The McGrath Fence

The fence surrounding the McGrath property symbolizes the McGrath’s belief in their ability to protect their family from the outside world as well as the extent to which Frankie’s life is set apart from much of the world. The McGraths are a family of means, and they use those means to purchase an estate in a safe community. The fence is there to protect them from outside influences. It is ineffectual, however, as the Vietnam War takes the life of their son and the vitality of their daughter. Their money and resources did not protect them.Frankie was raised behind this fence and this shows just how little experience she has with the war. This provides the background for the disillusionment she will experience as she goes from a sheltered American existence to the life of an Army nurse in war.

Class A Uniform