The idea that “people never change” is proven false in various environments, as individuals undergo different transformations. In Tim O’Brien’s novel, The Things They Carried, the chapter “Sweet Heart of the Song Tra Bong” illustrates how Mary Anne Bell is impacted by the harsh conditions of war. Mary Anne’s boyfriend, Mark Fossie, convinces her to join him in Vietnam. Upon arrival, Mary Anne’s curiosity is evident as she involves herself in activities such as cooking, tending to the injured, and participating in night patrols alongside the squad. Gradually, she assimilates into the group of soldiers. O’Brien depicts the effect of the violent and war-ridden atmosphere on Mary Anne’s physical and psychological transformation. Throughout her time in Vietnam, she transitions from a civilized and innocent girl to a savage and merciless woman.
At the onset of her stay, O’Brien depicts Mary Anne as a civilized and innocent girl through the portrayal of her physical and psychological traits. During her initial appearance, O’Brien characterizes Mary Anne as an attractive girl with “terrific legs” (p. 90), implying her lack of exposure to adversities. By presenting her as a sexual object, O’Brien accentuates her innocence and unfamiliarity with war. Furthermore, Mary Anne’s “bubbly personality” suggests her inclination to perceive only the positive in others, thus revealing her naivety and innocence. O’Brien highlights Mary Anne’s complete ignorance of the hostile environment by describing how she loves the “thatched roofs and naked children” and the simplicity of village life. This demonstrates her lack of awareness and immaturity, as she speaks positively about a place embroiled in violence and warfare. At the start of her time with Mark Fossie and the crew members, Mary Anne is seen as innocent and naïve, but with time, as she gains more knowledge about the war, she undergoes a transformation into a savage and merciless woman. O’Brien suggests that despite being from the city and belonging to a higher social class, Mary Anne exhibits respect for and supports those less fortunate.
As Mary Anne begins her education in skills relevant to aiding the war effort, the war-torn environment serves to undergo a transformative effect on her both physically and mentally. It becomes evident that Mary Anne possesses a capacity for violence and is not easily repulsed by sights of blood and injuries – a contrast to the typical demeanor of a refined urban lady. Her unexpected comfort with the grotesque nature of war is further exemplified by her decision to no longer adorn herself with jewelry. This transition in behavior signifies her determination to assume the role of a soldier and contribute effectively to the war effort. The war molds her personality, reconfiguring her into someone with a much more solemn outlook. In a bid to distance herself from her former image as a vulnerable and feeble girl, Mary Anne takes the drastic step of cutting her hair short, signaling her desire to be regarded seriously. The war-scarred environment compels Mary Anne to adopt a more hardened disposition, thereby reshaping her physical and psychological identity from that of a refined and innocent girl into an uncompromising and savage woman.
After undergoing a full transformation, both physically and psychologically, Mary Anne becomes a ruthless and barbaric woman due to the warlike environment’s impact on her. Upon her return from a three-week absence, her eye color changes from blue, typically associated with attractiveness, to a vivid jungle green (p.101), symbolizing her complete transformation. The room she occupies emits a scent reminiscent of an animal’s den, with a mixture of blood, scorched hair, and decaying flesh. This description portrays the unclean and savage state in which she now lives. Her necklace made of human tongues serves as the ultimate manifestation of her completed transformation. While most people would find it repulsive, Mary Anne proudly wears it, signifying her increased brutality. In her own words, she expresses a profound connection to her own body while in the field, indicating her enjoyment and affinity for warfare. Her barbaric nature becomes undeniably evident at this point.Despite the terrifying prospect of being in a war-ridden place where one’s life is at risk, Mary Anne takes delight in it. O’Brien suggests that war breeds fearlessness in individuals as it serves as an environment where one has no attachments or consequences. Mary Anne has undergone a complete metamorphosis, transitioning from an innocent and refined girl into a merciless and savage woman.
Mary Anne Bell, a sweet and innocent city girl, undergoes a violent and barbaric transformation in the chapter “The Sweetheart of the Song Tra Bong” as a result of the impact of war. Initially depicted as a beautiful and attractive blonde, she appears unaccustomed to the demanding tasks carried out by soldiers and paramedics. However, she possesses a willingness to learn and derives pleasure from contributing to the war effort. The pressure to toughen up becomes imperative for her, both emotionally and physically, in order to avoid becoming a burden on her companions while living in Vietnam. Consequently, Mary Anne evolves into a formidable figure, her toughness manifesting itself in acts of violence and savagery.
