Chapters 5&6 analysis
Recall: The chapter is broken up into two short stories. Tim O’Brien uses this literary technique to once again demonstrate the unstable mind of a soldier, as well demonstrating two different mind states at two different periods in time. Compare/Contrast Technique How does this technique demonstrate the mental instability of a soldier? Chapter 5: “Enemies & Friends”
David Jensen and Lee Strunk fight over a missing jackknife that Jensen believed Strunk stole. As a consequence of the fight Jensen brutally beats Strunk. (He hits him repeatedly) Jensen becomes paranoid that Strunk will attack him out of revenge. In a crazed state Jensen fires his gun into the air screaming Strunk’s name. “Enemies”
Later that night Jensen takes a pistol and breaks his own nose. The next morning Strunk is amused by the news of Jensen and reveals that he did in fact take the Jackknife. What is the purpose of Jensen breaking his own nose? What does this situation reveal about Strunk’s character? “Enemies”
Jensen and Strunk eventually learn to coexist together. The two men make a pact that if one gets seriously injured the other will “put him out of his misery.” While on patrol Strunk is fatally wounded. Strunk begs Jensen not to kill him. Strunk is taken away in a helicopter and Jensen later finds out that Strunk died during the flight. Jensen is relieved. “Friends”
1.The pressures and trauma of war remove social code (basic rules of society) Ex: Two soldiers on the same side fighting against each other 2. Irony: Jensen is relieved by Strunk’s death despite the two men being friends. Jensen’s belief in the pact demonstrates his strong sense of right and wrong. Chapter 5: Significance
Recall: The chapter is written through Tim O’Brien’s personal experience as a soldier, as well as compilation of war stories he had heard in the war. Literary Technique: demonstrates the art of storytelling and the power the storyteller has in influencing the opinion of the reader. (determining what is right and wrong) What is the importance of a good storyteller? Chapter 6: “How to Tell a True War Story”
In the narrative O’Brien states that a true war story is not moral. O’Brien uses the story of Rat Kiley and Curt Lemon to demonstrate his point. Story: Rat Kiley and Curt Lemon are tossing a smoke grenade back and forth while standing in the shade of trees. During the game Curt Lemon steps on a mortar round and is killed. Storytelling
The dangers and realities of the war are shown even in an innocent game of catch. O’Brien says that all war stories are false. Soldiers dramatize them to depict soldiers as heroes In reality many soldiers do not die with courage or pride. A “True War Story” reveals the emotion of a soldier following the turmoil of another soldiers death. The Harsh Reality (significance)
Do you agree or disagree with Tim O’Brien’s opinion of war stories? What is Tim O’Brien’s purpose in telling us these stories?