The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down

The spirit catches you and you fall down

in chapter 8, Fadiman describes Foua's competence as a mother and a farmer in Laos, and quotes Foua as saying, "I miss having something that really belongs to me." Please explain what you think Foua meant by this statement. Is there anything that still "belongs" to her in her life in the U.S.?

Asked by maggie30 on 18 Oct 23:05

Last updated by Jill W on 20 Oct 12:53

1 Answers

Answered by Jill W on 20 Oct 12:53

Foua and her husband were farmers back home. They had no land, no industry, and Foua notes that people mistakenly believe them to be lazy or stupid. Their home in America was nothing like the one they'd left behind. They live a three bedroom aparment have one cherished possession.....the qeeg which was a traditional bamboo instrument from their homeland, and Foua's garden.