Chapter 3, Letter from Home Summary and Analysis

In boot camp, Pelzer's drill sergeant reminds him of his mother, in the way he demands the men stand at attention as he barks orders. Further discouragement comes when his letters to his father return, unopened. Pelzer dreams of making enough money to buy a home for his father and himself on the Russian river.

Yet, finally, with the distance between them, Pelzer feels free of his mother. Yet, at night, he suffers from terrifying nightmares of his mother. Pelzer feels the power of his mother in these dreams; as a boy, her abuse prevented a good night's sleep. Now, these nightmares prevent it as well. He stays awake for days on end, to prevent a screaming nightmare while in the crowded barracks. His drill sergeant questions this practice, prompting Pelzer to request night guard...