The Truth Hidden in Fiction“No event in American history is more misunderstood than the Vietnam War. It was misreported then and is misunderstood today” (Richard Nixon). This quote said by Richard Nixon was directed at all those in the United States who were involved in transmitting the events of Vietnam to the United States. It showed how almost no one was able to describe any realistic detail of the event, except Tim O'Brien. A student at Macalester College, Tim O'Brien was heavily involved in various anti-war protests, such as war protests and several peace vigils (“The Things They Carried…” 318). However, Tim O'Brien was drafted into the Army, and when he was released, he was promoted to captain (“O'Brien (William)…” 1). This source also goes on to say that due to his efforts, Tim O'Brien received the honorary Purple Heart (“O'Brien (William)…” 1). Another source states that, "despite being awarded the Purple Heart for wounds he received, O'Brien detested the war and everything about it, but it would become the catalyst and ongoing inspiration for his literary career." ("The Things..." 319) . This quote helps explain why Tim O'Brien's work focuses primarily on characters who fear war and wish to be released home (“The Things…” 319). Because of the Vietnam War in which O'Brien fought, his work focuses on characters' fictional experiences of the Vietnam War (“O'Brien (William)…” 318). Many health experts have praised O'Brien “for his acute portrayal of the trauma of combat” (“The Things…” 228). This source even goes so far as to say that his stories can be compared to the Iliad and the war stories of Ambrose Bierce (“The Things…” 228). “The Things They Carried” is considered by many to be a great addition to Viet-based books… middle of paper… realistic points. Tim O'Brien does a great job of presenting realistic ideas in "The Things They Carried," which is a story that walks the fine line between "crazy and almost crazy" (Kaplan 232). Whether it is imagery, conflict, or any other literary device, Tim O'Brien uses these elements along with his great understanding of narrative to accurately portray what happened in Vietnam (Kaplan 230). It is thanks to this talent that Tim O'Brien's "The Things They Carried" will remain a perfect example of truthful fictional literature. Richard Nixon's quote may have applied quite well to America whenever he was president; however, after the release of Tim O'Brien's "The Things They Carried", this quote is no longer valid because Tim O'Brien proved that the truth can be told about Vietnam, just tell it in a piece of fiction for it the truth to be heard.