Sweetheart of the Tra Bong by Jordin Ennis

Setting

jordinennis07 — 2024-10-14 21:13:05 UTC

The setting of this chapter is told in the mountains west of Chu Lai near the village of Tra Bong in Vietnam. The area at the base was located between mountains and rainy forests.

Conflict man v man

jordinennis07 — 2024-10-15 20:19:11 UTC

Conflict between Mark Fossie and Mary Anne as she begins to change. Fossie is excited to have his girlfriend with him in Vietnam, but he quickly becomes alarmed as she grows more independent and eager to join the danger and mystery of the jungle. Fossie tries to control Mary Anne, urging her to return to her normal self and even plans to send her home. This causes friction between them, as Mary Anne resists his efforts and openly defies him, asserting her newfound identity.

Major event 1 (Mary Anne Bell’s Arrival)

jordinennis07 — 2024-10-15 20:19:35 UTC

Mark Fossie arranges for his girlfriend, Mary Anne, to come to Vietnam. At first, she’s enthusiastic and curious, quickly adapting to the base camp environment and even taking an interest in learning about the soldiers’ work. Her fascination with Vietnam and the war is evident as she begins to explore the area and bond with the soldiers.

Major event 2 (Mary Anne’s Transformation)

jordinennis07 — 2024-10-15 20:19:51 UTC

Mary Anne becomes more involved with the activities of the Green Berets. She becomes more independent, assertive, and seemingly addicted to the adrenaline and intensity of combat. This transformation shocks the other soldiers, especially Mark Fossie, as Mary Anne grows distant and unrecognizable, both in behavior and appearance.

Major event 3 (Mary Anne’s Disappearance)

jordinennis07 — 2024-10-15 20:20:03 UTC

Mary Anne disappears for several days, worrying Fossie and the others. When she finally reappears, she is wearing a necklace made of human tongues and has completely assimilated into the world of the Green Berets. She speaks about how she feels connected to the land and the jungle, claiming that the war has changed her in ways she cannot explain. In the end, she disappears into the jungle, symbolizing how the war has consumed her, and she’s never seen again.

Climax

jordinennis07 — 2024-10-15 20:20:18 UTC

Mary Anne Bell returns after missing for several days and makes a dramatic appearance. She reemerges wearing a necklace made of human tongues and appears fully transformed, both physically and mentally, from the innocent girl who first arrived. Her speech about feeling at one with the jungle and the intensity of her demeanor shocks Mark Fossie and the others, revealing the extent of her change.

Resolution of Chapter

jordinennis07 — 2024-10-15 20:20:40 UTC

Towards the end of the chapter Rat explains that Mary Anne finds her purpose to join the greenies as one of their soldiers. After saying goodbye for the last time Fossie and others were sent to Alpha company never to hear from her again.