1. Reference Lesson 4
Question 1: Present the key characteristics of folklore literature
1. Folklore literature consists of oral artistic works (Oral Tradition). Folklore literature exists and is passed down orally, which is the main distinction from written literature. This form of creation and transmission occurs through spoken words, passed down through generations and across different regions. Oral expression includes performances such as storytelling, singing, acting, and various theatrical forms like chèo, tuồng, cải lương, etc.
2. Folklore literature is the result of collective creation (Collective Nature). Initially, an individual may begin a creation, but it is then modified and enriched by many others, making the work more diverse and refined in both content and form. The collective and oral nature are fundamental traits that shape and permeate the creation and transmission of folklore literature, reflecting its deep connection with community activities.
3. Folklore literature is directly linked to and serves the community's spiritual life (Practical Use). Community activities such as collective labor, group singing, festivals, and others, are the contexts in which many folklore works arise, providing rhythm to these activities (e.g., boat rowing songs, fishing songs). These communal activities significantly influence both the content and form of folklore works.
Question 2: What are the different genres of Vietnamese folklore literature? Briefly define each and provide examples.
1. Myths: These are folk narrative forms that explain natural phenomena, express humanity’s desire to conquer nature, and reflect the cultural creation process of the ancient Vietnamese. Example: Sơn Tinh - Thủy Tinh, Thần trụ trời, Tinh Vệ, Nữ Oa repairing the sky, …
2. Epic: An epic is a large-scale folk narrative that uses rhythmic language and grand artistic imagery to recount significant events in the ancient community. These stories honor those who contributed greatly to society. Examples: Đẻ đất đẻ nước (Mường), Đăm Săn Epic (Ê-đê), …
3. Legends: These are folk tales about specific events or figures, often idealized, to honor those who contributed to the nation or criticize historical figures. Examples: The Hùng Kings Legend; An Dương Vương and Mị Châu, Trọng Thủy; Bánh chưng, bánh dày....
4. Fairy Tales: Folk narratives where the plot and characters are intentionally fictionalized, often portraying the lives of ordinary people in a class-divided society, reflecting the humanitarian and optimistic spirit of the working people. Examples: Thạch Sanh, Tấm Cám, The Money Tree...
5. Jokes: Short folk narratives with tight structure and unexpected endings, highlighting absurdities in life to evoke laughter, often for entertainment or social criticism. Examples: Tam đại con gà, Nhưng nó phải bằng hai mày, …
6. Fables: Very short folk narratives that use metaphors to tell stories about human affairs, offering deep insights and life philosophies. Examples: Hanging a sign, Wisdom, ...
7. Proverbs: Short, concise sayings often with imagery and rhythm that encapsulate practical wisdom, commonly used in daily communication. Examples: Better wood than paint, Like draws like, Feeding pigs sitting, silkworms standing,...
8. Riddles: Verses or rhymed sentences describing something through strange metaphors, challenging the listener to guess its meaning, often for entertainment and mental exercise. Example: “No mouth, yet it can shout / No crime, yet it hangs on a beam.” Answer: (the bell)
9. Folk Songs: These are lyrical folk poems often performed with music, expressing the inner world of the people. Example: “I go, I miss my homeland, / Remembering boiled water spinach, remembering fermented fish. / Remembering someone enduring the sun and rain, / Remembering someone fishing by the roadside.”
10. Versified Stories: Folk narratives in verse, mostly about local events or current affairs, used to inform and comment. Examples: ‘Wedding Challenge’, ‘Typhoon in Year of the Snake’, ‘Wrongful Orders’, ‘Teacher Thông Chánh’...
11. Verse Narratives: Folk poetry reflecting human fate and the desire for romantic happiness and social justice. Examples: Truyện Kiều (Nguyễn Du), Truyện Lục Vân Tiên (Nguyễn Đình Chiểu), …
12. Chèo: A type of folk opera that combines lyrical and satirical elements, celebrating moral role models and criticizing the flaws of society. Other folk theater genres include tuồng, cải lương, puppet shows, etc. Examples: Chèo Quan Âm Thị Kính, Suý Vân pretending to be mad.
Question 3: Summarize the key values of folklore literature
- Folklore literature is a vast treasure of knowledge about the lives of different ethnic groups. This knowledge spans various aspects of life, such as nature, society, and human beings, and is largely based on experiences passed down over time.
- Folklore literature carries deep moral values, with humanity and optimism being its most important principles. It also plays a role in shaping the good qualities, souls, and character of the Vietnamese people.
- Folklore literature has great aesthetic value, contributing significantly to the unique identity of national literature. It has been refined and shaped through time and space, becoming exemplary models for learning.

2. Reference Paper 5
Question 1 (page 19 of Literature 10 Textbook, Volume 1): The fundamental characteristics of folk literature
- Oral Tradition
+ This characteristic refers to the process of creation and transmission from one person to another by word of mouth, relying on memory.
+ The term oral tradition encompasses the process of folk performances, using forms like speaking, narrating, singing, acting, etc., combining the content of poems and prose with melodies to create performances in forms like opera, traditional theater, and folk drama.
- Collective Nature
+ Initially created by an individual, the work becomes a collective product as many people participate in its development and refinement.
+ Everyone has the right to contribute to or modify a folk creation.
+ Even when recorded, folk literature continues to be passed down orally, modified, and perfected.
- Practical Nature
+ Most folk literature emerges from collective activities like communal labor, group singing, festive celebrations, etc.
+ Folk literature is always associated with certain activities of the working people, such as lullabies, work chants, and folk songs...
+ Community activities influence both the content and form of folk literary works.
Question 2 (page 19 of Literature 10 Textbook, Volume 1): Types of Folk Literature
- Mythology
+ A form of prose narrative that often tells the stories of gods to explain natural phenomena, expressing the desire to conquer nature and reflecting the cultural creativity of ancient Vietnamese people.
Example: Sky god, Moon goddess, Sun god,...
- Epic
+ A large-scale folk narrative work, often in verse, that depicts grand and heroic images to recount significant events in the life of ancient communities.
Example: The birth of the land and water, Dăm Sân,...
- Legend
+ A folk narrative about historical events and figures (or those related to history), often idealized to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation or local communities.
Example: The Dragon and Fairy Ancestors, Rice cake legends, An Dương Vương and Mị Châu – Trọng Thủy,...
- Fairy Tale
+ A narrative with fictionalized plots and characters, depicting the lives of ordinary people and reflecting the humanitarian spirit and optimism of the working class.
Example: Sọ Dừa, Tấm Cám, The Clever Boy,...
- Fable
+ A very short narrative with a tight structure, using metaphors to tell stories about human life, from which valuable experiences and philosophies are derived.
Example: Hanging the Sign, Wisdom,...
- Humorous Story
+ A short narrative with a tight structure and an unexpected ending, depicting absurd or unnatural events, intended to entertain or criticize.
Example: The Pig’s Wedding, Three Generations of Roosters,...
- Proverb
+ A concise and suggestive saying, often in rhythmic form, that distills practical wisdom and is used in daily communication.
Example: Better wood than beautiful paint, The ink stain turns dark,....
- Riddle: A verse or phrase, often with rhyme, that describes an object metaphorically or with unusual imagery, challenging the listener to guess its identity, with the aim of entertaining, developing thinking, and sharing knowledge about life.
Example: Rain riddles, Banana tree riddles, Lantern riddles,...
- Folk Songs: Folk poetry often combined with music, expressing the inner world of individuals.
Example: Lamenting Folk Songs, Love Folk Songs,...
- Popular Verse: A simple form of folk verse, usually focused on events in the village or nation, often addressing contemporary issues.
Example: The Tale of Chàng Lía, The Fall of the Imperial Capital,...
- Story Poems: Poetry reflecting human desires and the longing for happiness and social justice.
Example: Farewell to My Love, The Tale of Lục Vân Tiên,...
- Opera: A folk performance combining music and dialogue to praise virtues and criticize societal wrongs.
Example: Quan Âm Thị Kính, Súy Vân Acting Mad,...
Question 3 (page 19 of Literature 10 Textbook, Volume 1): Summary of the Values of Folk Literature
- Folk literature is a treasure trove of knowledge about the lives of different ethnic groups:
+ It encompasses a vast range of knowledge from all areas of life.
+ Much of this knowledge is practical wisdom passed down through generations.
+ Folk knowledge reflects the understanding and worldview of the people.
+ Folk literature is highly diverse and rich in content.
- Folk literature holds profound educational value regarding moral principles:
+ It fosters human compassion and optimism.
+ It contributes to shaping virtuous qualities in individuals.
- Folk literature has significant aesthetic value, playing a vital role in defining the unique identity of national literature:
+ Folk literature has been refined over time to become a cultural gem.
+ It played a central role in the era before written literature existed.
+ Once written literature emerged, folk literature became a foundation and nurturer for written works.

3. Reference Work 1

4. Reference Paper 2
Question 1 (page 19, 10th-grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1): The fundamental characteristics of folklore literature (Folklore Literature)
- Folklore literature consists of artistic verbal works that exist and evolve through oral transmission.
- It is the product of collective creation, deeply tied to and serving various activities in community life. 1.1 Oral Tradition - Oral tradition is the process of memorizing and sharing knowledge by speaking or performing for others. Folklore is transmitted through space (moving from one place to another) and time (passing from generation to generation). This transmission primarily occurs through folk performances. 1.2 Collective Nature - Collective, in a narrow sense, refers to a group of people, and in a broader sense, to an entire community. A collective involves many individuals, but not all, and each person participates in the creative process at different times. Initially, one person may start the work, and the collective receives and develops it. Over time, people from other places or eras modify, add to, and enrich the work. Due to oral transmission, the original creator often becomes forgotten, and the work becomes a shared cultural asset. 1.3 Practical Function - Community activities are shared events such as collective labor, group singing, festivals, and work... In these activities, folklore often plays a role in coordinating actions and creating rhythm (e.g., rowing songs, fishing chants,...). Additionally, folklore creates an atmosphere that stimulates and inspires participants, contributing to their sense of enjoyment and the effectiveness of these activities.Question 2 (page 19, 10th-grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1): The genres of Folklore Literature - Mythology: Stories about gods explaining nature, reflecting ancient human understanding of the origin of the world and the process of cultural creation. Mythology is the earliest genre. Example: The God of the Sky Pillar, The Moon God, and the Sun God - Epic: Also known as heroic songs, these are historical poems praising heroes, linked to specific historical events in certain periods. Example: The Epic of Dam San (the Ede people) - Legend: A work about historical figures or events, often idealized to express admiration for those who contributed to the community. Example: Saint Giong, Lady of the Sacred Bowl... - Fairy Tales: Stories with a deliberately crafted plot and imagery, depicting the lives of ordinary people, showcasing the human spirit and the optimism of the people. Example: Tam Cam, The Coconut, The Hundred-Cut Bamboo - Fables: Short works with a tightly structured narrative, using metaphorical imagery to discuss life and draw lessons and human philosophies. Example: The Blind Man and the Elephant, The Frog at the Bottom of the Well - Humor Stories: Short stories with a surprising ending, focusing on negative aspects of life to entertain and criticize. Example: The Pig’s Wedding Clothes - Proverbs: Short, concise sayings, often with imagery and rhythm, that sum up life’s experiences. Example: An inch of land, an inch of gold; Ants working together fill their nest - Riddles: Verses or statements describing objects metaphorically, challenging listeners to find answers, entertaining while stimulating thinking. - Folk Songs: Traditional poetic works, often accompanied by music, expressing inner thoughts and feelings. Example: "My body like the peach silk cloth / Floating in the market, who will take me?" - Verses: Narrative folk poetry telling about local events or contemporary issues. Example: The Old Lady Walking to the Market in the Rain - Narrative Poems: Folk stories told in verse form, reflecting people's aspirations for happiness and justice. - Folk Opera: A genre of dramatic performance combining lyrical and satirical elements to praise moral heroes and criticize social vices. Example: “Female General Thuc Nuong,” “Lady of the Sacred Mountain.”Question 3 (page 19, 10th-grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1): The values of Folklore Literature - Folklore literature is an immense repository of knowledge about the life of different ethnic groups: It contains valuable insights into nature and society, bringing cultural and humanistic values unique to each community. - Folklore literature holds profound educational value: It conveys gentle yet deep lessons on human morality, helping people distinguish between good and evil, express desires for happiness, and give life more meaning. - Folklore literature significantly contributes to the identity of national literature: Over thousands of years, it preserves the immense aesthetic values of various regions, creating unique cultural identities that serve as the foundation for later literature.

5. Sample Essay No. 3
Question 1 (page 19, Literature Textbook, Grade 10, Volume 1)
Basic features of folk literature:
- Oral transmission:
+ Oral transmission involves memorizing by heart and passing on through speech or performance to others.
+ Folk literature exists and circulates through oral transmission.
+ Oral transmission is reflected in the process of folk performance.
- Collective nature:
+ Collective refers to everyone in the community.
+ The collective creative process starts with one person, and the work is formed and accepted by the community, with others continuing the tradition.
+ Folk literature becomes a shared heritage of the collective, where anyone can accept, use, modify, or add to it.
+ Folk literature is directly tied to and serves the activities of the community.
Question 2 (page 19, Literature Textbook, Grade 10, Volume 1)
Folk literature includes the following genres:
1. Mythology: stories about gods aimed at explaining natural phenomena, reflecting the desire to conquer nature and the cultural creation process of ancient peoples. (The Dragon and Fairy Ancestors, The Pillar of Heaven)
2. Epic: large-scale works using rhythmic language, creating grand artistic imagery. (Dam San, The Creation of Land and Water)
3. Legend: stories about historical figures and events, often idealized, expressing admiration and respect for those who contributed to the nation or community. (The Legend of Saint Giong, The Legend of the Sword Lake)
4. Fairy tales: tales with deliberate fictional plots and imagery, telling the stories of ordinary people in society, reflecting the humanitarian spirit and optimism of the working people. (Tam Cam, The Coconut Shell)
5. Fables: short, tightly structured, using metaphors to discuss human affairs and convey life lessons or philosophy. (The Frog in the Well, The Blind Man and the Elephant)
6. Jokes: short, with an unexpected ending, discussing life's absurdities or wrongdoings, designed to entertain and criticize. (The Pig's Wedding)
7. Proverbs: concise, meaningful sayings, often using imagery and rhythm to encapsulate practical life experience, frequently used in everyday communication. (An inch of land is worth an inch of gold, Ants can fill up a hill over time)
8. Riddles: verse or phrased puzzles, often with metaphors or unusual imagery, designed to entertain, challenge thinking, and impart knowledge. (Riddles about rain, The Banana Tree, The Lantern of the Town)
9. Folk songs: lyrical poetry, often accompanied by music, expressing the inner world of the people. (Folk songs of lament, love, and affection)
10. Folk verse: written in verse, telling about current events in the village or the nation. (The Tale of Chàng Lía, The Fall of the Capital)
11. Story poetry: poems reflecting the fate and aspirations of people about love and social justice. (The Farewell Song – Thai Ethnic)
12. Chèo: a type of traditional theater combining lyrical and satirical elements to praise virtues and criticize societal vices. (The Lady Kinh Thị Kính)
Question 3 (page 19, Literature Textbook, Grade 10, Volume 1)a. Folk literature is a vast treasure of knowledge about the lives of various peoples.- Knowledge in folk literature spans all aspects of life.- Much of folk wisdom is passed down from long-standing traditions based on practical experience.- Folk knowledge reflects the collective awareness and viewpoints of the people.- It is incredibly diverse and rich in content.
b. Folk literature has profound educational value, teaching moral principles- It nurtures a sense of humanity and optimism:+ Compassion for others+ A spirit of struggle to protect and liberate humanity.+ An undying belief in the triumph of justice and good.
- It also fosters positive character traits:+ Love for homeland and people.+ Determination and courage, as well as thriftiness and practicality.
c. Folk literature holds immense aesthetic value and plays a crucial role in shaping the unique identity of national literature- Many works have become exemplary artistic models.- It has played a central role in periods of history when written literature was absent.- As written literature emerged, folk literature nourished and provided the foundation for it.- Writers and poets have learned much from folk literature.
