In the Sweetheart of Song Tra Bong, by Tim O’brien, The chapter describes a story about how Mary Anne was a sweetheart 17 year old who went into the war all positive and happy, and then after the war she came back and was completely different. I think that this is a bigger part of the chapter on how one of the main ideas how war can change someone. Tim O’brien gives the reader a visual on how Mary Anne looks which makes the reader feel more connected to the story.
Another one of the main ideas of the chapter is women fighting in wars and if they should be allowed to fight. I have mixed feelings about this, I think women should be able to fight in wars if they want to, but they shouldn’t be forced to fight. If a woman feels like she has power and wants to do something men usually do, the government should let her. But if there was a war and a women who didn’t want to fight got drafted, she shouldn’t have to fight. She has a disadvantage walking into the war being in a small group of women who are fighting and it is easier for her to get hurt or killed. The stereotypes of women is to stay at home, watch the kids, and help around the house while the husband is at work supporting the family. Most women are not like the stereotypes and have their own life outside of the house but that’s what a lot of people think. Even In my family, My dad goes to work while my mom stays at home and helps around the house and takes care of my younger sisters. Even though I have a job too while my sisters stay at home. I am making money for myself while my mom is supporting me at home with providing food and a place to live. My point is that women should be able to make their own choices and do what they believe is right.
Another main point in this chapter is how war can change somebody. This theme is shown throughout the chapter on how Mary Anne goes into the war all happy and loving and finds love, then after the war she’s crazy and became one with the jungle. All her clothes are dirty and she wears a necklace of tongues. This is showing that the war can change people. In war you see a lot of friends come and go and everything can change in less than a day. You see all these people die and you aren’t eating and drinking as healthy. You aren’t getting good enough sleep and that can change your perspective on the day. And the longer this goes on the worse it will get, almost like a chain effect. Even a different society could change someone. If you live in Naperville around all these rich people you probably view things different than people who live in Chicago. How much income could determine where you live and could have different views. Also if you are more rich you probably will have better food and drinks and you won’t be starving and eating healthier and will be more healthy in general. Even if you are homeless that will make you have way different views on society. Going back to the war. Going to the war and being around all different people and being forced to do something can be tough and change your thoughts on life. In conclusion war can change people. No matter the circumstances.
I agree about your stand on women and the government prohibiting them from doing certain things they should just be allowed to do. Another thing I agree with is your theme that it’s shown throughout the chapter on how Mary Anne goes into the war all happy and loving and finds love, then after the war she’s all crazy and became one with the jungle.