When Did Ted Lavender Say The War Was Mellow?

In Tim O’Brien’s novel, The Things They Carried, the character Ted Lavender plays an important role as one of the members of Alpha Company during the Vietnam War. Lavender’s death becomes a turning point for the story and the characters, but he is also remembered for his unique comment about the war being “mellow.” This article will explore when Lavender made this statement and what it meant in the context of the story.

Ted Lavender’s comment about the war being “mellow” occurs in Chapter 4 of The Things They Carried, titled “On the Rainy River.” In this chapter, Tim O’Brien talks about his own decision to go to war, but he also reflects on the experiences of his fellow soldiers, including Lavender. The chapter is set in the summer of 1968, just before O’Brien receives his draft notice. He decides to drive north to the Canadian border and considers fleeing to avoid the war. As O’Brien struggles with this decision, he reflects on Lavender’s death and how it has affected him and the other soldiers.

O’Brien remembers a time when Lavender made the comment about the war being “mellow” and how it struck him as odd. The group had been on a mission to destroy a village, and they had encountered no resistance. Lavender had taken some tranquilizers to calm his nerves, but the lack of action seemed to have the opposite effect. O’Brien describes the moment as follows:

“For a few moments he danced with his arms high in the air, and then he brought his knees up to his chest and collapsed in a heap. Everybody was holding their breath. Then he laughed. ‘That was fucking beautiful,’ he said. ‘I mean it. That was a beautiful deal.’ He put his arm around my shoulder. ‘Hey man,’ he said, grinning at me, ‘the war’s over. What are you gonna do with yourself, man?'”

This moment is significant for a few reasons. First, it highlights Lavender’s state of mind at the time. He was hopped up on drugs, and the lack of combat had made him feel euphoric. However, it’s also clear that Lavender’s comment is somewhat ironic. The war is obviously not over, and the soldiers are still in harm’s way. Lavender’s statement is a way of coping with the reality of their situation, but it’s also a moment of dark humor that underscores the absurdity of war.

In conclusion, Ted Lavender’s comment about the war being “mellow” occurs in Chapter 4 of The Things They Carried. The moment serves as a reflection on the soldier’s state of mind and the reality of their situation. Lavender’s statement is both a coping mechanism and a moment of dark humor, highlighting the absurdity of war. The comment resonates throughout the novel as a reminder of the fragility of life and the arbitrary nature of war.

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Last update 2023-09-27. Price and product availability may change.