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Prompt: Impressions of the short story 'Silent Sa Pa'
I. Detailed Outline
II. Sample Essay
Impressions on the short story Silent Sa Pa
I. Outline Impressions on the short story Silent Sa Pa (Standard)
1. Introduction:
- Introduction to Nguyen Thanh Long and the short story Silent Sa Pa.
The artistry behind it:
- This tale emanates profound sentiment and depth.
- It employs simple, gentle, and unpretentious language akin to the characters within the narrative.
3. Closing Remarks:
- The story serves as an ode to the silent toilers.
II. Exemplary Essay: Impressions of the short story Silent Sa Pa (Standard)
The natural beauty of Sa Pa is mesmerizing, but the people here amplify it even more, shining brighter than ever! Take for instance the young meteorologist cum geophysicist stationed at Yen Son peak! At only twenty-seven, he has lived alone atop this 2600-meter-high mountain for four years. Surrounded by nothing but trees, snow-capped peaks, solitude looms large. Yet, instead of succumbing to isolation, he remains dedicated to his work, undeterred by challenges, embracing even the deepest yearning for companionship.
In him, one can see a profound dedication to his craft. Why else would a 27-year-old willingly accept a posting in a place 'surrounded by nothing but grass, clouds, and chilling mist,' with no one for company? His job entails measuring wind, rain, sunshine, predicting weather patterns, and seismic activity, often in unforgiving conditions. Waking up at the crack of dawn, amidst biting cold, he diligently fulfills his duties. Once, he even spotted a dry cloud formation, aiding military operations on Ham Rong Bridge, a moment that filled him with unexpected joy and pride in contributing to his homeland's defense.
Throughout his four-year tenure, the young man has never wavered in his commitment, viewing his work as a constant companion in life. 'When I work, it's not just me, it's me and my job,' he reflects. He understands the interconnectedness of his role with that of his comrades below. Despite the toil, he finds solace and purpose, maintaining exceptional performance in his duties. He embodies a zest for life, finding joy in solitude through gardening, raising poultry, and reading. His vibrant flower garden atop the mountain leaves visitors in awe, a testament to his resilience and optimism.
His resilience and optimism extend to every aspect of his life. Living alone in the mountains hasn't dimmed his spirit; instead, he cultivates happiness through simple pleasures like tending to his garden, nurturing his intellect through reading. 'With a book in hand, I'm never alone; it's like having a conversation with a friend. Each author brings a unique perspective,' he muses. His orderly lifestyle reflects his disciplined nature—a modest home with essentials, neatly arranged, reflecting the simplicity and clarity he embodies.
As for the young engineer, she epitomizes youth and vigorous vitality. Just having graduated as an engineer, she willingly decided to 'take on a job at Ti Agriculture in Lai Chau'. Before meeting that young man, she was uncertain about life, not understanding her direction. Upon encountering him, she was 'astonished' and realized she had gained 'further insight into life,' about 'the world of people like him and the path she was taking.' He helped her have more confidence in her choices and in the path she chose.
Finally, the image of the driver. He embodies a dedicated laborer, highly responsible in his work. No wonder he has been driving on this road 'for thirty-two years,' since before the August Revolution. Moreover, he is an open-minded person, a bridge between young people and everyone else, with life.
In Quiet Sa Pa, one cannot see the drama and climax as in other short stories. The uniqueness lies in the pure sentimentality evoked from the natural scenery of Sa Pa's mountains and the beauty of its people. With simple, gentle, intimate language, Nguyen Thanh Long brings us a story of an unexpected encounter among three individuals. The seemingly long-standing meeting leaves unforgettable impressions.
The story Quiet Sa Pa depicts ordinary people, unnamed, merely referred to as common nouns: the young man, the engineer, the artist, ... yet it fully praises the lives of silent individuals silently contributing to the construction of the country together.
