Nguyen Du’s masterpiece, The Tale of Kieu, despite the passage of time, continues to captivate readers with its profound social values. Helping 9th-grade students fully grasp the humanistic essence of this literary work is no small challenge for teachers. But at Dewey, is there a secret to sparking TDSers’ passion for literature?
Stepping into the project report session “The Tale of Kieu: A Cultural Legacy” by the students of 9Praha, the audience was introduced to the project in a refreshingly unique way. Breaking away from traditional formats, the session began with two student MCs leading the program, followed by group presentations on how The Tale of Kieu has influenced people’s lives through various practices such as Kieu fortune-telling, Kieu-inspired poetry, and Kieu-themed riddles.
The project “The Tale of Kieu – A Cultural Legacy” was like an immersive journey into the richness and beauty of literature and poetry. Here, students explored and shared the artistry and elegance of The Tale of Kieu. Going beyond the confines of traditional literature lessons, the project inspired TDSers to actively seek information, conduct research, and deliver creative presentations that highlighted the artistic and cultural significance of Nguyen Du’s magnum opus.
The session became even more engaging when a group of students introduced the traditional practice of Kieu fortune-telling, which they had thoroughly researched themselves. Guiding participants through a step-by-step experience, they started with an instructional video and then facilitated a live Kieu fortune-telling session. The witty and humorous delivery of the students brought about laughter and applause, demonstrating that, regardless of the era, the cultural and traditional “heritage” of the nation continues to be preserved and celebrated in various forms.
In addition, Ms. Tran Thi Dieu Huong, a middle and high school literature teacher, accompanied and guided the students in transforming The Tale of Kieu into a source of inspiration for their own creative masterpieces. One of the most remarkable outcomes from the 9th-grade TDSers was the debut of two original poems, Kieu’s Wandering Dream and The Bittersweet Fate, composed by the Kieu-inspired Poetry group. These works showcased the students’ creativity and talent, marking a memorable highlight of the project.
“…
Talent, bitterly swallowed, buried in fate,
Beauty, ill-fated, tossed by shifting winds.
Love’s profound bond lingers in lonely nights.
A tangled life flows with restless heartache.
Readers of Kieu recall a love long past,
Tears fall, mourning dreams unfulfilled.
Ask the blue heavens, do they hear the lament.
Of jade lost in delusion, sorrowed by wasted youth?”
Although still 9th-grade students, inspired by The Tale of Kieu, they have conveyed profound emotions and reflections on love and life. Their poems express the injustice and harshness of fate, intertwined with the characters’ inner struggles and lingering thoughts on love and existence.
The diverse and creative approaches to The Tale of Kieu by Dewey students represent a significant step forward in exploring and honoring the value of this literary masterpiece. Through the project presentation, the students’ deep appreciation for the work was evident in their efforts to study and introduce it to a wider audience.
Parents, let’s revisit the highlights of the 9Praha students’ literature report session, “The Tale of Kieu – A Cultural Legacy.”
