When Fiction is Reality

I have never heard someone speak about the Vietnam War with first-hand recollections and experiences until Mr. O’Brien’s visit.

He told us that, as soldiers fighting, they understood that they were not ‘in this world’, but were in hell. That’s why so many of them sought escape through drugs, alcohol, and any other means possible. He stressed the horrific nature of war; saying that it should be the absolute last, last, last resort.

He showed us a picture of himself in army attire with a large gun outdoors. At the time, he was only slightly younger than Paul Berlin’s character in the novel. I could see the fictional character of Berlin alive in his recollections of being drafted and making his way as a young soldier.
I realized that this novel is not only a brilliant work of fiction. It represents reality for people like Mr. Obrien. The novel is all the more difficult to digest because it shows the realities we would like to believe never really happened.

Going After Cacciato: war is inescapable

In Tim O' Brien's novel, Paul Berlin goes on manhunt for Cacciato, one of the soldiers in his troop who appears to have left for Paris. Paul hopes that they will not actually catch Cacciato. The adventure is his only chance for an escape from the war, and it encourages an idealistic view of their future, perhaps in Paris- a city of dreams. However, the mission to catch Cacciato is still a mission during wartime, and Paul is endures fearful near-death experiences, and must continually confront the enemy.

These recollections of Paul Berlin are fragmented, unclear, and sometimes bizarre. The discontinuous nature of his memories show the grim effects war has left on his mind. He must concentrate in order to recall his adventurous, and to sort out reality from fiction.

A soldier who has fought in war embodies pieces of the war, long after it ends. Paul's life will be forever transformed by his years on duty and hardships endured.

Bildungsroman Gone Bad- The Violent Bear It Away

This novel depicts the growth and maturation of Francis Tarwater, beginning with his first taste of independence after old Tarwater's death up until his murder of Bishop. Until this novel, I've always assumed a bildungsroman work implied the positive growth and development of an individual. However, Francis changes for the worse in this work, and matures into a cold-hearted, mentally-unstable, troubled young adult.

I think the typical bildungsroman work is intended to show the reader how a character overcame obstacles in order to develop into a better individual. They are written to be relatable and even inspirational. The reader usually sympathizes with the protagonist and shares their experiences of growing up. Yet, this work seems to have a different purpose. It's intended to magnify the people that serve as negative influences in our lives, and to show the destruction they can cause. In the case of Francis, he could not overcome the negative influence of old Tarwater, and Bishop suffers as a result.

This work is dark, destructive, and difficult to forget. But, it does nonetheless present a realistic portrayal of the negative side of human nature.

"The Terrible Speed of Mercy"

Flannery O' Connor's 'The Violent Bear it Away' is one of the most striking, unforgettable, warped novels I have ever encountered. The images toward the end are almost painful to read, and linger even after I've closed the pages.

That being said, Tarwater's final revelation- "GO WARN THE CHILDREN OF GOD OF THE TERRIBLE SPEED OF MERCY" seems to portray the fine line between mercy and power, which is a significant theme in this novel (242). He thinks it is his mission to save children who have been disillusioned and warped by a false sense of mercy. God's mercy, as he has experienced it through life with his religious uncle, is entirely destructive. His uncle thought he was showing mercy to the boy by kidnapping and baptizing him, but was actually negatively transforming his life forever. What was thought to be mercy was actually an expression of power.

Similarly, Tarwater expresses both power and mercy over Bishop. He drowns him, but accidentally baptizes him in the process. Afterwards Tarwater is more concerned over the fact that he baptized him (an act of mercy) than the realization that he has killed him (an act of power). Power and mercy, two opposing forces, become one in this novel.
Tarwater is left to save others from the destruction that is consuming him.

Lessons Learned in the Wild - The Bear as a Bildungsroman

As the protagonist in this bildungsroman, Isaac receives his lessons about life and morality in the wild, while chasing Old Ben. He gains characteristics of humility and courage, as well as a respect for nature. The man he grows up to be is largely defined by these early experiences in the wilderness.

This bildungsroman is different than the previous ones because it is so connected to nature, instead of the influence of other characters. Isaac's experiences in the outdoors have taught him many lessons about life that will later shape his actions. His love of nature makes the loss of nature at the end of the story all the more tragic, as it has impacted his character so much throughout the years.

Ultimately, Isaac turns down his inheritance because of he believes land (and nature) belong to everyone. As a young man just reaching adulthood, he realizes the the connection between the plantation and slavery, and his sense of right and wrong stops him from accepting ownership. Throughout this short story Isaac matures and gains a sense of morality that influences his decisions and actions.