Fishbowl Fridays

Dear Browning Gents,

As I mentioned today in class, I want you to have access to our three sets of Fishbowl Friday discussion questions. You'll be writing an in-class essay next week, and these questions will help you prepare.

FF#1
1. Was the trip to get the TV worth it?

2. Why does TW let his ship depart for the Azores without him?
Read the question carefully.

3. What does “wear[ing] the uniform” mean to TW? How does it connect to his feelings and experiences with his father?

4. Should TW have contacted Hugh about Yancy’s baby? Why doesn’t he? (Go beyond the obvious answers.)

5. What is Vera’s attraction for TW?

6. Would you want TW on your platoon?


FF#2

1. How does TW feel about his father? (This is a deceptively simple-seeming, tricky question. Treat it as such.)

2. What is/are the “federal offense[s]” that give this chapter its title? (Same situation as question 1. If you think this is an easy question, you are not correct.)


3. There are two fathers and two sons in this chapter, the Wolffs and the Hoffmans. Who is a better father to his son? Who is a better son to his father? This question is just plain hard.

4. Why has it taken this long for TW to realize he would be, “taking this last step” (128) and going to Vietnam? It’s not like the army kept their destination a secret…


FF#3

1. The chapter title asserts, “I Right A Wrong.” What “wrong” would TW like to “right”? Why can’t he do it?

2. In what ways is Sergeant Benet TW’s foil? (Do you remember this literary term?)

3. Who is more to blame for the destruction caused by the Chinook, TW or Captain Kale? What motivates each man?

4. What does Canh Cho, his life and his death, symbolize?

5. What is Wolff’s last “close call” in Vietnam? Who is his enemy?