The Folly of Irresolution

Much literature deals with the tragedy, or sometimes the pathos, of characters who cannot make up their minds. It could be argued that not only the central theme but the purpose of this book is an argument that irresolution in war is deadly. In this case, the war is in Vietnam, and the hesitancy is on the part of American politicians and other decision-makers who fail to authorize a full-scale onslaught of U.S. forces against the enemy. At least, this is how the protagonist, Jake Grafton, assesses the situation. In the novel, as in real life, many Americans protest the war, but Jake's position is that America has already entered into it, and now must do everything in its power to win. The author recognizes the anti-war sentiment, particularly through the comments of Jake's girlfriend, Callie, but no mention is made of socio-political conditions...