mood

-The atmosphere created by a writer's diction and the details selected.
This is an important aspect of O'Brien's book because the mood he sets for the reader allows them to get involved with the characters. O'Brien mentions more than once how these soldiers were little more than children because they were so Young. He describes the land and climate they endured and their everyday struggles. When this is done the reader can more fully emphasize with the characters. For example in the chapter On the rainy River, O'Brien tells how he had had so many plans for his future and how being drafted would change his entire life. This is something most Americans can relate to in one way or another. The atmosphere and mood O'Brien creates in this book allows the reader to emphasize and become more involved with the characters.