Mrs. Swihart
Period 7
16 January 2015
Paradise of the Blind Supervised Essay
In the novel Paradise of the Blind by Duong Thu Huong, the author uses diction from the perspective of Hang to set the foundation of the novel as well as to establish the essential element of Hang’s journey through time and space in relation to her family. Motifs are vital in the novel to draw attention to certain aspects in order to bring out the emotional experiences of Hang’s journey along with her interactions with other characters. Motifs are expressed to portray the influence of cultural aspects on Hang’s emotions and conscience. Imagery, portrayed in the novel is expressed through intense diction as the beautiful landscapes she describes is contradicted with harsh comments that reflect society. As Hang matures from innocence to maturity, it is evident Huong is displaying Hang’s coming of age story through the use of various techniques. In result, Hang becomes aware of herself, her Vietnamese culture, and her family. The author utilizes the techniques of diction, motifs and imagery to interpret the emotional journey Hang experiences through various changes as she discovers herself and is able to find her place in the world resulting in her ultimate acknowledgement that she does not have to abide by expectations of Vietnamese culture and familial obligations.
Huong uses careful diction to portray the perspective of Hang as she travels through her journey and comes to her own realizations. Huong writes, “I understood something, perhaps for the first time: In every life, there must come a moment when what is most sacred, most noble, in us evaporates into thin air. In a flash of lucidity, the values we have honored and cherished reveal themselves in all their poverty and vulgarity, as they had to this girl. From this moment, no one is spared. (Huong 85)” In this quote Hang comes to a crucial moment in her life where she realizes the other side of her culture, the