Johnny Got His Gun Chapter Summary

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The setting of “Johnny Got His Gun” is an English hospital during World War I. In this book, Dalton Trumbo captures the socioeconomic and political implications of the War that had changed the lives of many Americans at home and overseas. The book centers around the life of Joe Bonham who experiences firsthand the horrors of World War I. Joe is forced to join the military to serve his country and thus fight in foreign lands to secure the global freedom. However, the consequences of this War are far-reaching as he becomes a victim. Joe is left disabled as his legs and arms are amputated after he survives a blast. He also loses his senses, but his mind continues to function properly. Thus, he experiences emotional torment as he cannot accept his new condition. Joe’s face is also scarred and thus people are not able to recognize him or even his nationality; he struggles to regain his identity. He becomes hopeless and feels trapped in …show more content…

“Johnny Got His Gun” elicits emotions including fear and sorrow and thus enables people to avoid hostilities and violence. For instance, while serving in the military, Joe witnesses severe atrocities against humanity. At one point, he remembers disturbing images of individuals who had been brutally murdered. Thus, he requests his damaged body to be displayed in the public in order to sensitize people on the dangers of war. The book also centers on capitalism and the elements of modern warfare. For instance, the war had led to the class struggle between the poor and the rich. The middle class is deployed on the frontline while the elites order them around. Hence, Joe is a victim of the social oppression since he was deployed into the battlefield unwillingly. For instance, at one point Joe questions the purpose of the war; Joe asks, "What the fight was all about” (Trumbo

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