New CPP: Book Critique of Chickenhawk

Book Critique of “Chickenhawk” Student’s Name Institutional Affiliation Book Critique of “Chickenhawk” Robert Mason's "Chickenhawk" transcends the typical war memoir bearing its ability to explore the principal details of a soldier’s experiences on the battlefield. Superficially, the memoir defines the experiences of a soldier engulfed in the Vietnam War. However, as opposed to most war literature pieces that foster the political and battlefield aspects of such wars, “Chickenhawk” opts for a more personalized view of the experiences. That is, the author explores beyond the cockpit of a Huey helicopter, offering a raw, unflinching portrayal of the Vietnam War's brutality and its lingering impact on the individual soldier. “Chickenhawk” centers its power on the cumulative effect of Mason's experiences, painting a compelling portrait of disillusionment, resilience, and the enduring cost of war. This critique evaluates Mason's thesis, the support provided for it, and the contributions he makes to the field of war literature. “Chickenhawk” Thesis Statement Mason’s thesis is anchored on the concept of “Chickenhawk”. “Chickenhawk” is a term used in military circles to describe an individual who supports war actively but avoids partaking in combat. The term is generalized to imply the existence of individuals who fuel false information about war and how it affects individuals. As per the perspective of Robert Mason, it should take a soldier on the battlefield to tell what the real experiences entail. From the point of view of someone who has not been on the battlefield, a war could imply defeating the enemy. However, little emphasis is put on understanding the pain and sacrifices that those who defeat the enemy undergo. The author explores the “Chickenhawk” thesis by showcasing personal transformation from a highly motivated individual to an extremely disillusioned veteran. The thesis is subdivided into four main parts with each part outlining various chapters. The first part of the memoir is titled “The Initiation” in which the protagonist and his idealistic motivations to join the war are highlighted. The first chapter highlights the excitement of the recruits to the service. In the second chapter, the recruits are subjected to the grueling and dehumanizing process of basic training. Chapter 3 features the journey to Vietnam, marked by growing anxiety and the stark contrast between the comfortable lives left behind and the unknown dangers ahead. At the end of this part in chapter 5, the reader is introduced to Mason’s training as a Huey helicopter pilot. The experiences of the author grow exponentially in the following chapters. The second part titled “The Baptism” highlights Mason’s experience at the battlefield. The part fosters the psychological toll of combat, with Mason experiencing fear, emotional numbness, and a growing sense of disillusionment. Further, the part introduces the reader to R&R (rest and relaxation) activities in Saigon, offering a stark contrast to the harsh realities of war and exposing the exploitation of Vietnamese women. The part ends with a sad reality as Mason loses a friend in combat. The third part gives an insight into the hiking challenges on the battlefield...