Topics for Further Study
Conscientious Objectors in the Vietnam War
Have you ever pondered the essence of a conscientious objector? Delve into the harrowing journeys of those who stood against participating in the Vietnam War, such as those chronicled in Gerald R. Gioglio's compelling work, Days of Decision: An Oral History of Conscientious Objectors in the Military during the Vietnam War (Broken Rifle Press, 1988). Why is it that Sgt. Brisbey, in a moment thick with tension, challenges Pavlo in the hospital with the question, "you're not a conscientious objector, are you? So you got a rifle." Reflect on how the conscientious objector's viewpoint contrasts with Pavlo's tumultuous emotions about the war, or perhaps with the insights of Rabe, as you might gather from other sources.
The Unexpected Fate of Pavlo
Many theatergoers find themselves taken aback by the twist that Pavlo meets his end not on the battlefield but within the walls of a whorehouse, following a seemingly trivial dispute. Investigate the statistics of American wartime fatalities—was it often the case that soldiers faced death far from the front lines? What narrative weight do the peculiar circumstances of Pavlo's demise add to Rabe's portrayal of the Vietnam experience in its entirety?
Pavlo's Journey of Self-Discovery
In classical tragedies, protagonists often encounter a profound moment of self-awareness as the story draws to a close. Does Pavlo undergo such an epiphany, transforming as a character throughout the play? Consider his level of consciousness while alive, juxtaposed against the symbolic conversation he shares with Ardell after death.
American Views on the Vietnam War
Explore the evolving sentiment towards the Vietnam War on the home front in the United States, examining how public opinion shifted over time. Reflect on Mickey's reaction to Pavlo's tales of basic training. What layers of meaning are embedded in Mickey's mocking retort, "Vietnam don't even exist"?
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