17 pages 34 minutes read

Hurt Locker

Fiction | Poem | Adult | Published in 2005

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Summary and Study Guide

Overview

“The Hurt Locker” appears in Brian Turner’s 2005 debut collection Here, Bullet, published by Alice James Books. Here, Bullet received major media attention, and Turner frequently appeared for interviews in The New Yorker, New York Times, Morning Edition and many other major media outlets. “The Hurt Locker” takes its title and themes from the slang term for a place of deep pain and discomfort. To be in the hurt locker, an individual has experienced something profoundly hurtful, troubling, or painful. In the poem, the speaker shares experiences from Iraq that have impacted them mentally and emotionally.

Poet Biography

Born and raised in California, Turner eventually attended Fresno State in order to earn his bachelor’s and his master’s degree. He eventually earned his Master of Fine Arts from the University of Oregon. Prior to joining the US Army, Turner taught English in South Korea and traveled to Russia, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates. In 1999 and 2000, Turner served with the 10th Mountain Division and was deployed to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Turner served as an infantry team leader with the 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division in the Iraq War beginning in 2003.

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