O'Brien Study Questions

  1. Why does O'Brien need to open with the statement, "This is true"?

  2. Is there anything "beyond telling," as the narrator claims for some stories? What story follows this claim? What does Sanders say later about the story he told?

  3. Comment on Sanders' statement, "That quiet--just listen. There's your moral."

  4. What role do the recurring references to Curt Lemon's death play in the story?
    In general, discuss the various episodes in this story.
    Why are they chosen for the theme he is considering?

  5. Explain the following: "That's a true story that never happened"; "Almost everything is true. Almost nothing is true"; "A thing may happen and be a total lie."

  6. What are the features of a "true war story"?