The Quiet American Lesson Plan

Fowler wonders if he was the only one who really cared for Pyle. Why does he assume Phuong doesn't care?

Phuong doesn't do any of the things Fowler might expect of a woman whose lover has been killed: she doesn't weep or become hysterical, but remains stoic and un-emotive. Fowler interprets this as a lack of care for Pyle, but your students should consider other possible reasons for it. For example, Phuong may not feel comfortable expressing her grief to Fowler. (Remember, there is a significant language barrier between them!) She may feel that Fowler is glad that Pyle is dead, and not want to provoke him. Keep in mind that Fowler's reaction to Pyle's death doesn't...