Brother Quang's Symbols

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In the poem, “Left Behind” from the novel Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai, Brother Quang and mother’s items that are left behind have a greater symbolic meaning. Firstly, Brother Quang abandons his report cards. When deciding what item to take to America, he decides, “Brother Quang’s report cards, each ranking him first in class, beginning in kindergarten” (57 lines 4-7). The selection of this possession shows that he is smart. Also one can infer that he does not see his report cards as a piece of paper but an achievement of his academic skills. This possession symbolizes his achievement in learning and academics. He is leaving this behind because he will not be able to learn anything on a ship and his skills will not be useful

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