The graphic descriptions of Daly Walker's own actions in Vietnam
stunned me. It distracted me a bit from being able to focus on the rest of the
story during my first reading of it. The book Vietnam: A History, by Stanley
Karnow had many stories of horrific events but none were firsthand accounts or
confessionals like the brief descriptions Walker gives. I think Walker, needed
to give his accounting of his actions to free himself. Vietnam, the setting in
the story is Walker's antagonist. The setting throughout the story gives the
story more depth. He acknowledges how
his shocking actions and experiences upon returning from Vietnam kept him from
accomplishing much in the first couple of years after his time in Vietnam. The
irony of the beliefs is that after Walker's experience in Vietnam he was
completely unmotivated and angry about what he had done and what he felt
Vietnam had done to him. He let those feelings control him and in turn wasted
significant time. Later on though, Vietnam became a motivator for him. His
desire to atone for his actions and to end his pity for himself led him to
become a surgeon and begin helping people, the great irony of Walker's life.
Vietnam was traumatic and devastating for himself and because of himself. In
the end it becomes an endless reminder of the good he is capable of and must
continue to do. If the story was told from his living room I don’t think that
it would be as intriguing. It draws your attention because he is back where his
night mares started. Why would he volunteer to travel back to Vietnam if it
causes so much pain and disturbing memories? Is performing surgeries really
helping him battle his internal struggles?
I think the reason he went back was to confront his fears; and by performing surgeries for those who he tried to kill, was a way for him to have closure. Sure, he was scared to death- the episide he had on the plane ride to Vietnam proved that, but it was worth it in the end to understand how to forgive himself and move on.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it was useful to have the story begin in the past and move to the present for the 2nd visit to Vietnam. This could have universal meaning for the reader. Someone may realize they too have been holding onto guilt that they have not yet been able to let go of. As the reader progresses with the narrator they may come to a realization of what they need to do to relieve themselves of their guilt. Or at least have hope that they can. The narrator had done some pretty disturbing things, and most people carry guilt for things that are not as severe; however, it allows the reader in a similar situation of needing to let go to relate.
ReplyDeleteI love how you pointed out "the great irony of Walker's life" the way you did. Vietnam was Hell incarnate for this man, and it will haunt him until his grave, but it is also the reason he is atoning in his own life and helping those around him the best way he can. It's almost like this Catch 22 effect for him; if Walker hadn't gone to Vietnam he wouldn't be the amazing man he is today (in the story) but he also wouldn't have all that baggage. What if he hadn't gone to Vietnam; where would Walker be today without the experiences of Vietnam?
ReplyDeleteI think the reason why he went back was to redeem himself. yes it was painful but it was for a good cause. no pain no gain right? I think he performed surgeries in order to make up for the lives he's destroyed and taken. Now he's working to fix lives, instead of taking them! i do believe that the surgeries he performed helped because if he didn't he would have jumped on the first plane on its way to America.
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