PTSD is a War

In Tim O’Brien’s “How to Tell a True War Story”, the author mentions several scenes in order to get his point across. O’Brien’s purpose in writing this chapter is not to necessarily tell others how to literally tell a true war story, but rather what a true war story contains. One scene in particular is replayed the most: Kurt Lemon’s death. The author starts off with as little detail as possible, leaving out Lemon’s name and the cause of his death. Gradually after each flashback, the author adds more and more gory detail. O’Brien’s use of repetition mimics the flashbacks some PTSD victims suffer from. By using this technique, he emphasize the horror of reliving a traumatic event. “The gore was horrible, and stays with me, but what wakes me up twenty years later is Norman Bowker singing “Lemon Tree” as we threw down the (body) parts.” (8)

Throughout the chapter, O’Brien also contradicts himself, constantly describing war as being beautiful and gruesome. “For all its horror, you can’t help but gape at the awful majesty of combat.” (7) He contradicts himself so often, it is almost too confusing for some of his readers. Like many PTSD victims, O’Brien has contradictory thoughts. Is war beauty or gore? Are war stories true or false? (7) PTSD victims often deal with thought after having experienced a traumatic event. For example, many consider taking their own lives for one second and change their minds the very next. Or, they feel lonesome, yet do not like the presence of other people. Although this symptom is not yet explained, many sufferers share mutual feelings about this occurrence. 

O’Brien uses repetition and contradiction to show his sympathy. By describing PTSD victims’ suffering, he wants his audience to realize PTSD is not a joke. Like war itself, Post-traumatic stress disorder is terrifying, indescribable and life-altering.