1. Cultural Values

Throughout her novel, Le Ly helps us to better understand her culture: the values, morals, religious perspectives, etc. I found this very fascinating when compared to my culture and other cultures I’ve experienced in my travels. I feel it would be very valuable to discuss Le Ly’s cultural perspective in comparison with the reader’s cultural perspective. We could discuss excerpts from the novel to instigate discussion or debate. We could concentrate on how this theme affected the reader spiritually and whether it changed their perspective of religion, family, men, etc. This would be very valuable in helping build understanding between the reader and other cultures in their community.

 

2. Survival

Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of this novel is the cruel treatment of women and I found her stories of rape, torture and total disrespect for women to be horrifying. I think it would be very valuable to discuss survival in relation to war, rape, personal loss, etc. and how culture affects survival. We could discuss how we would have dealt with the same situations in the novel. I think this would be very valuable in helping the reader explore new perspectives in dealing with adversity and traumatic situations.

 

3. Forgiveness

Another resounding and powerful theme in Le Ly’s Novel is forgiveness. Throughout her experience in Vietnam, she is tested again and again on yet she still has an incredible amount of forgiveness in her heart. It would be valuable to discuss this theme of forgiveness in war, family issues, etc. Again we could discuss how this relates to culture and identity. I think this would be very valuable for the reader to help foster tolerance and respect for differences.

 

4. Family

Perhaps the most powerful theme in her novel is family. Every page is filled with amazing detail of her family relationships and experiences. I think it would very valuable to discuss the role of family in this story. We could also discuss the cultural, religions and political aspects of her family and how they relate to the reader’s family. I think discussing this theme would be very helpful in understand Le Ly’s "journey from war to peace."

1. Le Ly’s interrogation and torture after the Tet offensive (pp. 81-85) was a very powerful section in the book. Reread the section where Le Ly and Thien are interrogated and tortured in My Thi prison. Write a paper(1-2 pages in length) that explores the impact of this incident on Le Ly and how it helps define her experience during the war.
2. Using the "capitalist candy wrapper" incident on page 233 as inspiration, write a play (2-3 pages) that explores: 1) the themes of capitalism vs. communism, or 2) the opposing political views of two family members.
3. Reread the section where Le Ly’s father is buried and mourned. (pp. 211-212) Research three other culture’s burial traditions and prepare a 10-minute presentation for the class. Be sure to explain the cultural significance of each tradition.
4. Imagine you are a teenage friend of Le Ly’s living in Ky La. Write a 2-3 page diary entry about your life in Vietnam, your relationship with Le Ly, your views of the war, etc.

I feel that the themes of survival, family, cultural values and forgiveness would be great guidelines by which to explore the historical relevance of events in this novel. The aspects of this novel I would emphasize for historical relevance include: 1) the significance of the French domination before 1960, 2) the history of religion (especially Buddhism and Catholicism) and how it has influenced wars, 3) the United State’s role in the war, 4) Vietnamese liberation of 1975, and 5) the founding of the East Meets West Foundation.

I think the best way to connect and expand upon this novel in relationship to historical events would be to utilize a variety of activities including research, video, music, art, guest speakers, presentations, etc.

The students could do research on these six aspects in the library, the Internet or conduct interviews with veterans, refugees, etc., and then develop a creative response. We could watch videos about the war. We could listen to Vietnamese music, read poetry and look at Vietnamese artwork. I would love to include selections from the musical "Miss Saigon" to give a sense of place and mood. We could create a photo or video documentary of the war and it’s effect on different people involved in it (children, soldiers, politicians, civilians, etc. We could discuss the significance of President Clinton’s recent visit to Vietnam and the changes that have come about since the war ended.

I think it is important that the students have an understanding of the impact this war had, not only on Le Ly and her country, but also on the United States and the world. I think these historical events can teach the students a lot about how wars begin, what impact they have on people and how they can be prevented in the future. I think the four aforementioned themes of survival, family, cultural values and forgiveness can create new perspectives in students and foster a greater sense of tolerance and cultural understanding.

1. Using the four themes of survival, family, cultural values and forgiveness I will begin by asking the students to brainstorm as many images as they can remember from the book.
2. I will divide the class into four groups and assign one theme to each. They will base their section of the documentary on this theme.
3. I will introduce the basic aspects of producing a documentary film (research, interviewing, gathering artifacts, photos, etc., location search, storyboarding, writing, filming, editing, publicity and presentation.)
4. Each group will create an organizational structure and assign roles: director, photographer(s), researchers, writer(s), etc.
5. Each group will be giving a 4-day rotating shooting schedule to use the camera.
6. Each group will have to create a basic storyboard of their section of the documentary which will be handed in for an activity grade.
7. The groups will be given these ideas from which to work from:

• Write conversations between soldiers & civilians, fathers & daughters, etc.
• Find photos, artwork, music, poetry and clothing that will enhance the film.
• Research other documentaries, movies, books, magazines, websites, etc.
• Write news reports, commercials, etc.
• Use excerpts from When Heaven and Earth Changed Places

1. The students will research, storyboard, and film their sections.
2. We will take some class time to bounce ides of the group and coordinate continuity between sections.
3. I will edit the film with one "director" from each group.
4. We will watch the film and edit or re-shoot if needed.
5. Groups will hand in storyboards.
6. We will present the film to another class for critique.
7. We will then submit our work to MPAA and practice our acceptance speech for winning the Oscar for best documentary film.