Summary
Tobias Wolff's novella, The Barracks Thief, presents itself as a deceptively simple narrative. Comprised of seven concise chapters, it initially appears straightforward with limited thematic depth. However, upon deeper reflection, the novella unveils a rich tapestry of psychological and moral intricacies, exploring the internal struggles of three young men grappling with the demands of masculinity.
The Brothers' Paths Diverge
The story opens with a poignant depiction of the teenage Bishop brothers, Keith and Philip, as they confront the aftermath of their father's abandonment. Their father's departure for another woman sends each brother on a distinct path: Keith ventures into the counterculture as a hippie, while Philip enlists in the Army. The narrative, while initially focusing on this familial disruption, shifts to highlight Philip's interactions with Lewis and Hubbard, fellow paratroopers poised at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, readying themselves for deployment to Vietnam. Wolff deftly navigates between perspectives, initially employing an omniscient viewpoint to set the stage with the family drama, before transitioning into Philip's personal narrative.
A Day at the Ammunition Dump
Centrally, the story zeroes in on a pivotal Fourth of July episode involving Philip, Lewis, and Hubbard. As newcomers among seasoned Vietnam veterans, the trio is tasked with guarding an ammunition dump. Lewis embodies the archetype of a Kentucky redneck, often boasting of his exploits with women. Hubbard, meanwhile, voices his disdain for military life, yearning for his former existence. Philip, characteristically, remains detached and noncommittal. The monotony of their duty is disrupted by a deputy sheriff's warning of an approaching brush fire. Lewis, driven by bravado or a misplaced sense of duty, refuses to abandon their post, even threatening the deputy should he press the issue. With the wind's change easing the threat, the three young men relish a newfound bond, believing they have affirmed their masculinity.
Lewis's Struggles
In the fifth chapter, the narrative lens shifts to Lewis, whose story unfolds through an omniscient narrator's present tense commentary. Lewis's experiences are marred by unsuccessful attempts at sexual encounters. While hitchhiking, he is offered a ride by a schoolteacher who tends to his injured hand with calamine lotion. The scene's underlying homoerotic tension is perceptible to the reader though Lewis remains dimly aware of its implications. Upon reaching town, his awkward encounter with a prostitute ends abruptly when his lack of funds prompts her to brandish a knife, forcing him to leave.
The Theft and Its Consequences
Determined to return to the prostitute, Lewis resorts to stealing wallets from his fellow soldiers. After succeeding in his theft, he revisits her, only for the encounter to turn violent. Misunderstanding his professed love as ridicule, she expels him at knifepoint once more. In his next theft, Lewis inadvertently steals from Hubbard, leading to a confrontation that results in a broken nose for Hubbard. When Lewis is unmasked as the "barracks thief," the narrative shifts back to Philip. Witnessing the soldiers' retaliatory "blanket party" beating of Lewis, Philip remains a passive observer, while Hubbard abstains entirely.
Aftermath and Reflections
The novella's final chapter, narrated by Philip after the war, succinctly concludes the men's divergent paths. Lewis receives a dishonorable discharge, Hubbard flees to Canada, and Keith returns to civilian life, securing employment as a security guard. Philip, having served in Vietnam, redefines himself as a "conscientious, careful, responsible" individual, who seeks comfort and safety above all. Despite this facade of normalcy, Philip sometimes nostalgically contemplates the idea of the ammunition dump explosion, wistfully acknowledging, "It would have been something."
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