The story, "Visitors," evokes a feeling of sympathy for Vinh's character. In the other stories in the book, Vinh is depicted as somewhat of an antagonist. However, in "Visitors," Phan offers a deeper look into his life, his motives, and his true sense of character. In the beginning of the tale, it is not obvious that the student who helps Bac Nguyen is actually Vinh, and the conversations that the two have shows a soft side to his character. He reveals his feelings for Kim by telling Bac Nguyen that "she will always be the most important thing in [his] life" (Phan 97). It is evident that Vinh was emotionally invested in Kim, and this piece of the conversation offers insight into the depth fo his love for her. This, paired with the hesitation that Vinh faced when it came time to rob Bac Nguyen's home offers a look into Vinh's character that could have been previously overlooked. The guilt that Vinh was experiencing as they were driving away from the home showcases his inner conflict. This piece of the book really offers insight to Vinh's character as a whole, showing his desire for family and the overall result of his experience in foster care. He connects to Bac Nguyen and discusses things he probably would not have with another adult. He clings to Kim as something important to him, not only because he is in love with her, but because she has been with him through his entire life, being the closest thing to a sibling he has ever had.
The story elicits the tendencies that Vinh has to be kind, since he did not want to reveal the location of Bac Nguyen's home immediately, but since he realizes that they need money to pay rent, he feels the need to go through with the robbery anyhow. Vinh's actions reveal his immaturity, since he does not try to find a different way to make the money. Instead, he betrays his newfound friend as a way to prove himself to his gang members and to earn respect from them. However, the scene where Vinh meets with Bac Nguyen and connects with him on a level deeper than any other person he has robbed reveals Vinh's vulnerability and his desire for any form of family that he can grasp onto.
By Katrina F.
This is a great break down of Vinh as a multi-faced character. I agree with your comment that Vinh has tendencies to be kind, but also is aware of the reality of his situation as far as the payments he has to make. He definitely demonstrates vulnerability, immaturity and feeling stuck in his present situation, unable to think of other ways to make an honest living.
ReplyDeleteBy Julia G.
ReplyDeleteI thought this section of the book really gave depth to Vinh, who otherwise came off as simply a petty criminal. His motivations are rooted in exasperation as he struggles to come to terms with what it means to live in America. I agree that his incredible violence goes hand in hand with the vulnerability which he shows in the initial conversation. Perhaps opening up to Bac Nguyen also led him to open up to his rawest sentiments about Vietnamese assimilation.
By Oscar A.
I agree that his decision to ultimately rob Bac Nguyen, and his family's, home may have been an effect of Vinh's immaturity, but his hesitation may mark the beginning of his redefinition. The small hints of his more sympathetic nature show that he has the potential to be something more than a gangster without remorse. His hopes to start a family with Kim, and her importance in his life are clues that he wants more than just a gang life. This book reinforces the idea that Vinh would go to extreme lengths for Kim, an idea set forth by his willingness to rob the storm Kim worked at without the need for an explanation. His opposition to the older gang member's ideas and plans also marks a major development for Vinh's character, and him seeing the larger picture for himself.
ReplyDeleteI would also agree that this section of the collection of short stories gave depth to Vinh's character. In fact, it becomes very clear how deeply nature and nurture affects an individual. Vinh, who grew up with nothing but his orphan brothers and sisters, was never able to develop a moral code or a sense of responsibility. In the moments before he robs Bac Nguyen, the readers are given a glimpse of this emotional vulnerability -- that is, until he overcompensates and likely hospitalizes the aged man. Without the opportunities that Mai was given, Vinh, as an orphan, felt that he must fend for himself and nobody, not his home country or his new country, could help him.
ReplyDeleteBy Kristinah K.
I agree with your view of Vinh as a sympathetic character in the story of "Vistors," and I find you analysis of his actions insightful. I feel as though his actions shows a primal need of survival, and Vinh uses his means of robbery to get by in life. One thing I would like to point out, but perhaps this is just my interpretation, I thought the meeting of Bac Nguyen was planned and the robbery was premeditated. In this light, the treatment of Bac Nguyen could be seen as Vinh operating under his primal instincts that could even further his character as a sympathetic character because it his trauma acting as a driving force preventing him from forming secure attachments with outsiders.
ReplyDelete