One possible theme could be survival. Just as the soldiers were trying to survive the war, the cat also had to endure the harsh conditions. Another theme might be the idea of finding comfort in the midst of chaos. The cat could have provided a sense of home or normalcy to those in Hue during the war.
The main themes could include the contrast between war and innocence. The cat is an innocent creature in the middle of a violent and complex war. It could also be about the power of small things to have a big impact. Maybe the cat's presence changed the morale of a group of soldiers. And there might be a theme of connection, as the cat connected with the people in Hue during the war, whether they were locals or soldiers.
Perhaps it's the use of a cat as the central focus. Most war stories are about soldiers or civilians, but focusing on a cat gives a different angle. It could show the war from an innocent bystander's point of view.
The Cat from Hue: A Vietnam War Story might focus on the relationship between the soldiers and the cat. In the midst of the destruction and horror of the Vietnam War, a cat could have provided a moment of normalcy. It could have been a mascot of sorts for a unit in Hue. The cat might have been a stray that was taken in and became a source of companionship. It could also show how the war affected not just humans but also the animals in the area.
I'm sorry, I haven't read this story specifically. But generally, a story about the Vietnam War might focus on the experiences of soldiers, the impact of the war on civilians, and the unique cultural and geographical aspects of Hue during that time. Maybe the cat in the title is a symbol or has some special connection to the events in Hue during the war.
Another theme might be brotherhood. In the face of danger, soldiers often form strong bonds. So 'Ride the Thunder' may highlight the relationships between the men fighting together in the Vietnam War.
One of the main themes is the loss of innocence. The young soldiers who go to Vietnam often face extreme violence and horror, which shatters their naivete. For example, in 'The Things They Carried', the soldiers come back changed, having lost a part of their youthful idealism. Another theme is the futility of war. Many novels show how the war in Vietnam seemed to have no clear purpose or end in sight.
One main theme is the disillusionment of the soldiers. They went to war with certain ideals, but the reality of the Vietnam War, with its unclear objectives and brutal conditions, often shattered those ideals.
One main theme is the loss of innocence. In many novels, like 'The Things They Carried', young soldiers go into the war full of idealism but come out shattered. The war strips them of their naivete.
Another theme is probably camaraderie. Soldiers in the war, from Wisconsin, would have formed strong bonds with their fellow soldiers. They depended on each other in the difficult and dangerous situations they faced. And also, the theme of change. The war would have brought about changes in the lives of those involved, from the soldiers themselves to their families and the wider Wisconsin community.
In many famous Vietnam War novels, the theme of the psychological trauma of the soldiers is key. They come back from the war with PTSD and other mental health issues, as shown in 'A Rumor of War'. The theme of the futility of war also exists. 'Dispatches' often conveys how the war seems to have no real purpose or end in sight. And the theme of brotherhood among the soldiers is there too. In 'Going After Cacciato', the relationships between the soldiers are complex yet important for their survival.
The theme of cultural dislocation is also prominent. When they return from the war, they find it difficult to reintegrate into their native communities. Their war experiences have changed them, and they no longer fully belong in the world they left behind. This is often depicted through their interactions with family and friends who don't fully understand what they've been through.