Duong Thu Huong writes Paradise of the Blind intending to expose the poor workings and of Communism and demonstrate the adverse effects felt by the people effected.
Catherine Durham
Duong Thu Huong writes Paradise of the Blind intending to expose the poor workings and of Communism and demonstrate the adverse effects felt by the people effected. Huong's sees that Hang's self discovery and acceptance of her dissatisfaction with life heavily characterises the novel's final passage. By the end of the passage Hang has come to terms with her place in her Vietnamese culture deciding she will 'leave all this behind'. Huong establishes this decision through the use of contrasting natural imagery. The characterisation of the man who visits Hang act as a metaphor for a tainted Vietnam and subsequently allows her to gain greater knowledge of herself. The author then creates the feeling of hope as Hang moves forward from the looming 'shadow' that is her culture, her family and responsibility in the final passage.
Huong employs natural imagery in the final passage to bring focus and show contrast between Hang's past and present, while simultaneously aiding the decisions of her future. Hang recalls the 'beauty' of the 'swans as they floated, regal and serene across the rice paddies', she is then abruptly interrupted as a 'screech owl cried' making her 'jump'. These examples of natural imagery provide a sudden shift to the present supporting Hang's belief that beauty 'existed only in her memory'. When Hang returns to the present where there is clearly no mention of 'greenness warming the gold at dusk', instead these luscious images are juxtaposed with the unpleasant sound of 'croaking bullfrogs' and 'paths' that 'snaked through the graves'. These images are used by Huong to demonstrate the stark difference not only in physical features of each place but also of Hang's psyche as she focusses on either the negative or positive aspects of both. The uninviting image of the 'stagnant water, stinking, bloodied by the sunset' further contributes to Hang's desolate present, further giving her the incentive to escape her surroundings. Natural imagery is also used to help reflect on mood and atmosphere. As Hang decides to leave behind 'the legacy of past crimes' the moon reaches it's 'zenith', suggesting that even nature is supporting her decision to move forward. No longer is the 'fog rolling in' symbolising the 'shadows' of her past, it is replaced by the 'full moon' at it's peak representing hope and a new beginning. With this Hang has escaped the foggy confusion and entered her new chosen future.
