I need help to do Eng HW about "The Tale of Kieu" by Nguyễn Du,
Subject
Humanities
School
Cuyamaca College
Question Description
I. Introduction to the plot
1) The popular title of this poem is "Kim Van Kieu.”How are the three described? What impressions are we to have of them?Kieu
Van
Kim
2) Early on we learn there is something unusual about Kieu, when the three friends encounter a humble and neglected grave. What story is told about Dam Tien (Dahm Tee-en), and how does Kieu react?
3) Back in her room, Kieu is visited by the spirit of Dam Tien. What does she learn about her future, and how does she react?
4) The romance between Kim and Kieu blossoms quickly. What does each respond to in the other?
5) Then they find themselves alone in his house. What happens, and what doesn't happen? How does she fend off his advances?
II. Catastrophe strikes
6) Why does Kieu let herself be sold in matrimony to Scholar Ma (Mah)? How does she interpret her decision? Does she consider herself virtuous? What does she ask of her sister?
7) Suicide is a recurrent temptation for Kieu. Why does she think of killing herself, and what dissuades her?
III. Into prostitution
8) One feature of Nguyen Du's poetry is his use of nature imagery. List some examples.
9) How does Kieu respond to her new surroundings, and what is expected of her? Will such an extreme step help resolve the fate Dam Tien said lay in store for her?