The Red Convertible Chapter Summary & Analysis | Analysis

Analysis

The story is told in first person narrator from Lyman's point of view. This technique allows the author to provide background information quickly and thoroughly, without the necessity of extra dialogue or story line. Throughout the story, Lyman shares his feelings about the relationship he shares with Henry, and how that changes from pre-war Henry to post-war Henry.

Lyman proves to be an especially sensitive young man. One example is Lyman's intuition that Henry needs a purpose upon his return from Vietnam, and Lyman's destruction of the carefully preserved convertible to provide Henry with an immediate focus.

Lyman's sensitivity is painfully evident at the end of the story when he cannot comment on Henry's drowning or the sinking of the convertible. Lyman simply states that he can see nothing in the darkness and hears nothing but the rushing of the water. The emotions Lyman feels are too painful to describe,...
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