Last Day in Vietnam( 3 points)

 I found Last Day in Vietnam to be an alright portrayal of the different perspectives a US soldier may have during the Vietnam War. I thought the choice to have it be first person made sense for the story and narrative because it puts you into the story. The choice of having the reader follow the perspective of a reporter was a good choice for this because it allows Eisner to explore different character vignettes, while accounting for the first person point of view of the reader as an outsider looking into the war. This outsider looking in matches the reader’s gaze and investment in the war- at first removed but soon drawn into the thick of it. This drawing in of the reader is utilized especially in the case of the first short story. It starts off as a rather peaceful, removed view of the war as the major takes us around the different parts of the base and on the chopper. This removed quality is shown effectively when the chopper picks up three shell shocked soldiers. The contrast is quite clear with the talkative Major who has not seen action with the three soldiers who do not speak a word. I think I remember someone saying that usually the people who have actually seen and killed do not like to talk about it at all, it usually those who didn't, that talk freely about it. The reader is further drawing in when the base we are touring is attacked, and the reporter we are following decides to take action and head for a chopper to escape. There is also a change in the Major, as he goes from detached and talkative to fearful and repentful. This contrast of those who have, and those who haven’t experienced the front lines is shown quite consistently throughout the reading. We are shown the reporters who talk endlessly about the war as if it were a sports game, until it becomes real, like for the reporter whose son died. It is also shown in the short story in Korea, where the guy tries to sharpshoot a non threatening civilian for the fun of it. I think what could have been done more effectively is showing the perspective of the occupied Vietnamese as they are shown as the faceless dehumanized enemy, waiters, or women who attract the army men.

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