Analysis of Tràng in Kim Lân’s “The Wife Picked Up”

1. Tràng’s Background:

– Appearance: Tràng is a physically unattractive and clumsy man, described as “big and bulky like an old ox,” with an “excessively large head,” “a short face, a prominent nose, deep and black eyes.”

– Personality: Tràng is portrayed as simple-minded, carefree, often cracking jokes, and innocent in his actions. He tends to act on instinct, lacking mature thought.

– Circumstances: Tràng is a poor peasant, living in dire poverty, a “transient resident” in the city. He earns a living pulling carts of rice to the province, facing a precarious and difficult life. In the context of the famine of March 1945, his life becomes even more desperate.

– The Event of “Picking Up a Wife”: Tràng “picks up” his wife with only four bowls of steamed rice cakes and a few jokes. This event reflects the desperation and helplessness of people in the face of poverty. It also demonstrates Tràng’s simple-minded and innocent nature.

Note:

• The detailed description of Tràng’s appearance helps to portray his poverty and misfortune.

• The event of “picking up a wife” is unique to the story, highlighting the abnormality and the tragicomic nature of life during the famine, while opening up profound human meanings.

2. Tràng’s Character Traits:

– Innocent and Naïve: Tràng often jokes, is carefree, and acts on instinct. He doesn’t consider the consequences of his actions.

– Kindness and Compassion: Tràng has a compassionate heart, showing care and concern for others. Despite the unusual circumstances of “picking up” his wife, he demonstrates care and affection for her.

– Yearning for Happiness: Tràng yearns for a warm and peaceful family. The appearance of his “picked up” wife ignites hope and brings him a sense of rare happiness and peace.

Note:

• The author uses details about Tràng’s speech and actions to reveal his character and gradually unveils his hidden desire for happiness.

3. Tràng’s Emotional Journey:

– Initial Indifference: Tràng initially reacts with nonchalance when he “picks up” his wife. He sees the event as natural and simple, nothing extraordinary.

– Pride When Bringing His Wife Home: Tràng carries a sense of pride, his joy radiating from his eyes and smile. Specifically, the author describes Tràng “smiling slightly” and that smile “lasted a long time, about twenty times” when he sees his wife.

– Pride in Introducing His Wife to His Mother: Tràng displays pride when introducing his wife to his mother. He states to Mrs. Tứ with certainty and clarity: “Mom, I have a wife now.” Even though he can’t explain why he “picked up” a wife, he feels happy, happy because he has a wife, a family of his own.

Note:

• The recurring image of Tràng’s “slight smile” in the story embodies his innocent and carefree happiness.

• Tràng’s way of introducing his wife reveals his pride and respect for his partner, despite her being a wife he didn’t choose in the conventional sense.

4. Tràng’s State of Mind the Next Morning:

– Noticing a Change in His Surroundings: Tràng starts to recognize the changes in his life. He is no longer alone, he has someone to share his struggles with.

– Love, Attachment, and Responsibility for His Family: Tràng begins to feel a sense of responsibility toward his family. He wants to do something to improve their lives.

– Thoughts About Having Children: Tràng starts to think about having children, building his own nest. This shows his growth in maturity and responsibility.

– Obedience Towards His Mother: Tràng shows obedience and listens to his mother when she discusses their future plans.

– Empathy and Understanding for His Mother’s Feelings: Tràng empathizes with his mother when she eats the “che khoán” (a type of food) and “quickly puts it in her mouth, avoiding looking at each other.”

Note:

• Tràng’s changing emotions demonstrate his growth and maturity. He learns to love, be attached, and take responsibility for his family.

5. The Significance of Tràng’s Character Development:

– Love as Motivation: The love of a spouse motivates Tràng to overcome poverty and hunger.

– Awakening of Positive Qualities: Family life brings forth the good qualities in Tràng, helping him to grow.

– Affirmation of Human Resilience: The story affirms that even in the darkest of times, the desire for ordinary happiness remains. People rise above their circumstances through sheer willpower.

– Realism and Humanism: The story is deeply realistic, reflecting the realities of life during the famine, and possesses a profound sense of humanism.

Note:

• Tràng serves as a representative of the poor during the famine, embodying their desire for ordinary happiness and remarkable resilience.

Conclusion:

Tràng is an unexpected and engaging character in “The Wife Picked Up.” Through Tràng, Kim Lân emphasizes the extraordinary resilience of humans in any situation. Love motivates Tràng to overcome poverty, while family life awakens positive qualities, leading to his growth and maturity.