11.Journal Entry - "Speaking of Courage"

This chapter is about after the war when Norman Bowker goes home, we learn about his town and the lake. I think that the lake is significant symbol in this chapter. He drives around and around the seven-mile loop ten times reminiscing on the medals that he won. It was a total of seven medals and he knew his dad would be very proud of these, but then he remembers what he didn't win - the silver star. As he drives around the lake he imagines the conversation that would happen between him and his father when he told the story of why he wasn't courageous enough to win this certain medal. Now when dark comes and the fireworks start Bowker wades into the water and watches them. I think that the lake is symbolizing the field of muck where Kiowa had died. Its almost like he wants to go back to that moment to change his actions and try and save Kiowa.