We have prepared an answer to Rap Point 1c. We have not had time to do the
other two as we are now in exams, sorry about that.
There are three forms of gangs in the novel:
1. The pirates
2. The gang on Pulau Bisu where Cang is the leader
3. The Triple K gang in Cabramatta.
All three gangs have had an impact directly and indirectly on the Vo family.
1. The pirates killed Phuong's mother and then she became withdrawn and
blamed herself for her mothers death. This led to her being open to the
gangs on Pulau Bisu.
2. The gang on Pulau Bisu is run by Cang who has been living alone from the
age of 13. First on the streets of Saigon and later on the island. He joined
with a whole group of other kids who have found them selves in the same
situation. Phuong became drawn to him and the group by the fact that she
felt so isloted from her own family after the death of her mother. she likes
to be with Cang as she thinks he is kind and able to comfort her. On the
island her uncle is unable to provide and care for her due to the new
situation and shift in power from the old to the young and hungry.
"for some of the kids, the gang was... family"
3. The Triple K gang in Cabramatta has claimed Toan's friend Kieu as she has
her family is to busy to take care of her.
"My brother and Quyen were working all the time"
so she looks for a substitute family and finds it in the gang.
"But to me he was... kind like a big brother"
This gang causes trouble for Toan as he is drawn to Kieu again.
Members of gangs do not seem to get much care and love if any from their own
family, if they have one. They seek to become members of a gang like Phuong
and Kieu because they think that the gang member can relate to them better
as they are in a similar situation. They use the gang to fill other voids
left in their lives.
The gangs have all had an impact on the Vo family, both good and bad. The
pirates devastated the family but then Cang saved Phuong and finally the
Triple K posed a serious threat to Toan and his friends.
We hope that this is of some help.
Aiss ESl class.
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