Which do you think played a larger part in the man Ben became, his father's influence, or his years in the service?

Ben had a complicated relationship with his father. Which do you think played a larger part in the man he became, his father's influence, or his years in the service?

I think both had very strong influences in who he became but also Becca's influence, Reno's influence, King's example and also the CO. Violence and obedience figured heavily in his personality but also loyalty, love, and a recognition of his own drive.

Both had an influence on Ben. He seemed to join the service to prove something to his father. His first deployment appeared not to have any influence on him. It was his second deployment that had the greatest impact. Yet, he seemed unaware of the great impact it did have. I feel he continued to be very immature throughout the book.

I agree that Ben was pretty immature, but isn't that the case for so many of the young men returning from war? They go off sooooo young! In some ways it forces them to grow up more quickly than their peers, but in others I think it can really stunt their emotional growth. Neither he nor Becca were very old. I don't remember their ages exactly, but she was still in college and he wasn't much older.

I agree. Both characters were immature and both trying to please their fathers who were distant. I hate the saying that "war will make a man out of you." Maybe, but what kind of man? We send these boys off to war, then expect them to be nice college boys when they return. How is that possible after all they've seen and endured?

Hard to tell which played a larger part. I think both influenced him.