Drowning

" He would've talked about this, and how he grabbed Kiowa by the boot and tried to pull him out. He pulled hard but Kiowa was gone, and then suddenly he felt himself going, too. He could taste it. The shit was in his nose and eyes. There were flares and mortar rounds, and he stink was everywhere-it was inside him, in his lungs- and he could no longer tolerate it." (pg.149)

This point of view for Norman Bowker presents him in a light of vulnerability. He is in a position where he would like to save his comrade but must also save himself. I feel as though it wasn't really his fault. He blames himself but how can one truly save another when they, themselves are begging to drown. At that point there is not decision, for one cannot save another when they will too die also. It is a predicament that later eats at a person conscience. These stories are ones that stay with these men. They will never be able to run away from it. I think that is what O'Brien wants to show to his readers. He wants to show him the Norman Bowker's in wars and what really happens. It is not all glory and honor. It is survival.