A Sociological Analysis of the Consciousness and Actions of the Characters in The Sympathizer: Focusing on the Theories of Bourdieu and Weber

This study examines the protagonist, “I” and Man in The Sympathizer through Bourdieu’s and Weber’s sociological theories. “I” possesses limited economic capital but demonstrates substantial cultural capital, primarily through his elite education and social capital, his network of connections in the U.S.. In this regard, his “inherited capital” is deficient, whereas his “acquired capital” is considerable. Nevertheless, he consistently lacks symbolic capital—the recognition and legitimacy that confer social authority. His double spy between the Viet Cong and the CIA can be interpreted as an effort to achieve symbolic capital; however, this endeavor ultimately proves unsuccessful. In contrast, Man owns abundant types of capitals, with a particular wealth in symbolic capital. He exemplifies Weber’s notion of “charismatic domination,” yet ultimately renounces this power by freeing the protagonist and Bon from the reeducation camp. Man privileges social capital that embodied in personal relationships and camaraderie above other forms of capitals. His downfall as a revolutionary leader stems from this prioritization, as he chooses loyalty to friends over political ideology, thereby becoming a failed Viet Cong leader.