Similarities Between The Sorrow Of War And Viet Thanh Nguyen

The Vietnam War, also known as the American War in Vietnam, was a conflict that took place from 1955 to 1975, and it had a profound impact on both Vietnam and the United States. The war was fought between the communist government of North Vietnam and the democratic government of South Vietnam, which was supported by the United States. The conflict caused the deaths of millions of people, including soldiers and civilians, and left a legacy of trauma and devastation that continues to be felt today. The works of Vietnamese authors Bao Ninh and Viet Thanh Nguyen, as well as American authors Michael Herr and Howard Zinn, provide important insights into the Vietnam War and its impact on both Vietnam and the United States, they explore the complexities

In the novel, the protagonist Kien reflects on his experiences during the war, particularly his memories of his fellow soldiers and the loss of their lives. He says, "The dead soldiers were like the trees, silent and uncomplaining, giving shade and oxygen without complaint, never able to run away from their fate" (Ninh 22). This quote illustrates the devastating impact of the war on the soldiers, who were unable to escape their fate and who gave their lives without complaint. Similarly, "The Sympathizer" by Viet Thanh Nguyen portrays the trauma of war from the perspective of a Vietnamese spy for the Viet Cong. The protagonist is caught between two worlds, unable to fully belong in either the American or Vietnamese cultures. He speaks of the emotional toll of the war, saying, "I

While the Vietnamese authors emphasize themes of loss, trauma, and devastation caused by the war, the American authors tend to focus on disillusionment, disorientation, and challenges to American exceptionalism posed by the conflict. Despite these differences, both sets of authors offer critiques of the dominant narratives of the war, challenging official government propaganda and providing counter-narratives that deepen our understanding of the conflict. The Vietnamese authors' focus on the personal and collective trauma caused by the war is rooted in the historical and cultural context of Vietnam, which has experienced centuries of colonization and war. In contrast, the American authors' disillusionment and challenges to American exceptionalism reflect the larger cultural and historical context of the United States, which has often viewed itself as a beacon of democracy and freedom. These perspectives on the war can be used to deepen our understanding of other conflicts and global issues today, particularly in terms of recognizing the ways in which historical and cultural contexts shape our perceptions of and responses to