War
Naturally, because Absolution is set during the Vietnam War, war imagery is common throughout the novel. Readers witness the effects of war, which are oftentimes violent and unfair. Additionally, through vivid imagery, readers see how affecting war is on a person's psyche.
Huey helicopters
As U.S. power weaned in Vietnam and the U.S. moved closer to defeat, imagery surrounding Huey helicopters became more common. Those helicopters, which were symbolic of U.S. power, were instrumental in affecting the United States' war plans. And as their numbers increased, desperation increased, too.
Buddah
As the Vietnamese people find it increasingly more difficult to adapt to their new everyday lives in the face of U.S. involvement, Buddah, their God, becomes increasingly important. And as such, imagery surrounding Buddhism and Buddha becomes more prevalent, too.
America
America-related imagery—like the American flag, Uncle Sam, and the State of Liberty—is included to reinforce the sheer power that America holds on the world stage.
