Today we reviewed the week (see below) and then students read "In the Field" (p.162) in pairs or alone.

"In the Field" is a retelling of the incident with Kiowa drowning in the muck next to a river in the middle of a nighttime bombing/fight. Again, Tim O'Brien demonstrates his belief that no one person is guilty or wrong by themselves, but that all the soldiers were complicit in acts of cowardice and atrocity simply by being there. In this story, Kiowa's death becomes the responsibility of Lt. Cross, whereas in "Speaking of Courage," O'Brien describes it as Norman Bowker's fault and then takes the blame himself.

The point O'Brien seems to be making is that no one is guiltless in war. This also continues his theme about truth, that "story truth" is more true than happened truth. O'Brien never does explain who was actually, physically to blame for Kiowa's death.

Unlike "Speaking of Courage," "In the Field" is told in the 3rd person and (among other things) we finally see some redeeming qualities to Azar, the callous and immature soldier who loves to make crude jokes and blow things up.

Reminders:
All LATE work from this first unit is due by Friday, March 13 to receive credit.

The unit test will be on THURSDAY, March 12th. Character notes are due before the test. Please bring your books that day, as we will return them to the library after the test.

This is also your last reminder about the "Westside" Poetry Contest. Entries are due this week.