What are the common themes in Vietnamese bedtime stories?

One common theme is revenge. Many stories feature ghosts or spirits that are seeking revenge for some wrong that was done to them in life. For example, a person who was unjustly killed will come back as a vengeful spirit.

Nature is also a big theme. Vietnamese children stories often feature beautiful natural landscapes and animals. It shows the connection between humans and nature, like how people depend on nature for their livelihoods. Stories might tell of how a child befriends an animal in the forest and they help each other. This reflects the Vietnamese people's love and respect for nature.

The idea of unfinished business is also prevalent. Ghosts may stick around because they have something they didn't complete in their earthly life, like a promise they didn't keep or a loved one they didn't say goodbye to. These themes add depth and mystery to Vietnamese ghost stories.

Vietnamese bedtime stories often have moral lessons. For example, stories might teach about the importance of kindness, like in the story of Tam and Cam where Tam's kindness is rewarded in the end. They also usually feature elements of Vietnamese culture, such as the banyan tree which is an important symbol in Vietnam. And they can be full of magic and wonder, like the magic pearl in one story that can change a fisherman's life.

Another theme is protection. Some ghosts are seen as protectors of certain places like old trees or ancestral lands. They may appear to ward off those who would do harm to these areas. For instance, the ghost of an ancient battlefield might protect the land from being desecrated.

Another theme is language barriers. If the couple doesn't communicate well in a common language, misunderstandings can easily occur. Simple things like household tasks or social plans can get miscommunicated. For example, a miscommunication about who is responsible for cooking dinner can turn into an argument.

One common theme is family. Vietnamese children's stories often emphasize the importance of family bonds, like how family members support and love each other. Another theme is nature. Since Vietnam has rich natural landscapes, stories might include elements such as the rice fields, mountains, and rivers, teaching children to respect and appreciate nature. Also, moral lessons are common, like being honest, kind, and hard - working.

A common theme is the struggle with cultural identity. Vietnamese Americans often find themselves between two cultures, and novels explore how they navigate this. For example, in 'Monkey Bridge', the main character is constantly trying to balance her Vietnamese heritage with her new American life.

The trauma of war also features prominently. The Vietnam War had a huge impact on the Vietnamese people. Novels like 'The Sympathizer' explore the long - lasting effects of the war on individuals and how it shapes their identity, both as Vietnamese and as Americans.

The Vietnam War and its aftermath are also prevalent themes. These novels often show how the war affected the lives of Vietnamese people and how they rebuilt their lives in America. In 'Vietnamerica', GB Tran shows how his family was torn apart by the war and then had to adapt to a new life in the United States.