Coming Home

Definition

Coming home refers to the emotional and psychological journey of veterans returning from war and grappling with the dissonance between their wartime experiences and civilian life. This theme highlights the struggles of readjustment, feelings of alienation, and the search for identity, as depicted in postwar films that reflect the societal challenges faced by returning soldiers and their families.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Postwar films often depict veterans struggling with reintegration into society, highlighting themes of alienation and the impact of war on personal relationships.
2. The term 'coming home' is frequently associated with a sense of loss, as veterans confront the reality that their previous lives may no longer exist after their experiences in combat.
3. Films like 'Coming Home' (1978) poignantly portray the emotional struggles of soldiers returning from Vietnam, focusing on their relationships with family and loved ones.
4. The portrayal of veterans in postwar cinema often reflects broader societal issues such as the changing perceptions of war, mental health stigma, and the quest for purpose after military service.
5. 'Coming home' narratives emphasize the need for healing, both personally and within communities, showcasing how veterans seek connection and understanding in a world that may have moved on without them.

Review Questions

• How do films portraying the theme of coming home reflect the psychological impact of war on returning veterans?
  • Films featuring the theme of coming home highlight the intense psychological struggles faced by veterans, such as feelings of alienation and trauma. These films often depict characters wrestling with their wartime memories, emphasizing the emotional scars that linger long after combat. By illustrating these challenges, filmmakers raise awareness about mental health issues like PTSD and advocate for greater understanding and support for veterans re-entering civilian life.
• In what ways does the theme of coming home challenge or reinforce the concept of the American Dream in postwar cinema?
  • The theme of coming home challenges the notion of the American Dream by showcasing the disillusionment many veterans experience upon their return. While the American Dream suggests prosperity and success are attainable through hard work, many films reveal that for veterans, achieving this dream is complicated by trauma, societal rejection, and a lack of support. This contrast highlights a critical commentary on how America often fails to recognize or assist those who have sacrificed for their country.
• Evaluate how representations of coming home in postwar films have evolved from earlier depictions to contemporary portrayals, considering societal attitudes towards veterans.
  • Representations of coming home in postwar films have shifted significantly over time. Earlier depictions often romanticized war and downplayed the psychological aftermath faced by returning soldiers. In contrast, contemporary portrayals embrace a more nuanced understanding of veterans' experiences, recognizing issues like PTSD and mental health challenges. This evolution reflects changing societal attitudes towards military service and acknowledges the complexities of reintegration into civilian life, ultimately fostering a deeper empathy for veterans and their journeys.

Related terms

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, common among veterans returning from combat.

The American Dream: A national ethos that suggests prosperity and success are achievable through hard work, often challenged in postwar narratives that reveal disillusionment.

Veterans' Affairs: Government programs and services designed to support veterans, including healthcare, education, and benefits, highlighting the societal responsibility towards those who served.