Finally, the end of the war has come, and all that is left to do is venture around, securing areas, and embracing the sweet feel of victory... right? Apparently not, according to Mr. Swofford. When all is done, and the marines return home, some are left with this feel of vacancy. As if all their effort and emotional anguish was all for nothing. Evidently, if you hadn't killed a man in war, you are a liar, a cheat. Simply, just came along for the ride. Those men who came home, telling war stories, talking about "good news", disgrace the reputation of themselves, their family, and their country.
After reading the end of Jarhead, and listening to Anthony Swofford speak in the present tense of his venture and outlooks upon it, I simply thought of an old depressed man wanting to complain about his life. I thought of my grandfather, and how he suffers from this neurosis. I feel that at the time of war he was proud to represent his country, and glad of his decision to sign his life to the marines. Now, lonely and a little older, he may not have much going for him right now in life, and so... Jarhead, by Anthony Swofford.
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1 comment:
Some good thoughts here....but look at what Swofford says is his job as a returning soldier--what is he supposed to do? ANd then think about the memoir in this light.....
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