If I Die in a Combat Zone

by

Tim O’Brien

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If I Die in a Combat Zone: Chapter 2 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
O’Brien recalls that he is raised to believe that war is right. His parents both served in World War II, and as a child he grows up pretending to be a soldier and buying old relics from an army surplus store. His family lives in southern Minnesota, on land that used to be “Indian land,” between Sioux and Cherokee territory. A “celebrated massacre” occurred there generations before. “Norwegians and Swedes and Germans had taken the plains from the Sioux” and settled there themselves.
O’Brien’s childhood conditions him to believe the commonly-held notion that America is justified in whatever war it engages in. However, his recognition that his Minnesota town is built on stolen Native American land suggests that he breaks from traditional, nationalistic views of history. O’Brien envisions the original European settlers as invaders, which he will later relate to America’s presence in Vietnam.
Themes
Duty vs. Conscience Theme Icon
Racism at War Theme Icon
Quotes
O’Brien remarks that the town he grows up in is not a “thoughtful” place. As a youth, he hears about World War II from the old veterans who believe the war had to be fought. He hears about the Korean War being fought by the young men, some of whom seem haunted by the experience. But life goes on. Their town is mildly famous for their Turkey Day parade. O’Brien and his neighbors listen to the radio, ride amusement park rides, and try to play sports.  By the end of middle school, O’Brien realizes he is too small to be an athlete, so he takes to reading instead.
O’Brien’s memory of past veterans in his town suggests that his town’s military history frames his upbringing and sense of identity. His recollection of radio programs, amusement park rides, and sports indicates that he enjoys a standard American childhood, with all of the safety and security it brings. His turn to reading, rather than sports, further indicates that he is more of an intellectual than a fighter.
Themes
Duty vs. Conscience Theme Icon
As a teenager, amid learning to drive, taking girls on dates, and going to dances, O’Brien develops an interest in politics. He goes to a democratic meeting but he gives it up because he thinks the liberals sound the same as the people backing Nixon. Everything in O’Brien’s town feels basically the same as everything else. He wanders town and thinks about God: the idea doesn’t make sense to O’Brien and he wonders if he’s an atheist.
O’Brien’s interest in democratic politics suggests that he is a liberal thinker. The sameness of all things in America echoes O’Brien’s later feeling that everything in Vietnam is effectively the same as well—one attack feels like another attack and the days blur together.
Themes
The Evils of the Vietnam War Theme Icon
Duty vs. Conscience Theme Icon