Johnny Got His Gun

Melanie Gonzalez English ll March 25, 2012 Miss Hartman Johnny Got his Gun Ever wondered what its really want to be in warfare? Welcome to reality and welcome to Joes reality. Joe is a living, breathing, and perfect example of what war is and the effects of it. Some say, Joe might as well not even be living. In Johnny Got His Gun, Trumbo uses three rhetorical strategies imagery, rhetorical questions, and sense of humor and tone. Through imagery, we envision the reality of war. Through mood and tone, the author writes in such a authority that creates a certain feeling towards war as well as towards Joe.Through rhetorical questions, the author leaves us thoughts to ponder on. Imagery is one of the strategies that appeal to all of our senses. Trumbo does a great job in portraying the realities and encounters of war. Trumbo carefully describes war by using spine-tingling examples. For example, in chapter XII, Joe mentions a young Englishman walking through a field and falling into a d ecomposing man. The young man couldnt get bug out, and he threw up, still with his work up completely lodged in the rotting flesh of what used to be a living, breathing human being.Just the way that Joe describes the situation, it sends chills running down your spine I suddenly felt as if I was the one who had fallen through the dead man. This is just one of the many traumatizing encounters of the war. Also, in chapter XII, a man with an open-view stomach was brought to be treated. Just imagine that? I dont think I wouldve been able to bear the sight of a persons organs out in the open. Imagery allows us to visualize the painful, physical horrors of war.Trumbo appeals to our emotions in a way that even outs us feel like we are physically in the war and what Joe must be feeling. Mood and tone is the key to how a reader feels and the way authors express themselves. The mood is depressing while the author expresses a prejudicious tone towards war. Joe strongly dislikes that he is being forced to fight for something without meaning. This becomes depressing as more stories and encounters are told. Trumbo persuades the reader that war is basically just a place where men are sent to die.The tone stays the same throughout the whole book unless Joe mentioned or talked about Kareen, his girlfriend. Whenever Joe talked about her, it was like tiny by little everyday he was getting farther and farther away from her. The mood and tone of a book always has a diverse outcome on the readers reaction to the story. Its used to create a sense of emotion in such a way that you feel as if you were living within the characters. Last but not least, rhetorical questions. Trumbo uses and repeats many questions, leaving the reader to ponder upon.Joe continuously asks, what is love? What is decency? What is emancipation? Doesnt that leave you thinking? Joe is told that a war is fought for freedom and liberty and to show honor for your country and to die honorably. But whos idea of honor or decency or freedom? It releases an anti war message. It becomes very powerful throughout the book. Joe starts questioning many aspects of the war as I mentioned before. Trumbo makes it seem as if we were in Joes mind or asking ourselves these same questions.In conclusion, I wouldve never come to realize the true, gruesome horrors of war if it wasnt for this book. What difference does it make for soldiers dying on the frontlines for their country? Killing the opposing army? Or giving up your life when you dont even know on the dot what youre fighting for and who knows if youll ever benefit from it? Imagery, mood and tone, and rhetorical questions have played a big role throughout this book. Its incredible how the straining of WW2 Johnny get your gun was motivating, convincing, and inviting. However, Johnny got his gun and he lost.