I am writing a paper for an upper level english class. I understand the song but I cant figure out what the thesis and title should be. Any suggestions would help. I am thinking that the thesis (main idea) is about not forgetting the soldiers and specifically on the 8th. My title has to reflect my thesis. Im stressing out~! Pleaes help me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2007-07-25 04:26:48 · 7 answers · asked by dave s 1 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music ➔ Country
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/8th_Of_November
They actucally met this guy and this was his story.
2007-07-25 08:05:08 · answer #1 · answered by BTB 10/04/08 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
War is supposed to be impersonal. But to the people who fought it, it is VERY personal and overshadows the rest of your life. The reason the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial in Washington has such an impact is that it had the names of those who died in the order that they died. Their deaths were very personal to the ones who served with them, saw them die and their families. This battle was one that 99% of Americans today didn't know about (until this song came out). It was the story of one man whom the memories of this battle and the men who died there several decades before stay with him... and still causes him pain. He still honors their memory once a year on the date of their deaths, perhaps the only one left who does, though that doesn't matter to him.
There is a quote, I can't remember who said it, but it goes something like this: “There are three deaths. The first is when you physically die. The second is when you are buried. The third is when the last person who remembers you also dies.” The Vietnam War is now an old mans war. The youngest military people who fought in it are now in their 60s. Other wars have taken their place in the memories of the people today. I saw a comment on a message board years ago when this song first came out in 2006 I guess. Somebody said they played it in a VFW hall and all those elderly veterans didn't say anything, but stared hard into their beers. After it was over, one told the person who played it not to do it again. It was bringing up old pain that they didn't want to relive.
2016-07-31 19:02:35 · answer #2 · answered by Justin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To me, the song reflects the simplicity of the soldiers and their lives. The men who died that day were soldiers in the eyes of the world, but they were normal people, a young boy from North Dakota, etc who gave their lives for an ungrateful country. When the man reminisced on that day, he allowed himself sadness and nostalgia once a year...also, the airborne tattoo and the limp symbolize the bond of men in the armed forces, a permanent reminder of pain and loyalty.
Maybe your thesis could mention lasting impressions that conjure memories, whether they be good or bad.
2007-07-25 06:24:12 · answer #3 · answered by country_girl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To me the song more reflects how a vetern sees the war....he was there, he saw them all die, he lived!
It says he is 58, limps when he walks, but talks strong about the sharpnel in his leg....he puts on a suit...once a yr...and remembers the fallen...
So your thesis should be about how a vetern sees the war then and now b/c thats what the song talks about! Basically the guy can still remember every detail of what happened the smells are still strong...he wont ever be able to live w/out those images and smells!
2007-07-25 04:33:21 · answer #4 · answered by tll 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My suggestion would be to title it "A Wrinkle in Time". This can be a symbolic title to refer to your main subject (the actual veteran and his perspective on aging & living with these memories), the war and/or battle itself, or as a moment that honors the fallen soldiers that are gone but never forgotten in the memories of the veteran. Best of luck to you!
2007-07-25 08:21:16 · answer #5 · answered by siamsa_siamsa 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a tough one... He is going through an internal battle. Remembering those that fell on that day, wondering why he is still alive and they had to die. It is 30-40 years later and he still remembers every face, every smell, everything that happened. Remembering the anniversary, grieving on that day, and still living the memory.
It is a very powerful song, I do not envy you... good luck, I'd be interested in reading your paper.
2007-07-25 05:32:37 · answer #6 · answered by Armyvet 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How about Reflections as a title.
Thesis would be about the reflections on the 8th of November.
2007-07-25 07:50:28 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋