How to Tell a True War Story-O'Brien

Throughout Tim O’Brien’s “How to Tell a True War Story”, O’Brien uses writing techniques such as repetition and contradiction to reveal the psychological repercussions of war, particularly PTSD. The vividness that O’Brien can remember these awful events about his time spent in Vietnam suggest that he may be suffering from the disorder himself. The reader sees a clear example of this in the extreme clarity of the death of his good friend Lemon. He makes his points about truth in war stories through this repetition of the events in which he saw Lemon explode. The reason for this repetition of Lemon’s death I believe stems from PTSD and since the memory is so vivid and horrible he can’t forget what he saw, which in turn makes him think about this event on a regular basis. He also makes a point about how there are many contradictions in war. He notes that every solider will tell you that being so close to death in turn also brings you closer to life. The awful way in which O’Brien’s friend Lemon died is terrible, but at times in the story he notes that his death was beautiful, which is obviously contradicting. This repetition and contradiction throughout helps to reveal the sear power of partaking in war has on the mind. The events O’Brien discusses will last in his head forever. I believe the shear ruthlessness of what he had to see would be etched into our own minds if we were in his place. But, since the majority of people never will, it’s impossible for us to completely understand any war story or know the exact truth. All in all, the literary techniques used in “How to Tell a True War Story” does a superb job in showing people the effect war has on the mind.