Summary Of This Boy's Life By Tobias Wolff

In the book This Boy's Life: A Memoir by Tobias Wolff, the author tells his story about growing up in the 50s. Toby had an unconventional life, with his mother always dating abusive boyfriends, he never had a normal family. Toby had many adventures throughout this book and his personality traits lead him to the army in the end. "Then I went into the army. I did so with a sense of relief and homecoming... Where I might still redeem myself. All I need is war. Careful what you pray for... Falling and dying are for quitters" (286). When he was little, he was interested in guns and even made sure to pack his rifle when he moved to Seattle. At one point in the book, Toby said, "All the images of myself as I wished to be were of myself armed" (27).

It seemed to give him a sense of control and that is one thing that eventually lead him to the army. He seemed to really love the idea of guns and belong in that kind of life. When he went to the private school, he didn't belong. He tried his best and got help from his English teacher but ultimately didn't do well. He was also disappointed to do so badly and ended up being a drinker and smoker. He was not the best version of himself and wanted to redeem himself. The army was a good chance to do so. With his personality traits and love for guns, the army was the perfect place for him. It would give him a sense of control because of the guns and he would redeem himself by serving his country. He also seems he would be good at this and the story told this like he was a perfect fit. Toby tried his best at everything he wanted to do. At the private school, he tried his best to succeed but he ultimately did not live up to the expectations put on him. With the army, he would try his best and wouldn't quit. He said "falling and dying are for quitters" and since would be the best he can at war, he would not fall or die. Instead of falling and dying, he would redeem himself and find somewhere he would