The History Book Club discussion
This topic is about
The Sympathizer
BOOK OF THE MONTH
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ARCHIVE - JUNE 2017 - THE SYMPATHIZER - DISCUSSION THREAD
Mod
1. C
2. B
3. D
4. A
5. C
6. C
7. B
8. D
9. D
10. A
11. C
12. B
13. A
14. A
15. D
16. D
17. A
18. A
19. B
20. A
21. B
22. B
Source(s): The Sympathizer, Bookrags
Mod
1. What word from Chapter 16 refers to the treatment of light and shade in painting?
(a) Articulation.
(b) Chiaroscuro.
(c) Augument.
(d) Proscenium.
2. Where does the General say his men were surrounded when he was taken to a Communist prison camp in Chapter 16?
(a) Can Tho
(b) Bà Rịa.
(c) Long Xuyên.
(d) Dien Bien Phu.
3. Where do Bon and the narrator go to discuss the narrator's mission with Sonny in Chapter 16?
(a) A movie theater.
(b) A coffee shop.
(c) A bakery.
(d) A billiards hall.
4. What television show does the narrator watch with Lana in Chapter 16?
(a) Mork and Mindy.
(b) Maude.
(c) The Jeffersons.
(d) Cheers.
5. What kind of gun does the narrator take to kill Sonny with in Chapter 16?
(a) A Winchester 97.
(b) A Walther P22.
(c) A M2 Browning.
(d) A Vickers machine gun.
6. At what time does the narrator arrive at Sonny's apartment to kill him in Chapter 16?
(a) 9 p.m.
(b) 7 p.m.
(c) 6 p.m.
(d) 2 a.m.
7. What does Sonny offer the narrator to drink at his apartment in Chapter 16?
(a) Vodka.
(b) Gin.
(c) Bourbon.
(d) Wine.
8. What does the narrator put on after killing Sonny in Chapter 16?
(a) A blond wig and sunglasses.
(b) A black hood and scarf.
(c) A red wig and glasses.
(d) A woman's dress.
9. What does Bon give to the narrator from the General in the beginning of Chapter 17?
(a) An envelope of cash.
(b) A bottle of scotch.
(c) A bottle of wine.
(d) A bottle of gin.
10. Where do the narrator and Bon change planes on their trip to Thailand in Chapter 17?
(a) Cambodia.
(b) Guam.
(c) Japan.
(d) Laos.
11. Who greets the narrator and Bon when they arrive in Bangkok in Chapter 17?
(a) Man.
(b) The General.
(c) Claude.
(d) The Auteur.
12. Where does the affectless lieutenant describe "very evil communists" in Chapter 17?
(a) Laos.
(b) China.
(c) Japan.
(d) Cambodia.
13. What movie does the narrator go to see with Bon in Chapter 17?
(a) To Have and Have Not.
(b) Plattoon.
(c) Apocalypse Now.
(d) The Hamlet.
14. What is Violet listed as in the credits for the film in Chapter 17?
(a) Leading actress.
(b) Sound designer.
(c) Director.
(d) Assistant producer.
15. How many "apostles" does the admiral say they have in the camp in Chapter 17?
(a) 50.
(b) 350.
(c) 100.
(d) 200.
16. How many marines accompany the narrator and Bon across the border in Chapter 18?
(a) 2.
(b) 5.
(c) 3.
(d) 7.
17. Who leads the narrator's group on their journey across the border in Chapter 18?
(a) A Lao farmer and a Hmong scout.
(b) A Cambodian farmer and a Russian scout.
(c) A Vietnamese refugee and a Japanese scout.
(d) A Hmong farmer and a Lao scout.
18. What color do the narrator and his entourage wear as they cross the border in Chapter 18?
(a) Red.
(b) Green.
(c) White.
(d) Black.
19. What kind of gun does Bon carry as he and the narrator cross the border in Chapter 18?
(a) A M2 Browning.
(b) A Vickers.
(c) An M16.
(d) A Winchester 97.
20. What item are the members of the narrator's team given to wear over their hearts in Chapter 18?
(a) A metal shield.
(b) A picture of Chairman Mao.
(c) A picture of Jesus Christ.
(d) A picture of the Virgin Mary.
21. Where does the narrator carry his copy of Asian Communism and the Oriental Mode of Destruction in Chapter 18?
(a) The false bottom of his rucksack.
(b) His jacket pocket.
(c) His wallet.
(d) His pants pocket.
22. What river does the narrator describe in the distance in Chapter 18?
(a) The Mekong River.
(b) The Red River.
(c) The Perfume River.
(d) The Saigon River.
Mod
1. B
2. D
3. D
4. C
5. B
6. A
7. C
8. A
9. B
10. C
11. C
12. A
13. D
14. D
15. D
16. C
17. A
18. D
19. C
20. D
21. A
22. A
Mod
Through Sunday (June 18th) - only up through the end of Chapter Twelve
There is always the glossary thread if you would like to become more expansive - that is a spoiler thread.
This thread is the non spoiler thread.
Hi. You may call me QA. I am a AA teacher/waitress working out of Tennessee. I have lived all over the US but spent most of my life in California. Growing up in California exposed me to various cultures; I was blessed to hear some amazing survival stories of several cultures - some sad all inspiring. When I moved to to South I went into culture shock and missed having friends of multiples ethnicities. Civil wars were not discussed; even in my own family people talk of the world wars but never about Vietnam. There is this silent agreement between people to not discuss it that I was never told about. I hope to change that by beginning with this book and discussion blog. Im very excited to join this group as I think any sharing of information (real) and experiences is a learning experience. I ordered the book and will be trying to catch up this week. Thanks.
Mod
The novel itself is unique in many respects because it is told from the viewpoint of the Vietnamese.
I am sure that you will be caught up in no time.
Bentley wrote: "What is your take on this quote: - Chapter Two"Whatever people say about the General today, I can only testify that he was a sincere man who believed in everything he said, even if it was a lie, ..."
Are we actually commenting on the Author's (Nguyen) view or the narrator's "Captain" view?
Captain seems to portray that everyone believes their own lies and they can not be held at fault for being sincere.
If the captain/narrator did not believe his own lies he would not be able to have sympathy for opposing forces. Maybe to see things both ways is to know that part of what you believe is a lie.
Bentley wrote: "At any time folks jump in and tell us what interested you in Chapters One through Chapter Six. Feel free to discuss those parts of the novel that surprised you, horrified you, that you liked or dis..."I thought that it was horrific for the narrator and Sonny to kill an innocent man. I tried to feel where this story was going. I did not feel that the general was so nice but a type of Hitler himself for ordering the kill.
Bentley wrote: "Themes and Motifs:There are basically 5 basic themes and motifs in the book and the Narrator wrestles with all five as do many of the characters.
As you read the book, post when you find quot..."
I won't know until the end why the narrator is writing his confession. I gather that he is going to be killed for his sympathy. so, as I read I contemplate if he is showing all this sympathy in order to hold on to his humanity. In the end is it worth it? Both sides believe that they are right. ow much does the end justify the means?
Bentley wrote: "Themes and Motifs:There are basically 5 basic themes and motifs in the book and the Narrator wrestles with all five as do many of the characters.
As you read the book, post when you find quot..."
Hello. I find that the strongest motif in this novel is duality. Religion, East vs. West, etc are strong components, but ultimately I feel like this character and book explore the duality of humans with incredible depth, intelligence and humor. I wonder how others feel about this, or if they find themselves taking a side (pro-Captain, anti-Captain).
I've just finished Chapter 20, but a moment from Chapter 15 (pg 261 in the paperback version) has really stuck with me. For some reason it feels like an encapsulation what this novel is. It mostly incorporates all the motifs suggested earlier. When the Sympathizer is attending the country club dinner and is in the midst of a tense discussion with Dr. Hedd. The narrator determines that, despite his clandestine situation, he will not be mentally bested by this patronizing Englishman. There is a moment in which Dr. Hedd states that "life is cheap" in the Orient. But our narrator disagrees and says "While life is valuable to us, it is invaluable to the Westerner." There is a lot to unpack from this moment and from this scene. I will attempt to be brief, since I haven't completely figured out all my opinions on this. But it feels important enough to bring up.
It is the one moment where he betrays his allegiance (to the East, and not America/West). But in doing so he presents a mirror to the Westerners. Perhaps the lesson will be mis-learned by the narrator's dinner companions. As a Westerner myself, I found this line highly illuminating. I hadn't really thought of that idea of invaluable/valuable, or at least I had not had it put so well, so succinctly. When I think of "duality," I think about how we are always at war with ourselves (to do bad or good, for better or worse). This book does such a phenomenal job of toying with a reader's sympathies, and playing off the idea that while we know ourselves the best, sometimes we know ourselves the worse. It confronts the paradox of human existence where we always see ourselves as the hero of our lives, whether we are or not. The narrator understands this, and so while it makes him a great spy, it also sets him up for destruction (he is caught between two extreme positions, neither of which tolerates "sympathy").
Where does it go from here, I wonder?
It makes no difference, I think, where his true feelings lie. Because he is an outsider, a Sympathizer, and not really part of any club, I think things will not go well for him.
Thoughts?
Mod
"Whatever people say about the General today, I can only testify that he was a sincere man who believed in everything he said, even i..."
The Spy is the narrator. So I am a little confused at what you are asking? But the narrator is a complex character who appears to have one foot in each camp and he sees many aspects of both sides that he can have sympathy for.
Mod
Are you talking about Bon and the narrator?
Mod
There are basically 5 basic themes and motifs in the book and the Narrator wrestles with all five as do many of the characters.
As you read the book, post wh..."
Let us not try to get ahead since this is a non spoiler thread.
Mod
There are basically 5 basic themes and motifs in the book and the Narrator wrestles with all five as do many of the characters.
As you read the book, post when..."
Kieran - we have to see ourselves as the heroes of our own life because I think everyone needs to sustain themselves in one way or another - what is the antithesis of not doing that. So in other words we all tell ourselves one form of lie or another.
You are right in that the each side is a polar opposite of the other and there is no gray area where the narrator resides. You are either for us or against us and these sides are black and white. The narrator is really in trouble with both. I agree with you.
Well let us find out this week. This is the final assignment for the book and we finish up the formal discussion by July 3rd. However, everyone can continue reading and discussing until they personally finish up.
Mod
The final week's assignment:
Week Four: June 26th through July 3rd: - Chapters 20 - 23 and Acknowledgements as well as essay by and interview with Viet Thanh Nguyen - pages 324 - 400 - end of book
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Chapter Overviews and Summaries
Chapter 20
At last, someone removes the hood from the narrator's head but not the blindfold. Man tells the narrator that his plan to keep Bon alive was foolish. He tells the narrator that he must revise his confession one more time to please the commandant.
Chapter 21
In Chapter 21, the narrator begins to refer to himself in the third person as "the prisoner." That is an interesting revelation to the reader. Three people dressed in white lab coats stand beside the narrator’s mattress and begin to question him; the commissar tells the doctor to give him the serum. The serum is administered and Man asks to be alone with the narrator. The narrator says the policemen had learned their lessons from Claude well and were good students just like the narrator.
Chapter 22
As Chapter 22 starts, the narrator feels like his consciousness has been separated from his body due to lack of sleep. It appears that he is going in and out of consciousness. The commandant and the commissar talk about the narrator's admissions. Man asks the narrator what is more precious than freedom and independence and the narrator cannot answer. Man seems to bait the narrator.
Chapter 23
The reeducation is over. He is prescribed sunlight, better nutrition and exercise. The narrator sees himself as thinking himself too smart for his own good. Man comes back in and tells the narrator that he and Bon will be leaving for Saigon. His belongings are returned and they head off for Bon's relatives. They pay for safe passage and they have an uncertain future.
Mod
1. What color pencil does the commandant use because Stalin did, according to the narrator in Chapter 19?
(a) Yellow.
(b) Red.
(c) Blue.
(d) Green.
2. For how long has the narrator been imprisoned since the ambush in the beginning of Chapter 19?
(a) 2 years.
(b) 1 year.
(c) 6 months.
(d) 3 years.
3. How many pages is the narrator's confession in Chapter 19?
(a) 359.
(b) 307.
(c) 229.
(d) 125
4. What does the commandant say the narrator is as opposed to a prisoner in Chapter 19?
(a) A guard.
(b) A visitor.
(c) A follower.
(d) A patient.
5. Who does the commandant refer to as "our greatest revolutionary poet" in Chapter 19?
(a) To Huu.
(b) Nguyen Khuyen.
(c) Van Cao.
(d) Tran Te Xuong.
6. For how long does the narrator say he lived in the north in Vietnam in Chapter 19?
(a) 6 years.
(b) 9 years.
(c) 2 years.
(d) 12 years.
7. What word from Chapter 19 means having an obstinately uncooperative attitude or discipline?
(a) Recalcitrant.
(b) Ardent.
(c) Articulate.
(d) Redundant.
8. Where does the commandant describe being held prisoner in Chapter 19?
(a) Guantanimo Bay.
(b) Cambodia.
(c) China.
(d) Laos.
9. What is contained on the jar on the commandant's desk?
(a) A gorilla fetus.
(b) Pickled beets.
(c) A baby with two heads.
(d) An elephant fetus.
10. What does the commandant drink during his meeting with the narrator in Chapter 19?
(a) Scotch.
(b) Brandy.
(c) Red wine.
(d) Rice wine.
11. What is the usual ration that the narrator receives in prison in Chapter 19?
(a) Pho.
(b) Boiled manioc.
(c) Mashed potatoes.
(d) Bhan mi.
12. When was Ho Chi Minh born?
(a) 1922.
(b) 1902.
(c) 1860.
(d) 1890.
13. When did Ho Chi Minh die?
(a) 1959.
(b) 1954.
(c) 1969.
(d) 1992.
14. During what years was Ho Chi Minh prime minister of Vietnam?
(a) 1959-1965.
(b) 1946-1962.
(c) 1962-1972.
(d) 1945-1955.
15. During what years was Ho Chi Minh president of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam?
(a) 1962-1972.
(b) 1945-1969.
(c) 1955-1962.
(d) 1950-1969.
16. The commandant tells the narrator in Chapter 19, "you are a communist only in name. In practice, you are" what?
(a) "A bourgeois intellectual."
(b) "A loathesome murderer."
(c) "A republican victor."
(d) "A traitor."
17. When did Chairman Mao die?
(a) 1972.
(b) 1985.
(c) 1976.
(d) 1990.
18. What book of Karl Marx's does the commandant cite in Chapter 19?
(a) Das Kapital.
(b) The Communist Manifesto.
(c) The German Ideology.
(d) The Povery of Philosophy.
19. The narrator says in Chapter 19, "What my time in the cave taught me is that the ultimate life-and-death struggle is" what?
(a) "On its way."
(b) "Inevitable."
(c) "Already over."
(d) "With ourselves."
20. Whose gold-painted bust sits in the commissar's office?
(a) Ngo Dinh Diem's.
(b) Nguyen Cao Ky's.
(c) Chairman Mao's.
(d) Ho Chi Minh's.
21. The red banner in the commissar's office says "Nothing is more precious than" what?
(a) "Nothing."
(b) "Necessity and hope."
(c) "Independence and freedom."
(d) "Love and peace."
22. Who is the commissar revealed to be in Chapter 19?
(a) The General.
(b) The Auteur.
(c) Man.
(d) Bon.
Mod
1. C
2. B
3. B
4. D
5. A
6. B
7. A
8. D
9. C
10. D
11. B
12. D
13. C
14. D
15. B
16. A
17. C
18. A
19. D
20. D
21. C
22. C
Mod
1. What word from Chapter 22 refers to the practice of performing operations on live animals for the purpose of experimentation?
(a) Augument.
(b) Vivisection.
(c) Elocution.
(d) Intersection.
2. What does the narrator describe the doctor, commandant, and the commissar wearing in Chapter 22?
(a) Red uniforms.
(b) Yellow uniforms.
(c) Black suits.
(d) White jackets.
3. How did the narrator's father die?
(a) He was in a car accident.
(b) He drowned.
(c) He was stabbed.
(d) He was shot.
4. What kind of gun does the commissar place in the narrator's hand in Chapter 22?
(a) A Smith & Wesson 317.
(b) A Tokarev.
(c) A Skoda 28.
(d) An M32.
5. What is played over the loudspeakers to torture the narrator in Chapter 22?
(a) Country music.
(b) A baby screaming.
(c) American pop music.
(d) Rap music.
6. What word in the book refers to a woman professionally trained to assist a woman in childbirth?
(a) Doula.
(b) Entourage.
(c) Maitre' d.
(d) Ashana.
7. What does the narrator scream in the end of Chapter 22?
(a) "I am innocent."
(b) "Industry."
(c) "Everything."
(d) "Nothing."
8. Where is the narrator in the beginning of Chapter 23?
(a) The prison cell.
(b) Bon's office.
(c) The navigator's house.
(d) The General's office.
9. What word from Chapter 23 means seemingly absurd or self-contradictory?
(a) Articulate.
(b) Industrious.
(c) Illustrious.
(d) Paradoxical.
10. What does the doctor tell the narrator to do with his confession in Chapter 23?
(a) To burn it.
(b) To eat it.
(c) To copy it.
(d) To sell it.
11. What does the commissar offer the narrator to drink when he visits him for his last meeting in Chapter 23?
(a) Tea.
(b) Brandy.
(c) Scotch.
(d) Wine.
12. Where does the commissar say Bon and the narrator are going to contact Bon's cousin in Chapter 23?
(a) Laos.
(b) Patagonia.
(c) Paris.
(d) Saigon.
13. What phrase does the narrator describe as Ho Chi Minh's "empty suit" in Chapter 23?
(a) "It is clear that the arm of criticism cannot replace the criticism of arms."
(b) "History is nothing but the actions of men in pursuit of their ends."
(c) "Victory will win over the masses."
(d) "Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom."
14. What book does the commissar give to the narrator in Chapter 23?
(a) Leave of Grass.
(b) Das Kapital.
(c) Asian Communism and the Oriental Mode of Destruction.
(d) The Communist Manifesto.
15. What kind of truck is waiting for Bon and the narrator when they leave the prison in Chapter 23?
(a) A Ford truck.
(b) A Chevy truck.
(c) A Molotova truck.
(d) A Toyota truck.
16. What does Bon say happened to the Lao farmer in Chapter 23?
(a) He was drowned by the torturers by water-boarding.
(b) He ran away and escaped.
(c) He shot himself.
(d) He vanished in the river trying to escape.
17. For how long do Bon and the narrator ride in the truck after leaving the prison in Chapter 23?
(a) 4 days.
(b) 6 days.
(c) 8 days.
(d) 2 days.
18. What country has Vietnam invaded and seized in Chapter 23?
(a) Cambodia.
(b) Laos.
(c) Thailand.
(d) China.
19. For what crime was the navigator reeducated?
(a) Killing a republic spy.
(b) Trying to assassinate the president.
(c) Trying to escape the country by boat.
(d) Killing a communist spy.
20. How many sons does the navigator have?
(a) 6.
(b) 2.
(c) 3.
(d) 4.
21. What does the navigator say the odds are for successful escape in Chapter 23?
(a) 60/40.
(b) 50/50.
(c) 80/20.
(d) 70/30.
22. What is the proper response to the coded question "Can you take us to our uncle's funeral" for the ferryman in Chapter 23?
(a) "Your uncle was for the communists."
(b) "Your uncle was a great man."
(c) "Where is your uncle's funeral?"
(d) "The funeral is far away."
Mod
1. B
2. B
3. D
4. B
5. B
6. A
7. D
8. C
9. D
10. C
11. A
12. D
13. D
14. C
15. C
16. D
17. D
18. A
19. C
20. C
21. B
22. B
Mod
Mod
Firing Line with William F. Buckley, Jr.
Link: https://youtu.be/cggR-MjjMJ0
Recorded on January 17, 1972
Guests: Peter Osnos, Stanley Cloud, George McArthur
Mod
Link: https://youtu.be/wOJJfkEbWC0
Episode 047, Recorded on March 6, 1967
Guests: Vance Hartke, Charles Dickerman Williams
Mod
President Obama made a three-day trip to Vietnam to improve the United States’ relations in Asia, addressing trade, China and civil liberties.
May 25, 2016
Link: https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/a...
Mod
Vietnam War era music, some might remember from 1967, looking back 50 years ago this year. Military recruitment was by military draft, via a lottery system. Many eighteen and nineteen year old were fighting the war in Vietnam. "For What It's Worth" by Buffalo Springfield.
Link: https://youtu.be/Q4vcY0TvyYk
Source: Youtube
Bentley wrote: "Thomasine wrote: "Bentley wrote: "What is your take on this quote: - Chapter Two"Whatever people say about the General today, I can only testify that he was a sincere man who believed in everythi..."
I was speculating on the spy's point of view. I know also that the book author has a message that he wants to convey. I did not want to assume that the author agrees with the main character.
Bentley wrote: "Thomasine wrote: "Bentley wrote: "At any time folks jump in and tell us what interested you in Chapters One through Chapter Six. Feel free to discuss those parts of the novel that surprised you, ho..."Excuse me, yes.
Bentley wrote: "Billy Joel - Goodnight Saigon - Vietnam TributeVery powerful
Link: https://youtu.be/4YoXd_FSdkw
Source: Youtube"
I believe in the message of artists and poets more than I ever did in the press.
Bentley wrote: "Powerful Quote:The Narrator talks about his mother and war:
"She was a poor person, I was her poor child, and no one asks poor people if they want war. Nor had anyone asked these poor people if..."
1. Sounds like capitalism at its best.
Mod
"Whatever people say about the General today, I can only testify that he was a sincere man who belt..."
That is fine Thomasine - I was trying to understand.
Mod
Very powerful
Link: https://youtu.be/4YoXd_FSdkw
Source: Youtube"
I believe in the message of artists and poets more than I ever d..."
Many times very powerful
Hi. My name is Kressel, and I live in Rockland County, a suburb about an hour northwest of NYC. I was born in 1968, arguably the worst year of the Vietnam War, so I don't really remember it. One event mentioned in the book that I did remember was the 1976 bicentennial celebration. I was just a kid at the time, but to me, it seemed like the biggest deal in the world. New quarters with a bicentennial design were minted that year. The play "Shenandoah," which is about the Civil War, was on Broadway, and my school learned the song "Freedom" from it. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sgdr...). When July 4th rolled around, all the decorations recognized the bicentennial, and I remember commenting to my mother how amazing it was that I'd lived to see something so historic, and it would never happen again. She didn't seem all that impressed, and now I'm thinking she was sort of like the protagonist in this book. When he describes the celebrations of that year, he saw all the hypocrisy of it after what the U.S. had just done to Vietnam. That was a fresh perspective for me.
Bentley wrote: "Introduction and Let us Get Started:Folks please introduce yourself and let us know why this book interested you and what you hope to get from reading it?
Have any of you had first hand experien..."
Since I was on vacation for the first part of June, I am significantly behind. However, I wanted to be involved in this discussion to some extent.
I hold a B.A. in History. That and my general love of history is what drew me to this group in the first place. I was especially drawn to The Sympathizer due to my lack of knowledge on the Vietnam War. Throughout my schooling, I focused primarily on the period between the American Revolution and the Second World War.
Having been born in the 80s, I did not grow up in the Vietnam Era and wanted to know more. Also, my dad's foster brother served in the U.S. Army Special Forces during Vietnam. He doesn't speak much of his experience understandably, but this has given me the desire to know more about this period of time. I hope through this book to gain more knowledge and a better understanding of the War and those whose lives were impacted.
It seems to me the protagonist ended up very much like Barbie Batchelor.
Mod
by
Paul Scott
Mod
I was born in 1968, arguably the worst year of the Vietnam War, so I don't really remember it. One ..."
Welcome Kressel - for sure it was not the America's finest hour. I think there was such a conflict between what the presidents wanted to do to help the Vietnamese people and what Congress would let them do and the protests did not help and our troops were not allowed to fight the war as they should have. A real nightmare for our returning veterans.
Mod
Folks please introduce yourself and let us know why this book interested you and what you hope to get from reading it?
Have any of you had fir..."
Dusty, you are never behind and though we assign the reading for the Book of the Month selections over four weeks - anybody can join in as they can. Be sure to look at the ancillary material and videos that were posted on the main page and in the glossary too.
Mod
Kressel wrote:
What I meant by the Barbie Batchelor comparison is that by the end of both books, the people around these characters think they've lost their minds, but we as the readers have the insider's view, so we know that each has come to a deeper place. Barbie calls it silence, and this protagonist calls it nothing. It's rather Zen in both cases.
Mod
Kieran wrote: ""While life is valuable to us, it is invaluable to the Westerner."I'm glad you brought that up because it seemed one of the most important insights, too, even though I'm not so sure that the author believes it. At the end, after all he's been through, all the protagonist can say is that he wants to live, especially after killing and suffering for nothing for so long. So bottom line, I think the author believes that life is invaluable to everybody.
Bentley wrote: "At any time folks jump in and tell us what interested you in Chapters One through Chapter Six. Feel free to discuss those parts of the novel that surprised you, horrified you, that you liked or dis..."Since I have not had much exposure to the Vietnam War or the history of the era, I started this book with little to no knowledge. I read the first several chapters prior to viewing any of the posted material (videos, documentaries, stories, etc.). After viewing the videos, I was struck by how closely it mirrored the images I had created in my head while I read the book. The parts about the evacuation and Camp Pendleton were especially vivid in detail.
I can appreciate the humor scattered throughout, but it does feel as thought the author goes a bit overboard with random irrelevant details at times. I do think he did a very good job developing the characters. Most have qualities which lead you at times to love them and at other times hate them.
I find it especially interesting that the narrator seems to be caught in a sort of "middle man" role. His friend Man is of the Communist world, while Bon is from the South Vietnamese world. Though he is a spy/secret agent for the Communist side, it appears that he sympathizes with both. To me, that makes the title of the novel even more intriguing.
Mod
I'm glad you brought that up because it seemed one of the most important insights, too, even though I'm not so sur..."
Excellent point Kressel and very true.
Mod
I agree totally with you Dusty. Although it is the narrator's duality which is paramount. But there is a lot to go around.
Bentley wrote: "Everyone - please jump in - the discussion topics for all chapters through 12 are up and open for discussion. Attached are tons of great videos, interviews, photographs, news articles etc on the Vi..."I am really seeing that theme of duality playing out. From the narrator's role between the Auteur and the Vietnamese extras to his own battle between duty and compassion in regards to the crapulent major and his family, it seems as though this is meant to be his place throughout this novel.
I also feel that this duality makes the narrator more relative. I think we have all been caught in situations where we have been forced into the middle. In those places, we often (as it seems the narrator has) realize that not everything can be labeled black and white. For me personally having been caught in such situations, I find myself sympathizing with the narrator.
I am finding it quite interesting to view things from a different perspective. The articles and videos are also helping to bring this story to life.
Mod
Kieran wrote: "Bentley wrote: "Themes and Motifs:There are basically 5 basic themes and motifs in the book and the Narrator wrestles with all five as do many of the characters.
As you read the book, post when..."
I agree about the theme of duality. It has continued to surprise me the various methods the author uses to convey this motif. It is very strong throughout and does indeed lend to, as you say, "toying with a reader's sympathies". I have spent much of the book thus far trying to decide whether or not I like the narrator. However, there is no doubt that I am able to sympathize with him.
The scene which you mentioned also stood out to me. I too had never thought of the idea presented here. Choosing to see the value of one's life versus seeing one's life as invaluable - it is a very interesting, thought-provoking concept. It leads one to self-evaluation, for sure.
I like that you brought up the idea of knowing the best and worst parts of ourselves. I think we get to see this struggle clearly through the narrator's eyes. It is also, I believe, what makes us most able to relate to him. Unfortunately, it is also what causes him the most trouble, within himself and with others.
Mod
I am not sure of his "moral code" - he is loyal to friends but then - he seems to fall short in so many other instances.
But like you I sympathize with him in terms of his situation and plight and what has made him the way he is and why he believes what he does (right or wrong) - (morally or immorally).
Bentley wrote: "All, everyone is free to discuss any aspect of the entire book we are in the last week and all pages have been assigned."Having now completed the book, I am still unsure as to whether or not I like the narrator. I can't say that I like him - many of his actions are morally questionable - but I can't say that I entirely dislike him either. I think this is largely due to my sympathy for his situation. He seems to spend the entire novel trying to "find himself". He appears very conflicted overall.
I found the narrator's relationship with Bon and Man (details aside) to be somewhat inspiring. They managed to maintain loyalty to one another despite difficult circumstances, and it also provided a nice plot twist in the story.
While reading the scenes at the reeducation camp, I found myself drawing parallels to 1984, particularly how torture (by means of electrocution, etc.) was used to reorient the mind. It was strikingly similar.
by
George OrwellOverall, I felt this book was well-written and provided a clear account of life from a perspective which is often forgotten or overlooked.
Mod
I am glad that you liked the book.
The History Book Club
Books mentioned in this topic
1984 (other topics)The Raj Quartet (other topics)
Democracy: Stories from the Long Road to Freedom (other topics)
The Zimmermann Telegram (other topics)
The Gulag Archipelago 1918–1956 (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
George Orwell (other topics)Paul Scott (other topics)
Condoleezza Rice (other topics)
Barbara W. Tuchman (other topics)
Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn (other topics)
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1. Where does Sonny say Abe is now in Chapter 13?
(a) England.
(b) Germany.
(c) Japan.
(d) Thailand.
2. What does the narrator bring to Ms. Mori's house in Chapter 13?
(a) Chinese takeout and sodas.
(b) Vodka and cigarettes.
(c) Wine and cigars.
(d) Scotch and bread.
3. For how long does Sonny say he's lived in the U.S. in Chapter 13?
(a) 10 years.
(b) 5 years.
(c) 2 years.
(d) 14 years.
4. What color beret does the General wear in Chapter 13?
(a) Red.
(b) Green.
(c) Black.
(d) White.
5. Where does the grizzled captain say he lost contact with his family in Chapter 13?
(a) Can Tho.
(b) Ha Noi.
(c) Da Nang.
(d) Hai Phong.
6. Whom does the narrator cite in having said "men will die for bits of ribbon pinned to their chests" in Chapter 13?
(a) Chairman Mao.
(b) Karl Marx.
(c) Napoleon Bonaparte.
(d) Rudyard Kipling
7. The narrator begins Chapter 14 saying, "Sometimes the work of a subversive is purposeful, but sometimes, I confess, it is" what?
(a) "Cerebral."
(b) "Accidental."
(c) "Murderous."
(d) "Intense."
8. What is the title of the newspaper article Sonny writes about the field maneuvers in Chapter 14?
(a) "War on the Front Lines."
(b) "Communism Arises."
(c) "Accidental Tourists."
(d) "Move On, War Over."
9. What is the revue that Lana performs for in Chapter 14?
(a) Milano.
(b) The Bridge.
(c) Cats.
(d) Fantasia.
10. How old was the narrator when he swore a blood oath as blood brothers with Bon?
(a) 14.
(b) 10.
(c) 16.
(d) 12.
11. Where did the narrator, Bon, and Man swear their blood oath?
(a) In a rice paddy.
(b) In a salich grove.
(c) In a tamarind grove.
(d) In an elm grove.
12. Where do the narrator and Bon go to see Lana sing in Chapter 14?
(a) The Four Seasons.
(b) The Roosevelt Hotel.
(c) The Bar Cerullo.
(d) The Club Paltry.
13. What do the narrator and his friends drink at the nightclub in Chapter 14?
(a) Cognac.
(b) Chardonnay.
(c) Scotch.
(d) Beer.
14. What is the first number that Lana performs at the club in Chapter 14?
(a) "I'd Love You to Want Me."
(b) "Satisfaction."
(c) "Black Bird."
(d) "Yesterday."
15. How much older is the narrator than Lana?
(a) 5 years older.
(b) 2 years older.
(c) 12 years older.
(d) 9 years older.
16. What drinks does the narrator buy for Lana at the club in Chapter 14?
(a) Scotch and sodas.
(b) Champagne.
(c) Gimlets.
(d) Vodka martinis.
17. Where does the narrator learn that Lana works in Chapter 14?
(a) At an art gallery.
(b) At a train station.
(c) At a hotel.
(d) At a butcher shop.
18. Where does Lana say she'd like to live if not in Los Angeles in Chapter 14?
(a) New York.
(b) Bangkok.
(c) San Francisco.
(d) Chicago.
19. What word from Chapter 15 refers to a celestial nymph?
(a) Dorani.
(b) Aspara.
(c) Delphine.
(d) Augustis.
20. What does the narrator describe marriage as in Chapter 15?
(a) Slavery.
(b) Love.
(c) Union.
(d) Perfection.
21. What does Bon threaten the shoplifters with in Chapter 15?
(a) A shotgun.
(b) A baseball bat.
(c) A knife.
(d) A lasso.
22. Where does the Congressman invite the General in Chapter 15?
(a) To a hotel.
(b) To a country club.
(c) To his home.
(d) To an office building.
Source(s): The Sympathizer, Bookrags