Tim O'Brien
- 1. Tim O’Brien The Reflection of His Experience in the Vietnam War and How it Affects His Writing
- 2. By Rob Lupola Eng 1102: Composition and Modern English II Professor Owens
- 3. Felt for American soldiers and their experiences An American Novelist Writings about past incidents in the war inspired him to become a memoirist Writes based on his experiences of the Vietnam War
- 4. Literature on war dates back as far as early B.C. Subject matter and purpose has changed over time Writings went from being associated to patriotism to devastating outcome and influences associated with war This new writing style is referred to as New Journalism Focuses on the abstract side of war
- 5. Characters are devoid of heroism, love, and family life Stories narrated from the viewpoint of his rank during the war O’Brien served as an Infantryman in Vietnam War Later promoted to Sergeant Purple Heart recipient
- 6. Applies the mode of conversation among the characters in the story Makes story feel more realistic Readers feel like they are part of the platoon Dialogue reflects the nothingness in the life of the soldiers
- 7. The Things They Carried Describes mental conditions of people in the war More direct discussion of warfare compared to O’Brien’s other novels Draws a vivid picture of what goes on in the minds of soldiers alone on the battlefield No loved ones or family
- 8. In the Lake of the Woods Based not on the war, but at the same time as the war Love and mystery remain the themes Undercurrent of things going on in the outside world at the same time This is where Vietnam War is mentioned
- 9. Tim O’Brien Today Currently teaching at Texas State University Current writings still tinted with thought of Vietnam War Applies humor and sarcasm in his most recent novel July, July Has adapted his writings to the new age, yet his ideology and philosophy remain