Assignment Question
How does Kim Thuy’s Ru approach/deal with time (thematically and/or figuratively) using two arguments with book quotations.
Assignment Answer
Kim Thúy’s “Ru” is a masterful exploration of time, both thematically and figuratively, offering a unique and nuanced perspective that stands in stark contrast to the politically censored history prevalent in official narratives. Thúy employs various narrative techniques to delve into the complexities of time, creating a rich tapestry that transcends conventional temporal boundaries.
One prominent approach in “Ru” is Thúy’s use of fragmented narratives, reflecting the fractured nature of memory and time. As the narrator reflects on her past, she articulates, “Time, which sees all things, has found you too” (Thúy, 2012, p. 25). This fragmented storytelling mirrors the way memories emerge in fragments, emphasizing the subjective and non-linear nature of personal histories. By doing so, Thúy challenges the conventional, linear understanding of time and invites readers to engage with a more fluid and dynamic temporal experience.
Sensory descriptions play a crucial role in Thúy’s thematic exploration of time. Through poetic language, she captures the essence of moments, making time a tangible and palpable element in the narrative. For instance, she writes, “I use parsley to stop time: I sprinkle it on the tablecloth like magic sand to dry up the sauce and keep the tomatoes from leaving a mark” (Thúy, 2012, p. 47). This vivid imagery not only brings the narrative to life but also underscores the idea that certain experiences have the power to suspend or elongate time, creating lasting impressions that resist the passage of conventional chronological time.
Cultural memory emerges as a significant theme in “Ru,” with Thúy emphasizing its transcendence of linear time. The narrative unfolds like a series of interconnected vignettes, echoing the collective memory of a community. Through this, she contends, “I’m homesick for every moment that I’ve lived, even if it’s a sad one” (Thúy, 2012, p. 63). This quote encapsulates the figurative approach to time, suggesting that each moment, whether joyous or sorrowful, contributes to a larger tapestry of existence that defies chronological constraints. Thúy challenges the compartmentalization of time by presenting it as an interconnected web of experiences that shape one’s identity.
The language itself becomes a temporal tool in Thúy’s narrative, allowing her to navigate through different periods seamlessly. The novel is a linguistic dance, as evidenced by the quote, “My life is buried in boxes, and I have the feeling that I’m not the one who will unpack them” (Thúy, 2012, p. 82). Here, the act of unpacking boxes becomes a metaphor for unfolding memories across time, blurring the lines between past, present, and future. Thúy’s use of language as a temporal device reinforces the idea that time is not a rigid construct but a dynamic force that can be shaped and reshaped through storytelling.
Furthermore, Thúy employs a cyclical narrative structure, reinforcing the notion that time operates in cycles rather than a straight line. The repetition of motifs and events echoes this cyclical nature. As she states, “We return to the places where we’ve experienced love, to see if we’re still capable of feeling it” (Thúy, 2012, p. 105). This cyclical return to significant moments in one’s life highlights the perpetual nature of time, where emotions and experiences resonate across different temporal planes. Thúy challenges the linearity of time by suggesting that certain moments have the power to loop back, influencing the present and future.
Another dimension of Thúy’s exploration of time is her focus on the personal as political. Through individual stories, she challenges the official historical narrative. One compelling argument is encapsulated in the quote, “Sometimes the wind blows the taste of pho to me, and I remember that I am alive” (Thúy, 2012, p. 123). Here, the taste of pho becomes a sensory trigger that transcends time, connecting the narrator to her Vietnamese heritage and challenging the political erasure of cultural identity. Thúy emphasizes the intimate, personal experiences as a potent counterpoint to the impersonal and often distorted political narratives that shape official history.
Moreover, Thúy employs the metaphor of weaving to symbolize the interplay of time and identity. She notes, “We are woven together like the bags the fishermen use to hold their catch. Each mesh, each knot, is important” (Thúy, 2012, p. 145). This metaphor underscores not only the interconnectedness of lives but also suggests that time, like a weaver’s thread, binds individuals across generations. The act of weaving becomes a metaphor for the intergenerational transmission of cultural identity, creating a thematic exploration of continuity and endurance through time.
In conclusion, Kim Thúy’s “Ru” is a literary masterpiece that skillfully approaches and deals with time both thematically and figuratively. The novel’s fragmented narratives, sensory descriptions, cyclical structures, and metaphors contribute to a rich and multi-layered exploration of time as a fluid, interconnected, and culturally charged force. Thúy’s narrative serves as a poignant counterpoint to the linear and politically manipulated history, offering a deeply personal and resonant understanding of time’s complexities. Through the lens of Thúy’s storytelling, time emerges not as a rigid construct but as a dynamic and evolving element, shaped by personal experiences, cultural memory, and the weaving together of individual and collective narratives.
References
Thúy, K. (2012). Ru. Vintage Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the primary theme explored in Kim Thúy’s “Ru”?
A1: The primary theme in “Ru” revolves around the exploration of time, both thematically and figuratively. Kim Thúy employs fragmented narratives, sensory descriptions, cyclical structures, and metaphors to delve into the complexities of time, challenging conventional linear understandings and offering a unique perspective.
Q2: How does Thúy use language as a temporal tool in the novel?
A2: Thúy uses language as a temporal tool by employing a poetic and vivid style that captures the essence of moments. For example, the quote “I use parsley to stop time: I sprinkle it on the tablecloth like magic sand…” illustrates how everyday actions become a means to freeze and preserve moments, contributing to a nuanced exploration of time in the narrative.
Q3: What role does cultural memory play in “Ru”?
A3: Cultural memory is a significant theme in “Ru.” Thúy presents the narrative as a series of interconnected vignettes, echoing the collective memory of a community. The figurative approach to time is evident when the narrator expresses being “homesick for every moment,” highlighting how each experience, whether positive or negative, contributes to a larger tapestry of existence.
Q4: How does Thúy challenge the linear understanding of time in the novel?
A4: Thúy challenges the linear understanding of time through various narrative techniques, including fragmented storytelling and cyclical structures. The repetition of motifs and events emphasizes the cyclical nature of time, and the return to significant moments suggests that certain experiences have the power to loop back, influencing the present and future.
Q5: In what ways does “Ru” address the personal as political?
A5: Thúy addresses the personal as political by using individual stories to challenge the official historical narrative. The taste of pho, for instance, becomes a sensory trigger that transcends time, connecting the narrator to her Vietnamese heritage and challenging the political erasure of cultural identity. Thúy emphasizes the intimate, personal experiences as a potent counterpoint to impersonal and distorted political narratives shaping official history.
