Day 3: Making Sense of Combat

In "How to Tell a True War Story," O'Brien attempts to explain the death of Curt Lemon, a young man who is killed when he steps on a land mine while playing an innocent game of catch with a smoke grenade. In his efforts to explain exactly what happened, O'Brien tells several anecdotal stories about Vietnam all while listing contradictory and complex rules for war-related story telling. Click on the title of the story to view the story in a new window.

Your Assignment:

• In one, complex statement, explain O'Brien's rules for telling a "true" war story. Your response can only be one sentence in length; no run-ons! Good luck!
• Comment on 3 of your peer's statements. Provide feedback or specific suggestions. Explain what you feel their statements are missing, and of the three you select, pick the one you feel best summarizes O'Brien's rule. Explain this judgment.
• Write a brief one paragraph reflection on this story. You may focus on a grisly image, your own reaction to the story, or something else of your choosing. Use specific details from the story.