Linda’s role is to give O’Brien the reason to write stories about immortalization to the dead. Those who die can be revitalized through storytelling, Linda is O’Briens prime example of his belief that storytelling aids the healing process of pain, confusion, and sadness that comes with unexpected death. After her death, he uses his imagination to bring her back to life, depicting that the dead can still be alive through literature. Experience with Linda explains why he can deal with death so well in Vietnam.
