Welcome to Rap Point 1. If your class has still not posted an introductory message, it’s not too late. Introduce yourself when you send a response to this rap point.
Rap Point 1 (a):
Discuss with the rap how, in each of the three sections of the book, the inter-personal relationships between characters are shown.
Exercise: Look at the Vo family tree. From your knowledge of the novel redesign the family tree for each section of the book showing:
i. births, deaths and marriages;
ii. main characters and minor characters;
iii. the physical location of people - Vietnam, Indonesia, or Australia.
Rap Point 1 (b):
Only the Heart tells the story of the Vo family's escape from Vietnam to resettlement in Australia.
Discuss with the rap what you have learnt from the book about the function, values, and relationships within a Vietnamese family as portrayed by the Vo family.
Rap Point 1 (c):
Explain to the rap how gangs represent substitute families in the book. What impact do they have on the Vo family?
In order to help you answer this question, consider the 'gangs' at sea, in the refugee camp, and in Cabramatta. How are their values and function similar to, or different from, the Vo family's?
Post your class response to these questions during this week.
I look forward to seeing your ideas. Happy rapping.
Lyn Nguyen
Book Rap Coordinator
