Study Guide

Things We Lost to the Water

Eric Nguyen
Guide cover image

62 pages • 2-hour read

Eric Nguyen

Things We Lost to the Water

Eric Nguyen
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Essay Topics

1.

What is the significance of water in this novel? Explain, referencing examples from the text.

2.

How do Hương, Tuấn, Bình, and Vinh demonstrate different aspects of the immigrant experience? Discuss, referencing the text.

3.

Đinh-Fredric, a mixed Black/Vietnamese boy, reminds Hương of Vietnam, but Vinh doesn’t. Why do you think this is? Explain your reasoning, referencing the text.

4.

What is the significance of Nguyen’s use of language and place in the novel? Explain, referencing examples from the text.

5.

How do names—and the changing of them—connect to characters’ identities in the novel? Reference examples from the text.

6.

Bình is constantly told he resembles Công. Do you agree with this assessment? Why or why not?

7.

Compare Vinh’s and the Southern Boyz’ perceptions of Vietnam. How are they similar and/or different? Who, if anyone, is right? Why?

8.

Hương considers Catholicism and communism equally dangerous. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

9.

Why do you think Công remarried? Do you agree with Lan that Hương knew the “real” Công (226)? Why or why not?

10.

What is the significance of the three groupings during Hurricane Katrina? Discuss, referencing the text.

blurred text
blurred text
blurred text

Unlock all 62 pages of this Study Guide

Get in-depth, chapter-by-chapter summaries and analysis from our literary experts.

  • Grasp challenging concepts with clear, comprehensive explanations
  • Revisit key plot points and ideas without rereading the book
  • Share impressive insights in classes and book clubs
Unlock Full Study Guide