The True Reality Of War In Norman Mailer's Why Are We In Vietnam

Throughout history, war has been depicted as heroic and romantic for a soldier to be involved in. But though all the war propaganda, is it really a glorious and lovely event. One novel explains the true reality of war. In the American Protest literature text, there is a section of Norman Mailer’s novel, “ Why are we in Vietnam”. The section contains several chapters of his novel that explains the situations soldiers had to experience during the Vietnam War. In the section, we see how credited Norman Mailer is, and examples of his descriptions that are very vivid that gives the reader the realization of war. Before the sections that showed Norman’s vivid details, there was small description of Norman Mailer that showed how credited he is. here at this grape dinner in the Dallas ass manse, given in my honor, D.J., I thank you, because tomorrow Tex and me. We 're off to see the Wizard Vietnam. (pg 488)

From this very brief quote, Norman shows how the illusion that is the Vietnam War being glorious was all a lie. “We’re off to see the Wizard Vietnam”, really show how it was all an illusion to reality. Norman Mailer also discourages to younger readers looking to fight as they have no idea of the hell that they would be involved in.

In conclusion, Norman Mailer’s techniques help change most of the people’s viewpoints of the Vietnam War and give the harsh reality of warfare. Even though there were only sections of the novel, it stills gives readers the persuasion and attention to the details. While Norman did not call an action against the Vietnam War, it inspire readers to commit to anti-war protest to end the Vietnam War. Norman would then continue to criticize further conflicts such as, the Iraqi invasion in 2004. Norman and his novel now have became part of the foundation for Anti-War protest for generations to