One of the most striking images in the novel was when Mai's father likens the communist strongholds as "leopard spots" in Vietnam. This image seems to resonate about what is happening in Mai's heart. The spots are representative of Vietnam in Mai's heart. Mai is attempting to become a part of the American culture that has been forced upon her but she continues to be tormented by those leopard spots.
I also thought that it was interesting that Mai's father likened the communist stronghold to leopard spots on Vietnam. The leopard spots that you portrayed on Mai's heart are significant because the heart is such a central symbol "the soul" and who a person is. The heart is also hidden from the world; no one else can see it. I thought it was interesting that Mai's father chose leopard spots because when I read it the first time the word "leopard" reminded me of the word "leper" and the imagery and ideas that go along with "leper".
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