How to Tell a True War Story - Summary Summary & Analysis

Tim O'Brien
This Study Guide consists of approximately 39 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of How to Tell a True War Story.

How to Tell a True War Story - Summary Summary & Analysis

Tim O'Brien
This Study Guide consists of approximately 39 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of How to Tell a True War Story.
This section contains 1,918 words
(approx. 5 pages at 400 words per page)
Buy the How to Tell a True War Story Study Guide

The author begins the essay, How to Tell a True War Story, by telling the reader there is no moral in a true war story. The moral is so imbedded within the story that it cannot be isolated. If a person thinks he has found the moral he soon will find that he has only uncovered another aspect of the story. If the war story is true there is no sufficient rebuttal. A war story does not generalize wars, rather it tells a specific story.

For example the common generalization, "war is hell," while a true statement, is not a true war story because it does not excite any emotion. A true war story is known instinctually because it makes a person feel something.

The author introduces a true war story that he has actually experienced. His group is walking toward the mountains. He looks...

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This section contains 1,918 words
(approx. 5 pages at 400 words per page)
Buy the How to Tell a True War Story Study Guide
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Gale
How to Tell a True War Story from Gale. ©2005-2006 Thomson Gale, a part of the Thomson Corporation. All rights reserved.