red convertible

The Theme of The Red Convertible comp102 The theme of the red convertible is the mental affect that the Vietnam War had on a young man. The car is used to establish the connection that two brothers had before and after the older brother went off to war. The beginning of the story describes a summer experience that the brothers shared. They spent the summer traveling in the car and exploring different areas together. It establishes a free spirit and close bond between the two. The red convertible was not just a purchase they made together but a tool that provided them an opportunity to share an adventure that solidified their bond. After their summer experience together, the older brother, Henry, was drafted into the army and eventually was sent overseas during the Vietnam War. Upon his return, his demeanor and character had suffered as a result. The younger brother, Lymen, was extremely bothered by his brother’s behavior and tried to use the red convertible as a tool to help his brother overcome the effects of the war. He purposely damaged it in hopes that his brother would take an interest in it and it would help rehabilitate him. It appeared to have worked. Henry took interest in the car and repaired it and appeared to be regaining his prewar demeanor. After the repairs, the brothers set off on another trip. Laymen feels that the brothers are regaining the closeness that they once shared until Henry again turned to his latter self. As they sat near a river enjoying themselves things took a turn for the worse. Both brothers wanted to give sole ownership of the red convertible to the other. An altercation occurred and a fight developed ending in laughter .All appeared well until Henry dove into the river and drowned himself. The memories of his overseas experiences were too much for him to bear. The hope that the red convertible would bring them close together again and help Henry recover was now lost. As a symbolic