• Engelsk
  • Utdanning: Vg2
  • Karakter: 5
  • Ord: 1029

Innholdsfortegnelse
Summary:
Analysis:

Utdrag
Summary:
The short story "Edge of the World" by Souvankham Thammavongsa, published in 2020, delves into the life of a Laotian woman as she reflects on her childhood, placing particular emphasis on her relationship with and perception of her mother.

This tale unfolds against the backdrop of the family's refugee status, having fled Laos to seek refuge in an English-speaking country, presumably the United States or Australia.

While the girl harbors affection for her mother, it becomes evident that the mother grapples with adapting to the customs and norms of their newfound home.

Seeking solace, she immerses herself in the world of televised soap operas. A pivotal juncture arises in their lives when the mother purchases a puzzle depicting a map of the world.

As the girl assembles the puzzle, a spirited dispute ensues between mother and daughter, revolving around the age-old question of whether the world is round or flat.

Analysis:
The Laotian Civil War, spanning from 1959 to 1975, unfolded within the borders of Laos, pitting the Communist Pathet Lao against the Royal Lao Government.

This protracted conflict resulted in the displacement of over 300,000 Laotian citizens, who sought refuge in neighboring countries, and a tragic toll of approximately 40,000 casualties.

The reverberations of this harrowing civil war find their place in the 2020 short story "Edge of the World," penned by the Lao-born Canadian writer Souvankham Thammavongsa.

Within the narrative, the author introduces us to a woman who offers poignant insights into her childhood, family dynamics, and memorable moments from her past.

The story focuses on her recollections of time spent with her mother during her formative years, revealing the nuanced shifts in her mother's behavior in the company of various individuals or groups.

“My mother’s laugh was loud and wild. (...) She would laugh this way only when we were alone.” Here we are told how the mother would behave with her daughter. “My mother would watch and listen to all of this from the kitchen, but she’d never join in.