Summary
Going After Cacciato intricately weaves together the realities and fantasies of a soldier's life during the Vietnam War, using memory and imagination as its primary threads. The novel's narrative unfolds through three intertwined storylines: the combat experiences of Paul Berlin, the reflective "Observation Post" chapters, and an imagined pursuit of the AWOL soldier Cacciato. Each element enriches the narrative, blurring the lines between what is real and what is imagined.
Three Interwoven Narratives
At the heart of the novel is Paul Berlin's recollection of his time in the U.S. Army during the tumultuous year of 1968. These recollections, primarily delivered through flashbacks, form the first narrative strand. The second narrative unfolds in the "Observation Post" chapters, where Paul stands guard at night in Quang Ngai, pondering the essence of reality. In these moments, he meditates on the events of his past and the possibilities of alternate outcomes, capturing his inner conflict. The third and most imaginative strand is Paul's dreamed-up journey from Vietnam to Paris, following the elusive Cacciato, a fellow soldier who has deserted the army.
Magical Realism and Daydreams
While some critics categorize Going After Cacciato under the genre of Magical Realism, O'Brien himself challenges this classification. He argues that the daydreams depicted in his novel possess their own reality, suggesting that imagination and memory are not so distinct. Paul emerges as the novel's principal dreamer, and through his eyes, the reader navigates the complexities of war, fear, and escapism.
The Pursuit of Cacciato
The narrative begins with Cacciato's bold decision to go AWOL, setting off a chain of events that fuels both the story and Paul's imagination. The squad attempts to track down Cacciato, and as they close in, the story shifts abruptly. Suddenly, the setting transitions to the observation post, revealing that time has moved forward and leaving Paul to reflect on his squad's attempt to capture Cacciato.
The Dream Journey to Paris
Paul's imagination takes flight as he envisions his squad venturing across borders in pursuit of Cacciato, ultimately embarking on a fantastical journey to Paris. Along this imaginative trek, they encounter Sarkin Aung Wan, a young refugee who joins them. This imaginary journey, full of surreal encounters and escapades, runs parallel to Paul’s reflections on his real-life experiences in the war.
Reality and Memory
Scattered throughout the chapters on the whimsical journey, Paul recalls his harrowing experiences in combat. These memories gradually unfold, revealing the deaths of fellow soldiers Billy Boy Watkins, Bernie Lynn, and Frenchie Tucker, along with the tragic demise of Lieutenant Sidney Martin at the hands of his own men. As Paul revisits these events, they grow increasingly vivid and surreal. Paradoxically, the trauma of his real-life experiences sometimes feels more fantastical than his imagined adventures.
The "Observation Post" Chapters
The "Observation Post" segments serve as critical junctures in the novel, bridging the realms of fantasy and reality. Here, Paul diligently crafts the story the reader is about to engage with. Yet, these chapters do not always precede imaginary episodes; occasionally, they precede detailed recollections of past events. This narrative structure invites the reader to ponder the intricate relationship between memory and imagination, questioning whether memories are shaped in a manner similar to daydreams and pondering the very nature of reality.
The Novel's Conclusion
As the novel draws to a close, it circles back to the opening chapter's tense pursuit of Cacciato. The squad prepares for a final rush, but for the first time, Paul's vulnerability is laid bare as he collapses in terror, losing control of his bladder. This moment of shame and fear propels him into his imaginative flights. Ultimately, Cacciato vanishes into the unknown, leaving his fate ambiguous. The possibility lingers that he might have reached Paris after all.
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