From the paradoxes of fiction to the paradoxes of war, we today explored the author's imagery of war as both devastatingly ugly, yet juxtaposed with the beautiful. We further discussed how last night's reading shifts the point of view from the first to third person and the function of the point of view shift. Additionally, we addressed the irony and implications of the story's plot of a returning veteran who faces a Fourth of July stateside where no-one cares to listen to his "war stories" despite his service . We noted the symbolism in the veteran's driving in circles around a lake and watching fireworks reminiscent of wartime flares and battles. I last provided guidance on how to incorporate today's discussion into tonight's writing assignment.