Andrew Negri

10/04/13

AP English Literature and composition

Period 1

Johnny Got His Gun Analysis

A young man approaches that point at which he must leave his parents to find his place in the
world. The passage from Johnny Got His Gun, by Dalton Trumbo, demonstrates the evolution of the
relationship between a father and his son. Trumbo utilizes the setting of a camping trip as a mask, in
order to express their relationship and how life is changing for both father and son. At the same time he
is able to show the rising emotions, through not only dialogue, but also through the sons expression of
different viewpoints. By utilizing the sons character in this way the author allows for insight into his
true intent. The most important strategy that he uses is the expression of how a child seeks
independence from the parent. The dynamic relationship between father and son is characterized
through key elements; point of view, selection of detail, and syntax selected by Trumbo.
Trumbo incorporates specific details that describe the essential aspects of the father and sons
relationship. On lines 12-13 Dalton writes; They had been coming to this place ever since he was
seven. Now he was fifteen.... As Trumbo states this, the message becomes evident that the son is
now looking for an opportunity to break away from the nest and discover himself as an individual, which
associated with his coming of age. The author also incorporates the roar of the flame, as a symbol of
how strong this suggestion is to his father. At the same time, he demonstrates how treasured the
excursion is to the father. Also, by only offering the point of view from the son, he leaves the reader in
suspense as he waits to hear the reaction of the father, anticipating the fathers expression of
aggravation.

Trumbo takes advantage of another key literary element; the differing point of view, which
generates a more complete perspective of the ongoing situation. Throughout the passage there are
demonstrations of each point of view: first, second, and third person. The narration of the passage is an
example of the first person through an interior monologue; Trumbo describes their general
surroundings, and the general background information. Second person is seen through their dialogue,
which helps create the characterization for both the father and the son. Finally, Trumbo expresses the
sons first person point of view by leaving out the quotation marks; demonstrating that the son is
speaking to himself within his own mind. In combination these points of view produce a complete
image of the physical and the emotional aspects of the scene.
Overall, the utilization of these elements convey the emotions felt by both father and son. Also,
Trumbo successfully demonstrates their relationship through the description of the fishing rod. In
providing excessive detail he shows how deeply treasured this fishing rod truly is by the father. By
willingly giving the son the rod it demonstrates just how unconditionally the father loves his son.
Trumbo effectively demonstrates that healthy relationships are an essential aspect of life that enable
individuals to progress throughout life.