Question

The questions are referring to Patricia McCormick's book Never Fall Down.

The phrase “a little bit famous” recurs throughout the book. What is its signi cance not only in Cambodia but also when Arn comes to the United States?

When Arn comes to the United States he says, “After all the thing I been through, now being rescue is something I also have to survive” (around p. 195). What does he mean?

This book is about how Arn survives. But why do you think he does? Did he find purpose in his survival? You might also want to use google him to find further information

Answer 1

The phrase “a little bit famous” recurs throughout the book. Its significance, not only in Combodia but when Arn arrives at United States is that, Arn thinks to survive his time in Khmer Rouge camp he must have little x-factor to keep him wanted/alive in the camp. When the camp leader asked if anyone knew about music, he volunteered..although he knew nothing about it. By playing the flute he became little bit famous because the camp leader needed loud music and singing to mask the killing that goes inside the camp. With his endearing personality Arn became famous.Throughout his struggles, Arn’s fast wit and loveable temperament shine through. He loves music and is fast to assist others. he's with-it, competitive, and a natural performing artist. throughout and when his time with the Party of Democratic Khamer rougue, Arn fights to revive his humanity and eventually finds it as a global speaker and human rights activist for victims of the Combodia genocide.

When Arn comes to the United States he says, “After all the thing I been through, now being rescue is something I also have to survive”, he means that he is merely survived the Combodia genocide by coming to U.S, from here a whole new chapter is about to begin, he has to find his life's purpose and fulfill it. He has to start his life all over again.Things he had witnessed and experienced in the khmer rouge his life would never going to be same.

Arn survived the khmer rouge camp because in the starting itself he was determined about it. He knew he had to be very strong, never show any weakness to anybody. He followed these two things religiously while he was in that camp. Another main reason of his survival according to me is his love for the music. By playing flute he became a little bit famous in the camp, and the camp leader needed music to mask the killing inside the camp. So all these things kept him alive.