In the Lake of the Woods Essay

582 Words2 Pages

In many works of literature, authors include both physical and emotional journeys of their characters, as well as how they reflect each other. The literal and mental movements play a central role in In the Lake of the Woods. Characters John and Kathy experience various changes throughout the novel, principally as a couple. Tim O’Brien’s use of characterization and the character’s actions portray the couple’s move to the cabin as the ultimate symbol for escaping the struggles in their relationship.
Many events in the cabin showcased the multiple conflicts and secrets held within John and Kathy’s relationship. In the opening of the novel, the reader is informed of John hiding from Kathy that he took part in a massacre in Vietnam. They also learn John spied on Kathy before the two started dating. Kathy, aware of the damage, secrets, and spying, never took action to try and make things better. After John’s landslide loss in his campaign, the two disappeared off to a cabin to avoid embarrassment and harassment in their town. This physical escape depicts John and Kathy as believing thing...

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