How to Tell a True War Story
1.
A true war story is a love story according to O’Brien. Look at the way he tells the story of Curt
Lemon’s death. In what way does that show love and not the horror of the war. (Diction)
2.
Read the paragraph beginning “A true war story is never moral…(O’Brien 69). In what way is
O’Brien’s tone revealed?
3.
Why did Rat Kiley torture the water buffalo? What does that animal symbolize?
4.
“War is nasty; war is fun”(O’Brien 80). This is an antithesis and a paradox. Explain each. Why
does O’Brien use antithesis and paradox?
5.
Read the paragraph “Mitch Sanders was right...”(O’Brien 82). How does this reveal O’Brien’s
feelings about Vietnam?
6.
Read the paragraph beginning “You can’t say that…”(O’Brien 85). How does this reveal his use
of magical realism?