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Symbolism In The Mountains Sing

1208 Words5 Pages

Devistation, Normalcy, and Family: Que Mai’s symbolism in The Mountains Sing
War represents a rough time for both sides of the fight. The Vietnam War was not just about fights between the two governments and the military. The fight was also brought onto the people of the town. Towns burning, Agent Orange, and the Ho Chi Minh trail greatly affected the citizens. With families separated and men not returning home, everyone struggles. The hope and longing for normalcy for the people of Vietnam was outraged. Only one side of the story is seen when talking about War. The effects on the men in the military were horrifying however nothing is ever seen for the people at home. The families of Vietnam had to evacuate their homes over the years. Seeing …show more content…

In the novel, Grandma Dieu Lan has to abandon her kids for their benefit so she does not have to watch them suffer in pain with her. Dieu Lan’s relationship with her granddaughter displays the truth in the family. Alongside Huong is also her Uncle Dat who had to serve in the war. The relationship between Huong, Dat, and Dieu Lan changes each other's perspectives of the lives they had lived. Uncle Dat helps to put Huong into perspective on growing up and learning. As Huong listens, she realizes “[Uncle Dat has] to untangle his feelings on his own by talking out loud so that he could understand how it was to be alive, and to be dead at the same time”(Que Mai 164) Not knowing his lessons he is teaching Huong, he still takes time to vocalize his stories to her. Huong takes his stories to teach herself lessons on the importance of growth. The relationship between Huong and Uncle Dat shows a true family bond in the experiences of life and relationships even if they do not have much to bond on. Dieu Lan also helps to contribute to the lessons Huong learns and helps to connect to the family she came from. She tells her story in a multi-perspective way to Huong. Dieu Lan teaches the whole family about the struggles that their country has gone through, “...together with the lives of countless people. We’re forbidden to talk …show more content…

Dieu Lan goes through French Colonialism, World War II, Land Reforms, and the Vietnam War throughout her lifetime. She uses her experiences to tell and teach stories about them. No matter the devastation Dieu Lan has been through she always keeps going and tries her hardest, “In times of crisis, people are kind” (9). Dieu Lan portrays the idea of kindness spreading in the hardest times of life. The hardest times show an even greater fight for their life. Everything in their lives unfolds into hardship. Dieu Lan’s story gives them a reason to keep going and never stop the way that they fight for their condolences. With Dat losing both his legs, Ngoc’s rape, the husband not returning, family disappearing, the struggles continue. Having faith and hope is very important to Dieu Lan, she supports the fight and is willing to never give up. “normal citizens were nothing but leaves that would fall in

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