A prevalent theme in 'rules of war novel' is the dehumanization of the enemy. In war, people are often made to see the other side as less than human, but these novels sometimes show the humanity on both sides. Also, the theme of survival is important. Characters are constantly facing life - threatening situations and have to find ways to stay alive.
One well - known 'rules of war novel' is 'All Quiet on the Western Front'. It vividly depicts the horror and futility of war from the perspective of a young German soldier. Another is 'The Red Badge of Courage', which focuses on an American soldier's internal struggle during the Civil War.
Well, without more context, it's difficult to be precise. But if we think about general rules for war stories, the Ti O'Brien Rules could cover things like the use of language. Using simple yet powerful language to describe the brutality of war. It might also stress the need to give equal importance to all the characters involved, not just the heroes. Another aspect could be about the pacing of the story. Not rushing through the events but also not lingering too long on unimportant details, so as to create a balanced and engaging war story.
One key rule is to include details that can be verified. Also, present multiple perspectives to provide a comprehensive account. Another important aspect is to convey the emotional truth of the experience without over-dramatizing.
To write a true war story, you have to have firsthand or reliable sources of information. Be descriptive and detailed, but don't lose sight of the bigger picture. And always keep in mind the impact your story might have on readers.
The rules of a novel usually include the following:
Character Creation: The characters in the novel need to have unique personalities, appearances, experiences, and goals in order for the reader to resonate with them.
2. Plot design: The plot needs to be logical and coherent, and at the same time, it needs to respond to the character's creation and emotional expression.
3. Story development: The story needs to have a certain amount of ups and downs and a certain rhythm to keep the reader interested.
4. Thematic expression: The novel can express a certain theme by revealing social, human or emotional issues.
5. Use of language: The novel needs to have beautiful language and vivid descriptions in order to attract the reader's attention.
Character setting: The characters in the novel need to have a certain background and setting so that the reader can understand their behavior and attitude.
Use of perspective: The novel can tell the story from different perspectives so that the reader can have a deeper understanding of the plot and characters of the story.
8. Rhythm control: The novel needs to have a certain rhythm control so that the reader can better enjoy the reading process.
The Ti O'Brien Rules for a War Story can enhance the telling in multiple ways. First, if the rules emphasize the importance of context, it allows the storyteller to set the stage properly, explaining the political, social, and military situation leading up to the events in the war story. This gives the audience a better understanding of why things happened the way they did. Second, if the rules deal with character development, the war experiences can be more deeply explored through the eyes of the characters. Their growth, their losses, and their small victories can be more vividly depicted. And finally, if the rules have something to say about the tone of the story, it can help the teller to strike the right balance between the horror and the heroism of war, making the story both impactful and respectful of the real - life experiences.
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.
A possible rule could be that it should be told without glorifying war. O'Brien may believe that a true war story shows the real, often ugly side of war. It doesn't make war seem heroic or glamorous. Instead, it might focus on the pain, the loss, and the long - lasting impacts on the soldiers' lives, both physically and mentally.