Webb, James H(enry), Jr. Criticism
James H. Webb Jr., born in 1946, is an esteemed American novelist and nonfiction writer whose works often focus on military themes. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis and a Vietnam War veteran, Webb draws on his personal experiences to explore profound truths about human nature, particularly as illuminated through the lens of combat. His novel Fields of Fire is frequently lauded for its authentic dialogue and vivid depiction of the Vietnam War, despite critiques of its plot and character portrayals, as noted by Raphael Sagalyn and Gene Venable. Another significant work, A Sense of Honor, delves into the complexities of military education, balancing the rigors of training with academic inquiry, as discussed by Josiah Bunting III and Carey Winfrey. Despite some criticism regarding its stereotypical elements and character development, as Peter Braestrup notes, the novel remains a compelling reflection on military life during the Vietnam War era. Webb's literature continues to resonate for its insightful portrayal of the military experience and the ethical issues surrounding it.
Contents
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'Fields of Fire'
(summary)
In the following essay, Raphael Sagalyn critiques James H. Webb Jr.'s Fields of Fire as a compelling yet flawed war novel, highlighting its authentic dialogue, lack of plot, and the stylized portrayal of its key character, Will Goodrich, while ultimately recommending it as a vivid depiction of the Vietnam War experience.
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Fiction: 'Fields of Fire'
(summary)
In the following essay, Gene Venable critiques James Webb's novel Fields of Fire as a largely successful and realistic portrayal of the Vietnam War, though he contends that the novel's concluding moral stance against antiwar protesters detracts from its overall realism.
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The Launching of a Midshipman
(summary)
In the following essay, Josiah Bunting III argues that James H. Webb Jr.'s A Sense of Honor effectively explores the complex dynamics and necessary stresses of military education, despite its reliance on familiar stereotypes, by examining the balance between rigorous training and academic inquiry within a naval academy setting.
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Trouble at the Academy
(summary)
In the following essay, Carey Winfrey examines James Webb's novel "A Sense of Honor," highlighting Webb's authentic portrayal of military life and the complex ethical themes it explores, while noting the conventional plot and Webb's subtle approach to conveying his personal sentiments on military culture.
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'A Sense of Honor'
(summary)
In the following essay, Peter Braestrup contends that James H. Webb Jr.'s second novel, A Sense of Honor, while less powerful than Fields of Fire, offers a profound reflection on the complexities of military education during the Vietnam War era, despite its shortcomings in characterizing female characters.