In David Morrell's novel, First Blood, a young Vietnam War veteran, Rambo, is back from war, and is trying to merge back into American society. He encounters trouble when a small town sheriff gives him trouble for passing through the town. Because Teasle, the sheriff, does not understand what Rambo has gone through, he threatens him, and tries to force him out of town. All Rambo is trying to do is get something to eat, but sheriff Teasle refuses to try and understand Rambo's situation. He arrests Rambo triggering a series of events. In jail Rambo has flashbacks of his time spent as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. Rambo escapes into the mountain and hides from Teasle and the National Guard. Rather than trying to communicate and help Rambo, Teasle, organizes a manhunt to take out Rambo. Teasle refuses to stop and look at the situation from another light, and his narrow minded view causes most of the problems. Rambo was simply trying to merge back into society the best he could, but that was not good enough for Teasle, and in the end it did not end well for either of them.
This mentor story was pretty helpful for my story, and gave me a lot of ideas to consider. I think subconsciously, the Rambo movies helped influence my story choice in the first place, and First Blood confirmed that. The main theme behind my story is going to be how the veterans of Vietnam had trouble merging into society because of the narrow mindedness of people. The people back in America had no idea what people went through in Vietnam, and just like the novel, First Blood, I want to show how being narrow minded is dangerous to society.
Cody another book that you may want to read, or reread, it The Things They Carried, from English class last year. Especcially the chapters that are about when they are back in the US and trying to cope with life and what to do with themselves now that they aren't soldiers anymore.
ReplyDeleteSenor Davey, I agree that The Things They Carried could give you some help in trying to come with your story. Any war movies/books at all will help with your story.
ReplyDeleteCody as always your work inspires me. In order to help you out with writing your story I'd suggest reading a childrens book about war. This will help you understand how other authors write about something as difficult as war and gear it towards children. I remember one book I read in particular when I was younger called The Red Badge of Courage. Hope this helps.
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