The chapter "Visitors" focuses on Vinh's struggles as an orphan of Operation Babylift, as well as a confused teenager who wants to feel important and dynamic to his peers. His vulnerabilities are exposed when he interacts with Bac Nguyen, even though he claims that their interaction was manufactured so Vinh could case his house. Their conversation about their homeland, resentments, and loved ones divulges his feelings of abandonment and desperation for a parent figure in his life. This chapter also explains the nature of betrayal, how personal it is, and what is means to disrespect an elder in the Vietnamese community. Let alone rob them of everything that possesses sentimental or monetary value to them and beat them viciously. His character truly breaks through when he hears Bac Nguyen call his name pleadingly while Vinh steals his most valued and personal keepsakes. "The voice was soft and frail, but in the cold night air, soared furiously through Vinh's ears, down his throat, nearly strangling his heart. Vinh froze, the boys heard it too. They stared at Vinh in horror, disbelief and betrayal" (110). This section ultimately shows who Vinh really is, immature, a product of his upbringing, desperate for an adult role model in his life but in deep denial about it. Desperate to feel successful and to make something out of the situation he was born into, and make it to a place where he considers himself a success, ideally with Kim by his side.
By Julia G.
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ReplyDeleteYou mentioned that the theme of betrayal runs throughout the story. The anger that Vinh feels within himself about opening up to Bac Nguyen is also, I think, a betrayal of sorts of his own emotions against himself. He asks himself something to the effect of why he allowed himself to listen to him. The anger and ferocity with which he beat Bac Nguyen demonstrated how torn he was. His search for "family" results in conflicting emotions regarding a Father Figure (Bac Nguyen) and his brothers (the gang). In the end, he makes a decision of who his family will be and violently suppresses the emotions within himself.
ReplyDeleteBy Chris T.
I like that you mentioned how Vinh's vulnerabilities were exposed when he met Bac Nguyen. It's evident that he really connects with Bac and feels comfortable being in his presence. Your quote also shows the betrayal by Vinh on both Bac's end and Vinh’s friends end. Vinh knows he has betrayed Bac and he is angered that he allowed himself to get close to him earlier that day. He is also angered because Bac exposes him in front of his fellow gang members. He betrayed his gang by breaking the rule of keeping his name a secret. It's disheartening that his upbringing really has influenced the choices he makes and ultimately who he has become. Although it seems as though he will make the right decision, he is so influenced by his friends with peer pressure as you mentioned, that he is unable to make good decisions. His decisions are selfish and represent who he is.
ReplyDeleteBy Ariel R.