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The Things They Carried
“Speaking of Courage”
Literature Focus: Genre – Meta-Fiction
Part I: Defining and Understanding Meta-Fiction
Meta-Fiction literally means “beyond fiction” or “transcending fiction.” Writers use a
meta-fictional style to push the limits of fiction writing and to make their readers question
reality. One example of meta-fiction from earlier in the novel occurs in “On the Rainy
River,” where Tim claims to see his past, present and future on the riverbank (55-57). The
same style reappears in “Speaking of Courage.”
Directions: Examine the following excerpt from “Speaking of Courage.” How does the
way that this passage is written make us question what is real and what is not? Look for
two examples from the passage to support your answer. As you read the passage,
highlight, underline and make marginal notes to document your answers.
“The Silver Star?” His father might have said.
“Yes, but I didn’t quite get it. Almost, but not quite.”
And his father would have nodded, knowing full well that many brave men do not win
medals for their bravery, and that others win medals for doing nothing. As a starting point,
maybe, Norman Bowker might then have listed the seven medals he did win: the Combat
Infantryman’s Badge, the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Good Conduct
Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart, though his
wound was minor and did not leave a scar and did not hurt and never had. He would’ve
explained to his father that none of these decorations was for uncommon valor. They were for
common valor. The routine, daily stuff—just humping, just enduring—but that was worth
something, wasn’t it? Yes, it was. Worth plenty. The ribbons looked good on the uniform in his
closet, and if his father were to ask, he would’ve explained what each signified and how he
was proud of all of them, especially the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, because it meant he had
been there as a real soldier and had done all the things soldiers do, and therefore it wasn’t
such a big deal that he could not bring himself to be uncommonly brave.
And then he would have talked about the medal he did not win and why he did not win it.
“I almost won the Silver Star,” he would have said.
“How’s that?”
“Just a story.”
“So tell me,” his father would have said. (O’Brien 135)
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The Things They Carried Literature Guide
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1) How does O’Brien push your limits as a reader and his own limits as a writer by using
this style? Find two examples from the passage to support your answer.
2) How does the way that this passage is written make us question what is real and what
is not? Give two examples from the passage.
Part II: Extending Your Understanding of Meta-Fiction
Directions: Now that you have had some practice recognizing what meta-fiction is and
how O’Brien has used it, take a closer look at another passage from “Speaking of
Courage” with a partner or group. Your teacher will assign you one of the three passages
below. Read it aloud with your partner or group, and discuss the following questions as
you read and after you read. Go back and revisit the text to discuss your answers. Share
portions of the text with your group as you discuss.
Passage #1: “Along an unused…no self-pity” (138-139).
Passage #2: “’But the worst part… I hear you’” (139-140).
Passage #3: “The intercom squeaked… ‘Out,’ said Norman Bowker” (145-146).
1. How does this passage break away from the usual, traditional form of fiction writing?
©2013 Secondary Solutions
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The Things They Carried Literature Guide
Purchaser may reproduce copies of the materials in this book for his/her classroom use only.
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Name _______________________________________
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2. Based on the content of this passage, what is O’Brien attempting to communicate to
readers? How do you know?
As your classmates share their answers, make some notes on O’Brien’s purpose in using
a meta-fictional style in each of the passages.
Part III: Reflecting on Meta-Fictional Style and Characterization
Directions: You have looked at several examples of meta-fiction in “Speaking of
Courage.” Now that you have taken the time to consider O’Brien’s stylistic choice and his
purposes, answer the following question in one or two well-developed paragraphs:
How does O’Brien’s use of meta-fiction help to develop Norman Bowker’s character
throughout “Speaking of Courage”?
©2013 Secondary Solutions
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The Things They Carried Literature Guide
Purchaser may reproduce copies of the materials in this book for his/her classroom use only.
Sharing or reproduction of any part of this book, or the book in its entirety, is illegal.