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Introduction
It is essential to emphasize that Last Night I Dreamed of Peace is a diary that was created during the war by a doctor who treated Vietnamese soldiers, communists, and nationalists who were wounded in combat with the American army. However, the American soldier received this diary during the battle and saved it. It was against military instructions, but Fred Whitehurst had a new perspective on the war after reading it. When Fred Whitehurst returned home, the diary remained unpublished for another thirty-five years (Tram 2007). This is because the man was trying to return it to the doctors family, and after this occurred in Vietnam, the first publication of the diary of a military medic was published. Thus, it is important to establish how Tram develops a deep connection with the soldiers and the way the medical worker uses it to escape the harsh reality in which she is trapped.
Emotional Connection
Trams role as a doctor is to care for wounded soldiers, and she considers this responsibility seriously. In addition to caring for their physical wounds, she also provides emotional support and comfort. The woman tried not only to perform the best possible medical tasks, even though there were often no pills, light, or disinfectants but also attempted to encourage the dying soldiers morally (Tram 2007). The diary describes how she spent time with the dying soldiers and managed to distract them from thinking about death. She talked to them about North Vietnam, their families, their duties, and their friends to help them find positive moments.
Accordingly, Trams compassion for the soldiers is evident throughout the story, as she often reflects on the emotional impact of the war on both the soldiers and herself. For instance, the first note in Last Night I Dreamed of Peace describes how she operated on a soldier with appendicitis without proper anesthesia, but he smiled at her during the procedure and tried to encourage her (Tram 2007). In this way, the realities of war affected both the military doctor and the ordinary soldiers, who struggled to assist each other in order to enhance the harsh reality in which they found themselves.
Meanwhile, the diary also provides other instances of the medical care provided to soldiers. One of the soldiers with whom Tram forms a deep bond is a young American soldier named Charles (Tram 2007). The soldier was seriously injured, and Tram did not hesitate to perform her duties. She spent a considerable amount of time with him, which allowed her to learn a significant part of Charless life. It is important to note that when she heard about his childhood at home and how Charles was making plans for the future despite his serious injury, she tried to support him emotionally. Tram made maximum efforts not only to heal his wounds but also to maintain her enthusiasm for the man (Tram 2007). Therefore, in the moments when the woman functioned as a medical practitioner and even a psychologist, she felt a certain kind of exhilaration and pleasure.
Hence, stories about pre-war life or plans for the future were one method of establishing strong connections with the soldiers. The female believed that this would help them find the strength to fight their illnesses and become an incentive to return home to their families (Tram 2007). This emotional connection that the medical professional made enabled her and the wounded soldiers to continue their fight for life. For example, in the case of Charles, she was interested in his recovery and was devastated when he died from his injuries (Tram 2007). At such moments, the woman returned to the harsh reality, but other soldiers who needed her support made her continue the fight and not lose her positive thinking.
The Harsh Realities of War
Trams relationship with the soldiers enables her to escape the brutal realities of war. As a female in a male-dominated field, Tram faces discrimination and harassment from both her colleagues and the soldiers (Tram 2007). She struggles with feelings of isolation and loneliness, and the relationships she establishes with the soldiers give her a sense of community and acceptance. Therefore, it is significant to mention an example where Tram also forms a close bond with another soldier named David. This case is valuable because David is not only one of the few soldiers who treat Tram with respect and kindness, but he also makes her gifts (Tram 2007). The soldier often brings her presents, including books and candy, and takes the time to speak with her about her life and experiences. In their conversations, Tram finds solace, and their relationship becomes a source of comfort for her during the difficult times of war (Tram 2007). As friends were constantly dying and Trams life was also under threat, such everyday moments as signs of attention and conversations helped her maintain a sense of hope.
Nevertheless, in war, as in ordinary life, there are various dimensions, and in addition to discrimination, Tram also encountered extraordinary support from soldiers. This is because war does not spare anyone, and the enemy does not choose whom to kill, which is why medics, professional soldiers, and volunteers are at risk every minute. In addition to emotional support, the soldiers also offered Tram a way to escape the physical dangers of war, such as constant shelling (Tram 2007). When Tram was evacuated from the medical ward, she was forced to flee into the jungle, where she faced the threat of enemy fire and the risk of capture. However, with the help of the soldiers she has treated, Tram is able to navigate the jungle and eventually reach a safe place. It was the knowledge and abilities that the soldiers shared with her during their conversations that allowed her to not only escape from the harsh reality but to learn valuable lessons (Tram 2007). Accordingly, Tram applied them in an emergency situation and successfully escaped the trap.
Conclusion
In summary, in her diary, Tram describes instances of establishing deep connections with the soldiers she treats, which serves as a means of escape from the harsh realities of the Vietnam War and her own struggles. Furthermore, it allows the military doctor to perform her medical tasks efficiently, regardless of the lack of sufficient means to achieve this. As a result, she remains optimistic and tries to help everyone despite difficult circumstances. Moreover, through her empathy and compassion, Tram establishes meaningful relationships with soldiers who offer her emotional support, companionship, and a sense of security. Hence, The memoir Last Night I Dreamed of Peace is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of human connection in challenging times.
Reference
Tram, Dang Thuy. 2007. Last Night I Dreamed of Peace: The Diary of Dang Thuy Tram. New York: Crown.
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