Page 53 - 2021-bfw-aufses-alr-1e

3. In what ways are the half-sisters Vivien and Phuong alike, and in what ways do they differ? 5
Be sure to consider both direct and indirect characterization, including each woman’s
appearance, self-image, ambition, and attitude toward her family.
4. During one of their private conversations, Vivien asks Phuong, “‘Can you love someone you
don’t remember? Can you love someone you don’t know?’” (para. 75). How does each of Viet Thanh Nguyen
these young women answer those questions? In what ways does the story itself explore that
question?
5. There’s a fairly big “reveal” in the plot of “Fatherland” that takes place during the family trip to
the amusement park (paras. 00–00). Did you see it coming? If so, what “clues” or signals did
you notice? If not, what details kept you from suspecting that surprise?
6. It would be fair to say that all of the characters in this story are displaced in some way. Mr. Ly
and his second wife from their prewar lives in Vietnam; the first Mrs. from her homeland;
Phuong between her dreams for the future and the confines of her everyday life; Vivien as
she finds herself among strangers who happen to be her family. How does each of these
characters cope with displacement? How do these depictions contribute to the overall
meaning of the story?
7. Countries of origin are generally referred to as “the motherland,” yet this story is entitled
“Fatherland.” Why do you think Nguyen chose to make this choice for the title of this story?
What does it suggest about Mr. Ly and his relationship to his children, especially Vivien and
Phuong?

Analyzing Language, Style, and Structure

1. Vocabulary in Context. In paragraph 18, Nguyen describes the Vietnamese city of Saigon
as having many different neighborhoods: “from the dense, cacophonous alleys of the Chinese
quarter in Cho Lon to the glamour of downtown’s Dong Khoi.” What does “cacophonous”
mean in this context? Why is it an effective choice to characterize the area as a contrast to
the “glamour” of downtown?
2. Throughout the story, background information about Mr. Ly accumulates through his own
words and actions as well as both Vivien’s and Phuong’s responses to their father. Notably,
his first name is never revealed. How do such details — including whose perspective readers
learn them from — both develop and complicate this character?
3. Although “Fatherland” is told primarily as a chronological narrative about Vivien’s visit, the
past is present in many ways. How does Nguyen weave the lasting role of the past — both the
political and personal past — into the story without dividing the narrative into chunks of “then”
and “now”?
4. In paragraph 2 of “Fatherland,” Mr. Ly is described as “the plenipotentiary of the house.”
This word normally refers to someone, often a diplomat, who has official and full power
of independent action on behalf of their government. How does Nguyen use this word to
characterize Mr. Ly? Why is it an effective choice?
5. Photographs appear frequently in “Fatherland”: Mr. Ly receives and laminates photographs
sent to him of his older children, tourists use their cameras to capture both people and
places at several points in the story, Phuong poses for photographs — both willingly and
unwillingly — taken both by family members and by tourists, and Phuong destroys photos in
the final scene. What is the role that photographs play in this story? How do they contribute
to the themes that Nguyen explores?
6. At the end, Phuong burns the photos that Vivien has sent commemorating her visit. Why?
It may be tempting to cite Phuong’s conclusion that “their father loved Vivien more than
her” (para. 127) and conclude that she is so angry that she destroys any trace of her
33
Copyright © 2021 by Bedford, Freeman & Worth High School Publishers. Uncorrected proofs have been used in this sample chapter.
Distributed by by Bedford, Freeman & Worth High School Publishers. Strictly for use with its products. Not for redistribution.

AufsesALR1e_24889_ch05_002_097.indd 33 5/4/2020 3:57:54 PM