The theme of home and displacement could also be in the 'back in nam story'. Many people were forced to leave their homes due to the fighting. Refugees had to find new places to live. And for soldiers, they were far from their own homes, longing for the familiar while in a foreign and dangerous land. The contrast between the idea of home and the reality of war - torn Vietnam could be a powerful theme in such a story.
Another theme could be the loss of innocence. The war would have exposed people to violence and death, and those involved might have lost their naivete. For example, young soldiers going to Vietnam and coming back changed forever. Also, a theme of friendship might be present. Soldiers or civilians might form strong bonds during those difficult times to support each other.
One possible theme could be identity. If mommy doesn't know the name, it might be about the character's struggle to find their own identity within the family or in general.
I'm not sure which specific 'back in nam story' you're referring to. 'Nam' is often a short form for Vietnam, so it could be a story related to the Vietnam War era. Maybe it's about someone's personal experiences during that time, like a soldier's memoirs.
There could be a theme of transformation. The experience on the boat could change the characters in many ways, whether it's their personalities, their beliefs, or their relationships. And it might also have a theme of connection. Even in the isolation of the boat, the characters could form deep connections with each other, which could be a central part of the story.
The people who make and enjoy bun bo in An Nam might be an element. Their traditions, cooking methods, and family recipes could be part of the story. For example, if there's a family that has been making bun bo for generations in An Nam, their story could be intertwined with the dish.
One possible theme could be isolation. Silence often implies being alone or cut off, and in a back story, it might show a character's struggle with feeling isolated from society or their loved ones.
Nostalgia could be a theme. If it's a story looking back at the time when someone was in pampers, it's often about reminiscing and feeling nostalgic for that period of life. Also, growth and development could be themes. The story might show how a person has changed from being a baby in pampers to who they are now.
One possible theme could be regression. It might explore the idea of going back to a more innocent or dependent state, like infancy when diapers are used.
One possible theme could be love. The letter might be a love letter expressing deep affection and passion.
One of the most memorable is the tales of heroism. There were soldiers who risked their lives to save their comrades. They showed incredible courage in the face of enemy fire. Another would be the stories of survival. Surviving in the harsh environment, dealing with shortages of supplies and constant threats.
One possible theme could be identity. If Parker has some sort of mark or feature on his back, it might be related to how he sees himself or how others perceive him.