Manifestations of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) in the character Kien in the novel “The Sorrow of War” and selected connections with American literature and cinema

Abstract

“The Sorrow of War”  (1990)  by Bảo Ninh is one of the most prominent works of Vietnamese literature that vividly portrays PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) in the aftermath of the Anti-American Resistance War. Through the character Kien - a war veteran haunted by intrusive memories, survivor’s guilt, and social detachment - the novel reveals the profound psychological trauma left by war. Its lyrical language, rich imagery, and non-linear narrative structure reflect the inner chaos of a wounded psyche, offering a distinctive tone compared to traditional revolutionary literature. This study analyzes Kien’s PTSD symptoms and draws comparisons with characters in American literature and cinema such as Norman Bowker (“The Things They Carried”, 1990), Nick (“The Deer Hunter”, 1978), and Ron Kovic (“Born on the Fourth of July”, 1989). While all these works explore the mental toll of war, The Sorrow of War carries an introspective, Eastern poetic sensibility, linking PTSD to a nation's collective suffering. In contrast, American works often emphasize individual crises and rebellion. The paper thus asserts the unique value of The Sorrow of War, not only within Vietnamese literature but also as a significant voice in the global discourse about the aftermath of war.