Laughing During War

Option #1:Choose a text that represents war -- this text could be photograph, a film (or a scene from a film), a short story, a painting, a poster, a news article, a letter, a poem, a novel, a nonfiction account, or anything else. Analyze this text and explain what it reveals/suggests about the nature, purpose, meaning, or significance of humans at war. Consider the following questions in your analysis:

1. Does the author/producer of this text seem to have an argument or to make a claim? Is there a point he/she is trying to prove? How do you know? Consider the ways in which style or tone or genre contribute to this argument/claim.

2. Who is the intended audience for this piece and why? Again, consider style, tone, and/or genre.

3. Do there seem to be underlying assumptions that shape the author's view?What are they? How do they influence the piece?

4. Do you appreciate or agree with this author/producer's work? Why or why not?
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Tim O'Brien presents a bleak view of war: the death, destruction, and utter sadness caused by war, and how in the end it truly accomplishes nothing. He makes the reader feel like they are suffering alongside the imaginary soldiers, feeling the same kind of pain or grief they experience. Most, if not everybody, will agree with the statement that war is a terrible thing. However, not all authors would describe it in the same way or through the same type of writing.

One of my favorite books mocks, satirizes, and generally pokes fun at war and the associated groups. Catch 22, a book by Joseph Heller, mocks and makes fun of war in general and the useless administration it is controlled by. The main character, Yossarian, exploits the system in a large variety of ways, from being sort-of sick with an unidentifiable and possibly deadly disease, to random censoring of letters.

Throughout the book, it is obvious that Joseph Heller thinks war is a convoluted mess of leadership and organization. He uses Yossarian to make a point, using his exploits as specific problems. He shows how the soldiers who are abroad become attached to prostitutes for strange reasons, how the soldiers can exploit the systems for personal gain (such as shipping food supplies), even how the people who censor letters have the power to totally change a letter's meaning. He uses his satirical, non-sequitur writing style to emphasize the seemingly chaotic nature of war.

However, Heller obviously intends for this book to be read by mature audiences, due to certain scenes and language used. Also, it relates to war, so it is probably not a book for children. Also, Heller seems to assume that all military units, wars, and other conflicts follow the same path as the one he mockingly describes. However, I think it is obvious that while this book demonstrates the points he wants to make, it is not necessarily the most accurate depiction of wartime activities. However, his writing style and abillity to bring humor from incongruity is an amazing trait, and makes his writing all the more enjoyable to read.