Symbolism
What is the final symbol that confirms that Mary Anne has been fully integrated into the corrupt war society?
The necklace of human tongues
Hyperbole; shows lying and deception, ultimately contributing to the loss of innocence in characters.
On page 91, O’Brien describes Mary Anne as “curious about things.” How does this word choice differ from words such as “nosy” or “meddling”
Difference in connotations; “nosy” and “meddling” imply negative meaning, but “curious” is seen as a more neutral if not positive quality.
Identify the connotation of the words initially used to describe Mary Anne
Kind, sweet, caring, positive, etc.
Reread the paragraph on page 89 starting with “The way Rat told it.” What literary element does the entire paragraph make use of?
Characterization; introduces Mary Anne as a character and tells audience about her
How do Mary Anne’s future plans change as she learns, experiences, and explores more?
Simile; symbolizes someone on “enemy turf,” showing an inner change within Mary Anne and how she shifted from being an innocent girl to a medic in the war
Reread the paragraph on page 93 starting with “A good sharp mind.” What kinds of words does O’Brien use to describe Mary Anne and how does it relate to the theme of the chapter? Provide examples.
Identify the tone and connotation behind the words used to describe the spirits in the first paragraph on page 101
Unearthly, mysterious, peculiar, unusual
What figurative language is used in the following quote?
“Vietnam had the effect of a powerful drug: that mix of unnamed terror and unnamed pleasure that comes as the needle slips in and you know you’re risking something” (O’Brien 109)
Metaphor; compares Vietnam to a drug one can get addicted to; unnamed terror is a metaphor for the horrors faced in war.
What does Mary Anne do to her hair after experiencing a crisis and what does this symbolize?
She cuts it short and uses a bandana to hold it back. This symbolizes how she has let go of the vanity of the United States and is fully immersed in Vietnamese culture and combat.
When O’Brien talks about how Mary Anne begins to change things about herself, such as the way she dresses and how late into the night she stays up, what does this foreshadow?
Mary Anne taking more action in the war effort
Reread the paragraph on page 94 starting with “Mark Fossie would nod.” Explain how the diction used by O’Brien further depicts a change in Mary Anne’s character and how she evolves throughout the chapter.
O’Brien uses words and phrases such as “the bubbliness was gone,” referring to Mary Anne’s personality, to give concrete examples to further exemplify the change she has undergone as a result of these new surroundings.
Identify how the connotation of the words used while describing Mary Anne in the first paragraph on page 94 have changed compared to how she was described initially.
No longer sweet, pretty, and innocent.
What is the main difference between Fossie and Mary Anne shown through the chapter?
Fossie fears the unknown and is unsure. Mary Anne chases adventure and her curiosity leads her to enjoy exploring and embracing the war torn society.
What is significant about Mary Anne’s eyes?
As the chapter goes on, they dim from a bright blue to a “bright glowing jungle green” (O’Brien 101), as she learns more about war.
What literary device is being used in this quote? What does it mean?
“Sometimes i want to eat this place” (O’Brien 106)
Hyperbole; Mary Anne is accepting her new environment and is thoroughly enjoying herself while here
Explain the meaning behind the word “cautiously” on page 99 in the sentence “Rat nodded cautiously”
It means that Rat is secretly opposed to the marriage of Mark Fossie and Mary Anne but he cannot say that as it would result in conflict. So he instead pretends to agree with it and support it when in reality he does not.
What words are used to describe the necklace of tongues and what connotation do they have? (Bottom of page 105)
Elongated, narrow, blackened, leather. Sharp, uneasy, sickening, grotesque
What is it that makes Rat love Mary Anne?
She reminds him of the “girls back home” (O’Brien 108), however, Mary Anne also understands the events of the war.
What was the one piece of clothing that Mary Anne is still wearing at the end of the chapter, symbolizing her femininity despite her loss of innocence?
Culottes
Simile; The quote shows that these nighttime routines are where Mary Anne feels truly herself and she feels alive
Reread the paragraph on page 104, starting with “Across the room a dozen candles.” Explain how O’Brien’s diction within this passage provides the reader with a clear image of what being in the Vietnam War was like.
WIthin this paragraph, O’Brien uses imagery through vivid words and bright adjectives that are descriptive.
How does the tone change throughout the chapter?
The chapter starts innocent, bubbly, and fun. The chapter ends dark, corrupt, and uneasy.
Why did Fossie originally bring Mary Anne to camp?
They had been dating since the 6th grade and he thought of her as comforting and reassuring. He thought being in the corrupt environment would not change her and she would remain bubbly and positive.