OUTLINE

I. OVERVIEW
1. Author
1.1. Personal life
Hector-Henri Malot (Hector Malot) (20 May 1830 – 18 July 1907) was a
French writer born in La Bouille, Seine-Maritime. He studied law in Rouen
and Paris, but eventually, literature became his passion. He worked as a
dramatic critic for Lloyd Francais and as a literary critic for L'Opinion
Nationale.[1]

He announced his retirement as an author of fiction in 1895, but in 1896 he

returned with the novel L'amour Dominateur and the account of his literary
life Le Roman de mes Romans (The Novel of my Novels).

He died in Fontenay-sous-Bois in 1907.

1.2. Writing career

His first book, published in 1859, was Les Amants. In total Malot wrote over
70 books. By far his most famous book is Sans Famille (Nobody's Boy,
1878), which deals with the travels of the young orphan Remi, who is sold to
the street musician Vitalis at age 8. Sans Famille gained fame as a children's
book, though it was not originally intended as such.

Hector Malot's work is a melodrama, a romantic tragedy with a gentle style,

poetic language, and sincerity. He intertwines emotions with his pen and uses
his feelings to captivate readers. Malot's world is a bygone world, the serene
realm of his storytelling stretches into a romantic past; his prose is luminous,
his observational mind is acute, and his understanding of children is
thorough.
Beyond his captivating storytelling, Malot often addresses social issues,
particularly the plight of the poor and the marginalized. He is also known for
his vivid descriptions of nature and his ability to create engaging characters.

Despite his talent, Malot's fame outside of France does not match that of
some of his contemporaries like Victor Hugo. One possible reason for this is
that Malot's novels are not as fantastical or adventurous as those of his
contemporaries, but rather focus on realistic portrayals of everyday life in
19th-century France.
1.3. Other literary works
- Victimes d'Amour (a trilogy) encompassing:
Les Amants (Lovers) (1859)
Les Époux (Spouses) (1865)
Les Enfants (The children) (1866)
Un Beau frère (A brother-in-law) (1869)
Madame Obernin (1870)
Le Docteur Claude (Doctor Claude) (1879)
Justice (1889)
L'amour Dominateur (Dominant Love) (1896)

- Books for children included:

Les Aventures de Romain Kalbris (The Adventures of Romain Kalbris)
(1869)
Sans Famille (Nobody's Boy) (1888)

2. About “Nobody’s Boy”

2.1. Context
- "Nobody's Boy" is the English title of the French novel "Sans Famille".
The novel was written by Hector Malot and published in 1878. During the
1870s, France was rebuilding and renewing from the shadows of the
Franco-Prussian War (chiến tranh pháp phổ) and the Paris Commune
 Upheaval (Sự kiện công xã Paris). Innovations (eg: electricity) and artistic
movements (eg: Impressionism: trường phái ấn tượng) were clear hints of
a vibrant future that awaited France.
- Malot lấy cảm hứng từ những câu chuyện về những đứa trẻ mồ côi, lang
thang trên đường phố Paris mà ông gặp gỡ trong thời gian làm báo. Ông
muốn thể hiện sự đồng cảm với những mảnh đời bất hạnh này và kêu gọi
sự quan tâm của xã hội đối với họ.
- Malot cũng muốn phản ánh thực trạng xã hội Pháp thời bấy giờ, với sự bất
công, áp bức và sự phân biệt đối xử giữa các tầng lớp quan tâm của xã hội
đối với họ.
- It is categorized (phân loại) as children's literature, specifically adventure
fiction (phiêu lưu viễn tưởng)

2.2. Achievements
- The novel has remained popular for over a century since its publication in
1878. Its enduring appeal lies in its universal themes of friendship and the
search for belonging, which continue to resonate with readers of all ages.
- The influence (ảnh hưởng) of the novel extends beyond literature, with
numerous adaptations in various media forms, including television series,
radio dramas, stage plays, and films.
● Sans famille (F 1934)[2]
● Senza famiglia (I 1946)[3]
● Le Théâtre de la jeunesse: Sans famille (made for TV, F 1965)
● Nobody's Child (Hong Kong film) (苦兒流浪記, 1961)
● Chibikko Remi to Meiken Kapi (Japan 1970) – feature film by Toei
Animation
● Nobody's Boy: Remi (Ie Naki Ko) (Japan 1977-78) – 51-episode anime
television series by Tokyo Movie Shinsha
● Sans Famille (France 1981) – 6-part TV series by TF1 starring Petula
Clark and Fabrice Josso[6]
● Bez Semyi (Soviet Union 1984)
● Remi, Nobody's Girl (家なき子レミ, Ie Naki Ko Remi) (Japan)
 ● Sans famille / Das Findelkind [fr] (F/D/CZ, 2000)[8]
● Remi, Nobody's Boy (2018)[9] directed by Antoine Blossier, starring
Maleaume Paquin and Daniel Auteuil.
- The novel has been translated into more than 15 languages, expanding its
reach and impact globally.
- Notable awards: “Best French Novels of All Times”, “1001 Children’s
Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up”

2.3. Characters
- Main Characters:
● Remi: The protagonist, a kind and resilient young orphan who
embarks on a journey of self-discovery and adventure.
● Vitalis: An elderly artist who takes Remi under his wing and teaches
him the tricks of the trade. He's gruff but ultimately cares for Remi.
● Mattia: A fellow orphan who becomes Remi’s friend and companion
during their travel
- Other Notable Characters:
● Mrs. Barberin: Remi's adoptive mother in the beginning, a kind and
loving woman who raised him as her own.
● Mrs. Milligan: A wealthy woman who takes an interest in Remi and
supports his musical talents.
● Garofoli: A cruel showman who exploits Remi for his gain.
● The Acquin family: A struggling family Remi befriends during his
travels, becoming a source of support and connection.
● The Driscoll family: The family that kidnapped Remi from his real
family
● Joli - Coeur: a monkey in Vitalis’ troupe
● Capi: a dog in Vitalis’ troupe, Remi’s loyal companion
● Zerbino & Dulcie

2.4. Short Summary

Rémi is an orphan and he is the main character of the novel. He was
brought up by his foster mother Barberin. Unfortunately, when he turned
8, his adoptive father sold him to Vitalis, a roaming street artist, and he
joined their street tour with a monkey and three dogs. Their small troupe
roamed on the roads of France. Later, Vitas got sick and died in the cold
winter. Rémi continued his journey and finally, he found his real mother in
a noble family in England.

Throughout his travels, Remi learns important life lessons about friendship,
loyalty, and perseverance.(kiên trì) He forms close bonds with his animal
companions and encounters both kind-hearted individuals who offer him help
and support, as well as those who seek to exploit him (lợi dụng).
Encountering different characters and experiences ultimately dawns on Remi
the true meaning of family.

II. STORY ANALYSIS

1. Structure (Plot Orders)
- “Nobody’s Boy” follows a traditional linear plot structure, chronological
order
● Exposition:
Settings: The late 1800s in France in "Nobody's Boy" are full of social
and economic upheaval after the French Revolution. Orphans like Rémi
face a lack of love and decent shelter, and face poverty and injustice
due to class division. Xã hội Pháp là xã hội đồng tiền những người có
quyền, có tiền luôn đứng trên đầu mọi người, bóp méo cả pháp luật như
lúc viên cảnh sát bắt cụ Vitalis. Ở đó là một xã hội, con người bị cái
khổ sở làm lu mờ đi sự quyết tâm vươn lên, họ chỉ biết làm lụng để
kiếm cái miếng ăn qua ngày như chú bé Remi nói: “Má có biết lịch sử
là cái gì! Má sinh ra ở Chavanon thì má lại chết ở đấy thôi. Trí óc của
má không hề vượt ra quá tầm con mắt của má. Và đối với con mắt của
má thì vũ trụ nằm lọt trong cái vành chân trời trông từ trên chóp núi
Audouze.” (I had not heard this story before. Who would have told me?
Not Mother Barberin, surely! She did not know anything about it. She
was born at Chavanon, and would probably die there. Her mind had
never traveled farther than her eyes.)
 Characters & Conflict: The story begins with the introduction of Remi,
an orphan living with the Barberins. Remi discovered that the Barberins
he had lived with for the past 8 years were not his biological parents
and he was about to leave his beloved mother.
● Rising Action: Remi's separation from the Barberins and his journey
with Signor Vitalis constitute the rising action. These events propel
Remi into a series of adventures and challenges as he travels across
France.
● Climax: The climax occurs when Remi learns the truth about his
origins and biological family. This pivotal moment represents the peak
of tension and revelation in the story.
● Falling Action: Following the climax, there may be a brief period of
falling action where Remi grapples with the emotional aftermath of his
discoveries and resolves any remaining conflicts or tensions.
● Resolution: The resolution of "Nobody's Boy" involves Remi finding a
sense of closure and acceptance, whether through reuniting with his
biological family or finding a new sense of belonging elsewhere.

2. Point of view (Narrator)

Không gia đình được kể theo ngôi thứ nhất, trên cương vị là một người
trưởng thành, từng trải nhưng cũng đan xen sự hồn nhiên của Rêmi những
năm 8, 9 tuổi. This narrative perspective allows the reader to gain insights
into the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of the protagonist, Remi. The
omniscient narrator has access to the inner workings of the character's mind,
providing a thorough understanding of the events and interactions unfolding
in the narrative.

3. Tone of voice
The tone of "Nobody's Boy" can be described as empathetic, poignant, and
reflective. Throughout the novel, Hector Malot employs compassion and
empathy towards Remi's plight as an orphan seeking love, acceptance, and
belonging in a world that often proves harsh and unforgiving. Additionally,
the tone has a sense of poignancy, particularly as Remi encounters various
hardships and faces moments of uncertainty and adversity.

III.CHARACTERS ANALYSIS (Means of reas Les Avealing,

Character’s role, Type of character, Type of conflict)
1. Remi
- Words and actions:
● From the beginning of the novel, Rémi demonstrates resilience and
adaptability in the face of adversity. Despite being abandoned multiple
times and facing numerous hardships, he remains determined to survive
and find his place in the world.
● Rémi also exhibits compassion and empathy towards others,
particularly those who are marginalized or in need. Whether it's caring
for animals, helping fellow travelers, or forming friendships with
people from different backgrounds, Rémi's actions reflect his innate
kindness and empathy.
● Despite his young age, Rémi displays remarkable bravery in
confronting danger and standing up for himself and others. His
willingness to take risks and venture into the unknown underscores his
determination to forge his path in life.
● As Rémi travels and encounters various people and experiences, he
undergoes significant growth and self-discovery. He learns valuable
lessons about love, friendship, loyalty, and the importance of family.
His words and actions reflect his evolving understanding of the world
and his place in it.

- Physical descriptions:
● Rémi is described as a young boy, suggesting his age to be around eight
years old at the beginning of the story.
● He has blond hair, blue eyes with slim build

- Thoughts/inner feelings:
 ● From the beginning of the story, Rémi grapples with feelings of
loneliness and a deep longing for familial connection. As an orphan
without a known family, he yearns for a sense of belonging and seeks
to uncover his true identity.
● Rémi's inner thoughts are preoccupied with questions of identity and
self-discovery. He grapples with existential questions about who he is
and where he comes from, seeking to reconcile his past with his present
circumstances.
● Despite the hardships he endures, Rémi's inner thoughts often express
gratitude and appreciation for the kindness and support he receives
from others along his journey. He recognizes the value of friendship,
love, and human connection in sustaining him through difficult times.
Rémi also maintains a sense of hope and optimism, believing that he
will eventually find a place where he belongs and discover his true
identity. His inner thoughts reveal his optimism for the future, even in
the face of adversity.
● Another notable trait of Remi, which can be inferred from his inner
thoughts, is remarkable resilience and determination. They reflect his
unwavering resolve to persevere and overcome obstacles in pursuit of
his goals.

- Type of character:
● In terms of development, Remi is a dynamic character. At the
beginning of the story, Rémi is depicted as a vulnerable orphan,
longing for familial connection and struggling to find his place in the
world. However, as the narrative unfolds, Rémi experiences personal
growth and maturity through his various experiences and challenges.
He learns valuable lessons about resilience, compassion, and the
importance of human connection, which shape his character
development. Throughout the novel, Rémi's relationships with other
characters evolve and change, further highlighting his dynamic nature.
From his initial bond with Mrs. Barberin to his friendships with various
 companions he meets along his journey, Rémi's interactions with others
shape his growth and development as a character.
● In terms of personality, Remi is a round character

Lâm - viên cảnh sát: Ơ cái ông kia kia, ai cho ông làm xiếc ở đây? Cút ra
khỏi đây ngay cho ta!
Thư - Vitalis: Thưa ngài đại diện chính quyền cao quý, ngài có thể cho chúng
tôi xem điều lệ nào của nhà chức trách đã cấm những kẻ làm trò hèn mọn như
chúng tôi đem cái nghề tầm thường của họ trình bày ở nơi công cộng này
không?
Lâm: Ta không cần biết, đây là sân chơi của ta và ta là luật. Mà đã là luật thì
ông phải nghe theo
(remi cười)
Lâm: Á à, thằng nhãi ranh này dám cười ta, mày dám sao (vừa nói vừa giơ
tay lên định đánh Remi)
Cụ vitalis cản lại
Lâm: Ôi bớ làng nước ơi, ông ta dám đánh cảnh sát. Loạn rồi, loạn hết rồi.
Người đâu, bắt hắn vào tù cho ta
1 người đi ra dắt Thư ra ngoài - Lâm thuyết trình tiếp

2. Vitalis
- Means of revealing: Người hát dạo, đã mua lại Rémi từ bố nuôi Jérôme
Barberin của cậu. Ông đã dạy học cũng như kinh nghiệm sống cho Rémi
khi cả hai đi lưu diễn khắp nước Pháp. Ông là người Ý và đã từng có thời
huy hoàng lúc còn trẻ. Ông xem Rémi như con trai mình cũng như Rémi
xem ông là người cha vĩ đại mà cậu hằng mong muốn. Sau cùng, ông đã
qua đời trong cảnh lang thang giữa mùa đông lạnh giá.
Cụ vốn là một người đức cao trọng vọng, từng đứng trên bậc cao nhất của
nấc thang xã hội đương thời; nhưng sau này bị rơi xuống tận đáy xã hội, phải
làm nghề xiếc chó rong sống qua ngày. Cụ đã gắng hết sức, chịu không biết
bao nhiêu khổ cực, chịu cái đói, cái nghèo. Sức lực cậu bị bào mòn dần bởi
cuộc sống đầy rẫy những bộn bề, khắc nghiệt. Để rồi đến một ngày, cụ đã
chết, chết vì không tin vào lòng tốt của con người, chết bên đường, chết trong
cái đói, cái nghèo trong khi chỉ cần với tay ra gõ cửa thôi, người ta sẵn sàng
cứu cụ.

- Character description: Long ringlets fell to his shoulders and he wore a

tall gray hat ornamented with green and red feathers. A sheepskin, the
woolly side turned inside, was fastened around his body. There were no
sleeves to the skin, but through two large holes, cut beneath the
shoulders, his arms were thrust, covered with velvet sleeves that had
once been blue. Woolen gaiters reached up to his knees, and to hold
them in place a ribbon was interlaced several times round his legs. He
sat with his elbow resting on his crossed knees. I had never seen a
living person with such a quiet calm attitude. He looked to me like one
of the saints in our Church. Lying beside him were three dogs—a white
spaniel, a black spaniel, and a pretty little gray dog with a sharp, cute
little look. The white spaniel wore a policeman's old helmet, which was
fastened under its chin with a leather strap.
- Character role:
● Guardian/Mentor: Vitalis provides Remi with a home, protection, and
education. He teaches Remi music, reading, and life lessons
● Companion: Vitalis travels and performs with Remi, forming a bond
that goes beyond teacher and student
● Catalyst: Vitalis’ past and hidden identity become a driving force of the
story, including Remi’s search for his family
- Type of character: Vitalis can be considered as a dynamic, round
character.

Vitalis can be seen as a round character due to his multifaceted nature and the
development he undergoes throughout the story. He exhibits depth, evolving
emotions, and experiences that shape his personality. His past, motivations,
and interactions with other characters contribute to his complexity.
However, there are also aspects of Vitalis that align with flat character traits.
He serves certain roles within the narrative that are consistent and
predictable, without significant growth or change in some aspects of his
character. These traits might include his steadfastness in caring for Remi, his
determination to survive, and his mentorship role.

Ultimately, Vitalis is a dynamic character with both round and flat qualities,
making him an integral and interesting part of the story.

- Type of conflict:
● Internal conflict:

Vitalis grapples with internal conflict stemming from his past. His sense of
guilt and remorse over his previous actions, particularly those involving his
former life as a criminal, haunts him throughout the story. He struggles to
reconcile his past deeds with his present desire to lead a more honorable life,
especially as he assumes responsibility for caring for Remi. This internal
conflict drives Vitalis to seek redemption through his actions and the
guidance of Remi, demonstrating his internal struggle with morality and
ethics.

● External conflict: Vitalis faces external challenges like poverty, the

cruelty of others, and the need to find work and a place to stay

External challenges: cái đói, thời tiết khắc nghiệt (2 lần bão tuyết)
Vì criminal record nên bị hắt hủi, k có việc làm, lang thang vô định k có chỗ
ở

Vitalis faces external conflict due to societal rejection and prejudice. As a

former convict, he encounters mistrust and discrimination from others,
making it difficult for him to integrate into society and find gainful
employment. This conflict is exacerbated by the challenges of navigating a
society that judges individuals based on their past rather than their present
actions and character. Vitalis must contend with societal barriers while trying
to provide for himself and Remi, highlighting the injustices and biases
present in the world around him. (Đoạn mấy ông cảnh sát bỏ tù Vitalis)

Backstory của Vitalis

“There is not much to tell. His name was not Vitalis. He was Carlo Balzini,
and if you had lived thirty-five or forty years ago in Italy, that name alone
would tell you all you want to know. Carlo Balzini was the greatest singer of
the day. He sang in Naples, Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence, London and
Paris. Then came the time when he lost his magnificent voice, and as he
could not be the greatest of singers, he would not dim his fame by singing on
cheaper stages unworthy of his great reputation. Instead, he preferred to
hide himself from the world and from all who had known him in his triumph.
Yet he had to live. He tried several professions, but could not succeed, then
finally he took to training dogs. But in his poverty, he was still very proud
and he would have died of shame if the public could have known that the
brilliant Carlo Balzini had sunk to the depths he had. It was just a matter of
chance that I learned his secret."

3. Mr. Barberin
Mr. Barberin is a character in the novel "Nobody's Boy" (also known as
"Sans Famille") by Hector Malot. Initially portrayed as Rémi's adoptive
father, Mr. Barberin's true nature and motives become increasingly complex
as the story progresses, adding depth and tension to the narrative.
- Means of Revealing: Khi Remi và má Barberin đang tận hưởng buổi chiều
“hoàn hảo” cùng món bánh pancake mà cậu yêu thích thì Mr Barberin bất
ngờ xuất hiện. Là “cha” của Remi nhưng khi cậu chạy ra chào, ông chẳng
những không chào đón mà còn lấy cây gậy của mình ra chặn cậu lại. Buổi
chiều hoàn hảo đó đã bị phá vỡ → Giống như những tháng ngày hạnh
phúc của Remi sẽ sớm bị lão Barberin lấy đi.
- Physical Description: Tác giả miêu tả lão Barberin là một người đàn ông
khoảng 50 tuổi, nét mặt hơi cứng và thô. Đầu hơi nghiêng về phía vai phải
 do chấn thương khi làm việc (cắt đá), sự biến dạng này khiến cho lão thêm
phần đáng sợ
- Lão Barberin từ đầu tới cuối luôn là một nỗi ám ảnh của Remi. Ngay từ
lúc lão nhận nuôi Remi, lão đã nhận nuôi với một mục đích chẳng mấy tốt
đẹp, lão chỉ muốn chuộc lợi từ thằng bé. Rồi những ngày Remi sống cùng
lão, ngày nào cũng là một ngày tệ hại, lão đối xử với cậu như một kẻ ở
chứ chẳng phải con mình. Lão bán cậu bé đi cho cụ Vitalis để lấy tiền, rồi
cũng tìm lại bằng được cậu bé để nhận tiền từ nhà Driscoll. Từ đầu tới
cuối câu chuyện, lão Barberin vẫn luôn vì ám ảnh với tiền mà đối xử với
một Remi chẳng giống như đối xử với một con người.
- Type of Character: Static, Flat. Throughout the story, Mr. Barberin
doesn’t undergo substantial development or growth in terms of his
personality, beliefs, or actions, his role within the story may remain
constant. He appears as an antagonist: sells Remi and interferes with
Remi’s journey for his good.

4. Mrs. Barberin
- Means of Revealing: At the beginning of the novel, Mrs. Barberin is
portrayed as a caring and compassionate woman who takes in Rémi when
he is abandoned by his adoptive father. Her initial actions of providing
shelter and care for the orphaned Rémi demonstrate her kindness and
generosity. Mrs. Barberin forms a strong emotional bond with Rémi,
treating him as her son. Her affectionate words and actions towards him
reflect her genuine love and concern for his well-being. This bond
becomes a central aspect of Rémi's life, providing him with a sense of
belonging and security. As the story progresses, Mrs. Barberin's actions of
keeping Remi’s childhood belongings lead to the eventual reunion and
reconciliation between Rémi and his birth family, contributing to the
happy ending of the novel.
- Character's Role: Mrs. Barberin serves as a guiding light for Rémi,
shaping his identity and providing him with the emotional support he
needs to navigate life's challenges. Through her portrayal, Malot explores
 the profound impact of maternal figures on the lives of orphaned children
and emphasizes the importance of love and belonging in shaping one's
destiny.
- Type of Character: In terms of development, Mrs. Barberin is a static
character who emotionally supports Remi. Regarding personality, Mrs.
Barberin is a flat character with good characteristics.

5. Mattia
- Means of Revealing: Mattia lần đầu xuất hiện khi mà Remi đến gặp gã
Garofoli. Cậu bị gã Garofoli độc ác ấy hành hạ, bỏ đói, đánh đập và bóc
lột. Cậu gầy đến nỗi Remi tả cậu như thể cậu chỉ có mỗi đầu và 4 tay chân.
Khuôn mặt cậu luôn ánh lên sự buồn bã và dường như cậu chẳng còn hi
vọng gì vào cuộc sống của mình nữa.
- Character's Description: Mattia serves as a significant companion and
friend to Rémi throughout his journey. He offers companionship, support,
and guidance, becoming an integral part of Rémi's life. Mattia là một
người bạn tuyệt vời của Remi, cậu tin tưởng Remi hết mình, ngay cả khi
cậu đang lang thang vô định sau khi thoát khỏi gã Garofoli, cậu chọn
Remi là nơi để cậu một lần nữa gửi gắm niềm tin và hi vọng sống. Cậu
ủng hộ Remi hết mình, cậu coi mục tiêu của Remi (cụ thể là mua bò tặng
cho má Barberin) như là mục tiêu của cậu và phấn đấu hết mình vì nó,
hạnh phúc khôn nguôi khi má Barberin nhận được con bò ấy. Cậu chẳng
hề bỏ rơi Remi ngay cả khi cậu đã có cơ hội có được một cuộc sống tốt
hơn, đủ đầy hơn cùng Monsieur Espinassous. Không chỉ vậy, Mattia còn
là một cậu bé thông minh, cậu chơi nhiều loại nhạc cụ và học nhạc rất
giỏi. Trích sách bản tiếng Việt: “Nói cho đúng thì về sinh kế, Mattia có
những khả năng bẩm sinh mà tôi kém thua xa. Trước hết, nó hơn tôi ở chỗ
có tài chơi đủ mọi thứ đàn địch, lại biết hát, biết nhảy múa, biết đóng đủ
mọi vai trò. Đến cái việc kính thỉnh “chư vị khán giả” móc hầu bao chi
tiền - cụ Vi-ta-li ngày xưa gọi thế - thì nó lại thạo hơn tôi vô kể. Chỉ mỗi
cái nụ cười, đôi mắt hiền dịu, hai hàm răng trắng ngà ngọc, cái vẻ mặt
cởi mở của nó đủ làm cảm kích những tay keo kiệt nhất. Nó không xin,
 nhưng trông thấy nó, người ta đã muốn cho rồi, và làm cho nó vui lòng
cũng là một cái thú.” Ngoài ra, Mattia còn có con mắt khôn ngoan và tinh
tưởng, nó phát hiện ra cái khuất tất của gia đình Driscoll và kéo Remi ra
khỏi cái bẫy ấy, nó là người luôn tỉnh táo lo cho kế sinh nhai khi Remi còn
đang chìm đắm trong niềm hạnh phúc của mình mà lơ là việc kiếm tiền.
- Type of Character: Dynamic, Round. Dynamic vì at first, Mattia appears
to have his insecurities, fears, or past traumas. But after he escapes from
Garofoli and embarks on his trip with Remi, Mattia shows that he also
possesses qualities of loyalty, resilience, and compassion, as evidenced by
his unwavering support for Rémi during their trials. Round vì as the story
unfolds, readers learn more about Mattia’s past, hopes, fears, and
aspirations, contributing to his status as a round character in the novel
- Conflict: The conflicts involving Mattia may vary, encompassing both
internal and external struggles. In terms of internal struggles, Mattia has to
grapple with personal demons, such as doubts about his self-worth or
struggles to overcome past traumas. Also, he experiences an internal
struggle when Remi finds his family, feeling both happy because he wants
Remi to find happiness and sad because he fears Remi will abandon him.

6. Capi
- Means of revealing: Capi, the loyal dog companion of Rémi, is portrayed
from Remi’s observation. Capi's loyalty, intelligence, and bravery can be
seen through his unwavering devotion to Rémi and his willingness to
protect him from danger. Additionally, Capi's personality and character
traits are revealed through his behavior and the emotions he displays, such
as joy, fear, and sadness. While Capi doesn't speak, his reactions to what
others say can reveal his understanding and emotional state.
- Character role:
● Companion: Capi provides constant companionship and emotional
support for both Remi and Vitalis.
● Protector: Capi acts as a loyal guard, keeping Remi and Vitalis safe
from harm.
 ● Performer: Capi contributes to their income by performing tricks with
Remi, becoming an integral part of their busking act.
- Type of character: Capi can be classified as a static character. Unlike
human characters who undergo significant change or development, Capi’s
fundamental traits and characteristics remain consistent throughout the
story
- Type of conflict:
Capi is involved in various conflicts throughout the narrative, primarily as a
loyal companion to Rémi. One of the central conflicts surrounding Capi is the
struggle for survival in a harsh and unforgiving world. As Rémi's faithful
dog, Capi faces numerous dangers and challenges, including natural disasters,
hostile animals, and human adversaries, all of which threaten their safety and
well-being.
Another significant conflict for Capi is the internal conflict of loyalty versus
instinct. While Capi's loyalty to Rémi is unwavering, he must also navigate
his instincts as a dog, which sometimes lead him into dangerous situations or
compel him to act impulsively. This conflict adds depth to Capi's character
and underscores the challenges he faces as a faithful companion in a
tumultuous world.
Capi's conflicts primarily revolve around his role as Rémi's loyal companion
and the challenges they encounter together. His unwavering loyalty and
bravery in the face of danger highlight the bond between humans and
animals, as well as the themes of friendship, loyalty, and perseverance that
permeate the novel. Despite facing numerous obstacles and dangers, Capi
remains steadfast in his commitment to Rémi, embodying the enduring
strength of their bond amidst the trials and tribulations of their journey.

7. Other characters (Milligan, Acquin, Driscoll, Garofoli, …)

- Mrs. Milligan:
● Means of revealing: When Remi and his companion animals became
fatigued because of long-distance traveling and finding Zerbino, Remi
decided to play music to distract himself and the animals from hunger.
 During his performance, Mrs Milligan appeared as a spectator to their
bravo performance and later showed great sympathy for their enduring
journey. The introduction about Mrs Milligan hinted at the many
possible plot twists that might appear in the story.
“Arthur's mother was English. Her name was Mrs. Milligan. She was a
widow, and Arthur was her only son; at least, it was supposed that he
was her only son living, for she had lost an elder child under
mysterious conditions. When the child was six months old it had been
kidnaped, and they had never been able to find any trace of him. It is
true that, at the time he was taken, Mrs. Milligan had not been able to
make the necessary searches. Her husband was dying, and she was
dangerously ill and knew nothing of what was going on around her.
When she regained consciousness her husband was dead and her baby
had disappeared. Her brother-in-law, Mr. James Milligan, had
searched everywhere for the child. There being no heir, he expected to
inherit his brother's property. Yet, after all, Mr. James Milligan
inherited nothing from his brother, for seven months after the death of
her husband, Mrs. Milligan's second son, Arthur, was born.
But the doctors said that this frail, delicate child could not live. He
might die at any moment. In the event of his death, Mr. James Milligan
would succeed to the fortune. He waited and hoped, but the doctors'
predictions were not fulfilled. Arthur lived. It was his mother's care
that saved him.”
● Character’s role: Mrs Milligan, besides Mother Barberin, are those
who gave the main character a sense of family, a sense of belonging. I
was given a tiny cabin on the boat. What a wonderful little room it
appeared to me! Everything was spotless. She gave great care to Remi
until his master was freed from the prison, and tried to persuade his
master to let him nurture the boy. The fact that Mrs. Milligan is
searching for a lost son around the same time Remi is a wandering boy
raises an intriguing possibility. The story might explore a connection
between them later on.
 ● Type of character: Static, Flat character. Mrs. Milligan is a grieving
mother. She lost her elder son under mysterious circumstances when he
was just six months old. This event likely dominates her life, leaving
her with immense sadness and a lingering hope of finding him again.
Despite the passage of time, Mrs. Milligan hasn't given up on finding
her lost child. This suggests a strong and determined personality. She
actively searches for clues and inquiries about her son, as seen in the
episode
● The story takes a turn when she recognizes Remi's clothes, leading to
the revelation that he is her lost son. This discovery offers her a chance
for long-awaited happiness and family reunification.
Overall, Mrs. Milligan embodies the unwavering love and hope of a parent
who refuses to let go. Though we only see a fragment of her story, it leaves a
lasting impression and compels the reader to continue the journey to see if
her search is successful.

- Garofoli
● Means of revealing: Garofoli's presence is shrouded in secrecy. We
only encounter him directly when Remi and Vitalis visit his "padrone"
(master). “We crossed a big courtyard to a dirty, dismal house where
surely the sun had never penetrated. It was the worst-looking place I
had seen so far.”

Despite this, his influence is significant.

● Character’s role: Garofoli's imprisonment and Vitalis' fear of him

create an opportunity for Remi to leave the troupe. This sets Remi on a
new path towards finding his real family. Garofoli, despite his limited
presence, is a key antagonist in "Nobody's Boy." He represents the
harsh realities of the world Remi navigates and the dangers he escapes.
His cruelty serves as a foil to the kindness Remi encounters on his
journey.
● Static, flat character. The details surrounding Garofoli paint a picture
of a harsh and cruel individual. He runs a troupe of performing
children, implied through Mattia's situation, to exploit them for profit.
We also learn he is in prison for beating a boy to death, highlighting his
brutality. Garofoli holds power over Vitalis through a dark secret,
possibly Vitalis' past as the singer Carlo Balzani. This secret allows
Garofoli to manipulate Vitalis, preventing him from going to the
authorities about the harsh conditions in the troupe. We never get into
Garofoli's mind, but his actions and the way others react to him speak
volumes. Mattia's desperate state after leaving Garofoli further
emphasizes the cruelty of the man.
● “A boy about twelve years of age came forward. I was struck by his
strange looks. Even now, as I write, I can see him as I saw him then.
He had no body, so to speak, for he seemed all legs and head. His
great head was out of all proportion. Built so, he could not have been
called handsome, yet there was something in his face that attracted one
strangely, an expression of sadness and gentleness and, yes ...
hopelessness. His large eyes held your own with sympathy.”
● “Signor Garofoli has a lot of boys here, some of them are chimney
sweeps, others rag pickers, and those who are not strong enough to
work, sing in the streets, or beg. Garofoli gave me two little white mice
to show to the public and I had to bring him back thirty sous every
night. As many sous as you are short a day, so many blows you get. It
is hard to pick up thirty souls, but the blows are hard, too, especially
when it's Garofoli who gives them.”
● When one is very ill, they take care of you or they let you die. If they let
me die it will be all over, I shan't be hungry anymore, and there'll be
no more beatings. And they do say that when we die we go up and live
with God. Then, if I'm up there, I can look down on Mamma and
Christina, and I can ask God not to let my little sister be unhappy.
Also, if they send me to the Hospital, I shall be pleased.
 ● "You know how much it hurts me to hear you cry," said Garofoli,
gently, addressing the victim. "You know that if the whip tears your
skin, your cries pierce my heart. So then I warn you that for each cry
you will receive another slash, and it will be your fault. If you have any
affection or gratitude you will keep silent. Go on, Ricardo."

- The Acquin Family: “My new family consisted of the father, whose name
was Pierre Acquin, two boys, Alexix and Benjamin, and two girls,
Etiennette, the elder, and Lise, the youngest of the family”
● Means of revealing: Pierre Acquin, the father, is the gardener working
at the farm where Rémi finds himself after Vitalis, his master, passes
away.
● Static, flat Character. Pierre is a kind and compassionate person. He
is likely one of the first people Rémi encounters upon arriving at the
farm, and the fact that he is present at Rémi's bedside with others
suggests he takes an interest in Rémi's well-being.
"Where are you going?" asked the gardener. "Wouldn't you like to stay here
and work? It won't be an easy life. You'll have to get up very early in the
morning and work hard all day. But you may be sure that you won't have to
go through what you did last night. You will have a bed and food and you
will have the satisfaction of knowing that you have earned it. And, if you're a
good boy, which I think you are, you will be one of the family."

"There's his reply," said the father, laughing. "I can see by your face how
pleased you are; no need for you to say anything. Hang your harp up there
on the wall and when you get tired of us you may take it down and go on
your way again, but you must do like the swallows, choose your season to
start on your flight. Don't go off in the depth of winter."
● Lise is a nice and caring young girl, who is eventually Remi’s wife. She
is depicted in the story as a dumb girl, but she has a big heart and
shows great care and affection for Remi from the start. “Lise was
dumb. She was not born dumb, but just before her fourth birthday,
 through an illness, she had lost the power of speech. This affliction,
fortunately, had not impaired her intelligence; quite the contrary, her
intelligence was developed to an extraordinary degree. She seemed to
understand everything. And her sweet, pretty ways made her adored by
the family.”
● Other characters of the Acquin family are to show a stark contrast to
the Driscoll family. As plain strangers, the care and affection they gave
towards Remi was more than anything he received when he got
reunited with his supposed family - The Driscolls. This is another sign
to show that he is not to be a member of the Driscoll family.
Scarcely had we got upstairs than they all crowded around me. Lise clung to
me, crying. Then I knew, that despite their grief at parting from one another,
it was of me that they thought; they pitied me because I was alone. I felt,
indeed, then that I was their brother.
At seven o'clock Etiennette, in her turn, took me to the garden. "I want to
give you a little keepsake, Remi," she said. "Take this little case; my
godfather gave it to me. You'll find thread, needles, and scissors in it; when
you are tramping along the roads you'll need them, for I shan't be there to
put a patch on your clothes, nor sew a button on. When you use my scissors,
think of us all."
Etiennette was speaking to me, and Alexix loitered near; when she left me to
return to the house, he came up. "Say, Remi," he began, "I've got two five-
franc pieces. Take one; I'll be so pleased if you will."
, neither, had forgotten me; he also wanted to give me a present. He gave me
his knife, and in exchange, he exacted a sou because he said "A knife cuts
friendship."

- The Driscoll family:

● Means of revealing: Setting: “Our guide looked about him in disgust,
then entered the swing doors of the gin palace. We followed. Although
we were in a miserable part of the city I had never seen anything more
luxurious”. => Far from an expectation of a luxurious, rich family
 mother Barberin talked about => implications that this is not his true
family
● The Driscoll family appears as the family that lost Remi several years
back in the story. They “reconnected” to the boy through Mr. Barberin,
who sold Remi to his master Vitalis.
● Character’s role: The Driscoll family served as a means to help Remi
find his true family. When the protagonist, Remi, finally finds the
Driscolls, his supposed family, they are distant and uncaring. This
coldness is a stark contrast to Remi's longing for a family throughout
the novel. The Driscolls are revealed to be thieves, using Remi's friend
Capi for their schemes. This discovery shatters Remi's hope of finding
a loving family. The reunion with the Driscolls is a major turning point
in the novel. It highlights the cruelty of fate and the complexities of
family. Remi goes from hopeful to disillusioned.
● Red flags:
My father then asked why Barberin had not come with me. I told him that he
was dead. He seemed pleased to hear this. He repeated it to my mother, who
also seemed pleased. Why were they both pleased that Barberin was dead?
I flung the bag from my shoulders and took the chair that he offered me. As I
stretched out my legs, wet, and covered with mud, to the fire my grandfather
spat on one side, like an old cat that is annoyed.
"Don't pay any attention to him," said my father; "the old chap doesn't like
anyone to sit before his fire, but you needn't mind him if you're cold."
I was surprised to hear anyone speak like this of an old man. I kept my legs
under my chair, for I thought that attention should be paid to him.
Although I had not been brought up exactly on the principle of good
breeding, I noticed that my brothers and sister's behaved very badly at the
table; they ate more often with their fingers, sticking them into the gravy and
licking them without my father and mother seeming to notice them. As to my
grandfather, he gave his whole attention to what was before him, and the one
hand that he was able to use went continually from his plate to his mouth.
When he let a piece fall from his shaking fingers my brothers and sisters
laughed.
I thought that we should spend the evening together around the fire, but my
father said that he was expecting friends, and told us to go to bed.
From that day one in my family openly showed their dislike for me. My
grandfather continued to spit angrily when I approached him. The boys and
my eldest sister played every trick they possibly could upon me. My father
and mother ignored me, only demanding of me my money every evening. Out
of the whole family, for whom I had felt so much affection when I had landed
in England, there was only baby Kate who would let me fondle her, and she
turned from me coldly if I had not candy or an orange in my pocket for her.

IV. OUR MORAL LESSON

- Regardless of situation, do not lose yourself
Không được để cái xấu xa của xã hội bào mòn những khía cạnh tốt đẹp của
mình. Những người tử tế chân thành sẽ luôn dành được sự yêu mến của mọi
người. “Không gì có thể đánh đổi được nhân cách và tâm hồn; giữ gìn nhân
phẩm, luôn làm người có ích cho xã hội mới giúp chúng ta không phải hối
hận vì đã sống một cuộc đời vô nghĩa trước lúc nhắm mắt xuôi tay.” - Vitalis

- Everything comes with a price

Bất cứ sự tự do nào cũng cần trả giá. Việc đi chu du khắp nơi, nhìn ngắm đó
đây, được làm việc một cách tự do đổi lại là sự bấp bênh nay đây mai đó, bữa
đói bữa no, phải chịu rét chịu khổ. Nếu không may mắn còn phải trả giá rất
đắt như cái chết vì đói và lạnh của cụ Vitali.

- Pursue your goals to the end, do not fear difficulty, do not fear
hardship (overcoming adversity)
Kiên trì đến cùng, dù chỉ có một tia hi vọng mong manh cũng nên cố gắng
theo đuổi đến cùng. Vì nhờ kiên trì theo dấu thuyền Thiên Nga mà Remi đã
tìm lại được gia đình rồi sau đó là những điều tốt đẹp liên tiếp đến với chúa
và những người thân yêu. Tuổi trẻ đừng ngại đương đầu với khó khăn bởi
nếu không bị lạc đường ta sẽ khó biết mình vốn rất sợ hãi, nếu không bị dối
gạt ta sẽ khó biết mình rất dễ tổn thương, nếu không bị bỏ rơi ta sẽ khó thấy
được bản chất yếu đuối và dựa dẫm của mình.

Tiến lên! Thế giới mở rộng trước mắt tôi, tôi có thể dời chân xuống nam hay
lên bắc, sang đông hay qua đoài tùy lòng. Tôi chỉ là một đứa trẻ con, thế mà
tôi đã làm chủ cuộc đời của tôi. (The world was before me; I could go where
I liked, north, south, east or west. I was my own master. How many children
there are who say to themselves, "If I could only do as I liked, ... if I were my
own master!”),

- Seek support from others

Ta luôn cần một cánh tay vững chãi cho ta tựa vào và truyền thêm sức mạnh
giúp ta đủ can đảm vượt qua gian khó. Bàn tay ấy có thể không đủ sức kéo ta
khỏi vũng lầy bất hạnh nhưng nó đã làm nỗi khổ đau vơi đi ít nhiều.
“Khi mọi việc yên ổn, thì ta cứ cặm cụi đi con đường của ta, không thèm
quan tâm đến những kẻ cùng đi với ta. Nhưng khi mọi việc đều chẳng ra gì,
khi ta cảm thấy đương gặp bước gian truân, nhất là khi ta đã già nua không
tin tưởng ở ngày mai nữa, thì ta cần tựa vào những người chung quanh ta.
Ta hết sức sung sướng được nhìn thấy có họ bên cạnh mình. Nói rằng ông
tựa vào cháu thì cháu lấy làm lạ lắm có phải không? Ấy mà đúng như thế
đấy. Chỉ một việc nhìn cháu nghe lời ông nói mà mắt cháu nhòa lệ, ông cũng
đã nhẹ bớt phiền não một phần.” (Vitalis - Đường về Paris gặp Garofoli)
("It is you who are good. You brave little heart. There comes a time in one's
life when one feels these things. When all goes well, one goes along through
life without thinking much about who is with one, but when things go wrong
when one is on the wrong track, and above all when one is old, one wants to
lean on somebody. You may be surprised that I have wanted to lean on you.
And yet it is so. But only to see that your eyes are moist as you listen to me,
comforts me, little Remi. I am very unhappy.")

- The importance of family, friendship and belonging

Chủ đề gia đình và tình bạn luôn hiện hữu xuyên suốt tác phẩm không gia
đình. Cậu bé Remi cho đến cuối câu chuyện đã tìm được gia đình thật sự ,
nhưng những người đi cùng cậu trên chuyến hành trình đó cũng là gia đình
của cậu. Là má Barberin nuôi dưỡng cậu từ lúc cậu được nhặt về, coi cậu như
con đẻ của mình. Là cụ Vitalis, người thầy, người cha đã dạy cho cậu con
chữ, dạy hát cũng như những bài học về nhân sinh. Là Mattia, người đã đồng
hành với cậu trong phần còn lại của chuyến đi. Là gia đình Milligan, gia đình
thật sự của cậu. Tuy không phải máu mủ ruột rà nhưng họ vẫn yêu thương,
coi Remi như chính người thân trong gia đình của mình. Và tình cảm của
Remi dành cho họ cũng chân thành như vậy.
Chi tiết xúc động, sau khi tìm được gia đình, cậu vẫn luôn nhớ về cụ Vitalis
Cụ chủ thân yêu của cháu ơi! Giá được phụng dưỡng tuổi già của cụ thì
cháu sung sướng biết ngần nào! Nếu thế, hẳn cụ phải bỏ cái ống tiêu, tấm da
cừu và chiếc áo nhung của cụ ra, cụ đã không lặp đi lặp lại cái câu: “Nào ta
tiến lên, các con!”. Được trọng vọng trong tuổi già, hẳn cụ có thể hẳn cụ có
thể ngẩng cao cáu đầu bạc rất đẹp và lấy lại tên tuổi của cụ ngày xưa. Ông
già Vitalis vô gia cư sẽ trở lại làm nhà danh ca Carlo Balzani. Không làm
được gì đối với cụ thì cái chết tàn nhẫn đã cướp cụ đi, thì cháu cũng cố vớt
vát ít nhiều đối với vong linh của cụ. Thể theo yêu cầu của cháu, mẹ cháu đã
xây cho cụ một ngôi mộ trong nghĩa địa Montparnasse ở Paris, và cháu đã
cho khắc tên Carlo Balzani lên bia mộ.
(Alas! poor master! poor Vitalis! I could not do much for you in life, but at
my request, my mother has erected a marble tomb and placed your bust, the
bust of Carlo Balzini, upon the tomb. A copy of this bust is before me now as
I write, and often while penning my "Memoirs," I have looked up and my
eyes have caught yours. I have not forgotten you; I shall never forget you,
dear master, dear Vitalis.)
+ Mua cho má Barberin con bò ngày trở về
+ Tình bạn chân thành giữa Remi và Mattia
 - The power of knowledge
Người có hiểu biết, luôn tìm tòi học hỏi có cuộc sống tốt hơn. Như trong vụ
tai nạn trong hầm mỏ, nếu không nhờ sự hiểu biết của cụ giáo thì trong 120
người bị lụt dưới hầm mỏ đã không thể có 6 người còn sống sót.
Remi trong suốt hành trình không ngừng học hỏi những kỹ năng, kiến thức
mới (được dạy chữ, dạy thanh nhạc, dạy những bài học về cuộc sống)

1. How is this lesson consistently demonstrated throughout the

book?
2. Why did we choose it as the lesson?
3. Our other impressions of the book.
4. Literary works that share similar values.
https://www.bookey.app/quote-book/nobody's-boy

The downsides of society gradually emerged amid the luxury of France, such
as child labor being overused, the slave class being badly trampled, and some
people making money against all odds,. There are lots of practical and
significant lessons integrated throughout the journey. Even so, "Nobody's
Boy" is an adorable story. There are always kind people along the way
willing to help Rémi, and the animals, our Capi and Joli are the most loyal
friends of the boy as they've never left him alone during the journey. The
days of roaming around have created a strong, resilient Remi but also an
extremely benevolent and optimistic boy as he has always thought of and
appreciated those who gave him their hands in the most difficult times in his
life.

Flow thuyết trình

- Nên phân tích nhân vật theo plot chuyện (hành trình của remi)
→ dễ cho người nghe keep track
- Ngoài các nhân vật ra thì cá rcm phân tích thêm về cách Malot miêu tả
cảnh (không cần quá nhiều đâu, chỉ cần lúc cuối tổng kết thì nói qua
cũng đc, để cá charge cho cũng đc)
 - Tập trung vào các chi tiết tâm đắc nhất (xíu thống nhất để lọc)

Cách trigger trong lúc thuyết trình

- Trong phim chuyển thể của ko gia đình, có phần đoạn hát của Remi
*hay* → rcm bật một đoạn nhỏ trong lúc thuyết trình về hành trình của
Remi với cụ Vitalis để mọi người cảm nhận về văn hóa của Pháp và Ý
- Role play → chọn 1 phần để đóng (nhưng mà nên là một đoạn siêu
ngắn và chi tiết đó phải đắt giá)
- Mở bằng câu hỏi
- Tìm thêm ảnh về các nhân vật
- Trích dẫn thêm quote trong lúc kể chuyện
- Hỏi ở kết: “Vậy bạn có nghĩ remi có thật sự là “Không gia đình” hay
ko?”