A Rumor of War

Who are the real enemies of the American soldiers? Choose at least three of them to explore this theme: you may choose from the following list or choose an enemy not listed; some examples include the weather in Vietnam, the terrain of Vietnam, the blindness and indifference of the American officers in charge from the rear, the Viet Cong, and the Vietnamese people.

Do you believe that Caputo is guilty of murder? Why or why not?

Who bears the most responsibility for America’s loss during the Vietnam War? Explain considering at least three factors.

Discuss Caputo’s description of the Marine Corps as a sort of “priesthood”? What does he mean? What is the significance of this metaphor to the overall memoir?

Choose one of the motifs or symbols commonly used in the memoir, such as the madness of war. What is the motif’s relevance in terms of the overall meaning of the memoir? What makes the use of the motif effective? What effect do you think that Caputo intends to create using the particular motif you choose?

How is Caputo’s return to Vietnam significant to the overall story he is telling? How does this return add to the memoir and what effect does it have on interpreting the themes of the memoir, such as the madness of war?

How does Caputo define heroism in this memoir? Who are the heroic or anti-heroic characters? Using at least two heroes and two anti-heroes, explain this theme.

What is Caputo’s stated goal in writing this memoir? How has his memoir achieved or not achieved this goal?