Another element is that it contains a sense of the absurd. In war, there are often situations that seem completely illogical. Maybe a soldier survives a bombing by pure chance while others right beside him don't. These strange and unfair situations are part of a true war story.
One element could be that it's not glorifying war. True war stories often show the harsh realities, like the fear and chaos. For example, soldiers might be depicted as being terrified in battle rather than heroic all the time.
A true war story also has an element of the ineffable. There are things that happen in war that are hard to put into words. The emotional and psychological toll, the bonds between soldiers that are formed in extreme circumstances. It's not just about the physical events but also about these intangible aspects.
A true war story also contains a sense of the truth about war that goes beyond just the facts. It has to convey the feelings of the soldiers, the fear, the camaraderie, and the disillusionment. It might not be factually accurate in every detail but it gets at the emotional truth. For instance, a story might exaggerate a bit about how many enemy soldiers were faced, but it accurately portrays the intense fear that the soldiers felt at that moment.
Some of O'Brien's elements could be the portrayal of fear, the complexity of relationships among soldiers, and the impact of trauma. These elements help to give a real and profound account of war.
A true war story according to O'Brien might be that it has to have a sense of truthfulness that goes beyond just the facts. It should convey the emotional and psychological truth of war. So, it might not be a neatly packaged narrative but rather a jumbled mess of memories, emotions like guilt, and the complex relationships between soldiers. In his view, a true war story could also be one that makes the listener or reader question the very nature of war and the stories we tell about it.
O'Brien's view of a true war story emphasizes honesty and the portrayal of the harsh realities of war. It might involve showing the complexity of human responses and the lasting impact on those involved. Also, a true war story might not have a clear-cut hero or villain but rather present a more nuanced view of the events.
Another aspect could be the way it portrays the moral ambiguity. War is not just black and white. A true war story according to O'Brien might show how soldiers are forced to make difficult decisions. They might have to choose between following orders that seem wrong or facing punishment. This moral gray area is a crucial part of the story.
O'Brien emphasizes that a true war story is more about the emotional truth than just literal facts. It's about how the soldiers feel, their confusion, their love for their fellow soldiers, and their hatred for the enemy. It has to capture the complex emotions and experiences that are unique to war, not just the physical actions that took place.
The O'Brien Criteria for True War Story typically require that the story reflects the real and often harsh nature of war. One key aspect is that it must capture the emotional and psychological states of those involved. This means showing fear, camaraderie, and the loss of innocence. Another part is that the story should have a sense of authenticity that makes the reader feel like they are getting a genuine glimpse into the world of war. It's not just about the physical actions but also about the internal struggles and the long - term effects on the individuals who have been through war.
According to O'Brien, a true war story is one that doesn't sugarcoat the horror and complexity of war. It shows the impact on individuals and the moral ambiguity.
A true war story, according to O'Brien, is one that captures the raw emotions and chaos of war without glorifying or sanitizing it.
One rule might be that it has to be based on real experiences. True war stories can't be made up just for the sake of a good story. They should come from the actual events and emotions that soldiers faced during war.