What is a true war story according to Tim O Brien?

What is a true war story according to Tim O Brien?

O’Brien tells us that a true war story is not a moral story, that you can tell a war story is true if it contains obscenity and evil. He says that because of Rat’s response to the sister’s non-response—that “the dumb cooze never writes back”—you can tell that it’s a true war story (How to Tell a True War Story.

How do you tell a war story O Brien?

O’Brien says the moral of a true war story, like the thread that makes a cloth, cannot be separated from the story itself. A true war story cannot be made general or abstract, he says. The significance of the story is whether or not you believe it in your stomach.

Did Tim O’Brien fight in the Vietnam War?

From February 1969 to March 1970 he served as infantryman with the U.S. Army in Vietnam, after which he pursued graduate studies in government at Harvard University. He worked as a national affairs reporter for The Washington Post from 1973 to 1974.

Why did O’Brien go to the Vietnam War?

Although O’Brien never mentions his reason for going to the Canadian border, he has the sense that Elroy knows, since the quiet old man is sharp and intelligent. O’Brien tells himself he will run to Canada, but he silently concludes that he will go to war because he is embarrassed not to.

Why does Rat Kiley brutally kill the baby water buffalo?

In The Things They Carried, Rat Kiley shoots at and eventually kills the baby water buffalo because of his feelings of grief and anger at the death of his friend, Curt Lemon.

Why does cross blame himself for Lavender’s death?

Lieutenant Jimmy Cross blames himself for Ted Lavender’s death because he loves Martha so much that he’s been preoccupied. They burn Than Khe. Kiowa keeps describing the way Lavender fell when he died.

Why does Rat Kiley The medic carry M&Ms candy?

In The Things They Carried, Rat Kiley carries M&Ms to use as a placebo for seriously injured soldiers. If soldiers were badly wounded, receiving M&Ms would make them think that they were going to receive further medical treatment and would therefore stand a chance of survival.

What does Jimmy ask Tim to do when he writes the story?

What does Jimmy ask Tim to do when he writes his story? He urges O’Brien to paint him as a brave and good leader.

Did Martha die in The Things They Carried?

Cross carries two photographs of Martha in The Things They Carried. Cross recalls going to see Bonnie and Clyde with her and touching Martha’s knee during the final scene of the film. The morning after Lavender’s death, Cross burns Martha’s letters and photos.

Why is Jimmy so concerned with Martha’s virginity?

He loves her because of his intrinsic longing for feminine affection. Yet, he hates her because he knows that his obsession with her virginity is pointless; it is nothing but a cynical attempt on his part to take his mind off the horrors of war.

Does Martha love Jimmy?

The love interest of Lieutenant Jimmy Cross. They went on a single date in college. She sent him letters in the war and a pebble for good luck. She never marries and spends her time during and after the war abroad, working as a nurse.

What are freedom birds?

The freedom birds were sleek silver birds with feathers…… they were the transport of the dead. Dreaming of the birds caused them to feel guilty for leaving their comrades behind but also happy to be free of the burdens of war. At night, on guard, staring into the dark, they were carried away by jumbo jets.

What is O Brien’s purpose in the things they carried?

Author Tim O’Brien’s purpose in writing his book The Things They Carried is to use the genre of fiction to explore the harsh realities of war and communicate them to a wider audience.

How did Tim O’Brien feel about the war?

How did Tim feel about the Vietnam War while he was at college? He disagreed with it, he beilived he was too good for the war.

Why did Jensen break his own nose?

Strunk laughs uncontrollably when Jensen breaks his own nose out of fear for what Strunk might do in retaliation, and admits that he in fact did steal the knife. The uselessness of his gesture, motivated by fear, causes us to view the entire fight as void of meaning.