The Sorrow of War (105-125)

"You're a Pioneer now. One day you'll be a member of the Youth Union, then one day you'll become a real man. So, harden your heart and be brave, my son"

1. This quote relates to a theme of growing up to quickly. Kien had to grow up at a early age his mother left him and his father was a drunk. So Kien didn't have a childhood because he had to take care of himself and his father.
2. This quote characterizes Kien, it shows how he had to grow up very early and how he must learn how to become a man at such a young age.
3. A parental bond that should have been developed but did not.
4. It shows how strong minded Kien was in the novel.