Christopher Marlowe’s “The Passionate Shepherd To His Love”

1. “The Passionate Shepherd to His Love” belongs to a genre called “the pastoral”. Pastoral poetry
provides an idealized, or idyllic, version of life in the countryside. Do you know of any synonyms or
near-synonyms of the adjective “idyllic”?

Some synonyms for "idyllic" include picturesque, serene, tranquil, bucolic, and delightful. These words all
suggest a peaceful and charming natural setting, often with connotations of rural life.

2. Write a short answer about What is "the Garden of Eden”. What kind of place is it? Is it real or
fictional? If it is real, where is it supposed to be? Link it to Christopher Marlowe’s “The Passionate
Shepherd To His Love”

The Garden of Eden is a place described in the Bible's Book of Genesis as the location where God placed the
first humans, Adam and Eve. It is described as a beautiful and idyllic location, with abundant resources and an
absence of pain and suffering. It is not clear whether the Garden of Eden is intended to be a real or a fictional
place, as it is a part of religious mythology. Some people believe that it was located in Mesopotamia, in the
area that is now Iraq. In Christopher Marlowe's poem "The Passionate Shepherd To His Love," the speaker
offers to take his love to a similarly idyllic location, where they can live a life of pleasure and enjoyment.

3. What is ecological tourism? How is it different from other forms of tourism?

Ecological tourism, also known as eco-tourism, is a form of tourism that focuses on experiencing and learning
about the natural environment, with an emphasis on sustainable practices. This can involve activities such as
hiking, birdwatching, and visiting national parks. Eco-tourism is different from other forms of tourism in that it
places a greater emphasis on conservation and education, rather than just leisure and relaxation. In Christopher
Marlowe's poem "The Passionate Shepherd To His Love," the speaker offers to take his love to a beautiful
natural setting, where they can enjoy the outdoors and the beauty of nature. This is similar to the kind of
experience that eco-tourism aims to provide.

4. Do you know An Den, Khoai Lang Thang or Li Ziqi? What do they have in common?

5. What does “carpe diem” mean?

The phrase "carpe diem" is a Latin expression that means "seize the day." It is often used as a call to action,
urging people to make the most of the present moment and not waste time. In Christopher Marlowe's poem
"The Passionate Shepherd To His Love," the author uses the idea of "carpe diem" to encourage his love to
enjoy the beauty and pleasures of the natural world while they can. He tells her not to worry about the future,
but to focus on the present and make the most of the opportunities that are available to them.

6 . Would you accept the shepherd’s invitation?

Sir Walter Raleigh’s “The Nymph’s Reply To the Shepherd”
1. What does tempus fugit mean? How does it contrast with carpe diem?

The phrase "tempus fugit" is a Latin expression that means "time flies." It is often used as a reminder to make
the most of the present moment, as time passes quickly and cannot be regained. This idea is in contrast to the
philosophy of "carpe diem," which urges people to seize the day and make the most of the present. In Sir
Walter Raleigh's poem "The Nymph's Reply To the Shepherd," the nymph rejects the shepherd's invitation to
join him in a life of pleasure and enjoyment, citing the idea of "tempus fugit" as a reason. She tells him that
time is fleeting and that they cannot afford to waste it on frivolous pursuits.

2. The nymph rejects the shepherd’s proposal. However, does she actually say that she does not
love him in the poem? If not, what is the reason for her rejection?

In Sir Walter Raleigh's poem "The Nymph's Reply To the Shepherd," the nymph does not explicitly say that
she does not love the shepherd. However, she does reject his proposal to join him in a life of pleasure and
enjoyment. The nymph cites the idea of "tempus fugit" as a reason for her rejection, saying that time is fleeting
and that they cannot afford to waste it on frivolous pursuits. She also mentions the inevitability of death and
the passing of youth, suggesting that she does not believe that the shepherd's offer of a life of pleasure is
sustainable or realistic.

3. Think of the poem Voi Vang by Xuan Dieu. What is the poet’s attitude to time as shown through
the poem?

4. Imagine meeting someone you really like. Will you love them if you know already that there will
not be a happy ending to your relationship?
William Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 18”

1. Have you heard of William Shakespeare before? If yes, in what contexts?

Yes, I have heard of William Shakespeare before. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest playwrights and
poets in the English language, and his works have had a profound impact on literature, theatre, and culture.
Some of his most famous plays include Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and Macbeth. Shakespeare's plays are often
studied in schools and universities, and his works continue to be performed and adapted for stage, film, and
television. He is also known for his sonnets, a form of poetry that was popular in the late 16th and early 17th
centuries.

2. Look up Stratford-upon-Avon. What do you think of Shakespeare’s hometown?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a market town in the county of Warwickshire, England. It is best known as the
hometown of the playwright and poet William Shakespeare, who was born and raised there. Stratford-upon-
Avon is a popular tourist destination, and many people visit the town to see the places where Shakespeare
lived and worked, including his birthplace, Anne Hathaway's cottage, and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. The
town has a rich history and a picturesque setting, with the River Avon running through it. It also has a range of
shops, restaurants, and other amenities. Overall, it seems like a pleasant and interesting place to visit,
especially for fans of Shakespeare and English literature.

3. Look up the position of Italy on the map of the world. Is it far from England?

Italy is located in southern Europe, on the Italian Peninsula. It is bordered by France, Switzerland, Austria,
Slovenia, and the Adriatic Sea. England is located on the island of Great Britain, which is part of the United
Kingdom. It is located in the northwest of Europe, and is bordered by the North Sea, the English Channel, and
the Irish Sea. Italy and England are not particularly close to each other. If you were to travel by land, you
would need to cross several other countries to get from one to the other. By air, it would take about two hours
to fly from London (the capital of England) to Rome (the capital of Italy).

4. What does Shakespeare wish to accomplish at the end of the poem? Is that wish successful? Is there
any Vietnamese author who has tried to do the same?

In William Shakespeare's "Sonnet 18," the speaker expresses a wish to immortalize the beauty of the person he
is addressing through his poetry. He says that by writing about the person's beauty, he will be able to preserve
it and prevent it from fading, even after the person has died. It is not clear if this wish is successful, as it is a
matter of interpretation. Some readers may feel that the speaker's words are able to capture the beauty of the
person and make it eternal, while others may feel that the person's beauty is ultimately fleeting and cannot be
preserved.

Ý “Vietnamese Author” thì chịu

5. Is climate change real or is it only a hoax? How do you think this poem can allow us to think about
climate change?

Climate change is a well-established scientific fact. It is the result of the increasing levels of greenhouse gases
in the atmosphere, caused mainly by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. The
Earth's climate is changing and this is having a range of impacts on the environment and human society.

"Sonnet 18" is a poem written by William Shakespeare that compares the beauty of a summer day to the
beauty of a person. The poem does not directly address climate change, but it does provide a reminder of the
beauty and fragility of the natural world. As such, it can serve as a reminder of the need to protect the
environment and address the causes of climate change.

6. What does the author want to refer to by “this” in the last line of the poem?
In the last line of "Sonnet 18," the author is referring to the summer day that he is comparing to the beauty of a
person. The line can be interpreted to mean that the summer day, and the beauty it represents, will continue to
exist and bring life to the person who is the subject of the poem.
William Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 29”
1. What are the emotions that the speaker experiences in the poem? Try grouping them into two groups.

The speaker in William Shakespeare's "Sonnet 29" experiences a range of emotions, including despair and
hopelessness in the first half of the poem, and hope and resilience in the second half. These emotions can be
grouped into two broad categories: despair and hope.

(trong trường hợp bạn cần chi tiết về two categories thì…here we go)

In the first half of the poem, the speaker expresses feelings of despair and hopelessness, lamenting his
loneliness and isolation. He compares himself to a ship that is "tempest-tossed" and "forlorn," and to a
"swallow" that has lost its mate. These images suggest feelings of despair and isolation.

However, in the second half of the poem, the speaker's tone shifts and he expresses feelings of hope and
redemption. He compares himself to a "star" that shines even in the darkest night, and to a "fountain" that
never runs dry. These images suggest that the speaker has found a source of hope and resilience in the face of
adversity.

Overall, the speaker's emotions in "Sonnet 29" can be grouped into two categories: despair and hope.

2. How many times is the word “heaven” mentioned in the poem? How does the speaker’s attitude to
heaven change from the beginning to the end of the poem?

3. Look up Robert Greene. Who was he? What kind of person was he? What relationship did he have
with Shakespeare?

Robert Greene was an Elizabethan writer and playwright. He was born in Norwich, England in 1558 and
studied at Cambridge University before moving to London to become a professional writer. Greene was known
for his pamphlets, poems, and plays, many of which were critical of contemporary society and its morals. He
was also known for his tumultuous personal life and his reputation as a libertine and a rake.

Greene is known to have criticized Shakespeare and other contemporary playwrights in his writings, accusing
them of being "upstart crow[s]" who had no formal education or training in the theater. This criticism is
believed to have spurred Shakespeare to prove his worth as a playwright and to establish himself as one of the
greatest writers in English literature.

4. In your opinion, why do we have religion? What are the roles of religion?

People have religion for a variety of reasons, including spiritual fulfillment, a sense of community, and a way
to express their values and beliefs. Religion can also play a social and cultural role, providing rules and
guidelines for people to follow and shaping the values and norms of a society. The roles of religion are diverse
and can vary depending on the individual and the context in which they practice their faith.

5. There is a dramatic change to the speaker’s mood. Where in the poem does this change happen?

In William Shakespeare's "Sonnet 29," there is a dramatic shift in the speaker's mood from despair and
hopelessness in the first half of the poem to hope and resilience in the second half. This change occurs around
the eighth line of the poem, where the speaker compares himself to a "star" that shines even in the darkest
night. This image marks a turning point in the poem, as the speaker begins to express feelings of hope and
resilience in the face of adversity. The shift in the speaker's mood is emphasized by the use of contrast and
imagery, as the speaker moves from bleak and desolate images in the first half of the poem to more hopeful
and uplifting images in the second half.
Elizabeth Browning’s “Sonnet 43”
1. Look up tuberculosis. What are some other names for this disease? How is it often portrayed in
literature and visual art?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs. It is caused by the bacterium
Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Other names for TB include consumption, phthisis, and the white plague.

In literature and visual art, TB is often portrayed as a romantic and tragic disease, associated with wasting
away, pallor, and coughing up blood. It has been called the "white death" or the "great white plague" because
of the characteristic pallor of the skin in those affected by the disease. Many famous writers and artists,
including Edgar Allan Poe, John Keats, and Frida Kahlo, are known to have suffered from TB.

2. Between men and women, who is often associated with reason, who is often associated with emotions?
Why?

Traditionally, men have been associated with reason and women with emotions. This stereotype is based on
the idea that men are more logical and rational, while women are more emotional and sensitive. This
stereotype is often reinforced in literature, including in Elizabeth Browning's "Sonnet 43." In the poem, the
speaker, who is female, expresses deep feelings of love and devotion towards her husband. However, the poem
does not explicitly link these emotions to gender, and it is up to the reader to interpret the speaker's experiences
and emotions. Ultimately, it is important to remember that individuals of all genders can experience a range of
emotions, and that these emotions should not be limited by gender stereotypes.

3. Does Elizabeth Browning’s Sonnet 43 remind you of any Vietnamese poem?

4. How does the author explain her love to her husband? In what specific ways? Using what specific
explanations?

In Sonnet 43, Elizabeth Barrett Browning expresses her love for her husband, Robert Browning, using vivid
and romantic imagery. She compares her love to a "sea that bares her bosom to the moon," and describes it as a
"fire that were not quenched by time." She also uses metaphors and similes to describe her love as a force that
is both powerful and eternal, saying that it is "an ever-fixed mark / That looks on tempests and is never
shaken." Additionally, she uses religious imagery to reinforce the depth and devotion of her love, saying that it
is like "the star to every wandering bark," and that it is "the morning star of all our day."

5. What were some major social, political, scientific and technological changes that were happening
during Elizabeth Browning’s lifetime?

During Elizabeth Barrett Browning's lifetime, there were many major social, political, scientific, and
technological changes happening. Some of the major events that took place during this time period include the
Industrial Revolution, the abolition of slavery, the growth of democracy and nationalism, the development of
new technologies like the steam engine and the telegraph, and the publication of many important scientific
works. Additionally, there were also many important artistic and literary movements happening during this
time, such as the Romantic movement in poetry and literature. Overall, it was a time of great change and
progress, and Elizabeth Barrett Browning was able to witness and respond to these changes in her own work.
William Shakespeare’s Macbeth (Act I, Scene 1)

1. In the Bible, why did Satan approach Eve instead of Adam.

In the Bible, Satan approaches Eve instead of Adam for several reasons. First, Satan may have chosen to
approach Eve because she was the weaker of the two, and therefore easier to manipulate and deceive. Second,
Satan may have targeted Eve because she was the first to partake of the forbidden fruit, and therefore would be
responsible for the sin of disobedience and the subsequent fall of humanity. In the play Macbeth, the character
of Lady Macbeth is often seen as a representation of Eve, and her guilt and eventual sleepwalking can be seen
as a parallel to the biblical story.

2. The plot of Macbeth is driven by a piece of fake news. What is it?

In Macbeth, the plot is driven by a prophecy that is revealed to Macbeth and Banquo by three witches. The
witches tell Macbeth that he will become the Thane of Cawdor and eventually the King of Scotland, and they
tell Banquo that his descendants will become kings. Macbeth is tempted by the thought of becoming king and
murders King Duncan in order to fulfill the prophecy. However, he soon realizes that the prophecy was false
and that the witches have deceived him. This fake news drives the plot of the play and ultimately leads to
Macbeth's downfall.

3. In your imagination, are witches usually men or women? Why?

In my imagination, witches are usually women. This is because the traditional image of a witch is of an older
woman with long, flowing hair, dressed in black robes and carrying a broomstick. This image is often
associated with the idea of a powerful and mysterious woman who has control over nature and the
supernatural. While some witches in literature and folklore are male, the overwhelming majority are female,
and this is the image that most people have when they think of a witch.

4. Why does Shakespeare open his play with a meeting of witches in Macbeth?

Shakespeare opens his play Macbeth with a meeting of witches in order to establish the supernatural elements
of the story and to create a sense of mystery and suspense. The witches are depicted as powerful and enigmatic
figures who have the ability to predict the future and to manipulate the course of events. Their presence in the
opening scene sets the tone for the play and foreshadows the dark and violent events that will unfold.
Additionally, the witches' prophecies about Macbeth and Banquo play a crucial role in driving the plot of the
play, as Macbeth is tempted by the thought of becoming king and takes action to fulfill the prophecy. Overall,
the witches serve as a narrative device that helps to establish the supernatural elements of the play and to set
the stage for the events that will follow.

5. Have you watched/heard of the series Game of Thrones?

6. Think of a real life scenario where trust is involved.

A real life scenario where trust is involved is when a person gives their credit card to a waiter at a restaurant.
In this situation, the person trusts that the waiter will not misuse their credit card and will only charge them for
the items they have ordered. The person also trusts that the restaurant will not overcharge them or use their
credit card information for fraudulent purposes. Trust is an important factor in many aspects of daily life, and
we often rely on others to act with integrity and honesty in order to maintain healthy relationships and to
protect our interests.
William Shakespeare’s Macbeth (Act V, Scene 1, Scene 5)
1. Nowadays, what do we think of when we think of somnambulism?

Somnambulism, also known as sleepwalking, is a common disorder that is characterized by walking or other
complex behaviors during sleep. Today, when we think of somnambulism, we often think of it as a condition
that is associated with sleep disturbance or other sleep disorders. It is also sometimes portrayed in popular
culture, such as in the Shakespeare play Macbeth, in which the character Lady Macbeth is depicted as
sleepwalking and experiencing hallucinations as a result of her guilt over her involvement in the murder of
King Duncan. In general, however, somnambulism is still considered a relatively common disorder that can be
treated with the help of a healthcare professional.

2. Did people in Shakespeare’s times know what we know nowadays of mental illnesses?

It is likely that people in Shakespeare's time had a limited understanding of mental illnesses compared to what
we know today. During Shakespeare's lifetime, there were no formalized systems for diagnosing and treating
mental health conditions, and many people believed that mental illnesses were caused by supernatural forces or
demonic possession. In the play Macbeth, the characters often attribute Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking and
hallucinations to the influence of evil spirits, rather than recognizing the symptoms of a mental illness. Today,
however, we have a much more nuanced and scientific understanding of mental health conditions and the ways
in which they can be treated.

3. Can we trust Macbeth (and Banquo) to have really seen and heard from the witches. Or are the
meetings with the witches merely hallucinations?

It is impossible to say for certain whether Macbeth and Banquo's meetings with the witches were real or
hallucinations. In the play, the witches are depicted as having supernatural powers, and they make prophecies
that come true later in the story. However, it is also possible that Macbeth and Banquo's encounters with the
witches were merely figments of their imaginations, brought on by their own desires and fears. Ultimately, the
question of whether the witches were real or not is left open to interpretation, and different audiences may have
different interpretations of the events depicted in the play.

4. When did PTSD become a term?

PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a mental health condition that can develop in people who have
experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. The term "post-traumatic stress disorder" was first coined in the
early 1970s, and the disorder was officially recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders (DSM) in 1980. It is likely that people in Shakespeare's time would not have had a specific term or
understanding of PTSD, as the concept of mental health disorders was not as well-developed as it is today.
However, the character of Lady Macbeth in the play Macbeth exhibits many symptoms of PTSD, such as sleep
disturbance, hallucinations, and feelings of guilt and responsibility for her actions. Even though the term PTSD
did not exist at the time the play was written, it is possible that Shakespeare was aware of the symptoms and
effects of trauma on the human mind.

5. Look again at Act 5, scene 1, what does the doctor say about Lady Macbeth’s condition?

In Act 5, Scene 1 of Macbeth, the doctor is called to attend to Lady Macbeth, who has been sleepwalking and
experiencing hallucinations. When the doctor arrives, he observes her behavior and attempts to diagnose her
condition. He says that Lady Macbeth is "desperate of circumstance," and that she has been "from her bed /
This morning and walking in her sleep." He also notes that she seems to be experiencing some kind of
psychological distress, saying that "her eyes are open, but their sense is shut." Overall, the doctor's diagnosis
suggests that Lady Macbeth is experiencing a mental health crisis, and that she is in need of urgent medical
attention.

6. What is the Vietnamese equivalent of the concept of impermanence?

7. What do Buddha, the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus and Macbeth have in common?

Buddha, the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus, and the character of Macbeth in the play of the same name
all have a few things in common. First, all three of these figures deal with the concept of change and the
impermanence of all things. For example, Buddha taught that everything is constantly changing and that
attachment to worldly things leads to suffering. Heraclitus is famous for his philosophy of change, and his
famous quote "No man ever steps in the same river twice" reflects this idea. Similarly, Macbeth is a play that
explores the idea of change and the consequences of trying to resist it.

8. Why did Macbeth continue to fight his enemies even though he is aware of the futility and
impermanence of life, as shown through his soliloquy?

It is not entirely clear why Macbeth continues to fight his enemies even though he is aware of the futility and
impermanence of life. It is possible that Macbeth is motivated by a desire for power and a fear of losing what
he has gained. Additionally, Macbeth may also feel a sense of loyalty to his country and a desire to protect it
from its enemies. Additionally, it is possible that Macbeth is simply unable to accept the idea of his own
mortality and the ultimate futility of his actions, and so he continues to fight in order to avoid facing this
reality. Ultimately, the reasons for Macbeth's behavior are complex and open to interpretation.