Jewel

Abstract

After being directed to pawn his Ma's jewelry for rent money, and losing a friend to prison, Jewel has to make the biggest decision of his life; enlisting in the Army during the Afghan War. During his time in the Army, he comes into contact with all sorts of characters, who directly and indirectly educate the narrator as he learns about the world inside and outside of the military. As he gains more knowledge about the world, he learns more about himself. This collection of linked stories, which in most ways will eventually read as a novel, modifies the definition of the linked collection. Jewel's life is made up of links to different people and a variety of relationships. These relationships and interactions with characters help build and link together his personality and his perspective. In some stories he may be the main character. In others, Jewel takes the backseat and allows a lesser character to be promoted. A linking of themes also modify the definition of the linked collection. The narrator is reminded of characters and situations past. Previous characters pop up randomly. Old thoughts unexpectedly creep into his mind. Every now and then, objects take on the image of jewels.