Mai's mother's discussion of genetics and karma is an interesting illustration of the differences and similarities between their worldviews. Mai has learned about genetics and DNA through her western education, while her mother has reached a similar, though broader position - the karmic connection of people to their ancestors, and even more fundamentally, of people to the land. Mai's mother draws an essential part of her identity from her connection to the land - she is tied to it like we are tied to our ancestors through genetics, and consequently she seems to suffer more than Mai from their physical exile.
I think this illustration really emphsizes the powerful link that bonds Than and Mai to thier land. The DNA link binding the person to the land is a creative blend of western and eastern traditions and values.It was really very a creative and insightful representation, one that grasps the conflict between both worlds and both women.
ReplyDelete-Yadira
Wow! amazing drawing! I love the representation that you made between karama and DNA because i think that it is such a vital aspect of the book. This idea of the karma that exist between mai and thanh is connected through their DNA because Thanh believes that her karma will continue into Mai's life. Which is the reasoning behind her ultimate suicide.
ReplyDeleteWonderful interpretation!
I really enjoyed your drawing of the connection between the land, karma, DNA, and the principal characters. I like how you were able to articulate visually the connection between land and ancestors to an individual. I agree that Thanh does derive an essential part of her identity from the land but doesn't Mai share that connection as well?
ReplyDeleteI love your drawing and you do bring up an excellent point about the way the two developed their ideas on genetics and inheritance. It's interesting to think of the difference and similarities between inheriting bad genes and passing on bad karma.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favorite instances in the novel. The struggle between belief system and ideologies is at its prime in this moment. The value of science vs. spirituality is long had argument. In this moment Thanh creates an image that is powerful and moving. In this moment you understand the level of thinking of Thanh and in my case, I came to have a great respect for this character.
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely an excellent drawing. I also love the way that you tied in the idea of biology and DNA into the theme of how Mai and her mother are linked to Vietnam. Its great the way you linked the nervous system into the river system and I like how the drawing is almost a little bit gruesome; it looks painful or a little like a science experiment.
ReplyDeleteHow perfectly both the metaphors for Vietnamese traditions rooted in the homeland and the almost supernatural tie the people feel for Vietnam are captured with this one image. The DNA style strands add to the unbreakable properties of the past, as though the actions of one's ancestors and relation to the homeland are genetically predetermined.
ReplyDelete-David S.