Ordnance

Bombs and other explosives in the novel symbolize the persistent destructiveness of war. During the Laotian Civil War, the United States dropped many, many bombs on Laos. These bombings caused much destruction, and they also scattered many unexploded ordnances that are still causing death and destruction in the present day.

Field Hospital

The field hospital symbolizes the necessity of survival and community during times of turmoil. The building used to be a large house owned by a wealthy Frenchman who was often contemptuous of the locals. During the war, the building becomes a field hospital dedicated to helping the locals, as well as a hub of community for the area.

Imprisonment

Prany and Vang’s imprisonment symbolizes cruelty and inhumanity. Prany and Vang are arrested by the Pathet Lao simply for fleeing from them. Prany and Vang are then tortured and interrogated, despite the fact that...