Joe realizes what he wants

At the end of the novel Joe realizes that we must turn our guns on the people (government) that tells us to shoot to kill. This is a surprising ending because the entire book seems to implicitly make the argument that war must end. I personally think the book should be about peace. However if the book were about peace it would be futile. We could never achieve peace because we are a corrupt people. I also don’t think American people will ever revolt against the government for telling them to go to war. Although Joe is pointing the gun at the end of the book for peace, I don’t think this is a good strategy for it. I do think Trumbo’s impassioned book was beautifully written and probably and eye opener to many. His resolution to the book was amazing even if I don’t agree with his concept.

Joe's Desires

Joe desires human connection throughout most of the second half of the novel. By the end he wants to communicate to the world the horrors and realities of war. I agree with Joe’s desire for human connection. Even if I were not in Joe’s condition I would want human connection. Loneliness is such a simple feeling and yet I believe few have truly felt it. To feel alone in this world, to feel as though no one love you completely or wholly is depressing and scary. All I would want is human connection if I were in Joe’s situation. But at the end of the novel Joe want a voice in America. This is valiant but unrealistic. Joe wants to be brave and become the hero. But if I were in his situation (realistically thinking) I would want to be killed. I would no longer want to live and I wouldn’t care about the rest humanity. I also would probably blame them for my situation.

Against Regulations

Joe wants the human race to understand war in all its realities and consequences. Joe’s been dead. He’s seen war. And Its. Not. Worth. It. Joe has seen rats eating human faces. Joe has seen mothers crying for their little boys. Joe has heard the screams of soldiers dying. Joe has been blown to nothing. Joe knows war. People that promote and support war don’t understand it completely because they’ve never been to war. Joe wants people to understand the horror and damage war causes so that they think before they advocate going to war. Joe wants the government to be truthful and not put war in a respectful light for people. This is against regulations because if people knew the truth no one would be duped into going to war. The government wants people to be ignorant. It is much easier to sway an ignorant society than one that knows all the facts.

Joe's Injury

Joe Bonham has lost his legs, his arms, and his entire face. Essentially Joe has lost all senses besides touch. Somehow, Joe has for the most part remained sane and eventually Joe makes a goal for himself: to know the time. The fact that Joe makes a goal for himself is essential in understanding the book. Joe has only himself and his mind. To make a goal for himself and attempt to live means Joe hasn’t given up or gone insane. Joe’s ‘injury’ also deduces him to dead another important theme in the book. Because Joe is the closest to death a person can come Trumbo creates Joe’s credibility. Joe has been dead and going to war isn’t worth it.