Journeys of War

Paper Summary:

The two novels, "A Rumor of War" by Philip Caputo and "In Country" by Bobbie Ann Mason, both concern the Vietnam War and its devastating effects on individual lives. The paper describes how, in these novels, the main characters, Caputo ("A Rumor of War") and Sam ("In Country") both undergo a journey towards greater understanding of the war and their lives. The journey of a hero in is described in three basic steps. The first is the ?departure?, followed by the ?initiation? and ending with the ?return?. When returning, the ?hero? is furnished with greater insight about the adventure and about life as a whole. The two characters, Caputo and Sam, are discussed in this paper in these terms. The author of the paper then gives a personal view of what these journeys can teach us.

From the Paper:

"After reflecting in this manner for ten years, Caputo's return comes to a conclusion with his published work, A Rumor of War (1977). He has had a chance to think about his experiences, what they mean and how they affect his life in the present. He has come to a deeper understanding of what a hero is. Thus he provides for the world an in-depth and detailed view of what it was to fight in the Vietnam war. In this way he has served not only his contemporaries, but also future generations who are curious about the war. He has used his knowledge and his journey to create something of value upon his return."

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