going after cacciato, no. 3

In each of the novels we have read so far a character has stuck out to me as the one who grows and comes of age, but this did not happen with Going After Cacciato. Maybe I have missed something, but I do not feel like Paul Berlin represents the type of character and hero needed for a bildungsroman. I also think that because O’Brien does not develop Cacciato’s character very much and leaves so much about him unknown that it is difficult to categorize him as a bildungsroman hero as well. Though I do not feel Going After Cacciato is the best representation of a bildungsroman I am glad that we read it for this class. I think that instead of portraying the entire coming of age process of a character O’Brien gives a very realistic depiction of a juncture in life where coming of age happens. War is an amplified version of the difficulties that many people face throughout their lives. This war specifically challenged those involved in it in extreme ways, mentally, physically, emotionally, and psychologically. O’Brien’s depiction of the war and the way that the soldiers would cope helps me to, one, realize that my personal battles could be much worse, and, two, gain a better understanding of how I cope. In doing this O’Brien illuminates his reader’s individual bildungsroman story and helps them on their way to coming of age.