The Quiet American Lesson Plan

Being Phuong

Kind of Activity:

Creative Writing

Objective:

Analyze Phuong's character and try to further flesh out her portrayal

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.3, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.5

Structure:

How does Fowler see Phuong? How does he treat her? Fowler's feelings about Phuong are sometimes contradictory – sometimes he claims he sees her as a sex object only, sometimes he says he needs her companionship. Compare to how Pyle sees Phuong: an innocent who must be protected and rescued.

Neither really know her or her culture – there is a significant language barrier especially between Phuong and Pyle (though Phuong is...