First They Killed My Father

Loung Ung shared the spectrum of emotions that she experienced throughout this ordeal. Discuss what emotion was most helpful to her survival.

Analyze the techniques that the Khmer Rouge used to control the people of Cambodia. How are these techniques similar to ones used by other genocidal regimes like Nazi Germany or the Bosnian Serb army in the 1990s?

Loung has different relationships with each of her family member. What relationship seemed to make her more committed to her survival?

Malnutrition was one of the techniques the Khmer Rouge used to keep people under control. Was this technique successful or did it backfire on the Khmer Rouge? Explain your answer.

Clothing, especially the clothing of the Khmer Rouge, plays a significant role in the story. Discuss the symbolism of clothing in the book.

What function do the first two chapters in the book serve? Are they necessary? Why or why not?

Is Loung a hero or an anti-hero? Explain your answer.

Loung wrote this memoir as an adult but in the voice of her young self. How does the young voice of the narrator affect the way the story is told? Does it help or hinder her message?