Fiddlesticks. And Yo-yo Ma.

Also in "Stockings," superstition in Vietnam was made a way of life.

"Like many of us in Vietnam, Dobbins felt the pull of superstition, and he believed firmly and absolutely in the protective power of the stockings." pg. 112

This made me reflect on how people, whether it be God or an item like pantyhose, turn to a higher power, in fact need a higher power, in times of great trouble. In Vietnam, not known for it's Christian roots, it's no surprise that the soldiers turned to superstitious things like lucky stockings. Also, reading this into the early morning hours is not suggested because the whole chapter I was reminded of the Scooby-Doo movie where he and the gang solve a mystery at a haunted theme-park where, get this, the monsters were real! I think voodoo and stuff were in it, which mirrors some of the superstitious things of Vietnam.

In the next chapter, "Church," I was actually quite surprised at some of the soldier's behavior. As I said, Vietnam ain't so Christian, so when Kiowa, described as a devout Baptist respects the monks' "church," I was pleasantly amused. With all the disrespect toward the Vietnamese, I was sure some violence would follow, however I feel Mr. American sums it up nicely with

"'You're right,' he said. 'All you can do is be nice. Treat them decent, you know?'" pg. 117

Here's the trailer for that movie. Let me tell you, it screams Nam.

Is that what you had said?

MOTIF

"'Oh, rot,' said Brett. 'Maybe it works for some people, though you don't look very religious, Jake.'" pg. 213

Ooh, here's a doozie lit term. Motif. Just a few I've noticed are Brett's catchphrase "oh, rot." It's kind of her multi-purpose saying to mean just about whatever she wants, which illustrates her "change-at-the-drop-of-a-hat/I-do-what-I-want-because-I'm-an-independent-woman" personality. In addition, religion was made to be an ordeal, especially this whole Robert Cohn being Jewish. There were many times when insulting phrases were used and even classified being Jewish as a race in itself. Also, the Catholic Church and her "power" were mentioned several times. Even Jake was asked by Bill if he was really a Catholic. Bill, too, poked at a priest on the train ride filled with American Catholics hogging the dining cars by asking "When do us Protestants get a chance to eat, father?" Brett's character also deals with having a lack of organized religion. Another motif I felt to be prevalent was bathing. Brett always wanted to take a bath and Jake bathed often. This might be another religious reference as a kind of "trying to wash away their sins" type of thing, but then again, motifs are weird and I never seem to pick up on them.

Enjoy this nice, straightforward reptile motif!

Heffalumps and Woozles are scary, man.

"You don't remember him (Bill)," Brett said." "I do. Remember him perfectly..." pg. 88

Firstly, what you have just read is the biggest lie of the 20th century. Yes, even more than "I did not have sex with that woman."

"'We have got the loveliest hotel,' Mike said. 'I think it's a brothel!'" pg. 89

This just made me giggle.

"When do us Protestants get a chance to eat, father?" "I don't know anything about it. Haven't you got tickets?" "It's enough to make a man join the Klan," Bill said. The priest looked back at him." pg. 93

Even though I've got the whole Catholic thing going on, I thought this was funny too because I'm pretty sure I've been on the side of the large group hogging the dining cars before. Not quite that specifically, but close.

Also, I'm serious about this particular blog title. Watch the video.


Now pretend you're five.