Death Coming Up The Hill: A Novel

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes a discussion of murder, war, and violence.

The novel explores the Far-Reaching Horrors and Enduring Impacts of War through its portrayal of the emotional, psychological, and societal consequences of the Vietnam War. Through Ashe’s journey from innocence to disillusionment, the novel depicts the war’s all-encompassing nature and its impact on individuals both on the battlefield and at home.

The novel emphasizes Ashe’s loss of innocence and desensitization to violence as he enters boot camp and is later deployed. Ashe’s portrayal of boot camp reveals the brutal realities faced by soldiers, emphasizing the toll on their mental and physical well-being. He admits that “for eight grueling weeks…[he] dropped into [his] bunk each night like a dead man” (148). Ashe’s introspective thoughts during night patrols highlight his emotional turmoil, survivor’s guilt, and enduring connection with loved ones, illustrating the lasting effects of war trauma. Once deployed, Ashe realizes that “a humid hell is [his] home now, with death lurking in jungle shadows” (150). His acceptance of death’s inevitable presence epitomizes the horrors and brutalities of war and symbolizes the transformative impact of war.

Beyond the battlefield, the novel illustrates the war’s impact on the home front, portraying the anguish and uncertainty faced by families with loved ones serving in Vietnam. Angela’s family grapples with the distress of having Kelly, Angela’s brother, at war, epitomizing the collective anxiety and emotional strain experienced by families across the nation. They receive “no word from her brother, and the Army did nothing to help” (94). The depiction of families awaiting news and the lack of support from the military underscores the broader societal implications and the emotional toll of war on communities.

The novel also depicts the Vietnam War’s impact on Ashe’s family life, illustrating the juxtaposition between the slowing casualties in Vietnam and the increasing “carnage at home” (126). This contrast signifies the war’s shift from a distant conflict to a deeply personal reality for Ashe and his family, underscoring the emotional toll of the war on individuals. Ashe’s reflections on the escalating situation depict the war’s imminent threat and the emotional burden he carries as he contemplates sacrifice.

The novel portrays the enduring impacts of war through its exploration of the far-reaching consequences experienced by individuals and society alike. The emotional and psychological toll, loss of innocence, and desensitization to violence depicted throughout the narrative emphasize the trauma and transformative effects of war.