Write a 2 paragraph Essay about the morals of Where Have
You Gone, Charming Billy? by Tim O'Brien and Mortals by Tobias Wolff
Where Have You Gone, Charming Billy? by Tim O'Brien and Mortals by Tobias Wolff both explore the theme of the morality of war. O'Brien's story portrays the destructive and traumatic effects of war on the soldiers who participate in it. It depicts how war can force even the bravest of soldiers to question their own beliefs and values. On the other hand, Wolff's story highlights the dehumanizing effect of war by portraying soldiers as people who are prone to making mistakes. It shows how war can blur the line between right and wrong, leaving soldiers to make life and death decisions in a split second.
Both stories highlight the costs of war and the impact it has on individuals. They also demonstrate how war strips people of their humanity and forces them into moral ambiguity. In Where Have You Gone, Charming Billy?, O'Brien portrays war as a senseless and cruel act that leaves its participants with deep emotional scars. In Mortals, Wolff shows how soldiers, in the midst of battle, often make decisions that they later regret. These two works demonstrate how even the most harrowing of experiences can reveal the best and worst in us as individuals. They make us question the morality of war and the justifications for its existence.
Many of the Characters or Speakers in Where Have You Gone, Charming Billy? by Tim O'Brien are struggling to find their way. Compare two to three characters in this story with regard to their individual struggles.
One of the characters in Where Have You Gone, Charming Billy? who is struggling to find his way is Paul Berlin. Paul is a young soldier who has been drafted into the Vietnam War. He is portrayed as being very scared and unsure of his own courage. Throughout the story, Paul is grappling with his perceived lack of bravery, an issue that is compounded by the fact that his friend Billy Boy Watkins died on the same night he fled from the enemy fire. Paul's struggle to make sense of what happened and to reconcile his actions with his sense of self leads him to have recurring dreams about Billy Boy Watkins that haunt him even after he returns home.
Another character in the story who is struggling to find their way is the character of Lieutenant Jimmy Cross. Unlike Paul Berlin, who is struggling to come to terms with his own perceived limitations, Jimmy Cross is struggling with the full weight of the responsibility and guilt that comes with leading a group of young soldiers into battle. After the death of one of his men, Ted Lavender, Jimmy Cross is consumed with regret and a sense of failure. This causes him to question not only his own leadership but also the morality of the war and the actions of the U.S. military. Over the course of the story, Jimmy Cross comes to realize that his role as a leader extends far beyond purely strategic decisions and that his responsibility to his men extends to their emotional well-being as well. This realization ultimately leads him to make decisions that are more compassionate and protective of his men.
To write an essay about the morals of two different literary works, such as "Where Have You Gone, Charming Billy?" by Tim O'Brien and "Mortals" by Tobias Wolff, you will need to read, analyze, and understand the stories. Start by summarizing the moral lessons displayed in each story individually, and then compare and contrast them in the second paragraph.
In "Where Have You Gone, Charming Billy?" by Tim O'Brien, the moral is centered around the horrors of war and its lasting impact on individuals. The story follows Private First Class Paul Berlin as he experiences fear and confusion during the Vietnam War. It highlights the dehumanizing effects of war, questioning the justifications for such violence and the profound psychological toll it takes on soldiers. The story's moral message emphasizes the need for understanding, compassion, and the acknowledgment of the human cost of conflict.
On the other hand, "Mortals" by Tobias Wolff explores the moral themes of self-deception and the consequences of living a dishonest life. The story revolves around the protagonist, Jack, who becomes entangled in a web of lies and deceit. Through his actions, Wolff emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity. The moral lesson of "Mortals" suggests that the consequences of living a dishonest life will eventually catch up to an individual, causing emotional turmoil and fractured relationships.
While both "Where Have You Gone, Charming Billy?" and "Mortals" portray significant moral messages, their focuses differ. O'Brien's story delves into the devastating effects of war and calls for empathy and dialogue to prevent the repetition of such tragedies. On the other hand, Wolff's narrative explores the personal consequences of dishonesty, warning against the dangers of living a deceitful existence. Despite these distinct moral focuses, both stories highlight the significance of personal truth, authenticity, and the potential for redemption.