Essay Questions

Evaluate Ann's husband's actions using gender theory. - “Say Yes”

Wolff writes, “They were doing the dishes, his wife washing while he dried. He'd washed the night before. Unlike most men he knew, he really pitched in on the housework. A few months earlier he'd overheard a friend of his wife's congratulate her on having such a considerate husband, and he thought, I try." The husband's action of cleaning dishes subverts the orthodox gender role of cleaning dishes that are regarded as a woman's domain. Her husband is a modern, chivalrous gentleman who does not let conventional gender guidelines to hinder him from assisting his wife.

Deconstruct Captain King’s assertions regarding male children. - “Soldier's Joy”

Captain King asserts, “They’re (boys) nothing but trouble, take my word for it. They’re programmed to hate you. It has to be like that, otherwise they’d spend their whole lives moping around the house, but just the same it’s no fun when it starts. I have two, and neither of them can stand me. Haven’t been home in years... Of course, I was a worse father than most." Captain King appeals to hasty generalization by suspecting that male children are inherently problematic; thus, they cannot be altered. He believes that male children are not capable of loving their fathers. His observation surmises that he does not have a good and loving association with his sons. He concludes that all fathers have problems with their sons.

Why is Vietnam important in Hooper’s existence? What is the irony of its significance? - “Soldier's Joy”

Hooper recounts, “We didn’t know it then…We used to talk about how when we got back in the world we were going to do this and we were going to do that. Back in the world we were going to have it made. But ever since then it’s been nothing but confusion.” Vietnam’s significance in Hooper’s life is ironic because it is emblematic of war. Despite the grotesque happenings in the war, Vietnam offers Hooper faith and hope about their future lives. Their optimism enables them to overcome the negative memories which would have hindered them from surviving in the war. Reflecting about their futures, while in Vietnam, cultivates, monumental optimism in Hooper’s life and his colleagues’.