Howard WongReflective Statement: Paradise of the Blind

How was your understanding of cultural and contextual considerations of the work developed through the interactive oral?

Word Count: 300

The interactive oral allowed me to develop a greater understanding of the text, especially in regards to the historical and political background ofVietnam. During the discussion, one group mentioned that the original Vietnamese communist movement had the intent of pursuing independence fromFrance, as Vietnamwas a French colony at the time. Moreover, the communist party also claimed to have the goal of unifying all the Vietnamese people under one leadership, following the temporary division created between North andSouth Vietnamafter the communists successfully defeated the French. This association between communism and such admirable aims, such as independence and unification, contrasts greatly with the image of the communism created by Duong.

The text focuses heavily on criticizing the communist ideals, and Duongs decision to omit the more positive aspects of communism is extremely significant. Through the discussion, I came to the understanding that Duongs perspective of communism is likely shaped by her personal experiences in the Vietnam War, evident in her involvement in war movements from a young age. Moreover, her original support of communist reforms, and her gradual change of mind towards more capitalistic and free ideas, further reiterates why Duong would choose to portray communism as a purely destructive and oppressive force in the novel. Through realizing Duongs personal connection to the Vietnam War and communism, I was able to develop my understanding of the perspective that the novel takes in regards to these political changes.