Characters
Which brother is the youngest
Brother Quang
What does the papaya represent?
The papaya represents Ha's life in Vietnam.
What superstition does Ha rebel against?
Touching the floor first when a male is supposed to.
What is Ha's favorite food?
Ha's favorite food is papaya.
Where do they move to?
They move to Alabama.
What is Brother Vu's inspiration?
Bruce Lee
What does the fried chicken symbolize?
The fried chicken represents Ha getting accustomed to American culture and starting her new life in America.
Why can't they splash water during Tet?
They do not want to "splash away joy."
What food does Ha's family try in America but does not like?
The fried chicken.
Where are they from?
They are from Vietnam.
Like Darry in The Outsiders, the brother that takes over the role of a father figure.
Who is brother Koi?
What does the pancake represent?
The pancake symbolizes two things: a reward for Ha learning and an insult from her classmates.
Why can't they sweep during Tet?
They do not want to "sweep away hope."
What food does the cowboy bring for the mom as a gift?
The catfish.
Where do they stay in America before the sponsor?
They stay in Florida.
Why is the mother strict towards the kids?
She wants the best for them and for them to succeed.
What does Bruce Lee symbolize?
Bruce Lee is symbolic because he's the main motivation for Brother Vu. He is the reason Vu got a job and moved to America.
Other than New Year's, what else does Tet double as?
Everybody's birthday.
What did they eat on the ship?
They ate cooked rice.
Where is Tet from?
Vietnam
Why does Mrs. Washington help the kids?
Her son sent her pictures of Vietnam when he was at war, and she feels empathetic for the kids.
What is the symbolic meaning of the Tet traditions?
Tet traditions represent a new lucky change in their lives. When Ha touched her foot to the floor first, she rebelled and blamed herself for their bad luck.
Why do they act this way for the New Year?
They believe that "how we act today foretells the whole year."
What food do they eat only on Tet?
Bánh chung.
Vietnam is split into to sides Wich side is communist?
North Vietnam.