twelve lines to the detailed portrayal of Thuy Kieu.

+ Thuy Van is described mainly in terms of her appearance, while Thuy Kieu’s portrait includes beauty, talent, and soul.

Practice:

Memorize the poem.

Answer to Question 1 (Page 83, Literature 9, Volume 1):

Study the structure of the poem and discuss how this structure is related to the sequence in which the author describes the characters.

Detailed answer:

- The first four lines introduce the general characteristics of the two sisters, Thuy Kieu;

- The next four lines describe the beauty of Thuy Van;

- The remaining sixteen lines describe the beauty of Thuy Kieu.

Sequence of character descriptions:

- The first four lines provide a general introduction to the beauty of each sister, followed by more detailed descriptions of their individual beauty.

- The next four lines focus on Thuy Van's beauty, depicting her full, graceful features, including her face, eyebrows, hair, and skin, all of which suggest a serene, kind beauty.

By describing Thuy Van first, the portrait serves as a background that highlights the beauty of Thuy Kieu in the following twelve lines.

- The next twelve lines depict Thuy Kieu’s beauty, encompassing her appearance, talent, and heart. It’s a portrayal of her multifaceted beauty.

- The final four lines summarize the prosperous, disciplined, and virtuous life of the two sisters.

=> This structure is both well-organized and logical, effectively emphasizing the individual and collective beauty of the two sisters.

Answer to Question 2 (Page 83, Literature 9, Volume 1):

Which symbolic images are used to describe Thuy Van's beauty? What do these images reveal about Thuy Van's appearance and character?

Detailed answer:

- Thuy Van’s unique beauty and character are symbolically depicted using images like the moon, smile, jade, clouds, and snow in four lines:

Her appearance is notably graceful,

Her round face and radiant brows.

Her smile is like a flower, her expression like jade,

Her hair outshines the clouds, her skin surpasses snow.

Thuy Van's beauty is described as elegant, noble, and full, while her personality is modest, sincere, and kind. These images also foreshadow her fate: a calm and stable life.

Answer to Question 3 (Page 83, Literature 9, Volume 1):

When describing Thuy Kieu's beauty, the author also uses symbolic imagery. How does this compare to Thuy Van's description?

Detailed answer:

* Similarities:

- The author uses symbolic imagery to describe Thuy Kieu's beauty, such as “autumn waters” and “spring mountains.”

- Both portraits of Thuy Kieu and Thuy Van include not only physical beauty but also hints of their characters and fates: Kieu’s beauty stirs jealousy, foreshadowing a tragic fate.

* Differences:

- Nguyen Du employs a technique of contrast, describing Thuy Van first to set the stage for the portrayal of Thuy Kieu.

- Nguyen Du dedicates four lines to Thuy Van's description but devotes twelve lines to vividly detailing Thuy Kieu's beauty.

- While Thuy Van's beauty is primarily external, Thuy Kieu’s beauty encompasses her physical appearance, talents, and soul.

Answer to Question 4 (Page 83, Literature 9, Volume 1):

In addition to her physical beauty, what other aspects of Thuy Kieu’s beauty does the author emphasize? What do these qualities suggest about her character?

Detailed answer:

- In addition to physical beauty, the author emphasizes Thuy Kieu's talents and inner beauty. Kieu embodies all the talents praised in classical thought: music, poetry, calligraphy, and painting.

- The author especially highlights her skill in playing the lute, her “unique talent” that surpasses others, and also alludes to her emotional depth through her self-composed, tragic music.

- Similar to Thuy Van, the portrayal of Thuy Kieu’s unique beauty—both physical and intellectual—suggests a forewarning of her tragic fate, reflecting the belief that beauty and talent often lead to misfortune, according to classical thought.

Answer to Question 5 (Page 83, Literature 9, Volume 1):

It is often said that Thuy Van’s beauty is “outshone by her hair and surpassed by her skin,” while Thuy Kieu’s beauty “outshines the flowers and outdoes the willow’s green.” Do you agree with this interpretation? Why?

Detailed answer:

- The description of Thuy Van’s beauty suggests a kind and gentle nature, indicating she will lead a peaceful, smooth life. The delicate phrasing, such as “surpassed” and “outshone,” emphasizes her soft, serene beauty.

- On the other hand, the portrayal of Thuy Kieu uses language that emphasizes her intense, captivating beauty, where flowers must “envy” and willows “complain.” Her beauty surpasses even nature itself, foreshadowing her difficult, tragic life.

Answer to Question 6 (Page 83, Literature 9, Volume 1):

Between the two portraits of Thuy Kieu and Thuy Van, which one stands out more, and why?

Detailed answer:

Thuy Kieu’s portrait stands out more, which aligns with the author’s artistic intention in creating the narrative of *The Tale of Kieu*. The entire work focuses on Kieu’s tragic and painful life. This is reflected in the disparity in the number of lines dedicated to describing each character (4 vs. 12). Thuy Van’s beauty is described in terms of her appearance and character, while Thuy Kieu’s beauty encompasses her physical beauty, talents, and soul. Though Thuy Van is younger, she is described first to set the backdrop that highlights Kieu’s portrait.

Main Idea

This excerpt vividly portrays the stunning beauty of the two sisters, Thuy Kieu and Thuy Van, praising their beauty and talents, while foreshadowing Thuy Kieu’s tragic fate as a talented but doomed individual—illustrating Nguyen Du’s humanistic inspiration.

I. Text Comprehension

Question 1, Page 83, Literature 9, Volume 1: Analyze the structure of the poem and explain how it relates to the order in which the author describes the characters?

Answer:

The structure of the excerpt can be divided into four parts:

+ First 4 lines: A general introduction to the two sisters Thuy Kieu.

+ Next 4 lines: The portrait of Thuy Van.

+ Following 12 lines: The portrait of Thuy Kieu.

+ Last 4 lines: The life of the two sisters.

* The structure of the excerpt is tightly organized, reflecting Nguyen Du's delicate character portrayal: starting with a general impression of the two sisters' beauty, the poet first describes Thuy Van’s beauty to intensify the portrayal of Thuy Kieu's beauty.

Question 2, Page 83, Literature 9, Volume 1: What conventional artistic images are used to describe Thuy Van's beauty? Based on these images, what can we infer about her appearance and character?

Answer:

Thuy Van's beauty is compared to the moon, flowers, jewels, clouds, and snow. The poet describes each of her features specifically. Among the many beauties in nature, Nguyen Du selects the finest to compare with Thuy Van’s beauty. While using conventional artistic methods, the description of Thuy Van is more detailed than that of Thuy Kieu. The comparisons and metaphors emphasize her graceful, serene, and noble qualities: a full, gentle face like the moon, eyebrows sharp and defined like a moth’s wings, silky, smooth hair like clouds, skin whiter than snow, a smile like a blooming flower, and a voice as pure as jade...

* Thuy Van’s portrait reflects her character and destiny. Her beauty blends harmoniously with the surroundings: clouds bow down, snow gives way. This subtly hints at a gentle nature and a calm, smooth life path.

Question 3, Page 83, Literature 9, Volume 1: When describing Thuy Kieu's beauty, the poet also uses conventional artistic imagery. What are the similarities and differences compared to the portrayal of Thuy Van?

Answer:

Thuy Kieu's beauty is also described using conventional methods, with nature as a point of comparison. Nguyen Du employs traditional images to portray Kieu’s unmatched beauty: autumn water, spring hills, flowers, and willows... However, the poet does not list as many details as in Thuy Van's portrayal. Instead, the focus is on creating a general impression of an unparalleled beauty. The poet emphasizes her eyes, as they reveal intelligence and soul. The metaphor of autumn water and spring hills evokes her eyes' beauty—clear and sparkling like autumn’s waters, her eyebrows delicate like spring’s hills. Thuy Kieu’s beauty makes flowers envious, willows mournful, and cities and rivers falter. The poet doesn’t describe her beauty directly, but instead, he shows how it affects the world around her, indicating depth and irresistible charm.

Question 4, Page 83, Literature 9, Volume 1: Beyond physical beauty, what other attributes of Thuy Kieu does the poet emphasize? What do these attributes reveal about her character?

Answer:

In addition to her physical beauty, the poet highlights Kieu's talents and soul: her skills reach an idealized level according to classical aesthetic standards, including music (lute), chess, poetry, and painting. Her lute skills are particularly exceptional, and she is recognized for composing her own poignant piece, 'Bac Menh,' reflecting the deep sorrow and emotional depth of her soul.

Question 5, Page 83, Literature 9, Volume 1: People often say that Thuy Van’s beauty is described as 'The clouds lose to her hair, snow yields to her skin,' while Thuy Kieu’s beauty is said to make the flowers envious and the willows mournful. Do you think this foreshadows their fates? Why or why not? (Pay attention to the emotional nuances of the words 'lose' and 'yield' for Thuy Van and 'envious' and 'mournful' for Thuy Kieu.)

Answer:

Through these descriptions, Nguyen Du foreshadows the fates of the two sisters. Thuy Van’s beauty blends with her surroundings—clouds surrender, snow yields. This portrait suggests a gentle personality and a peaceful, smooth destiny. On the other hand, Thuy Kieu’s beauty causes nature to feel jealous, and other beauties become envious. Her exceptional talents, intellect, and sensitive soul imply a life of adversity, suffering, and misfortune...

Question 6, Page 83, Literature 9, Volume 1: Between the portraits of Thuy Van and Thuy Kieu, which one stands out more? Why?

(Suggestions:

- Compare the number of lines describing Thuy Van to those describing Thuy Kieu.

- What beauty traits are unique to Thuy Kieu?

- Why does the poet describe Thuy Van first and Thuy Kieu second?)

Answer:

Both portraits are exceptional, each showcasing the unique beauty of these two characters. With the use of contrast, Nguyen Du skillfully enhances Thuy Kieu's portrayal. (The portrait of Thuy Van comes first to highlight Thuy Kieu’s beauty, devoting 4 lines to Thuy Van and 12 lines to Thuy Kieu. While only Thuy Van’s physical beauty is described, Kieu’s portrait includes not only her beauty but also her talents and emotions.) Thuy Van’s beauty is mostly external, while Thuy Kieu’s beauty encompasses her appearance, talents, and inner self.

II. Practice

Memorize the excerpt

- Students will recite the excerpt to their peers.