Podcast
Questions and Answers
Where does Norman Bowker return to after the war?
Where does Norman Bowker return to after the war?
Iowa
Who does Bowker reminisce about?
Who does Bowker reminisce about?
His high school girlfriend, Sally Kramer, and his friend Max Arnold who drowned in the lake.
What was Bowker's father's greatest hope?
What was Bowker's father's greatest hope?
That Norman would bring home medals from Vietnam.
How many medals did Norman win in Vietnam and what did they include?
How many medals did Norman win in Vietnam and what did they include?
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What did Norman almost win before he blew his chance?
What did Norman almost win before he blew his chance?
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What did the men notice when they set up camp?
What did the men notice when they set up camp?
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What happened to Kiowa?
What happened to Kiowa?
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What does Bowker imagine on his 11th trip around the lake?
What does Bowker imagine on his 11th trip around the lake?
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What does Bowker do after he parks his car?
What does Bowker do after he parks his car?
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Study Notes
Norman Bowker's Return
- Bowker returns to Iowa following his service in Vietnam, struggling to reintegrate into civilian life.
Reminiscences and Relationships
- He reminisces about his high school girlfriend, Sally Kramer, who is now married, and his friend Max Arnold, who tragically drowned.
Parental Expectations
- Bowker's father had high hopes for him, desiring that Norman would return with medals from the war, which he ultimately achieves.
Military Achievements
- Norman earned seven medals including notable awards such as the Combat Infantryman's Badge, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart.
Lost Opportunity
- He nearly earned the Silver Star but missed the chance due to circumstances during the war.
Camp Setting Observations
- The soldiers noticed a fish-like smell when setting up camp, which led to the conclusion that they were in a sewage field.
Kiowa's Fate
- Kiowa, a fellow soldier, sank into the muck during an incident. Bowker attempted to rescue him but released him to save himself from succumbing to the sludge.
Inner Conflicts
- While walking around a lake, Bowker fantasizes about confessing to his father that he did not demonstrate the courage expected of him. He hopes his father would find solace in the seven medals he obtained.
Reflective Actions
- After parking his car, Bowker enters the water fully clothed, immersing himself before standing up, crossing his arms, and observing the fireworks, symbolizing his ongoing struggle with the past.
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Description
Explore Section 15 of 'The Things They Carried' where Norman Bowker grapples with his experiences after the Vietnam War. This quiz focuses on his reflections, relationships, and the weight of expectations upon his return to Iowa. Test your knowledge of the key themes and characters in this poignant section.
