Last Night I Dream Of Peace Analysis

During the mid 20th century, Vietnamese citizens were instilled with the fear of falling under foreign rule. Dang Thuy Tram's Diary Last Night I Dreamed of Peace gives primary insight into the experiences of civilians during the Vietnam war. Tram's diary demonstrates Vietnamese nationalism's impact on the war effort for both soldiers and Tram, effectively leading to the idea of a dehumanized American society. Prior to Americans entering the Vietnam war, the Vietnamese looked to Ho Chi Minh, who spoke passionately about overcoming French imperialism and fighting for independence. He dehumanized the French, calling them “terrorists”, and encouraged citizens of Vietnam to take back their country. Dang Thuy Tram writes about Ho Chi Minh as if he were an inspiration to her and is devastated by his death (155). She vows to continue to the …show more content…
Although the Vietnamese experienced major loss and bloodshed on the battlefield, the mentality of soldiers were hardened and they were determined to serve their country. Tram recalls losing a soldier named Luc, who had previously fell under her care after being critically wounded in battle before being killed during an attack in Duc Pho. She remembers words stitched onto his red scarf that read "Pledge firmly to sacrifice for the nation's survival". Tram’s diary entry reiterates the fact that Vietnamese soldiers valued honour above all else. It is evident that Luc was dedicated to fighting for his country as he was convinced that winning the war meant independence and freedom for all of Vietnam. Tram also explains how the Vietnamese voluntarily sacrifice their lives for independence and liberty, yearning for the freedom they had lost under French colonial rule. Vietnam was ready for sovereignty and people were willing to achieve it under any means