Chapter 11: Church

What was Kiowa’s reaction to setting up camp in a pagoda? Why? How does this differ with Dobbin’s conception of faith/religion/spirituality?

• Kiowa didn’t like the idea of setting up camp in pagoda because, in a way, he found it disrespectful and morally wrong. He showed his feelings on the matter in the beginning of the chapter when he said that “it’s bad news...you don’t mess with churches” (O’Brien 113). He also expressed himself at the end of the chapter when he said that “this is all wrong...I don’t care what, it’s still a church” (O’Brien 116). Kiowa most likely felt that it was wrong because they were soldiers, on a mission to kill the enemies on the opposing side, and were camping in a holy site. In other words, it was hypocritical to want to seek refuge in a place of God while doing all the things God specifically says not to do in the Bible, which Kiowa carries with him at all times. On the other hand, Dobbins didn’t find it at all disrespectful and instead, was friendly with the monks, and even considered joining them at the end of the war. At first, Dobbins contemplated becoming a minister in order to have a “free house, free car [and] lots of potlucks” (O’Brien 114). In other words, becoming a minister would ensure a good life and bring about plenty of benefits. However, after thinking about it longer. Dobbin came to the conclusion that he didn’t have what it took to become a minister, he didn’t “have the smarts for it. And there’s the religious think, too…[He] still hated church” (O’Brien 115). 

What is the meaning of the washing motion of the younger monk? Is it the same when Dobbins does it?

• It was never really specified what the meaning of the washing motion meant in the book seeing as the author said “no one could decide what it meant” (O’Brien 113).  However, it is safe to assume that it had something to do with the cleansing of their sins. This conclusion was made through the observation that the setting is a pagoda, or church, and the hosts were monks. The motion was constantly made by the monks and it most likely meant something religious to them. When thinking of monks making a washing motion, I think about water and how water is usually seen as a symbol of purity and rebirth. Knowing that the men were soldiers, the monks were probably trying to purify them and rid them of their sins of the war. Ultimately, the meaning of this motion could be open to interpretation since it was not clearly stated by the author.  When Dobbins made the same washing motion, he didn’t really know what it meant, but he did it anyways with respect to be nice to the monks. 

The image of the monk cleaning an M-60 is incongruous and jarring. What purpose does it serve in the story?

• The image of the monk cleaning an M-60 is inappropriate because the monks are supposed to represent a religion which enforces non-violence. Yet, that same gun that the monk was cleaning will most likely be used against innocent Vietnamese civilians.  The purpose of this scene in the story was not only to create irony, but to create a finer line between right and wrong. Even though the monks know that those weapons are used to kill, they still decide to help clean them because it’s the right thing to do. They stand for a faith that is bigger than the issues of the war. In their heads, the monks have a duty to be kind and benevolent to anyone, no matter the situation. Dobbins realizes just that and later states that, “All you can do is be nice. Treat them decent, you know?” (O’Brien 117). 

Reflection:

This chapter provided a story that reflected the situation of the war itself, as well as created irony as a result of the setting and the characters involved. In a way, the pagoda/church, is a model that represents American and Vietnamese relationships during the war. Dobbin’s and Kiowa’s questioning of their presence in the church represents how it was often questioned why America was a part of the war in the first place. Kiowa felt out of place, as if he didn’t belong, which reflects how American troops didn’t belong in the war. In a way, the U.S. was interfering in a matter that didn’t concern them by intruding on the conflict between North and South Vietnam. The monks welcomed the soldiers with open arms when they arrived. The irony in this is that American soldiers killed many innocent Vietnamese during the war. Additionally, it is important to realize Kiowa’s background. He is a Native American fighting a war with U.S. troops, the same people that invaded his people’s land and killed innocent people many centuries before, just like how they were doing in Vietnam. In a way, it makes sense why Kiowa would be the first to point out that “setting up [there]. It’s wrong” (O’Brien 116).