This document is anaylsis of quotes form billy lynn's long haltime walk. It's very helpful for the paper 2 exam, as you'll need ti emmorize important quotes and come up with detailed analysis (which this document provides a lot). I recommend downloading the document before an exam to memorize.
"Women, actual females" is a quote that shows stereotypes of traditional masculinity. The line reminds
the readers that the soldiers are still young men who want girlfriends. It reminds us that the men have
been in war for a while and are suprised to see women (especially women yelling for them to roll up
their windows). It encourages the impression that traditional masculine men are quick to acknowledge
women. The word "actual" suggests that the soldiers are fazed by the girls, they had to take a second
look to know that they were "actual females".
"A pale, spongy Twinkie of a human being crammed into starched blue jeans and fancy cowboy boots".
This quote paints an image of a man trying to find into the standards of traditional masculintiy and it's
clear he's trying very hard. The word pale and spongy give imagery of a man who doesn't gooutside a lot
and isn't muscular which opposone traditional masculintiy. Sponges have holes in them which could
represent the holes of insecurity of the twinkie of a human being trying to fit/cram into stereotypes. The
word cram has connotations of trying to fit, the man is trying hard to fit in the expectations of what a
"real man" is like. He wants to seem strong and cool by wearing fancy cowboy boots even though he
clearly doesn't get involved with real labor. This could suggest that traditional masculintiy is toxic and
creates unrealistic standards which causes people to buy uneccessary things just to blend into
expectations. This quote is in the first page of the book and already foreshadows that masculinity will be
a big part of Billy's life especially in the army. An example of this is when makes digs at Billy's
masculinity, when it's revealed a girl will be playing Billy's character in a movie.
"Was never in the military myself, the man confided, swaying, gesturing with his giant Starbucks, but my
granddaddy was at Pearl, he told me all the stories". This quote suggests how traditional masculinity
may have changed over time. The quote proves that back in the day masculinity was more of a big deal
which is why almost everyman was required or felt required to join the army. While now, traditional
masculinty may not be as influential/relevant which is represented by the man gesturing with his big
starbucks. The use of the word "grandaddy" kind of gives childish connotations, this can suggest that the
decrease of traditional masculintiy expectations in the new generation are leading men to be less
mature and independent.
p.11: As if sorrow is the true reality? ...he’s come to believe that loss is the standard
trajectory
This quote relates to the theme of heroism and humanity and the absurdity of war. "loss is the
standard trajectory" is a phrase that suggests that the trauma/PTSD caused by war makes
people depressed and feel like they're always losing something even when they're not in war.
This is even expressed in the first part of the quote, Billy only being 19 believes that life only
consists of hardship and melancholy. Billy's PTSD fills his mind with surreal imagery of war and
death. Going back to the theme of heroism and humanity, the quote proves that behind every
hero there is a tale of tragedy. A hero's job is to save people, but obviously they can't save
everyone which is why loss is part of everyday life.
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