In my opinion, this book is about more than just the human condition. While it definitely explores the emotional and mental range of the human race, I think that it takes the analysis to a different arena. Rather than looking at the experiences that connect us, it focuses more on the uniquely horrifying experiences that alienate us. It boldly lays before the reader the affect of war on O’Brien and—through O’Brien’s observations and assumptions—his comrades. I am not saying this as some simplistic, anti-war shpeel. In my personal view, war is necessary in certain situations. Similarly, I am not condemning the Vietnam War, I would have to do a good deal more research and thinking before completely condemning anything. I am merely expressing a respect for O’Brien’s attempt to express the inexpressible. It is his tale of what happens to the human spirit under the ghastliest of conditions—the human conditioned. Even if what he is saying is not true, it is, in my opinion, real.
This collection of stories has many different themes. They weave in and out of each other, winding themselves up just to unravel a second later. (Goodness, I’m feeling a tad lyrical tonight!) But, to me, one of the most prevalent themes is that of communication. In both The Things They Carried and Love, Lieutenant Jimmy Cross struggles to decipher the feelings of Martha, his long-time, unrequited love. The main topic of How To Tell A True War Story revolves around truth as it seems v. truth as it happened and the battle between the two (as well as the battle between the storyteller and the storylistener). Spin, Enemies, Friends, and The Dentist contain some interesting opinions on how communication works, as well.
I realize that I’m leaving that topic a bit too soon and that the one I’m about to add is going to seem bit undeveloped. That’s because it is. But I haven’t quite figured out what I want to do with either of them yet. So, I will unsatisfactorily state that irony plays a major role in all of the stories thus far as well, in my estimation.
That is all.
Yes, I quite agree. This books focuses a lot on the topic of communication, however indirectly. I have trouble communicating with people sometimes; figuring out how to express myself; a weakness of mine unfortunately. So I could not imagine trying to communicate to the world, especially mass amounts of strangers, about how my experience in the war was. I think all I would be able to do is cry, lol. Enough about me... I commend him for attempting to lay out these events in a way that will understand, even though it is defficult to decide what is true and what is not. But I do like that you recognized his attempt at it. I think that's what he was going for when he wrote this?? But who am I to say, right? :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with your blog and Jessie's commment.
ReplyDeleteCami, I think that you did a great job at expressing what I was thinking but couldnt exactly put into words. I am sure you are already aware of this since you have read my blog already...I have trouble expressing myself most of the time lol. Well anyways, I agree with what you are saying. O'Brien is definately trying to make it easier for us to understand the events that happened during the Vietnam War, and not so much what happend but how it affected the people involved.
:)
I think we all have trouble with communication. lol I have a theory that the tale of human pain and evil is centered around the idea of separation.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with your blog and Jessie's comment too, lol. You did a good job taking my jumbled thoughts out of my brain and forming them into words with your blog. O'Brien is clearly wants to make it easier on the reader to try and understand the events durin Vietnam. Good Job.
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