Cultures and Symbols
What is culture?
A group's beliefs, traditions, values, and ways of life.
Which Cohen theory explains how monsters represent a society's fears?
Theory 1 — Culture.
What is a refugee?
A person forced to leave their country because of danger or persecution.
Who is the character whose refugee story we studied?
Mr. Hyunh.
What genre is His House?
Horror.
What is Symbolism
When something represents a bigger idea.
Which theory focuses on fear of things that seem different or unknown?
Theory 4 — Difference.
Who wrote the poem “Home”?
Warsan Shire.
What important family member was Mr. Hyunh separated from?
His daughter, Mai.
What are the main characters trying to do after leaving their country?
Adjust to a new life and find safety and belonging (Fit in)
Name two things that can be part of a person's culture.
Examples: language, food, traditions, family, beliefs, celebrations, or music.
Which theory says monsters can warn people not to cross boundaries or break rules?
Theory 5 — Boundaries.
In “Home,” what does the image of water being safer than land suggest?
Leaving home can be dangerous, but staying may be even more dangerous.
What historical experience caused Mr. Hyunh's family separation?
War and displacement connected to Vietnam. (Vietnam War)
Name two feelings or experiences the supernatural threat may symbolize.
Grief, guilt, trauma, fear, or painful memories.
Godzilla represents fears of nuclear destruction.
What does this tell us about monsters?
Monsters can represent real fears and concerns from society.
People reject Frankenstein's Monster because of his unusual appearance. Which theory fits best, and why?
Theory 4 — Difference, because people judge him for being unfamiliar.
Name two experiences or challenges connected to displacement discussed in our lessons.
family separation, fear, unfamiliar surroundings, loss of safety, or difficulty belonging, cultural identity crisis
Name one theme in “Arnold's Christmas.”
Family, hope, empathy, separation, or reunion, effects of war.
A character appears frightened and avoids discussing the past. What can we infer about the character?
The character may be struggling with painful memories, fear, or guilt.
A writer creates a monster that spreads sickness during a disease outbreak. What might the monster symbolize?
Fear of disease, infection, or losing control of public safety.
A monster warns children never to enter a dangerous forest. Which theory fits best?
Theory 5 — Boundaries. The monster reinforces a rule about avoiding danger.
Why does Shire compare home to something dangerous, like the mouth of a shark?
To show that home can become so dangerous that someone must leave to survive.
How does Mr. Hyunh's story connect to Warsan Shire's “Home”? Give one similarity.
Both explore displacement, danger, and the importance of family or safety.
Why might a filmmaker use a frightening monster to tell a story about displacement and grief?
To symbolize/represent emotions and cultural fears--helping viewers understand the characters' experiences.