The Book as a Whole

1. Consider the development of Tim O'Brien, the narrator/soldier in TTTC. How does the reader reconcile the frightened draftee in "On The Rainy River" with the sadistic, revengeful narrator/character in "The Ghost Soldiers"?
--"On The Rainy River"
--"The Man I Killed"
--"Ambush"
--"Field Trip"
--"The Ghost Soldiers"

2. Explain the use of metafiction in the novel.How does the concept of truth become incorporated with metafiction as well? (Look for phrases that deal with telling or writing a story.)
--"How To Tell a True War Story"
--"Notes"
--"Good Form"
--"The Lives of the Dead"

3. Discuss the importance of Kiowa to the novel as a whole.
--"The Things They Carried"
--"The Man I Killed"
--"Speaking of Courage"
--"The Lives of the Dead"
--"Field Trip"

4. In addition to the major characters, there are significant MINOR characters. What valuable role does each of the following characters play
in the novel:
--Azar
--Rat Kiley
--Mitchell Sanders
--Norman Bowker
--Henry Dobbins

5. Identify the elements of magical realism in the novel--what is the purpose of each?
--"How to Tell . . ."
--"The Sweetheart of the Song Tra Bong"
--MORE . . .what about "The Man I Killed" and "Style"

6. Since you've finished the novel, look back at the author's dedication. Why do you think he chose these men to dedicate the book to? Why not the entire company?