The Sympathizer

When the narrator drops by unannounced at Ms. Mori’s apartment for a sexual encounter, he is surprised to find Sonny, his former college classmate and current newspaper editor, there, in what appears to be a romantic involvement. Disappointed that Ms. Mori is not alone, and even more disappointed that she appears to have a serious boyfriend, the narrator is forced to keep up appearances and endure a few drinks with them.

The narrator halfheartedly tells them about some of his experiences filming The Hamlet in the Philippines. As they consume more and more alcohol, the narrator is increasingly belligerent toward Sonny, interrogating him on a sensitive subject: Why did Sonny not return to Vietnam after his education to fight for the revolutionary ideals he espoused so fiercely? This question, in essence, draws attention to the hypocrisy of Sonny, the well-educated man of big ideas but little action (215). Rather than getting angry at the accusation, Sonny agrees with the narrator—he regrets not returning to Vietnam, but his home is in America now. Ms. Mori affectionately defends Sonny against the narrator, saying that he “stood up for the people” and that she is proud of him (217).

Meanwhile,