Throughout the novel, O’Brian uses colloquial diction and profanity when describing certain events and characters. Since most of the events take place during the Vietnam War, such diction helps depict the time period of when the story takes place and allows for the reader to get a better understanding of the context. O’Brian uses terms that would have been exchanged between him and his fellow soldiers such as the word “humped” which is said to mean “to carry something” or “to walk”(O’Brian 3). Through this colloquial diction, the reader is able to connect more with the characters by being able to understand their backgrounds and relate to their circumstances. The prolific amount of profanity also adds to this effect. Swearing was also a vey popular trend with men at war and by incorporating such cursing into his writings, O’Brian helps set the dismissive tone he has towards the characters and of the Vietnam War. It also helps depict the personality of the soldiers and make them seem older than they really are. Even though they are young in reality, they consider themselves to be “men” because they are off fighting at war; and by using profanity it makes them appear older and more mature.
Your examples of O'Brien's diction are
ReplyDeletespot-on. There is an extensive amount of profanity used in the novel, but I believe it greatly enhances the fact that novel is about the Vietnam War. In terms of grotesque, war and profanity go hand-in-hand. If O'Brien used flowery diction, it would undermine the war and take away its realism.