The sketch of the jewelry box depicts Vinh's active effort to invade the trusted space of Bad Nguyen's bed to reach for the jewelry box that safe kept the valuable jewelry of Bac's late wife. Though Vinh scorned the efforts of his people in the U.S. that attempted to keep valuables and live fortunately, this action captures his desire to fill a void of purpose fueled by loss with the values/valuables of others, exclusively targeting the Vietnamese. In the moment where Vinh has escaped with the jewelry box and indulges himself in the beauty and value of its contents, it becomes apparent that a boy with no established values is pilfering that which he does not possess. This hand is in constant reach for something that will bring value.
By Kristinah K.
I agree with you, Kristinah. Vinh's gang is the only way he attempts to fulfill his purpose as a Vietnamese immigrant. His encounter with Bac Nguyen reveals a tender side of Vinh, one that the reader has not seen. Once Bac offers him a necklace that belongs to his wife, Vinh experiences the feeling of family. Vinh did not expect that he would have to counter Bac, which is why he trusted him with his name. Unsatisfied with the necklace that carries culture from a Vietnamese family, he doesn't feel guilt for assaulting Bac since he gets a hold of the entire jewelry Box. His last words, "Precious. Beautiful," demonstrates that he feels no shame for hurting Bac.
ReplyDeleteAraceli S.
I think that your drawing is a great representation of that moment in the short story. I agree that this is the moment that shows the temptation of taking something that Vinh wishes he could own but isn't fortunate enough to posses. He knows this box is valuable, and since he does not have anyone he holds dear, who he values, taking something that someone else values very much is such a draw that he cannot help but take it. You did great in drawing that out. Great job!
ReplyDeleteSelene G.
I really like your use of the quote as a title in your piece. The way you distanced it against the hand and the jewelry box really conveys the sense of uncomfortable evil. The way the hand is cut off from the viewer's perspective really draws attention to Vinh's alienation of Bac and his Vietnamese heritage. You did a fantastic job of portraying Vinh's despicable behavior through a very simplified, yet effective presentation.
ReplyDeleteYour analysis really awakened a new understanding in me about Vinh. I had never thought much about the symbolism of the hand in any of the novels till now. I've often thought about the heart and the feet taking a person towards distruction but I now realize it is the hand that best symbolizes the cycle of violence, since abuse is often carried out through use of weapons or violence.
ReplyDeleteYour interpretation is lovely. I like the simplicity and focus. The angles are interesting because it communicates a lot of intention and how you see Vinh.
I agree with you Kristinah, Vinh seems to be filling the void he has by taking other peoples values. These values represent the tradition. I think that because Vinh did not have these possessions he feels that he can take them and, in a way, feel the sense of belonging. The necklace belonged to Bac’s wife therefore it was dear to him, but it did not hold the same sentimental value for Vinh and that is why he seems to want the whole box. I like your sketch, I think the fact that the hand is not touching the box can represent the possible remorseful feelings he can be encountering. Vinh and his wrong doings as a gang member seems to be serving as a form to fulfill his sense of belonging, although he robs other people of their sentimental possessions as a reader one can’t help but feel sorry for him because he too was robbed of the opportunity to possess such values and traditions.
ReplyDeleteBy Ada M
Wow! I did not see that scene that way but I completely agree with you. Much of this book was the characters trying to find their identity in different ways and Vinh was one that did not want his identity to be defined by his birth place, yet he steals the jewlery and reconnects with who he is and his birth place.
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