Finding Justice in Memory: Exploring Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Cosmopolitan Ideals in His Novels

In the realm of literary criticism, cosmopolitanism research provides a fresh perspective for evaluating literary works, highlighting the importance of respecting individual specific identities while linking personal destinies to broader global narratives. Against the backdrop of the current rise in cosmopolitan thought, this article explores the cosmopolitan themes in The Sympathizer and The Committed by Vietnamese American writer Viet Thanh Nguyen, drawing on Martha Nussbaum’s cosmopolitan ideals. As the first writer of Vietnamese descent to win the Pulitzer Prize for Literature, Nguyen reflects on the Vietnam War through his works by constructing dual identities, critiquing power structures, and reshaping the Vietnamese national character. These themes are explored within the context of globalization, offering profound reflections on colonial history and the recognition of personal identity. Nguyen’s contributions provide an important literary and cultural perspective for understanding the complex issues in today’s world.