Bryana Lee - Argumentative Writing |
Bryana Lee
Dr. Jain
Writing #2 Argumentative
November 22, 2016
Dr. Jain
Writing #2 Argumentative
November 22, 2016
Why First They Killed My Father Deserves to Win the Booker Prize.
According to Google Search, there aren’t much information specifically about the Cambodian-Vietnamese War. But, there is a memoir, First They Killed My Father written by Loung Ung that explains a perspective of the war with full descriptive details. The perspective shown is her perspective when she was five years old and maybe six throughout the book. Descriptive writing, figurative language and style of the book is very interesting and helped the audience be engaged into the book where background information are full descriptions are given for the audience to learn more about the Cambodian-Vietnamese War.
The author Loung Ung, gave enough information about the Cambodian-Vietnamese War so that her audiences, who might have lack of information of the war, still be engaged in the book. According to the book, there was a quote that goes like : “That night none of us can sleep as we listen to explosions of mortars and rockets in the distance” (Ung 165). This quote showed background information of the happening of the war and also the survivor’s feelings.
Loung Ung gave full, clear description of the conflicts in the story. First, Loung Ung gave descriptions on how her sister, Keav was in pain and even almost dying. “Tears flow easily from her eyes, but it is okay. She could disguise them by splashing water on her face, pretending to wash her eyes” (Ung 97). Also, she gave full detail of how her father has been killed : “Tears stream out of my eyes as I whisper thanks to the gods that the soldiers has blindfolded Pa” (Ung 106). These quotes were quotes from parts when one of her family members were dying. Also parts of her family members were dying were italicized in the book which helped the passage stand out and reminded us, the audience, that this is a really sad part of her life and which transitions to the next point of why this book should win the Book-er Award.
Loung Ung had a very unique way of explaining an event and made the audience feel the similar feeling as she wanted her audience to feel and also, she created beautiful imagery. An example of imagery is shown in the following quote : “I turn away and look at the sky as tears roll out of the corners of my eyes. “Oh Pa. I miss you,” I tell him in my head” (Ung 126). Another example would be : “Now it is all real. Now I no longer have to pretend to be an orphan” (Ung 175). Last, there was a very interesting book review by Denver Post. “An important book...a harrowing book, a book you will read through tears”. This quote was even selected to be on the back part of the book with a lot of people agreeing to it.
With description given about the war and beautiful writing, Loung Ung should definitely receive the Book-er Award. Also, if recommendations were given to other people as well, accepting it would carry the audience to a wonderful journey to the past.
The author Loung Ung, gave enough information about the Cambodian-Vietnamese War so that her audiences, who might have lack of information of the war, still be engaged in the book. According to the book, there was a quote that goes like : “That night none of us can sleep as we listen to explosions of mortars and rockets in the distance” (Ung 165). This quote showed background information of the happening of the war and also the survivor’s feelings.
Loung Ung gave full, clear description of the conflicts in the story. First, Loung Ung gave descriptions on how her sister, Keav was in pain and even almost dying. “Tears flow easily from her eyes, but it is okay. She could disguise them by splashing water on her face, pretending to wash her eyes” (Ung 97). Also, she gave full detail of how her father has been killed : “Tears stream out of my eyes as I whisper thanks to the gods that the soldiers has blindfolded Pa” (Ung 106). These quotes were quotes from parts when one of her family members were dying. Also parts of her family members were dying were italicized in the book which helped the passage stand out and reminded us, the audience, that this is a really sad part of her life and which transitions to the next point of why this book should win the Book-er Award.
Loung Ung had a very unique way of explaining an event and made the audience feel the similar feeling as she wanted her audience to feel and also, she created beautiful imagery. An example of imagery is shown in the following quote : “I turn away and look at the sky as tears roll out of the corners of my eyes. “Oh Pa. I miss you,” I tell him in my head” (Ung 126). Another example would be : “Now it is all real. Now I no longer have to pretend to be an orphan” (Ung 175). Last, there was a very interesting book review by Denver Post. “An important book...a harrowing book, a book you will read through tears”. This quote was even selected to be on the back part of the book with a lot of people agreeing to it.
With description given about the war and beautiful writing, Loung Ung should definitely receive the Book-er Award. Also, if recommendations were given to other people as well, accepting it would carry the audience to a wonderful journey to the past.
MLA Works Cited
Ung, Loung. First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers. New York: HarperCollinsPublishers, 2000. Print.
Subin Kim - Argumentative Writing |
Subin Kim
Dr. Jain
Writing #2 Argumentative
November 22, 2016
Dr. Jain
Writing #2 Argumentative
November 22, 2016
Why First They Killed My Father Deserves to Win the Booker Prize.
Crying, laughing, and getting mad all along with a friend -- this friend is Loung Ung, the protagonist of First They Killed My Father. This novel by Loung Ung is about a young Cambodian girl, who is the author herself, and her hardships through the time of war and how she overcame them. It takes the reader through a wonderful and adventurous journey through a time of despair in Cambodia, 1975. First They Killed My Father is a highly acclaimed novel that lets readers engage in deeper thoughts about war through various emotions of the author herself, and therefore deserves to win the Booker Prize.
War is something that seems distant and far away for many people. It is simply viewed as a terrifying event on the news, especially for the younger generation of readers intended for Loung Ung’s novel. It is quite difficult for one to ever know the difficulty of war. However, the novel successfully depicts the horrors of war and deep hatred towards the murderer of her family, the Khmer Rouge, and the hopefulness of a young, eight-year old girl through her descriptive writing skills.
Loung Ung’s writing is just like a freshly painted piece of artwork with the harmonious colors of all shades. This is shown in various parts of her novel. Ung describes her feeling of hatred as “... so strong, it feels alive. It slithers and moves around in the pit of my stomach, growing bigger and bigger” (Ung 108). The comparison to a poisonous snake lets the reader share the quivering hatred of Ung towards the Khmer. Another example of Ung’s craft is shown through her details of hopefulness. She writes, “My heart thunders loudly in my ears, my palms cold and sweaty. Heartened by my dream of Pa, I walk onto the aircraft” (Ung 233). Her use of words such as “thunders” and descriptions such as “cold and sweaty” allow the reader to vividly imagine her emotions. This also helps the reader put themselves in her shoe, and connect with her emotions. Like this, Ung’s novel is full of colorful details that transform the black-and-white pages of her novel into a scene of a movie. It turns her reader’s mind into a movie theater.
With all of these elements, First They Killed My Father is not only compelling to young adults, the intended audience of her novel, but is also appealing to the older generations. This older generation includes established critics, too. As mentioned before, Ung’s novel is highly acclaimed by many professional reviewers. Washington Post Book World states, “There can be absolutely no question about the innate power of [Ung’s] story, the passion with which she tells it, or its enduring importance” (Washington Post Book World 1). This was not the only compliment that Ung’s novel received. Denver Post voiced that Ung’s novel was “an important book… a harrowing book, a book you will read through tears” (Denver Post 1). Words such as “harrowing” and “tears” show how emotional this piece of writing was, even triggering emotions of critical publishers.
First They Killed My Father opens the reader to a new perspective and mindset of what such a young five-year old like Loung Ung can endure during a time of death, violence, and so much that are hard to handle. Set in a unique perspective and setting, Ung captivates the reader with the magic of her words. She creates a compelling narrative, sparking interest and raising awareness of the events of the Cambodian War. Her elaborate manipulation of words even captures professional reviewers, who complimented her novel highly. Furthermore, with success in provoking the reader’s interest in the Cambodian War, she allows the reader to expand their knowledge through her sequel novel of First They Killed My Father. Ung successfully awed the readers with flabbergasting details in a short novel, and therefore is worthy of winning the Booker Prize.
War is something that seems distant and far away for many people. It is simply viewed as a terrifying event on the news, especially for the younger generation of readers intended for Loung Ung’s novel. It is quite difficult for one to ever know the difficulty of war. However, the novel successfully depicts the horrors of war and deep hatred towards the murderer of her family, the Khmer Rouge, and the hopefulness of a young, eight-year old girl through her descriptive writing skills.
Loung Ung’s writing is just like a freshly painted piece of artwork with the harmonious colors of all shades. This is shown in various parts of her novel. Ung describes her feeling of hatred as “... so strong, it feels alive. It slithers and moves around in the pit of my stomach, growing bigger and bigger” (Ung 108). The comparison to a poisonous snake lets the reader share the quivering hatred of Ung towards the Khmer. Another example of Ung’s craft is shown through her details of hopefulness. She writes, “My heart thunders loudly in my ears, my palms cold and sweaty. Heartened by my dream of Pa, I walk onto the aircraft” (Ung 233). Her use of words such as “thunders” and descriptions such as “cold and sweaty” allow the reader to vividly imagine her emotions. This also helps the reader put themselves in her shoe, and connect with her emotions. Like this, Ung’s novel is full of colorful details that transform the black-and-white pages of her novel into a scene of a movie. It turns her reader’s mind into a movie theater.
With all of these elements, First They Killed My Father is not only compelling to young adults, the intended audience of her novel, but is also appealing to the older generations. This older generation includes established critics, too. As mentioned before, Ung’s novel is highly acclaimed by many professional reviewers. Washington Post Book World states, “There can be absolutely no question about the innate power of [Ung’s] story, the passion with which she tells it, or its enduring importance” (Washington Post Book World 1). This was not the only compliment that Ung’s novel received. Denver Post voiced that Ung’s novel was “an important book… a harrowing book, a book you will read through tears” (Denver Post 1). Words such as “harrowing” and “tears” show how emotional this piece of writing was, even triggering emotions of critical publishers.
First They Killed My Father opens the reader to a new perspective and mindset of what such a young five-year old like Loung Ung can endure during a time of death, violence, and so much that are hard to handle. Set in a unique perspective and setting, Ung captivates the reader with the magic of her words. She creates a compelling narrative, sparking interest and raising awareness of the events of the Cambodian War. Her elaborate manipulation of words even captures professional reviewers, who complimented her novel highly. Furthermore, with success in provoking the reader’s interest in the Cambodian War, she allows the reader to expand their knowledge through her sequel novel of First They Killed My Father. Ung successfully awed the readers with flabbergasting details in a short novel, and therefore is worthy of winning the Booker Prize.
MLA Works Cited
Ung, Loung. First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers. New York, HarperCollins Publishers, 2001.
Jennifer Kim - Argumentative Writing |
Jennifer Kim
Dr. Jain
Writing #2 Argumentative
November 22, 2016
Dr. Jain
Writing #2 Argumentative
November 22, 2016
Why First They Killed My Father Deserves to Win the Booker Prize.
Today, most people have numerous complaints about the conditions as they crave for more and more of a better environment. However, they are unaware of the harsh conditions their ancestors from Cambodia have gone through especially during the massive genocide in 1975. Loung Ung, a direct victim of the war/genocide, has written First They Killed My Father, an intriguing novel, based on a young girl’s story, which leaves the reader gasping for air. This book deserves the Book-er Prize because empathy, innocence, and imagery are all clearly depicted throughout the course of the story.
In her autobiography, Ung completely relies on facts to generate emotion within her audience. For example, “one by one, each man is silenced by the hammer” (Ung 106). This statement does not provide any hint of an opinion, but in fact, elaborates on ways men were tortured during the war. On the other hand, the tension in every single detail causes the reader to turn nervous. Moreover, “all the real doctors and nurses were killed by the Angkar long ago” (Ung 96) implies Loung’s sister, Keav, had died from a result of improper treatment. At this point, the author triggers rage in the readers, but simply by describing the method by which many died. Such proves Ung is adroit as she is capable of using only facts to bring about emotion.
Furthermore, Ung writes in a young girl’s perspective through taking advantage of simple yet concise diction. For example, Loung describes her father as “a teddy bear, soft and big and easy to hug” (Ung 4). This vividly indicates how she was like everyone else as a child: young and innocent. However, through the course of the novel, Loung is in greed for a soldier’s blood (Ung). In this way, the author once again creates empathy as this scene proposes the broken innocence in Loung. Ung does not rely on facts anymore, but rather focuses purely on the innocence of the main character.
Most importantly, the descriptive language evident in sensory details, paradox, and imagery allows the author to portray this violent picture of war and genocide. One specific example of paradox is “the greatest dream and (my) worst nightmare” (Ung 80). By utilizing these ironically matching words, Ung pulls the reader in and forces them to read further. An example of descriptive language is “the clang and clatter of spoons…” (Ung 2). This quote not only creates imagery with sensory details, but also puts the readers in the scene as if they were the main character, Loung.
Genocide has killed many people in the past, especially during the Cambodian-Vietnamese war; therefore, one must not complain, but rather be thankful for their current conditions. Empathy, innocence, and imagery allowed such an addictive novel to be crafted. One may even call this novel a “drug” as it continuously reminds the readers of the descriptive details. First They Killed My Father introduces several shocking events such as the Khmer Rouge invasion and the Cambodian-Vietnamese war, all topics in which will horrify the audience.
In her autobiography, Ung completely relies on facts to generate emotion within her audience. For example, “one by one, each man is silenced by the hammer” (Ung 106). This statement does not provide any hint of an opinion, but in fact, elaborates on ways men were tortured during the war. On the other hand, the tension in every single detail causes the reader to turn nervous. Moreover, “all the real doctors and nurses were killed by the Angkar long ago” (Ung 96) implies Loung’s sister, Keav, had died from a result of improper treatment. At this point, the author triggers rage in the readers, but simply by describing the method by which many died. Such proves Ung is adroit as she is capable of using only facts to bring about emotion.
Furthermore, Ung writes in a young girl’s perspective through taking advantage of simple yet concise diction. For example, Loung describes her father as “a teddy bear, soft and big and easy to hug” (Ung 4). This vividly indicates how she was like everyone else as a child: young and innocent. However, through the course of the novel, Loung is in greed for a soldier’s blood (Ung). In this way, the author once again creates empathy as this scene proposes the broken innocence in Loung. Ung does not rely on facts anymore, but rather focuses purely on the innocence of the main character.
Most importantly, the descriptive language evident in sensory details, paradox, and imagery allows the author to portray this violent picture of war and genocide. One specific example of paradox is “the greatest dream and (my) worst nightmare” (Ung 80). By utilizing these ironically matching words, Ung pulls the reader in and forces them to read further. An example of descriptive language is “the clang and clatter of spoons…” (Ung 2). This quote not only creates imagery with sensory details, but also puts the readers in the scene as if they were the main character, Loung.
Genocide has killed many people in the past, especially during the Cambodian-Vietnamese war; therefore, one must not complain, but rather be thankful for their current conditions. Empathy, innocence, and imagery allowed such an addictive novel to be crafted. One may even call this novel a “drug” as it continuously reminds the readers of the descriptive details. First They Killed My Father introduces several shocking events such as the Khmer Rouge invasion and the Cambodian-Vietnamese war, all topics in which will horrify the audience.
MLA Works Cited
Ung, Loung. First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers. New York: HarperCollinsPublishers, 2000. Print.
Gina Lee - Argumentative Writing
Gina Lee
Dr. Jain
Writing #2 Argumentative
November 22, 2016
Dr. Jain
Writing #2 Argumentative
November 22, 2016
Why First They Killed My Father Deserves to Win the Booker Prize.
“An important book...a harrowing book, a book you will read through tears” (Denver Post Review). Like the review of the Denver Post explains, First They Killed My Father is a unique memoir eloquently written by Loung Ung that follow her childhood life in Cambodia during the late 1900s. As the daughter of a official, Loung lives a luxurious, flexible life until the Cambodian-Vietnamese war strikes Cambodia and she becomes one of its many victims. The creative, page-turning memoir, First They Killed My Father, not only educates the readers on Cambodia but does so with lucid figurative language, and thus qualifies as deserving of the Booker Award.
As a survivor of the Cambodian-Vietnamese War, Ung educates her readers on how the lives of Cambodia’s citizens changes drastically in 1975, when the Khmer Rouge first came to absolute power. With her first-hand experience of serving at one of the Khmer’s several labour camps, Loung explains the political reasons behind the Khmer Rouge’s malicious actions and how the Angkar administered everyday of her life, as seen in the passage, “‘Angkar! Angkar!’ we screamed in union (Ung 165). Throughout her memoir, Loung also informs her readers on Cambodia’s elaborate culture such as their holidays: “New Years is our biggest and most important holiday” (Ung 70). Because she has actually lived through the Cambodian-Vietnamese War, Ung is able to intwine facts on Cambodia and the Khmer Rouge throughout First They Killed My Father, and the readers benefit from a reliable source.
Consistently using figurative language, and long, expanded descriptions, First They Killed My Father illustrates realistic scenes and vivid settings. Ung often crafts figurative language into the descriptions of a new setting, setting the mood in a unique way so clear that the reader can effortlessly visualize. A magnificent example is when she uses personification to express a hopeful mood of the night: “The moon and stars shine and give life to the night” )Ung 104). Evocative imagery is also evident in Ung’s memoir: “...the body convulses and trembles, as if electricity is traveling to the legs’ (Ung 207). In this excerpt, Ung once again masters the use of not only personification, but also simile, allowing the readers to vividly visualize her childhood experience. As a result of Ung’s expressive and detailed figurative language, every detail in this memoir is able to be realistic and easily illustrated by the reader.
As First They Killed My Father is written from the viewpoint of a young, innocent child, the perception of Cambodia is also creative and intriguing. As seen in the excerpt: “In the darkness, spirits whisper chants and spells” (Ung 1), the perspective in which events are viewed is very creative, making this memoir rare and more compelling. The fact that Ung wrote First They Killed My Father in such a young, innocent perspective further makes it an unique and quick, addictive read.
A fast-paced, treasurable memoir, First They Killed My Father, evidently merits the Booker Prize. With its educational content, unique perspective, and compelling imagery, this memoir is one of a kind. While reading this novel, readers may want to further research on Khmer Rouge and who Pol Pol was, as this may help to understand the background that underlies Loung’s childhood in depth. All in all, Ung’s First They Killed My Father is truly a masterpiece, both educative and unique, a Booker-Prize-deserving novel.
As a survivor of the Cambodian-Vietnamese War, Ung educates her readers on how the lives of Cambodia’s citizens changes drastically in 1975, when the Khmer Rouge first came to absolute power. With her first-hand experience of serving at one of the Khmer’s several labour camps, Loung explains the political reasons behind the Khmer Rouge’s malicious actions and how the Angkar administered everyday of her life, as seen in the passage, “‘Angkar! Angkar!’ we screamed in union (Ung 165). Throughout her memoir, Loung also informs her readers on Cambodia’s elaborate culture such as their holidays: “New Years is our biggest and most important holiday” (Ung 70). Because she has actually lived through the Cambodian-Vietnamese War, Ung is able to intwine facts on Cambodia and the Khmer Rouge throughout First They Killed My Father, and the readers benefit from a reliable source.
Consistently using figurative language, and long, expanded descriptions, First They Killed My Father illustrates realistic scenes and vivid settings. Ung often crafts figurative language into the descriptions of a new setting, setting the mood in a unique way so clear that the reader can effortlessly visualize. A magnificent example is when she uses personification to express a hopeful mood of the night: “The moon and stars shine and give life to the night” )Ung 104). Evocative imagery is also evident in Ung’s memoir: “...the body convulses and trembles, as if electricity is traveling to the legs’ (Ung 207). In this excerpt, Ung once again masters the use of not only personification, but also simile, allowing the readers to vividly visualize her childhood experience. As a result of Ung’s expressive and detailed figurative language, every detail in this memoir is able to be realistic and easily illustrated by the reader.
As First They Killed My Father is written from the viewpoint of a young, innocent child, the perception of Cambodia is also creative and intriguing. As seen in the excerpt: “In the darkness, spirits whisper chants and spells” (Ung 1), the perspective in which events are viewed is very creative, making this memoir rare and more compelling. The fact that Ung wrote First They Killed My Father in such a young, innocent perspective further makes it an unique and quick, addictive read.
A fast-paced, treasurable memoir, First They Killed My Father, evidently merits the Booker Prize. With its educational content, unique perspective, and compelling imagery, this memoir is one of a kind. While reading this novel, readers may want to further research on Khmer Rouge and who Pol Pol was, as this may help to understand the background that underlies Loung’s childhood in depth. All in all, Ung’s First They Killed My Father is truly a masterpiece, both educative and unique, a Booker-Prize-deserving novel.
MLA Works Cited
Ung, Loung. First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers. New York: HarperCollinsPublishers, 2000. Print.