America as a Man

America in a Man

“Stockings” by Tim O’Brian centers around a soldier, Henry Dobbins, who finds strength and protection in a pair of his girlfriend’s stockings. This might seem unusual to some considering a man is sentimentally attached to a pair of women’s undergarments. However, it is how Dobbins sees these stockings and the connection that O’Brian makes paralleling the soldier and the U.S. to portray American values that is the most compelling. He chooses to express his opinion of America through indirect comparisons to the soldier, and portrays resilience, sentimentality, strength and optimism as great American values.

In the first paragraph of “Stockings,” O’Brian specifically states similarities between Henry Dobbins and America. He does this by indirectly stateing American qualities, in personified fashion. The reader learns that they both are;

[…]big and strong, full of good intentions, a roll of fat jiggling at his belly, slow of foot but always plodding along, always there when you needed him, a believer in the virtues of simplicity and directness and hard labor. Like his country, too, Dobbins was drawn toward sentimentality (O’ Brian 304).

As an American, I see many of these traits exhibited today, such as the increase in nationwide obesity and the comforting ideal that Americans will always band together in times of need like during the September 11th terrorist attacks. However, many of these characteristics are historically American ideals. Throughout history, America has been seen as the land of the big and strong, not to be messed with by outside forces. It has offered opportunities to those who will work hard, keep things simple, and work directly toward their goals. This mentality results in millions of success stories since its establishment in 1776. The characteristic that O’Brian is really driving home with his short story, “Stockings” is American sentimentality. Dobbins stockings are more than just a reminder of his girlfriend back home, they are symbolic of the attachment Americans have to superstitions, good luck charms, and faith. Americans have a need to believe that something bigger than them is out there protecting them and bringing good fortune.

Dobbins’s stockings are definitely a good luck charm for him. During the Vietnam War, soldiers are being killed left and right; no one has any idea if that day will be their last. Henry never sees his last day overseas because of the magic that the pantyhose possess. Dobbins was “never wounded, never a scratch. In August, he tripped a Bouncing Betty, which failed to detonate. And a week later he got caught in the open during a fierce little firefight, no cover at all, but he just slipped the pantyhose over his nose and breathed deep and let the magic do its work”(O’Brian 304). It is very rare for a bomb not to detonate and to come out of a firefight without a scratch, but the magic of the pantyhose keeps him safe. O’Brian is portraying America as a land greatly tied to sentimentality. Americans form very strong connections to items that they believe work in their best interest. Everyone has little rituals that they do before a big game or a hard test in hopes of the best outcome. Maybe the cherished item is a family heirloom that has protected their ancestors for generations or spiritual item, like a cross, that will remind them that God is protecting them. Americans, and humans in general, believe that the power their sacred items hold is greater than the person who gave it to them or the circumstances surrounding their possession of it. Even if situations change, faith will survive the darkest of days.

In O’Brian’s “Stockings,” Dobbins receives a letter from his girlfriend ending their relationship. The stockings smelled of her body and each breath inspired memories of her and their future together. Possessing them gives him the motivation to fight another day, meanwhile protecting him when he needed it. After such a painful blow, Henry Dobbins ties the pantyhose around his neck and says, “No sweat…The magic doesn’t go away” (O’Brian 304). Americans are resilient and tend to seek a silver lining. Dobbins portrays these American ideals by understanding life is unpredictable and embodies the old saying, “when life hands you lemons, its time to make lemonade”. Henry Dobbins heart might be broken from losing his love, but he is in a war and knows he must be strong to fight another day. He believes in the power of the stockings, regardless of where the power originated from. O’Brian is saying