Death Coming Up The Hill: A Novel

These pages from Death Coming Up the Hill explore the historical context of the Vietnam War, its impact on individuals, societal conflicts, Ashe’s internal struggles, and the broader implications of familial dynamics amid the backdrop of war. They illuminate the pervasive influence of the Vietnam War on Ashe’s life. Through Ashe’s experiences, the narrative navigates the dichotomy between familial responsibilities and individual aspirations amidst the societal upheaval caused by the war.

Crowe’s deliberate choice of the novel-in-verse style for his book significantly shapes the depiction of loss, violence, and trauma during the Vietnam War. The author strategically employs haikus, traditional Japanese poetic forms characterized by their brevity and focus on nature, to create a narrative structure that intensifies the emotional impact of the subject matter. For instance, in the poem, “How many had already / died? How many more / would die if we kept / fighting? How much more blood would / it take to conquer / a Southeast Asian / country on the other side / of the world?” (35), Crowe utilizes concise yet descriptive language to depict the harrowing impacts of the war. The poem also encapsulates the raw emotional intensity that permeates the entire novel. The condensed and lyrical nature of poetry enables Crowe to capture the essence of the characters’ inner turmoil, pain, and resilience. Moreover, haikus serve as a literary device that reflects the fragmented and distorted state of the characters amidst the chaos of wartime. Paradoxically, the concise structure of the haiku parallels the complexity of the characters’ experiences, providing insight into the characters’ internal struggles in syntactically brief yet emotionally expansive verse. For instance, in the haiku, “How / could I celebrate when so / much was going wrong?” (68), the author encapsulates Ashe’s fragmented emotions and thoughts as he grapples with the harsh realities of war on his 17th birthday. The brevity of the haiku mirrors Ashe’s strained attempt to find peace and clarity amid the chaos. Additionally, the deliberate juxtaposition of serene poetic forms with the brutality of war creates a compelling contrast that enhances the narrative. By drawing on the traditional association of haikus with nature and tranquility, Crowe accentuates the characters’ inner turmoil, effectively capturing fleeting moments of beauty amidst the devastation. This juxtaposition is evident in the words “even in the heat / of the Arizona sun, / a chill shivered me” (98), where the haiku’s focus on nature starkly contrasts with the preceding description of a wartime event. Through these carefully crafted haikus, Crowe not only mirrors the fragmented emotional landscape of his characters but also highlights their resilience amid overwhelming adversity.

This section of the novel introduces the main narrative conflict: the discord arising from opposing ideologies during the Vietnam War era and Ashe’s family’s dysfunctional dynamic. Ashe’s father, “a flag-waving hawk” (19), embodies the perspective of a patriotic and fervent supporter of war, emphasizing the duty of every man to serve his country when called upon. Ashe’s mother represents the opposing ideology, firmly standing as “an anti-war dove” (20). The contrast between Ashe’s parents mirrors the broader societal division prevalent at that time, encapsulating the ideological struggle between pro-war and anti-war factions. Ashe finds himself in the throes of this conflict as he experiences Struggles with Identity and Responsibility, torn between honoring his father’s patriotic expectations of military service and empathizing with his mother’s anti-war sentiments. Ashe’s mother’s participation in anti-war rallies and her arguments with Ashe’s father are indicative of her pacifist mindset. Ashe’s father’s labeling of anti-war activists as “troublemakers” (9) reveals a significant irony: Those advocating for peace and an end to war are vilified by those supporting the conflict. The juxtaposition between Ashe’s parents’ beliefs underscores the complexity of perspectives during times of societal upheaval.

Ashe’s father embodies misogynistic and patriarchal attitudes, exemplified by his controlling behavior and views on gender roles. For example, Ashe’s father unilaterally decides that “it’s the absolute last time” that Ashe’s mother goes to anti-war rallies (9). This decision underscores the entrenched gender dynamics within the family, where the husband assumes the role of decision-maker and attempts to exert control over his wife’s actions. Ashe’s father’s use of the term “absolute” implies an authoritarian stance, emphasizing his determination to maintain traditional power structures. Ashe’s father’s response later in the narrative to discovering Ashe’s mother’s child with another man further reveals his deeply ingrained patriarchal beliefs. He consolidates his role as the moral arbiter of the family when he tells Ashe, “[S]he has shamed me and you / and herself” (34). His language reflects a mindset that places the family’s honor squarely on the actions of the female members. Ashe’s father’s assertion that Ashe’s mother must pay for her actions further underscores the control he seeks to exert over her life choices. Ashe’s father, in this context, becomes a manifestation of the deeply rooted gender norms and expectations prevalent during the time of the Vietnam War, reflecting the broader societal struggles with traditional gender roles and expectations.

These pages also highlight Ashe’s father’s deeply ingrained racism and prejudiced attitudes. His dismissive comment about basketball being a “black man’s game” serves as a stark example of his racial bias (22). His discriminatory attitude towards minorities, specifically Mexicans, further underscores his racial bias. The portrayal of such prejudiced views highlights the broader societal context during the Vietnam War era, where racism was widespread. Ashe’s father’s racist behavior becomes a catalyst for conflict within the family, contributing to an already strained environment. Ashe’s mother’s response to Ashe’s father’s discriminatory remarks is silent but impactful: She leaves the dinner table “without finishing supper or saying a word” (22). This moment signifies a powerful act of resistance against the racial insensitivity perpetuated by Ashe’s father, emphasizing the deep emotional toll such attitudes can take on familial relationships. The racial conflict within Ashe’s family’s household not only reflects the individual prejudices of Ashe’s father but also serves as a microcosm of broader societal racism during that period.

Crowe employs war imagery to illustrate the tumultuous and divided nature of Ashe’s family life. Ashe’s description of his upbringing “in divided territory” (29) with well-defined boundaries that his parents seldom crossed evokes a war-torn region marked by cease-fires and sporadic conflicts. The analogy draws a parallel between the discord within his family and a war zone. The comparison of his home to a “graveyard” punctuated by unexpected explosions further emphasizes the volatile atmosphere that characterizes Ashe’s upbringing. Crowe’s use of figurative language captures the emotional landscape within the household; his likening of the conflict at home to a “war of silence, not violence” (43) highlights the internal strife and emotional distance among family members. The notion of a “demilitarized zone” (43) confined to his bedroom conveys Ashe’s attempt to carve out a sanctuary amidst the familial discord, where he seeks solace and safety from the ongoing emotional battles raging elsewhere in the household.

Ashe’s yearning for “a normal life” (10), peace, and stability amidst the chaotic backdrop of war not only reflects his personal longing for familial unity but also serves as a representation of the broader societal yearning for peace during wartime. His heartfelt wish for “peace at home, in Vietnam, and the world” (10) signifies his profound understanding of the Far-Reaching Horrors and Enduring Impacts of War on individuals and societies. The narrative’s portrayal of Ashe’s emotional responses to classroom discussions about war casualties and his distress over the escalating horrors captures the psychological toll inflicted upon individuals. Additionally, Angela’s entrance into Ashe’s life serves as a beacon of solace and compassion amidst the tumult of war and family discord. Ashe’s observation of “the new girl from L.A. giving comfort” (42) to their teacher reflects a longing within him for similar solace, revealing his unexpressed desire for emotional support and connection.