If you like stories with a traditional plot, this experimental story from Donald Barthelme may not be for you. Having said this, many reviewers rank it as one of Barthelme’s best. The narrator is the leader of a city besieged by “Comanches”. Interspersed with recounting the battle he shares random, disjointed memories, often expressed in unconventional language. A major theme is rebellion: the “Indians” are attacking the city, many of its unhappy citizens revolt and help them, and his girlfriend supports the Indians and wants nothing more to do with him. Other themes include violence, male-female relationships, deception and betrayal.
Written in 1968, the story can be interpreted as either an allegory of the Vietnam War (North vs. South, superior weaponry, killing of innocent women and children, prisoner torture, violent anti-war demonstrations), or a satirical account of various aspects of American life over the years (imperialism, Native American genocide, racism, treatment of the poor, street violence, drug and alcohol addiction, cultural decay, the rise of people power).
Original Text / PDF / Audio (2,400 words)
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