Theme Of In The Lake Of The Woods By Tim O Brien

In the Lake of the Woods by Tim O’Brien explores the human mind and the psychological mechanisms that people use to protect themselves from the truth. The novel follows John Wade, a politician who just lost a race for senator because the truth came out that he was involved in the My Lai massacre during the Vietnam war. Wade and his wife then go on vacation on the great lakes in Minnesota. The story examines Wade’s childhood and his relationship with his wife Kathy. One night Kathy goes missing and a boat is missing. Through flashbacks, hypotheses, and testimonials from other characters, the truth of her disappearance is contemplated. At the end, John Wade sets out upon the same lake and goes missing. The mystery is never resolved, allowing

When his father died he was extremely angry and had no way to cope with both his anger and grief. Instead, he repressed the truth and pretended like his father was still alive. He would have long conversations with his father: “It was pretending, but the pretending helped” (147). He feels like he is incapable of being loved, which makes him desperate for control and love. He takes control the only way he can: by pretending and ignoring reality. This childhood trauma translates into his adult life and his relationship with his wife. His need for control leads to his inability to trust others, even his own wife. When he first met his wife in college, they fell quickly and deeply in love. John Wade became attached to her and loved her so much that he could not bear to see her betray him. He began stalking his girlfriend in order to manage his severe fear of abandonment- “the unshakable belief that our friends and loved ones are going to desert us” (Lois Tyson 16). His father’s suicide and abuse is responsible for Wade’s insecurity and belief that he cannot be

Tony Carbo, Wade’s campaign manager, was one Wade’s closest companions, and he was a witness to their relationship. In an interview with the police he claimed that “he didn’t talk much. Even his wife, I don’t think she knew the first damn thing about him … well, about any of it. The man just kept everything buried” (8). In my artwork, I folded down the bottom section, hiding what is beneath the water’s surface from the viewer. This division represents the division between the conscious and the unconscious. “Repression doesn’t eliminate our painful experiences and emotions”, rather the unconscious harbors these deep-seeded desires, fears, and truths (Lois Tyson 12). The magician’s equipment below the surface serve as further symbols of his ability to manipulate others and his own mind. He developed his magic skills as a child and he has utilized them throughout his life. During the Vietnam war he was known as the sorcerer because he did magic tricks and he was very secretive among his fellow soldiers. His passion for magic did not come to an end after childhood. He continues to trick and manipulate others in order to feel powerful and to maintain control of his life. Stalking and lying are just other forms of his magic