Book SummaryIn Pharaoh's Army, by Tobias Wolff

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of In Pharaoh's Army

Transformation and Moral Perspective During Vietnam War

This section explores Wolff's internal journey as he grapples with fear, adapts to the harsh realities of war, experiences disillusionment, and ultimately develops a nuanced understanding of the conflict's futility and its impact on both Vietnamese civilians and himself.

Fear of Vietnam and Adaptation to War Realities

Initially overwhelmed by fear, Wolff attempts to avoid Vietnam altogether. Once there, he gradually becomes desensitized to violence and adopts coping mechanisms to deal with the constant threat of death.

Anxiety Concerning the Vietnam War and Avoidance Attempts

Wolff vividly portrays his initial fear of Vietnam. He recounts how, after volunteering for the special ops unit, he experiences crippling anxiety upon arriving in Vietnam. Hearing that his friend Hugh Pierce had died amplifies this fear. When given an assignment in the seemingly safer Delta region, he accepts it as a way to avoid the more dangerous combat zones in the north. This decision showcases his initial desire to escape the brutal reality of the conflict he had previously romanticized.

Practical Tips

• Develop a portable comfort kit to ease anxiety when facing unfamiliar situations. Fill a small bag with items that soothe you, such as a favorite snack, a comforting scent, a playlist of calming music, or photos of loved ones. Whenever you feel overwhelmed, take a moment to engage with your comfort items to ground yourself and reduce anxiety.
• Create a fear ladder related to the concept of amplified fear due to loss. Start with a minor fear and gradually build up to your greatest fear, which might be related to loss. This exercise can help you gradually confront and manage your fears in a controlled and systematic way.
• Implement a "Delta mindset" for conflict resolution by choosing paths that reduce confrontation. When faced with a disagreement, instead of escalating the situation, look for ways to de-escalate and find a middle ground. This could mean practicing active listening, acknowledging the other person's perspective, and proposing solutions that avoid further conflict.
• Engage in role reversal exercises with a friend where you each present a scenario that one romanticizes. Then, switch perspectives and argue the opposite view, highlighting the potential downsides or challenges. This practice can develop empathy and a more nuanced understanding of situations, reducing the tendency to romanticize without considering all aspects.

Desensitization To Surrounding Conflict and Suffering

As Wolff settles into his role in the Mekong Delta, he depicts a gradual desensitization to the surrounding violence. He becomes accustomed to the constant danger of dying, adapts to an environment where distance and time are distorted by fear, and even develops an unsettling routine of anticipating his own demise. He recounts running over bicycles without stopping, highlighting a growing callousness. This desensitization is further exemplified by his participation in the black market, trading souvenirs for supplies, and his indifference towards the suffering of U.S. soldiers stationed at the Dong Tam base. These experiences mark a shift from a fear-stricken young man to a person who compartmentalizes and normalizes violence as a means of coping.

Practical Tips

• Experiment with a buddy system where you and a friend estimate time and distance separately during a shared activity, like a hike. Discuss your estimates afterward to see how fear or stress might have altered your individual perceptions compared to a more relaxed state.
• Consider organizing a swap meet in your neighborhood to exchange items you no longer need for things you do. Start by inviting neighbors to bring items they're willing to trade, such as books, toys, or kitchen gadgets. This creates a microcosm of a barter-based economy and can be a fun social event as well.

Other Perspectives

• Wolff's behavior could be a form of psychological defense rather than true desensitization.
• The notion of adapting to the constant danger of dying assumes a uniform response to stress, which may not account for individual differences in coping strategies and resilience.
• Anticipating one's own demise could be a sign of extreme stress or PTSD, which might require intervention rather than being a simple adaptation or coping mechanism.
• The act of not stopping could be a result of strict military protocols or orders that prioritize mission objectives over property damage.
• Indifference might not accurately capture the Wolff's emotional state; it could be a sign of overwhelming helplessness or a perceived lack of agency in effecting change in the situation.
• The idea of normalization might oversimplify the complex psychological processes involved in dealing with constant threat and violence.

Disillusionment With War and Behavior

Wolff's initial justifications for the war crumble as he witnesses the futility of violence and the devastating impact on noncombatants. A moral awakening prompts him to question his role in the conflict.

Realization of the Futility of Violence by All Parties

Through witnessing the senseless violence inflicted by both the Viet Cong and the American forces, Wolff begins to doubt the war’s purpose. Initially, he accepts the official rhetoric justifying American involvement, yet encounters challenging perspectives from his sibling and companions in the nation's capital. I.F. Stone's dismantling of his justifications further fuels his doubts. The Tet Offensive is a pivotal moment. He witnesses the destruction of the town by both sides, culminating in the bombing of a school where children were allegedly studying revolutionary...

In Pharaoh's Army Summary Relationships With Vietnamese People, Fellow Soldiers, and Family Members

This section examines Wolff's interactions with the Vietnamese people, his fellow soldiers, and his father, highlighting the complexities and transformations within each relationship.

Complex Relationship With Vietnamese People

Wolff's understanding of Vietnamese people undergoes a significant shift from his initial paternalistic view towards one of empathy and respect. He witnesses their resilience amid hardship and common humanity.

Paternalistic View of Vietnamese People Evolves Into Understanding and Empathy

Initially, Wolff's views the people of Vietnam through a paternalistic lens, seeing himself as their leader, reveling in his perceived superiority. This perspective is challenged by his encounter with Anh, a woman from Vietnam who defies his expectations and exposes his naiveté. Their interactions expose the cultural gap and force him to confront his own prejudices. Furthermore, the "Dog Stew” incident provides a glimpse into the hardships endured by the people of Vietnam under constant threat. Witnessing their resilience and resourcefulness forces Wolff to re-evaluate his initial assumptions and fosters a nascent sense of empathy.

Context

• Wolff's...

In Pharaoh's Army Summary Vietnam War Horrors, Absurdities, and Impact

This section focuses on the realities of the war in Vietnam, exploring its chaotic nature, the absurdities faced by soldiers, and the lasting psychological impact on Wolff.

Wolff's Experience During Tet Offensive Chaos

The Tet Offensive serves as a defining moment in the Wolff's wartime experience. He grapples with disbelief at the sudden escalation of violence, participates in the destruction of My Tho, witnessing firsthand the devastating toll of war.

Shock and Disbelief at Vietcong's Attacks

Wolff captures his initial shock and disbelief at the unexpected onset of the Tet attacks. The widespread attacks by the Vietnamese Communists across the entire country crumble the perceived stability and expose the illusion of control held by both the Vietnamese and American forces. He describes a sense of detachment and confusion as he observes the frenzied activity around him, highlighting the disorienting nature of the sudden escalation in the conflict.

Context

• Wolff's shock can be understood in the context of the unexpected nature of the attacks, which contradicted the prevailing belief that the U.S. and South Vietnamese forces were in control.
• Although...

In Pharaoh's Army Summary Veteran's Struggle to Reintegrate and Find Purpose Post-War

Upon returning home, Wolff faces significant challenges in reintegrating into civilian life. He struggles with feelings of alienation and isolation while searching for a path that can provide him with direction and purpose.

Dislocation and Alienation Returning Home From Vietnam

Wolff depicts his return to civilian life as a disorienting experience marked by a deep sense of alienation. He finds himself unable to relate to his family and friends, the chasm between their experiences and his seemingly insurmountable. This disconnect is exacerbated because he tends to withdraw into a detached and ironic persona, isolating him further from those he seeks connection with.

Disconnect From Family and Friends After Wartime Experiences

Returning to a world that seems oblivious to the horrors he has seen, Wolff experiences a deep disconnect from those closest to him. He struggles to share his experiences, sensing their discomfort and inability to comprehend the realities of war. This disconnect is exacerbated by his personal feelings of guilt and shame, making genuine connection feel impossible. He finds himself retreating into silence or resorting to dark humor that further...