The Emperor of Gladness

The opening chapter of the book features an unnamed narrator, who describes the setting of East Gladness, Connecticut, in a first-person plural voice. What is the function of this narrator? Who does the voice represent, and why has Vuong chosen to open the story this way?

The book deals with themes of substance abuse and addiction. What sense of hope or resolution does Vuong offer for Hai in the context of these struggles? Based on events in the book and Hai’s responses to his circumstances, what aspects do you see playing a key role in his potential recovery? Cite specific examples from the text to support your argument.

Vuong’s narrative centers his thematic interest in Circumstantial Kinship and Found Family. What literary devices does he employ in his narrative to draw out the key ideas related to this theme?