In The Shadow Of The Banyan

One day, the Kamaphibal demands that male volunteers step forward to join the revolutionary cause. Mr. Virak raises his hand, followed by Papa who does so to protect his family should the Kamaphibal discover his real identity. The whole family is devastated, particularly Mama.

When Raami wakes the next morning, Papa is already outside, preparing to leave on an oxcart. She begs him to claim her as his daughter and take her with him, but he knows that doing so would only put her life in danger. His final words to her are, “Raami, my temple—” (140), but he’s too emotional to continue. Raami runs after the oxcart, but Big Uncle physically restrains her, causing her to refuse to speak to him for days. The family correctly assumes that the Khmer Rouge will execute Papa.

Over the next several weeks, the Kamaphibal work to uncover each resident’s personal, professional, and academic background in an effort to identify enemies of the Revolution. Initially, the group considers any intellectual, diplomat, doctor, police officer, or military officer as a threat that it must eliminate. Before long, it expands the definition of the enemy to include all “modern professions,” including clerks, technicians, taxi drivers, and royal servants.