What is the theme in The Pugilist at Rest by Thom Jones?

Heroism is another theme in the book. Although the story presents a pessimistic view of human nature, it also contains a glimpse of the traditional heroic ideal. This is seen in Jorgeson's actions when the Marines are ambushed by North Vietnamese troops. Although Jorgeson has never before been exposed to enemy fire, he stays cool and returns fire on the enemy. His situation is desperate, but he keeps his head, firing his M-16 in “short, controlled bursts,” killing a lot of enemy soldiers. Even when he is mortally wounded, his shriek distracts the attention of a North Vietnamese soldier who is heading in the narrator's direction. The narrator believes that Jorgeson screamed on purpose in order to save his, the narrator's, life. Jorgeson, therefore, lives up to the highest ideals of the Marine Corps.