Chapters Sixteen through Eighteen Summary and Analysis

Those still in exile in the jungles are suddenly having trouble getting along—class distinctions seem to be at the root of the problem. Tang also points out that most people outside their organization will bow before the strongest power and are ready for a peaceful solution to the constant conflict. Toward that end, Tang and his fellow members of the resistance begin laying the groundwork for a "coalition" government that they hope will soon be in control. While the group remains officially intact, there comes a split between those in favor of communistic ideals and those against those principles. Tang remains in the latter. During one heated debate, Huynh Van Nghi, husband of the doctor who had given birth at a meeting of the group, says that if Nghi appeared to go along...