On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019

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Before You Read

Summary

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Little Dog frequently uses animals (butterflies, buffaloes, monkeys, etc.) as metaphors to understand his family’s history. Examine the use of such metaphors in the text. What are the most important ones? Why does Little Dog use each particular animal?

Examine the generational trauma exhibited by Little Dog’s family. How do Lan’s experiences in Vietnam influence the behavior of her descendants?

For Little Dog, names hold great significance. However, Little Dog is not even his real name: it is a nickname given to him by Lan. What is the significance of this nickname?