Things 3

2A.) Bowker decides that his feet are sinking much too deeply into the ground and, using his natural instinct, he stops worrying about Kiowa and frees himself from the swallowing pit of mud. After doing so, he is relieved to have saved his own life, but regretful about having to leave Kiowa to die. This story haunts Bowker in a way. Not only does he feel guilty for Kiowa’s death, but he realizes the honor and pride that he would have received, had he saved him. After returning home from war, he realizes the impact that event could have had on the pride his father had in him and his accomplishments. Had he saved Kiowa, Norman Bowker would have received the Silver Start Award and felt as though he gave his father something to be proud of. This begins to take a toll on Bowker’s life and he becomes depressed. Norman writes Tim O’Brien, telling him of how this tragedy has ruined his life. After O’Brien decides to include the story in his novel, Norman Bowker hangs himself.