The Dutches of Cambridge
“They carried the common secret of cowardice barely restrained, the instinct to run or freeze or hide, and in many respects this was the heaviest burden of all, for it could never be put down” (O’Brien 216). This is the common theme among the men in the two stories “Guests of the Nations” by Frank O’Connor and “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien. The setting of the first story is during the Irish War for independence involving two Englishmen held hostage by the Irish Army and the interactions of the men during their time together. The second story takes place during the Vietnam War and discusses extensively the physical and mental burdens men carry into battle. Both stories deal with men’s fears during wartimes, which are similar whether or not they ever get to know their enemies personally. A few key similarities and differences exist between the characters Belcher from “Guests of the Nation” and Ted Lavender from “The Things They Carried.” During times of war, men search for comfort and a sense of normalcy in any way they can in order to take away from the fears that burden their minds.
O’Connor’s character Belcher shows quiet bravery throughout the story, despite the fears he has of his unknown fate. Belcher carries himself in a way that comes across as shyness. He doesn’t talk a lot with his captors. Right from the beginning some readers will probably get the impression that he understands the gravity of their situation more than his fellow Englishman. As a prisoner of war he can only be sure of two possible outcomes; either they will be released or will become casualties of the war. The fact that he goes about daily activities keeping his composure and maintaining dignity is miraculous. Some people faced with the possibility of death, attempt to make up for mistakes they may have made in the past and try to be a better person. The one time Belcher opens up to his captors, near the end of the story, he tells them “my missus left me eight
O’Connor’s character Belcher shows quiet bravery throughout the story, despite the fears he has of his unknown fate. Belcher carries himself in a way that comes across as shyness. He doesn’t talk a lot with his captors. Right from the beginning some readers will probably get the impression that he understands the gravity of their situation more than his fellow Englishman. As a prisoner of war he can only be sure of two possible outcomes; either they will be released or will become casualties of the war. The fact that he goes about daily activities keeping his composure and maintaining dignity is miraculous. Some people faced with the possibility of death, attempt to make up for mistakes they may have made in the past and try to be a better person. The one time Belcher opens up to his captors, near the end of the story, he tells them “my missus left me eight
Cited: O’Brien, Tim. “The Things They Carried.” ENC 1102 READER. Ed Lourdes Heuer. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2010. 204-219. Print. O’Connor, Frank. “Guests of the Nation.” ENC 1102 READER. Ed Lourdes Heuer. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2010. 220-230. Print.