Bài 1: She Walks in Beauty

In "She Walks in Beauty," Lord Byron expresses the ideals of Romanticism through vivid
imagery, a deep love for nature, and a profound exploration of inner beauty and emotion.
Romanticism often emphasizes the importance of individual experience and emotions.
Byron’s poem centers on the admiration for a woman whose beauty transcends physical
appearance, encompassing both her external elegance and her internal purity. This focus on
personal emotion and subjective beauty reflects the romantic ideal of prioritizing individual
perception and feeling.
Byron’s description of the woman’s beauty as “like the night / Of cloudless climes and
starry skies” is a powerful romantic image that draws on nature for inspiration. Romantic
poets often found beauty and truth in the natural world, and Byron’s use of “night” and
“starry skies” conveys a sense of wonder and serenity. By comparing the woman’s grace to
elements of nature, Byron elevates her beauty beyond conventional standards, presenting it
as something mysterious, appropriate to Romantic ideals.
Moreover, the poem’s emphasis on the woman’s “mind at peace with all below” and “heart
whose love is innocent” highlights her inner qualities, which Byron values even more than
her physical beauty. This aligns with the romantic celebration of individual purity and
innocence, as well as the notion that true beauty emanates from within. Through its focus on
natural imagery, personal emotion, and inner virtue, "She Walks in Beauty" serves as an
excellent romantic poem, celebrating beauty in a deeply introspective and idealized way.

Bài 2: Robinson Crusoe

Writer Daniel Defoe uses carefully selected diction to convey Robinson Crusoe’s growing
fear and sense of vulnerability after he finds a footprint on his supposedly deserted island.
Crusoe’s descriptions of his dwelling as a "fortification," "castle," and "retreat" reveal his
shifting relationship to his home, reflecting his new perception of danger and the threat to
his safety.
The term "fortification" suggests a structure built for defense, emphasizing Crusoe’s sudden
need for protection. Before discovering the footprint, his home was simply a shelter, a place
for survival. Now, it becomes something he must secure against potential intruders. This
word choice underscores how the footprint has shaken Crusoe's confidence in his safety on
the island. He feels the need to protect himself against imagined dangers.
Similarly, referring to his dwelling as a "castle" reveals both a sense of security and irony.
In one sense, "castle" suggests a fortified and protected space where Crusoe feels safe,
almost like a king over his domain. However, in this moment of fear, his "castle" feels more
like a fragile shelter, highlighting the irony of his claim to power over the island. The word
evokes the fragile nature of his control - his "castle" is nothing more than a temporary
shelter on a deserted island.
Finally, referring to his home as a "retreat" suggests a place to which he can escape for
refuge. However, Defoe’s use of this term also reflects Crusoe’s desperation, as he admits
he "fled into it like one pursued". Although Crusoe once saw his dwelling as a comfortable
shelter, it now feels more like a hideout, as he fears that the unknown person who left the
footprint could threaten his life. Through Defoe’s careful diction, Crusoe’s once-stable
world becomes a place of uncertainty and fear, highlighting his vulnerability and humanity.

Bài 3: Pride and Prejudice

Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy, two prominent characters in Jane Austen's "Pride and
Prejudice", present contrasting personalities despite their friendship. While they share a
common social status, their demeanor and interactions with others reveal distinct
differences.

Mr. Bingley is depicted as friendly, approachable, and well-liked by society. He is described

as having "pleasant countenance, and easy, unaffected manners". Bingley quickly engages
with the guests at the ball, dancing with many women and making himself well-acquainted
with everyone present. He is lively and good-humored, which wins the favor of those
around him. The passage emphasizes that Bingley is sociable and easy-going, which allows
him to quickly become a popular figure in the room. His easy rapport with people and his
readiness to interact with others contrasts sharply with Mr. Darcy’s more reserved behavior.

On the other hand, Mr. Darcy is portrayed as proud and insulting, despite his equally
impressive physical appearance. He is described as a "fine, tall person, handsome features,
noble mien", yet these positive physical traits are overshadowed by his severe social
demeanor. Unlike Bingley, Darcy does not dance freely, choosing to interact only with his
immediate acquaintances, such as Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst. The other guests quickly
form an opinion of Darcy as a man of arrogance who considers himself above the company,
with the text noting that he is "above being pleased". His standoffishness and disdain for
those he deems inferior make him appear unapproachable.

Despite their friendship, Bingley and Darcy’s contrasting manners highlight key differences
in their social values and behavior. Bingley’s openness and charm are readily appreciated,
while Darcy’s pride creates immediate tension and dislike from those around him. While
Bingley is described as affable, Darcy is viewed as forbidding, which not only defines their
individual characters but also sets up one of the central tensions of the novel.
Bài 4: Great expectations
Great Expectations stands as a quintessential example of Victorian literature, embodying the
era’s themes of social mobility, morality, and personal identity. It focuses on exploration of
class, identity, and the corrupting influence of wealth in Victorian era.

The passage highlights a pivotal moment in Pip's journey, as he bids farewell to his brother-
in-law, Joe. This scene exemplifies the novel's profound character development and its
nuanced portrayal of the working class. Joe, a symbol of honesty and hard work, embodies
the Victorian ideal of the self-made man. However, his humble origins and lack of social
graces often place him at a disadvantage in the eyes of the upper class.

The novel's exploration of class and social expectations is a hallmark of Victorian literature.
Pip's aspirations for a better life lead him to abandon his working-class roots and embrace a
life of privilege. However, this newfound wealth brings with it a lot of problems, including
arrogance, guilt, and a distorted sense of self. The novel ultimately suggests that true
happiness and fulfillment cannot be achieved through material possessions or social status.

The novel also delves into the psychological complexities of its characters. Pip's internal
struggles and moral dilemmas reflect the Victorian preoccupation with the individual
psyche. Dickens contrasts the simplicity and honesty of Joe’s life with the complexities of
Pip’s ambitions, critiquing the alienation wrought by urbanization and social climbing.

In conclusion, Great Expectations serves as a powerful example of Victorian literature by

capturing the era's social, moral, and psychological concerns. Through its compelling
characters, intricate plot, and exploration of universal themes, the novel continues to
resonate with readers today.

Bài 5: Romeo and Juliet

In the balcony scene of Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare contrasts Romeo and Juliet’s
perspectives on love, illustrating its passion, risk, and idealism. While both characters
express deep affection, their approaches reveal distinct differences in how they perceive
their relationship and the obstacles before them.

Romeo views love as a romantic and almost otherworldly force, unrestrained by danger or
practicality. His language is filled with celestial imagery, comparing Juliet to the sun and
stars: “It is the east, and Juliet is the sun”. His idealized vision elevates Juliet to a divine
level, describing her as a “bright angel” and her presence as something that outshines the
heavens. Romeo’s passion is impulsive and bold, evident when he declares, “With love’s
light wings did I o’er-perch these walls”, dismissing the threat of Juliet’s kinsmen. For
Romeo, love transcends all barriers, and his devotion is immediate and unwavering.

Juliet, while equally passionate, approaches love with a more cautious and reflective
mindset. She questions the practicality of their situation “O, Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art
thou Romeo”, recognizing the enmity between their families: “The orchard walls are high
and hard to climb, / And the place death, considering who thou art”. Juliet’s practical
concerns do not diminish her feelings; instead, they reveal her awareness of the real dangers
their love entails. Her famous line, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose / By any
other name would smell as sweet”, shows her desire to look beyond societal constraints
while also wrestling with the implications of their union.

In conclusion, “Romeo and Juliet” contrast Romeo’s impulsive, idealized view of love with
Juliet’s more cautious and practical approach. Romeo sees love as a transcedent force,
ignoring risks, while Juliet remains aware of their challenges. Together, their perpectives
highlight the dual nature of love – powerful and passionate, yet constrained by reality.