Random Questions, Terms, Considerations of "How to Tell a True War Story" and "The Dentist"

Among the terms we need to discuss in "How to Tell . . .":

Metafiction - defined previously, this story focuses on storytelling from the title and throughout

Magical Realism - new term; somewhat indicative of writing that is fantasy or obviously impossible in regard to reality; however, the author chooses to write about it as if it were as "real" and concrete as, in this novel, the jungle of Vietnam; magical realism becomes more important in stories to come, including "The Sweetheart of the Song Tra Bong"

Paradox - mentioned previously, one key point the narrator/soldier Tim O'Brien makes is that truth is often paradoxical; two contradictory elements often do exist simultaneously

Consider the following components of this story that O'Brien continues to allude to in this novel:
*truth
* memory
*love
* the heart under pressure

What does the narrator have in common with Rat Kiley--in thinking of this, consider the circularity of the story. What connection is there between the beginning of the story and the end of the story?

Consider the first line of this story. What is your initial reaction to it? Why? AS THE WRITER, why do you think O'Brien had his narrator open with this statement?

Finally, does it matter whether a "true war story" is true? Explain.