Flash fiction is a form of written storytelling that is condensed and direct. It is an art form of writing that has the power to be effective because of the strong meanings included in the short text. It has the same simple power as a haiku poem does.
The vignettes in this novel portray much of the same suffering as O’Brien’s book did, but in a much different format. The concentration of words and description in Curry’s novel, is still a powerful form of flash fiction even if he does not draw out his story. The fact that there is a compellation of many different war stories mixed together means shows how mixed up Curry still is about the war.
War is a difficult thing to experience in any form. Flash fiction was an effective way for Curry to demonstrate his experiences.
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Flash fiction is a form of written storytelling that is condensed and direct. It is an art form of writing that has the power to be effective because of the strong meanings included in the short text. It has the same simple power as a haiku poem does. The story in Fatal Light follows this format effectively. Even though the story seems to rush to the end, the author repeats certain stories again as emphasis of his experience.
ReplyDeleteThe vignettes in this novel portray much of the same suffering as O’Brien’s book did, but in a much different format. The concentration of words and description in Curry’s novel, is still a powerful form of flash fiction even if he does not draw out his story. For example, like many war stories this novel incorporates the trope of “the woman back home”. Currey intertwines his love Mary Meade back home through memories and postcards sent, with the graphic experiences of war. This is effective because it conveys to the reader the stream of consciousness of the writer.
The fact that there is a compellation of many different war stories mixed together means shows how mixed up Curry still is about the war. He suffers from PTSD as many war veterans do, and this is seen in him memories. Memory is a powerful piece in this novel. The protagonists memories relate to the format of flash fiction and cause the reader to understand him contemplation, despite the mixture of flashes.
As a medic in the navy, Richard Currey does have significant knowledge on the reality of the Vietnam War. His protagonist’s perspective and memories of war stories show his own suffering. War is a difficult thing to experience in any form. Flash fiction was an effective way for Curry to demonstrate his memories and ongoing thoughts of the war.