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Analyzing Language, Style, and Structure
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10. Vocabulary in Context. Johnson regularly uses the word deployment in its most common
meaning, which refers to the movement of military troops. What other meanings of this word
have you encountered in nonmilitary contexts?
Narrative
11. Most paragraphs in the first part of this narrative begin with the phrase “I remember.” What is
the effect of this repetition?
12. After spending the opening of the narrative sharing the pain of her mother’s absence, Johnson
reveals that her mother does, in fact, return from the war safely (par. 4). What is the effect of
Johnson’s choice not to leave the reader in suspense about her mother?
13. Reread the first several paragraphs and explain what Johnson does with word choice and
descriptions to effectively communicate a seven-year-old’s perspective of events.
14. Johnson employs several examples of figurative language and imagery in describing her
family’s preparations for her mother’s return (par. 10): “war swooped into our lives,” “buy a
trunk-load of yellow ribbons,” “hordes of them showed up.” What effects does she create with
these stylistic choices?
15. This narrative could easily be broken into three distinct but related parts. Identify the
organizational choices that Johnson makes and offer a possible explanation for her choices.
16. Reread a paragraph or two from the section in which Johnson is working the return
ceremonies. What is her tone toward these ceremonies, and what specific word choices help
to communicate this tone?
17. Closely examine paragraph 24 for Johnson’s use of imagery. How do the details and diction
communicate her attitude toward her mission in Afghanistan?

Topics for Composing

18. Analysis. Unlike many of the narratives you may have read in this chapter, this one does not
include an explicitly stated reflection in which the author often identifies what she has learned.
Based on what you have read, write an analysis of what you think Johnson is trying to
communicate about military service, homecomings, family, or another topic.
19. Argument. At one point in her narrative, Johnson explains that some civilians are completely
unaffected by war because they do not have family members in active duty. Many countries
around the world have mandatory military service for some period of time, usually two to three
years. Should the United States require military service? Write an argument supporting or
opposing this practice, using Johnson and other sources for evidence.
20. Connections. Has someone you know served in the military and been stationed overseas?
Or has a close family member needed to be away for a significant amount of time? How were
your experiences with the homecoming similar to or different from Johnson’s?
21. Research. Johnson served in the Afghanistan War in 2010 and her mother served in Desert
Storm in 1991. Research the causes and outcomes of those wars and identify any
connections you find between them. How does learning more of the history affect your
understanding or appreciation of this narrative?
22. Creative Writing. Johnson includes only a portion of a paragraph describing her experiences
in Afghanistan (par. 24). Write a diary entry that expands on the details she includes here. As
much as you are able, try to maintain Johnson’s voice and perspective. Or, write a letter from
seven-year-old Johnson to her mother deployed in Desert Storm and her mother’s reply letter.

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