Looking Ahead to the Novel

Major Themes:

1. Storytelling
2. Paradox
3. Courage & Cowardice
4. Truth & Memory

BE AWARE: Themes involve all characters, not just one or two, and are usually true for the reading audience, not just those characters in the story. Themes often allow the reading audience to relate to the story.  The theme of a story, novel, poem or drama reveals a truth about life IN GENERAL, a truth that is revealed through the story and the people who are involved. The character you are assigned may or may not be closely related to the theme you are to analyze. Do not make the assumption that there is a close tie between the two.

Major Characters:

1.    Jimmy Cross

2.    Norman Bowker

3.    Rat Kiley

4.    Mitchell Sanders

5.    Henry Dobbins

6.    Kiowa

7.    Azar

8.    Tim O'Brien (the soldier, not the author)

You will have ONE character to fully analyze.

Be able to discuss the following 4 questions regarding your character beginning on 11/19/13
1. Who IS this person? What is his job in Alpha Co.?
2. What does he carry--physically and metaphorically? Into Vietnam? Out of Vietnam?
3. In which stories is this character significant and in what way?
4. How does this man relate to the other men in Alpha Co.? Be specific. Give Details.

The two following questions will be your “quiz” grade on the novel – Due 12/03/13

Length: not over 3 pages – preferably 1.5 on each
*5. What is this character's back story? Use details, observations, inferences you make along with your imagination to create a PLAUSIBLE back story for your character. (This will count as 50% of the quiz grade for the novel.)
* 6. What is this character's future? AGAIN, this must be plausible and logical. If the man does not return home, what impact does his death have on the remainder of the men? Discuss thoughtfully. (This will count as 50% of the quiz grade for the novel.)