Johnny Got His Gun Passage Analysis

As any young man matures into adulthood there comes a moment where he becomes more independent, parting ways from those who hold significant value. Dalton Trumbo enlarges this idea in his novel Johnny Got His Gun as he focuses in on the relationship of a father and his son. Trumbo uses several techniques in a manner that is able to highlight and characterize this relationship including point of view, selection of detail and syntax. With the use of third person limited, Trumbo is able to depict the relationship of love and wistfulness in an effective manner while also creating a dramatic atmosphere. With third person, Trumbo is able to establish a background and add a dramatic feel to the plot with statements such as “His father had always preferred his company to that of men and he had always preferred father’s company to that of the other guys.”

In the opening sentences Trumbo provides a detailed description of the campfire and overall scenery. “Each summer they came to this place which was nine thousand feet high and covered with pine trees and dotted with lakes.” The specific details here enlighten the scenery and shows the importance of the setting to both the young man and father. The men appreciate the location and it holds a dear place within their hearts, a place where their relationship is strong. In addition, another detail which is utilized to showcase the strong relationship in the passage is the father’s fishing rod. “So you use my rod and let Bill use yours.” Here he allows the young man to use what the narrator says is the father’s” only extravagance” he had his entire life. Details go on to include the fact that the father sends out the rod each spring to Colorado to have it restored into new condition. This event underlines the fact that he trusts only his son with the rod and further characterizes the relationship with trust and