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

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

Describe the economic position of Loung's family.

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

How does Pa describe America?

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

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

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

What characteristics describe Khouy?

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

How is Keav characterized?

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

What is Kim's age and personality?

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

Describe Chou.

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

What is Geak's age and personality?

<p>3 years old, beautiful, happy baby.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

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

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

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

What does Ma order Loung to do?

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

Who has entered the city?

<p>The Khmer Rouge.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Ma suggest the money be used for?

<p>Toilet paper.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

What is Angkar?

<p>&quot;The organization&quot; that is all-knowing and has eyes and ears everywhere, the new government of Cambodia.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>That they are a family of peasants.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Khmer Rouge checkpoint.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

Cite another example of Loung thinking about the supernatural.

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

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

<p>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.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Who is Loung?

Loung is a 5-year-old girl in the story. She is described as being fidgety and curious, reflecting the innocence and curiosity of childhood.

What is Loung's mother like?

Loung's mother, Ma, is portrayed as a stern and proper woman who holds high standards for herself and her family. She is also admired for her beauty.

Who is Loung's father?

Pa is Loung's father. He is described as a generous and loving man who has a kind heart, despite having a gambling past. He is large and stocky, suggesting a strong and protective presence.

Who is Meng?

Meng is Loung's 18-year-old brother. He is portrayed as a responsible and caring brother figure who adores his siblings.

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Who is Khouy?

Loung's 16-year-old brother, Khouy, is seen as the more serious and dominant brother of the family. He takes charge when their parents are away.

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Who is Keav?

Keav is Loung's 14-year-old sister. She is described as being beautiful and gossipy, mirroring their mother's personality.

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Who is Kim?

Loung's 10-year-old brother, Kim, is small and agile, making him quite quick. He loves to provoke Loung.

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Who is Chou?

Chou is Loung's 8-year-old sister. She is known for her quiet and obedient nature. She is described as physically resembling their father.

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Who is Geak?

Geak is Loung's 3-year-old sister. She is described as a beautiful and cheerful baby.

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Why are compliments to children avoided in Cambodia?

In Cambodia, giving compliments to children is avoided due to a superstition that it could invite jealousy from evil spirits. This illustrates the importance of cultural beliefs shaping everyday actions.

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What is Loung's family's social class?

Loung's family is considered middle class. Before the war, they owned three cars and employed a maid, demonstrating their comfortable lifestyle.

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Why isn't Loung in school at the start of Chapter 3?

Loung's family is celebrating the end of the war. Her father wants to celebrate the event by keeping her home from school.

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How do people react to the returning soldiers?

The citizens of Cambodia are expressing their happiness and relief at the return of soldiers by clapping and cheering for them. This reflects their hope for peace and a return to normalcy.

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What does Pa warn Loung about?

Loung's father warns her of the potential danger that soldiers might still pose, even though the war has supposedly ended. This shows his concern for their safety.

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What instruction does Ma give the family?

Ma emphasizes the importance of having a good meal before leaving for their new destination, highlighting the focus on nourishment in times of uncertainty.

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Who is the new regime in Cambodia?

The Khmer Rouge have taken over as the new regime in Cambodia. This change instills fear and uncertainty among the population.

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What happened to the old and sick under the Khmer Rouge?

The Khmer Rouge are responsible for many people being left to die or killed for refusing to leave their homes, even if they were old or sick. This highlights the harshness of their rule.

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What does "Angkar" mean?

Angkar is a term for "The Organization" in Khmer. It represents the controlling and pervasive nature of the Cambodian government during this period.

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How must Loung's family present themselves?

Loung's family is forced to present themselves as peasants to avoid persecution by the Khmer Rouge. This highlights their desperate need to adapt and survive.

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What lesson does Loung learn?

Loung observes how hard peasant girls work, which makes her appreciate her simpler new duties, even though she's not happy about leaving her old life.

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Why does Loung have supernatural thoughts?

Loung's fears about spirits are intertwined with the daily realities of her life in Cambodia. This illustrates how cultural beliefs, including spirituality, interact with everyday experiences.

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What advice does Pa gives to Loung?

Pa tells Loung that they must forget their old life in Phnom Penh. This suggests a grim reality that they might never be able to return.

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What does Ma humorously suggest?

Ma humorously suggests using money for toilet paper, highlighting their resourcefulness and need for creative solutions during uncertain times.

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What realization does Loung have about her situation?

Loung's experience makes her realize that her situation could be worse, prompting a sense of humility and gratitude. This shows how difficult situations can lead to personal growth.

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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.

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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!

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