Introduction
“The Ugly American” is a 1958 political novel by Eugene Burdick and William Lederer, which provides a critique of American diplomacy and foreign policy during the early years of the Cold War. In this article, we will discuss how to teach students about the summary of “The Ugly American” and help them understand its important themes and messages.
Background
The story takes place in a fictional Southeast Asian country called Sarkhan, where various American government officials, bureaucrats, and aid workers strive to win the hearts and minds of locals in their battle against communism. However, they seem oblivious to the cultural differences between their own country and Sarkhan. This ignorance leads to tragic consequences, as many of their efforts to spread democracy have the opposite effect.
Teaching The Summary
Start with an overview: Begin by offering students a brief background on “The Ugly American,” its authors, publication date, and historical context. This will help them situate the novel within the broader framework of American foreign policy history.
Introduce key characters: Present your students with an overview of several main characters in “The Ugly American,” such as Ambassador Louis Sears, political officer Joe Bing, CIA operative Colonel Hillandale, engineer Homer Atkins, and Sarkhanese leader Deong. Provide brief descriptions of their roles in the novel’s storylines.
Address major themes: Examine core themes in “The Ugly American,” including ethnocentrism, cultural insensitivity, and the consequences of diplomacy failure. Discuss how these themes are portrayed throughout the novel and connect them to broader historical trends during this time period.
Break down key plot points: Help your students understand crucial events that advance “The Ugly American’s” narrative by covering critical plot points sequentially. This will allow them to follow the progression of the story and better comprehend the motivations behind each character’s actions.
Discuss stylistic elements: Analyze “The Ugly American” in terms of its writing style—for example, how it incorporates multiple points of view and intertwines various storylines. Talk about how these stylistic choices contribute to a fuller understanding of the novel’s themes and messages.
Activities To Reinforce Learning
Group discussions: Organize students into groups and have them discuss different aspects of the novel, like character development, moments of dramatic tension, or notable quotes that illustrate key themes related to the summary.
Debates: Encourage friendly debates between students on topics related to “The Ugly American,” such as the effectiveness of American foreign aid or the possibility for cultural understanding between different nations.
In-class presentations: Assign students relevant research topics tied to “The Ugly American,” like the historical context surrounding its publication, the authors’ backgrounds, or reviews and responses at the time of its release, then give these presentations in class.
Conclusion
Teaching students about the summary of “The Ugly American” is a valuable opportunity for them to explore critical themes in diplomacy, international relations, and cultural sensitivity. It also prompts discussions about America’s role in shaping global affairs, both historically and today. By engaging students with this thought-provoking novel, educators can help foster a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in international diplomacy and bridge-building between cultures.
