Fallen Angels | Social Sensitivity

Fallen Angels Social Sensitivity

Myers's novel deals with social issues of current importance and concern in society: the morality of war, racism, and classism. The most pertinent is war and whether it is ever justified. Richie tries to rationalize his and the other men's presence in Vietnam. Ultimately, he concludes that as much as fighting for the good of the South Vietnamese and the suppression of Communism, he is fighting for his own survival. To his dismay, he is also put in the position of fighting for the greed and glory of certain commanding officers. Richie watches Captain Stewart inflate the enemy body count and downplay American casualties in order to achieve a promotion to major. Over time, this practice depletes the numbers of men in the squad and the company. When the Tet Offensive is launched, only a few of Richie's original squad remain.

Subtle and pervasive elements of racism and...
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