Speaking of Courage Essay -- Essays Papers

Speaking of Courage In the literary work, Speaking of Courage, Tim O’Brien highlights the trying struggle of a post-war solider attempting desperately to integrate himself back into American society. Paul Berlin’s trials and tribulations exemplify the â€Å"dominance of a citizen culture in the United States,† as mentioned by Dr. Decker in class. American society does not allow for the soldiers we have sent off to fight to return as warriors. While Speaking of Courage is based on Paul’s experience after the Vietnam War the effect of the citizen culture can be seen throughout history. Americans are not generally known to have an imperial, blood thirsty nature. We choose to â€Å"conquer† the world using business or other non-violent means. In the case of the Vietnam War, our government was f...