Top 7 Essays Analyzing the Character of Nhuan Tho in the Work "A Homecoming" by Lu Xun

Lu Xun (1881-1936), a renowned Chinese writer, initially studied various fields but, after a significant event during his studies in Japan, realized a profound truth: healing the body is not as effective as healing the mind. This led him to shift from pursuing medicine to writing, aiming to transform the outdated, feudal mindset prevalent in Chinese society at the time and bring about a revolutionary change. His most famous works include short stories such as "The True Story of Ah Q," "Waking Up," and "Outcry." The central themes of Lu Xun's work often focus on the plight of peasants and workers in old Chinese society. His short story "A Homecoming" is a key piece from the 1923 collection "Outcry." In this story, in addition to the main character, there is another essential figure—Nhuan Tho, the childhood friend of the narrator. During his return after twenty years, the narrator harbored high hopes for a joyful reunion, but the drastic transformation of Nhuan Tho as an adult led to deep disappointment.

After spending two decades living, studying, and working away from his hometown, the narrator returns to sell his childhood home and move his family to a new place. This return is not a happy occasion for the narrator, as it may be his last time seeing his homeland, which had been so dear to him during his childhood. The desolate, barren landscape, silent under a yellowed sky, reflects the sorrowful reality of the once-vibrant hometown. Here, the narrator witnesses not only the physical changes in the environment but also the profound transformations in the people, with Nhuan Tho being the pivotal figure in the story. Upon hearing that Nhuan Tho would visit, the narrator's sadness about the state of his homeland shifts to eager anticipation, longing to reunite with the close friend of his youth.

In that moment, memories flood back of their childhood, particularly a grand ancestral ceremony held every thirty years, and the innocent meeting of two young children. In the narrator's memory, Nhuan Tho was a lively, charming boy with a round face, tan skin, wearing a tiny fur hat, and silver jewelry. His hands were rosy, nimble, and chubby, and he was quick-witted, always talking and laughing. He knew how to trap peacocks, find beautiful seashells on the beach, and sneakily harvest watermelon. These things delighted the narrator, who lived within the confines of his family estate, and the two children quickly became close with no sense of distance between them. This was reflected in how Nhuan Tho referred to the narrator as 'brother'—a sign of their close bond.

When they had to part ways, Nhuan Tho cried persistently, refusing to leave. Later, he sent the narrator some bird feathers and a pouch of seashells through his father as a reminder of their cherished friendship. Another striking memory the narrator cherishes is Nhuan Tho’s intelligence and confidence, which showed in his words, actions, and demeanor. Moreover, Nhuan Tho, despite being a young boy, was true to his word, valuing their short-lived but meaningful friendship.

Filled with these fond memories, the narrator eagerly anticipates the reunion, but reality brings disappointment. Nhuan Tho, now an adult, has undergone a complete transformation in every aspect. Gone is the lively, chubby boy; Nhuan Tho has become a tall man with yellowed skin, deep wrinkles, and a worn-out fur hat. His once lively personality is replaced by a quiet, withdrawn demeanor. The change in Nhuan Tho is not just physical—his attitude and behavior reflect the harshness of life that has worn him down, stripping him of the optimism and vibrancy he once had. The narrator’s initial disillusionment is compounded by Nhuan Tho’s formal greeting, ‘Sir,’ which contrasts sharply with their former camaraderie. The warmth and closeness they once shared are now replaced by an awkward, distant atmosphere, leaving the narrator speechless and heartbroken.

Furthermore, from the narrator's perspective, Nhuan Tho's character has also undergone a stark transformation. The lively, quick-witted boy has been replaced by a slow, submissive, and dull man, worn down by the struggles of life and poverty. The once lively spirit has been crushed, and Nhuan Tho now exhibits a trait of dishonesty, such as burying bowls in the ashes to steal them later. This profound change highlights the devastating effects of the feudal system and social class divisions that have dehumanized individuals, stripping them of their innate beauty and goodness.

In "A Homecoming," Lu Xun not only recounts the narrator’s final journey home but also critiques the feudal society that has corrupted people like Nhuan Tho. The story encourages readers to reflect on the fate of the peasants and the wider society during that time.

"Old Home" is a classic short story by Lu Xun, depicting rural life in China. It is a memoir of the author’s beloved countryside. Upon visiting his hometown, the author is struck by how everything—his village, family, and friends—has changed. The most surprising transformation is seen in Nhuan Tho, his childhood friend: "The person who entered was Nhuan Tho. I recognized him immediately, but he was no longer the Nhuan Tho from my memories."

Indeed, Nhuan Tho has changed dramatically. The boy from the past, strong, quick-witted, and full of life, is now a laborer, with a large family, struggling hard, and shrinking into himself. Nhuan Tho used to be a healthy, active, and sharp boy. At ten years old, he had a round face, a dark tan, wore a small fur hat, and a shiny silver necklace. Despite his young age, Nhuan Tho was skilled in various things. He knew how to trap birds in the snow by sweeping a patch of land, setting traps with sticks, and scattering rice to lure them in.

Nhuan Tho also had vast knowledge about different types of clams, such as "devil face" clams and "Buddha hand" clams. He helped his father guard melons, chase wild pigs, and catch porcupines. Lu Xun expressed his admiration: "Wow! Nhuan Tho knows so many fascinating things, it’s impossible to list them all." The enthusiasm and excitement that readers perceive in Nhuan Tho’s character are unforgettable. The image of him, wearing a silver necklace, holding a trident, chasing a wild animal through a moonlit melon field, is etched in the author’s memory. Nhuan Tho was a strong, capable, and charming boy, destined for a bright future.

However, his life turned out to be the opposite of what was expected. Years later, the vibrant, tanned boy is gone. In his place is a man with a weathered, sunburned face, slow, heavy, and lifeless. His once strong and beautiful features have been replaced by ones marked by hardship. "His eyes were exactly like his father’s eyes—his eyelids swollen and red." His once intact and charming fur hat was now torn. His once neat appearance and confident stance had given way to a shabby, hunched figure wearing a thin, worn-out cotton coat. The author reflects on the changes, describing Nhuan Tho as "rough, heavy, cracked like the bark of a pine tree."

Such changes illustrate that Nhuan Tho is no longer the same person in the author’s memories. Not only his appearance but his soul has changed as well. The bold, carefree boy has become a shy and hesitant man. Reuniting with his friend, he is eager to talk and laugh as they did before. But there is an invisible gap between them now, driven by the stark difference in their social positions. One has become an intellectual of the ruling class, while the other is a humble, working-class man. As a result, Nhuan Tho feels the need to address his friend with respect: "Nhuan Tho stopped, his face a mix of happiness and sadness, lips moving but no words coming out. Then suddenly, he bowed deeply and respectfully: 'Sir.'" It was not politeness. Confronted with harsh reality, Nhuan Tho could no longer act as freely as before. The reader sees the exhaustion and acceptance of fate in his face. Throughout the conversation, he simply says 'sir' and 'please.' He shakes his head wearily when discussing his suffering. He speaks little, only smoking in silence when not being asked. His life, filled with misery in a coastal village, has not only worn him down physically but also dulled his mind. "He had become dull and slow-witted."

Despite these significant changes, Nhuan Tho remains a simple, good-hearted farmer. A small part of the boy he once was still lingers in him. He still wears his torn fur hat, speaks informally, and cheerfully cooks for himself. Most importantly, he continues to show sincere affection for his friend’s family. He greets their children and offers a gift of dried mung beans from his farm. Despite the change in circumstances and status, his feelings for his old friend’s family have not wavered.

Lu Xun portrays Nhuan Tho with love and compassion, presenting him as a vivid, real, and tragic character. Nhuan Tho represents the many peasants suffering under the cruel oppression and exploitation of China’s feudal system. Despite his suffering, his heartfelt friendship and sincerity earn the sympathy of all who know him.

Lu Xun was a renowned revolutionary writer from China, who often viewed literature as a powerful weapon to transform the minds of the people, who he believed were in a state of "ignorance and cowardice". His works, therefore, aimed to awaken his fellow countrymen to rise up and take control of their lives, with a vision of a bright future. The short story "Old Home", extracted from the collection "Howl", serves as a perfect example. It captures the emotions and reflections of the protagonist, Tan, as he witnesses the changes in both the landscape and people of his homeland. Through this, we see the image of the poor Chinese peasant of the past. The character Nhuan Tho, once a lively and capable young boy, has become a helpless and desperate man. Upon rereading, we realize the rapid transformation he underwent.

Hometown is not just the physical landscape, but in the depths of the soul, it is also the memories of childhood friendships. The image of the young Nhuan Tho gradually comes to life in Tan's memories. The decline of the hometown is reflected in the transformation of Nhuan Tho.

The author creates a contrast between the past and the present to highlight the sad changes in Nhuan Tho, who was once Tan's childhood friend. In Tan's memory, the beautiful images of the past, more than twenty years ago, resurface, especially the image of a healthy and quick-witted Nhuan Tho, with "a silver necklace around his neck, holding a trident in his hand", "dark brown skin" and a wealth of fascinating stories. In the past, Nhuan Tho was a healthy, attractive, intelligent, and resourceful boy.

He was a child from a family that was not destitute. Compared to other children of the same age, Nhuan Tho was a healthy, adorable boy with a "mischievous face, dark brown skin, and a tiny hat on his head, with a shiny silver necklace around his neck." This physique and complexion could be the result of hard labor.

Through the story that Nhuan Tho tells Tan about trapping birds in the cold winter snow, picking seashells on the beach in the summer, and guarding melons at night under the moon, we see that Nhuan Tho was also an intelligent, resourceful, quick-witted, and knowledgeable child. For Tan, like any other boy, the knowledge Nhuan Tho shared with him seemed like an entire new world of fascinating insights.

It seemed as though Nhuan Tho's little head contained a wealth of fascinating knowledge. Tan himself once remarked: "Wow! Nhuan Tho knows so many amazing things, things that none of my friends have ever heard of." Whenever Tan mentioned Nhuan Tho, a magical image came to mind: "In the vast melon field, a young boy holding a trident was chasing after a badger. This image partly reveals the courageous, resolute character of a little hero."

Nhuan Tho was a child with a pure heart, innocent and carefree. Despite their different family backgrounds—one a master, the other a servant—the two children played and became close friends, and their bond was never tainted by any dark notions. When Tan heard that he had to return to his homeland, Nhuan Tho cried and refused to leave, his tears touched the hearts of many young readers.

Even though they became distant later, their friendship never faded. The two children continued to exchange gifts as best they could. How can we forget the poor gifts Nhuan Tho gave Tan—gifts that contained all his love and longing: "a bag of beautiful bird feathers and seashells." These gifts were priceless because they had been earned through Nhuan Tho's sweat and hard work. To gather them, Nhuan Tho had to endure the harsh winter cold, trapping birds, selecting the most beautiful feathers, carefully preserving them, and spending summer afternoons collecting fascinating seashells on the beach. These modest gifts, along with the image of the little hero, stayed with Tan for many years.

Tan's "Old Home" is thus filled with memories of his dear friend and the beautiful, unforgettable moments they shared. Every time Tan remembers Nhuan Tho, "his memory is suddenly illuminated, and he realizes where the beauty of his homeland truly lies." In the present, however, the image of Nhuan Tho has completely changed. After thirty years away from his hometown, Tan notices not only the changes in the landscape but also the transformations in the people. From a healthy, strong, resourceful young boy, Nhuan Tho has now become an old, rough, and worn man with "yellow, wrinkled skin." Nhuan Tho now lives in a tragic, pitiful, and miserable condition: "A large family, bad harvests, heavy taxes, soldiers, thieves, corrupt officials—all of this has made him dull and lifeless!"

The once-dark complexion is now sallow, and the tiny, neat hat is now tattered. The shiny silver necklace has disappeared, replaced by a thin cotton coat. Even his once quick, plump hands have now become cracked and rough like tree bark. The cruel passage of time has not only altered his appearance but has also changed his humanity. When Tan meets Nhuan Tho this time, he has become shy, withdrawn, to the point where his deep wrinkles remain motionless, as if he were a stone statue. This man, now dull and lifeless, has surrendered his fate to the gods, blindly worshipping idols.

Although Nhuan Tho still remembers his friend, he cannot forget his place in society, as shown by the respectful way he addresses Tan. Between Tan and Nhuan Tho, there is now an insurmountable gap. The words "Sir" make Tan freeze, unable to speak. The degradation of the peasant has left Tan unable to recognize his childhood friend. The only authentic thing left in Nhuan Tho is his warmth: "In the cold winter, there’s nothing here. Just a bit of dried mung beans from my house, I offer them to you, Sir..." He brings his modest gift, but the respect he shows only deepens Tan's sorrow. How much less painful would it have been if there were no formalities or distant manners?

After decades of struggling with life, Nhuan Tho has become withdrawn, fearful, losing all his previous sharpness. The direct cause of this drastic and brutal transformation is the turmoil in Chinese society, leading to widespread poverty and backwardness, while the ruling class relentlessly exploited the people. Despite his affection for his old friend and the desire to reconnect, Nhuan Tho cannot overcome the class consciousness ingrained in his mind. Nhuan Tho belongs to the past. That beautiful past has faded, and it seems impossible to reclaim it. He is also a man of the present, a present marked by devastation, cruelty, and harshness. Tan is heartbroken but still hopes for the future. Hope is something that doesn’t yet exist; no one hopes for what they already have! Hope is not what has already been, but something new, something better.

The beautiful scene, reminiscent of the magical moments in Tan's childhood memories with Nhuan Tho, appears in his dreams, but the life of the new generation of Hoang and Thuy Sinh will make even that beauty different. That new life is still ahead, perhaps far away, but people keep hoping for it, wishing to achieve it. Eventually, that new life will come, just as the paths on the earth are formed by the laws of nature.

With a creative narrative, the author has depicted the image of a Chinese peasant from the past, with Nhuan Tho being a typical character. The childhood of Nhuan Tho is beautiful and pure, but it was all too brief. The image of the clever, knowledgeable, and pure-hearted boy faded too quickly with the passing years. This rapid change leaves us with an infinite sense of regret and the bitter sorrow of a fleeting life.

In Chinese literature, we cannot overlook great writers like Du Fu, Li Bai, Bai Ju Yi, and of course, the important name of Lu Xun. He was a remarkable writer with progressive ideas, ahead of his time, and demonstrated an enlightened perspective during a period when China was on the brink of war. One of his short stories, *Old Home*, recounts the author’s return to his hometown after more than twenty years. The people and the landscape have changed, reflecting the devastation through the actions, words, and appearances of those who once had a deep connection with the author’s childhood. Among them is Nhuan Tho, a childhood friend. This change, particularly in his thoughts and character, caused the author the most pain.

Nhuan Tho, as remembered by the author, was a smart, healthy, and handsome boy. Though he came from a poor family, being the only son, he was spoiled by his parents, resulting in his cherubic and endearing appearance. His childhood was marked by vivid details like the fur cap he wore and the shiny silver necklace around his neck, which symbolized his nurtured growth. People back then often thought he would have a bright future.

At that time, Nhuan Tho was quick-witted and intelligent. Despite coming from a farmer’s family and initially being hired as a servant, he quickly adapted to his new life. He became a companion to the author during childhood, reducing his loneliness. In the author’s heart, no one could replace Nhuan Tho’s place. Nhuan Tho knew many things that the author, raised in the city, couldn’t even fathom, like how to catch sparrows or distinguish certain types of shells. When they parted, the author was most attached to Nhuan Tho, thinking that he would grow up to be a strong, independent man who would take care of his family, much like he had once helped with the author’s family’s farm work.

However, many years later, upon meeting again, Nhuan Tho was no longer the same boy. He had grown significantly in size, his eyes no longer sparkling with intelligence but dull and bloodshot. His once plump, youthful face had become sallow, with wrinkles marking his skin. The energetic, sharp-witted boy had been replaced by a slow, quiet, and somewhat defeated man. This transformation shocked the author. Nhuan Tho had become just another person, bowed down by life’s harsh realities, his former spirit crushed. Perhaps it was because of the deeply ingrained class discrimination that the first words the author heard from him were "Sir". This change, painful and sorrowful, left the author stunned.

It was clear that years ago, Nhuan Tho had been a carefree boy with dreams and aspirations, but now he had lost all of his youthful qualities. The author was taken aback and, upon questioning, learned that Nhuan Tho was a victim of the harsh circumstances of his time. Overcoming numerous hardships like high taxes and floods that destroyed his crops, he had slowly adapted to a new, resigned perspective on life. His once optimistic and energetic spirit had been replaced by a man who accepted his fate, no longer possessing the same free-spirited nature he had as a child. This transformation, driven by external forces, was a tragic consequence of societal pressures.

The story illustrates that Nhuan Tho’s experience is not unique. Many others, shaped by their social environment, lose the traits and dreams they once held dear. Through the author’s encounter with Nhuan Tho, we see how societal forces can reshape an individual’s essence. This change, which diminishes the very soul of a person, is a deeply alarming reality. The narrative ultimately critiques the societal system that strips individuals of their inherent qualities, leading them to conform to a rigid, dehumanizing order.

China is a country with a rich and long literary tradition, home to many renowned writers like Bai Juyi, Li Bai, and Sui Hsiao. These literary figures became well-known not only in China but also beyond its borders to neighboring regions. However, when discussing China's great writers and poets, one cannot forget the influential Lu Xun, a prominent poet who made significant contributions to Chinese literature. His poetry is always passionate and full of emotion, with works like "The Old Home" being deeply reflective of his experiences. This particular work was written during his visit back to his hometown after more than twenty years of absence. Upon his return, Lu Xun noticed not only the physical changes in the landscape but also the transformation in the people, notably his childhood friend Nhuan Tho.

After two decades, Lu Xun had the opportunity to return to his hometown, which also marked a visit to his house and the local community, where he had brought his family to settle down. Despite the long separation, Lu Xun's affection for his birthplace and its people remained unchanged. However, the landscape and the people themselves had transformed. Upon his arrival, the first thing he observed was the change in the surroundings: "My old village looks more beautiful now! But if I had to describe exactly what made it beautiful, I would find it hard to express with words or images." The twenty years had been enough for everything to change, and even though the memories of his hometown were vivid in his mind, returning to this place felt both familiar and unfamiliar, leaving him puzzled and unable to pinpoint exactly what had changed.

It wasn't just the landscape that had changed; the people had changed too. His childhood friend Nhuan Tho had undergone a complete transformation, and this change took Lu Xun by surprise. From the moment Nhuan Tho appeared, Lu Xun sensed something was different, something not quite like the boy he remembered. "The person who entered was Nhuan Tho. Although I recognized him immediately, he was not the same Nhuan Tho from my memories." This first impression of their reunion gave Lu Xun a sense of the changes that had occurred. In his memories, Nhuan Tho was an agile and carefree boy with "a round face, tan skin, a small fur hat on his head, and a shiny silver necklace around his neck."

That was the image of Nhuan Tho from long ago, the cherished memories of a dear childhood friend. Nhuan Tho had been courageous and skilled, excelling in tasks like catching fish or birds, which Lu Xun admired greatly, saying, "Goodness, Nhuan Tho knows so many amazing things, I can't even begin to describe them all." These small details reflected Lu Xun's deep affection and high regard for his childhood companion. However, all those youthful impressions evaporated when Lu Xun faced the grown-up Nhuan Tho.

Unlike the lively, confident boy he once knew, Nhuan Tho had become shy and hesitant. Even though he was meeting a childhood friend, someone he had once cried over when they parted ways, his transformation was striking. Nhuan Tho had grown "twice as tall as before, with a round face and skin that had turned yellowish, with deep wrinkles." These were signs of a difficult, exhausting life filled with worries over basic survival. His face and body now resembled his father's rugged features: "His eyes were just like his father's—red and puffy." Lu Xun had expected this transformation, understanding that in the coastal areas, the harsh winds and weather affected everyone similarly.

Physically, Nhuan Tho looked worn-out, dressed in a thin fur coat, hunched over, and wearing a tattered hat. His hands, once rosy, quick, and firm, now appeared "rough, heavy, and cracked like the bark of a pine tree." Just looking at his hands told the story of the hardships Nhuan Tho had endured. But the changes were not just physical—his personality had altered too. Where Lu Xun had once felt warmth and joy at their reunion, Nhuan Tho appeared to be nervous and reserved.

Though Nhuan Tho was glad to meet the poet again, a wall seemed to separate them. Nhuan Tho stood there with a "cheerful yet sorrowful" expression, his lips moving as if to speak a warm greeting, but no words came out. Finally, he bowed respectfully and said clearly, "Goodbye, sir." That simple greeting cut deeply into Lu Xun's heart. The poet was stunned, feeling heartbroken. Yet, from Nhuan Tho's perspective, his situation was completely understandable. Life had been unbearably difficult—poverty, hunger, taxes, soldiers, thieves, officials, and local elites had all contributed to his deterioration, turning him into a dull, weary man.

Thus, through "The Old Home," Lu Xun vividly portrays the changes in both the landscape of his hometown and the transformation of his dear friend after more than twenty years apart. These changes were a result of the societal realities of the time, where life's pressures and the social divide could turn a once-confident, joyful person into someone shy and reluctant. The image of Nhuan Tho is both tragic and relatable, evoking sympathy for this kind and deeply burdened man.

Lu Xun (1881–1936) was a prominent thinker and famous realist writer from early 20th-century China. His extensive literary career left behind a vast and diverse body of work, including 17 volumes of essays and two excellent short story collections, *A Call to Arms* (1923) and *Wandering* (1926). One of the most significant stories from *A Call to Arms* is *The Old Home*.

Through recounting his final trip back to his hometown and his reflections on the changes in both the landscape and the people, especially the character Nhuan Tho, the author subtly critiques the decaying feudal system while highlighting the need to liberate peasants from the invisible yet harsh constraints of society at the time.

The author vividly remembers the image of his childhood friend from twenty years ago. It begins with Nhuan Tho appearing at the author's family’s major anniversary ceremony. He was a cute, healthy boy with a round face, dark skin, a tiny fur cap, and a shiny silver necklace around his neck. Then the author recalls memories of their childhood together.

Nhuan Tho often talked about trapping birds: 'My village is all sand. When it snows, I clear a patch of land, put a large net on a short stick, and scatter some rice. When the birds come to eat, I pull the string and trap them. We had sparrows, red-crowned sparrows, and even blue-backed sparrows.' After the bird traps, he would invite his 'master' to the beach: 'In the summer, you’d visit my house. We would collect shells on the shore, red, green, and all sorts. There were even 'devil’s face' shells and 'Buddha’s hand' shells.'

Then, there’s the tale of a mysterious creature like something from a fairytale: 'In my village, when someone passing by is thirsty, they can pick a melon to eat without stealing. The soup is made from wild boar, porcupines, and this strange creature. One night, there was a rustling sound. It was the creature eating the melon. I grabbed my trident and silently approached... At that time, in the eyes of the 'young master,' Nhuan Tho was a little hero, someone who had experienced a lot: 'Wow! Nhuan Tho must know many strange things!' These stories no one else knew because, while Nhuan Tho lived by the sea, we could only see the small patch of sky above us within the walls.'

The friendship between the author and Nhuan Tho was pure and deep. But unfortunately, as January passed, Nhuan Tho had to return home. The author was filled with emotion and cried aloud. Nhuan Tho hid in the kitchen, also crying but refusing to leave. However, his father eventually took him away. Later, Nhuan Tho asked his father to bring a bag of shells and some beautiful bird feathers as a gift for the author. The author, in return, sent a small gift, but they never saw each other again.

Using the vivid image of the past, the author contrasts it with the present-day appearance of Nhuan Tho to emphasize the theme of the work. After twenty years apart, the two met again: Nhuan Tho walked in. Though the author immediately recognized him, this was no longer the Nhuan Tho he remembered. He had grown taller, with his face and skin darker, now showing deep wrinkles. His eyes, though still the same, were tired and swollen. He wore a torn fur cap and a thin cotton jacket, his body hunched and hands holding a paper bag and a long tobacco pipe. His hands, once so lively and strong, now seemed rough, heavy, and cracked, like the bark of a pine tree.

Nhuan Tho paused, his face a mixture of happiness and sorrow. He mumbled, barely able to speak, then bowed respectfully and said, 'Sir!' He then nervously handed over a package, stuttering, 'In this cold winter, there’s nothing to offer but some dried green beans from my home. Please accept them.' The author’s sharp realism captured a portrait of a weary, poor peasant full of self-doubt and humility. Through this, readers can imagine the harsh, desperate life that Nhuan Tho and other peasants endured at that time. The once-healthy and lovable friend had turned into a thin, impoverished farmer, his face yellowed and gray from hunger.

Though Nhuan Tho had physically changed, his deep friendship for his 'young master' remained intact. Hearing that the 'young master' had returned, Nhuan Tho rushed to visit, despite his poverty, bringing a small gift from home. This gesture made the changes in their relationship seem illogical. The author skillfully uses the narrative techniques of memory and contrast to highlight the transformation of both people and places, raising the question of why such drastic changes occurred.

Through this story, the author reflects on the dire poverty of peasants oppressed by corruption in rural areas, but more importantly, he addresses the spiritual changes in them, especially through the character of Nhuan Tho. Among all the changes, what shocked and saddened the author the most was the change in his relationship with Nhuan Tho.