Tim O'Brien's 'Going After Cacciato' delves into the psychological impact of the Vietnam War on soldiers. Through protagonist Paul Berlin's eyes, the novel portrays the surreal chase of a deserter across war zones, blending reality with fantasy. It explores themes of war's chaos, the drive for survival, and the solace found in imagination.
Show More
"Going After Cacciato" was published in 1978 and won the National Book Award for Fiction in 1979
The Vietnam War
The novel is set during the Vietnam War and follows the journey of a squad chasing a deserter
Paris
Paris serves as a symbol of a war-free existence in the novel
Paul Berlin
The protagonist of the novel who uses fantasy to cope with his traumatic experiences in the war
Cacciato
The deserter who becomes the catalyst for the novel's central quest
Other Characters
Additional pivotal characters include Lieutenant Corson, Oscar Johnson, and Sarkin Aung Wan, each uniquely affected by the war
O'Brien was conscripted in 1968 and served with the 198th Infantry Brigade in Vietnam
O'Brien's unit was near the My Lai Massacre, adding a sense of authenticity to his portrayal of a soldier's internal conflict
O'Brien's own contemplation of desertion adds to the veracity of his depiction of a soldier's moral complexities
The novel delves into the psychological turmoil and lingering mental wounds of soldiers in war
The soldiers in the novel resort to extreme measures for survival, including fratricide and mutiny
The novel highlights the human mind's capacity to find solace in imagination when faced with adversity
00
Author of 'Going After Cacciato'
Tim O'Brien, known for exploring war's psychological impact.
01
Publication year of 'Going After Cacciato'
1978, set during the Vietnam War era.
02
Narrative structure of 'Going After Cacciato'
Blends stark combat realities with soldiers' psychological turmoil.
