The Scent of Green Papaya Viewing Guide

Name______Period ______

The Scent of Green Papaya (1993) is a Vietnamese film directed by Tran Anh Hung. It is set in 1951 (French occupation) and 1961 (beginning of the Vietnam war).

Character Notes: While watching the film, take notes on each character. Use the Character Analysis questions on the back to guide your notes.

·  Mui: the little servant girl

·  Thi: Old servant

·  Master

·  Mistress

·  Trung: Oldest son

·  Lam: Middle son

·  Tin: Youngest son

·  To: Deceased daughter

·  Grandma

·  Mr. Thuan: Grandma’s suitor

·  Khuyen: the oldest brother’s friend

·  Khuyen’s fiancé

How to Write a Character Analysis
(modified from http://www.enotes.com/topics/how-write-character-analysis)

·  Pay attention to the character’s ethics. Does the character make just or unjust choices?

·  Decide whether the character’s actions are wise or unwise. What do we learn from their actions?

·  What is the character’s motivation? Are there any clues about the character’s past?

·  Consider the effects of the character’s behavior on other characters.

·  Look for repeatedly used words, objects, or images that help reveal the character’s attributes.

Writing Prompt #1: Character Analysis
Choose any character except Mui and write a character analysis. Be sure to explain how the director communicates the character’s attributes, personality, and values. Use the guidelines on how to write a character analysis (above).

While watching the film, answer the following questions about Mui:

  1. How does she react to the misfortunes, hardships, and annoyances in her life?
  2. How is she different from the other children?
  3. What three adjectives would you use to describe her?
  4. What does Mui care about?
  5. What virtues does she embody?
  6. Consider the ending. What is it about Mui that brings this ending about?

Writing Prompt #2: Mui and the message of The Scent of Green Papaya

Assuming Mui is the vehicle for the message of the film, what philosophy or guiding principles for life does the film suggest to the viewer? Refer to your answers above as you answer this question. Consider, too, the film’s title. (Mui means scent in Vietnamese.)

Directions for writing prompts:

·  Each writing prompt should be answered in a few detailed paragraphs. Use formal writing.

·  Responses should be thoughtful, insightful, and well-supported with details from the film.

·  Write (or type) your answers neatly on a separate sheet of paper and staple them behind this viewing guide.

·  Due on Tuesday.

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