First They Killed My Father Study Guide (chpt. 1-6)

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is Loung's age and description?

5 years old, fidgety, active, curious.

How is Ma described?

Stern, proper, has high standards, tall and beautiful.

What are some characteristics of Pa?

Generous heart, large stocky shape, kind, gentle, loving, used to be a gambler.

Why do the adults call Loung ugly?

In Cambodia, people didn't compliment a child to avoid drawing attention and attracting evil spirits. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the economic position of Loung's family.

Her family is considered middle-class and has 3 cars and a maid. Signup and view all the answers

How does Pa describe America?

He talks highly of it, mentioning there are two political parties: the Republicans and the Democrats. Signup and view all the answers

What is Meng's age and his role in the family?

18 years old, responsible, reliable, adores his younger siblings. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristics describe Khouy?

16 years old, feared older brother, fancies himself, in charge when parents are busy. Signup and view all the answers

How is Keav characterized?

14 years old, beautiful, gossips, argues, exactly like her mother. Signup and view all the answers

What is Kim's age and personality?

10 years old, small, agile, quick on his feet, picks on Loung. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Chou.

8 years old, quiet, shy, obedient, takes after Pa, dark skin. Signup and view all the answers

What is Geak's age and personality?

3 years old, beautiful, happy baby. Signup and view all the answers

What is Loung doing at the beginning of Chapter 3? Why is she not at school?

She is playing hopscotch with friends because Pa kept her home due to the soldiers returning. Signup and view all the answers

What is the commotion in the city and how do the citizens react?

The soldiers are returning home from the war, and the crowd greets them with clapping and cheering. Signup and view all the answers

What does Pa say about the commotion? How does Loung act when she goes back outside?

He says that the soldiers are bad, Loung feels safer after talking to Pa and joins the cheering. Signup and view all the answers

What does Ma order Loung to do?

She orders her to go and eat her lunch because they are going on a long trip. Signup and view all the answers

Who has entered the city?

The Khmer Rouge. Signup and view all the answers

What does Ma suggest the money be used for?

Toilet paper. Signup and view all the answers

What has happened to the old and sick? What happened to those who refused to leave their houses?

They were either left for dead or not allowed to go home. Those who refused were shot dead at their doorstep. Signup and view all the answers

What is Angkar?

"The organization" that is all-knowing and has eyes and ears everywhere, the new government of Cambodia. Signup and view all the answers

What does Pa tell the family to say to the Khmer Rouge soldiers?

That they are a family of peasants. Signup and view all the answers

Who meets Loung's family to take them to a new village?

Khmer Rouge checkpoint. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Pa insist that Loung forget about her home in Phnom Penh?

Because the Khmer Rouge lied about when they can return home and may never return. Signup and view all the answers

Cite another example of Loung thinking about the supernatural.

She imagines spirits watching her when she goes to the bathroom at night. Signup and view all the answers

What does the scene with the peasant girls show Loung about her new circumstance?

It shows that she should be grateful her only job is to ride a cow rather than picking up cow dung to drink as tea. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Character Descriptions

Loung: 5 years old, fidgety and curious, embodies youthful curiosity amidst changes.
Ma: Stern and proper mother, holds high standards and is noted for her beauty.
Pa: Generous and loving father, large and stocky, previously a gambler but kind-hearted.
Meng: 18-year-old responsible older brother who adores his siblings.
Khouy: 16-year-old, feared older brother, feels in charge when parents are absent.
Keav: 14-year-old sister, described as beautiful and gossipy, mirrors their mother.
Kim: 10-year-old brother, small and agile, tends to provoke Loung.
Chou: 8-year-old sister, quiet and obedient, resembles their father physically.
Geak: 3-year-old sister, portrayed as a beautiful and cheerful baby.

Cultural Context

Compliments towards children are avoided in Cambodia due to superstitions regarding jealousy from evil spirits.
Loung's family is middle-class, owning three cars and employing a maid, reflecting a comfortable lifestyle before the war.

Events and Reactions

Chapter 3 Start: Loung not in school; playing hopscotch at home because her father wants to celebrate the end of the war.
Soldiers' Return: Citizens express joy by clapping and cheering for returning soldiers, marking a significant societal moment.
Pa's Warning: He warns of the soldiers' potential danger, leading Loung to feel safer and join the celebrations despite her father's concerns.

Family Dynamics

Ma's Instructions: Emphasizes the need for nourishment before travel.
New Political Changes: The Khmer Rouge are introduced as the new regime, instilling fear and uncertainty.

Survival and Deceit

Fate of the Old and Sick: Many left to die or murdered for refusing to leave homes.
Angkar: Refers to "The Organization," symbolizing the invasive and controlling government in Cambodia.

Adaptation Strategies

Family Identity: Loung's family instructed to present themselves as peasants to the Khmer Rouge to avoid persecution.
Lessons Learned: Observes peasant girls' hardships, prompting gratitude for her relatively simple new duties compared to their plight.

Psychological Elements

Supernatural Thoughts: Loung reflects on the presence of spirits, showing childlike fears and cultural beliefs intertwined with her daily life.
Home Loss: Pa urges her to forget about their life in Phnom Penh, suggesting a grim reality that they may never return.

Key Situational Insights

Resourcefulness: Ma humorously suggests using money for toilet paper, highlighting their coping mechanisms during uncertain times.
Job Comparison: Loung realizes her situation could be worse, prompting her to reassess her circumstances with humility.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This flashcard quiz covers key characters and terms from the first six chapters of 'First They Killed My Father'. Ideal for students wanting to reinforce their understanding of Loung and her family's traits. Use these cards to test your knowledge effectively!