Analysis of Conflicts in The Novel Johnny Got His Gun

Introduction to "Johnny Got His Gun"

The novel Johnny Got His Gun by Dalton Trumbo explores the life of a young man named Joe Bonham as he navigates through challenging times. From a young age, Joe's life was a constant struggle. Despite having many friends and working hard to support his mother financially, Joe faces numerous conflicts throughout the story. These include his recurring dreams from which he cannot wake, a breakup with Kareen over his decision to go to war, and an incident involving a box of flowers that angers Jody Simmons. These conflicts introduce characters whose personalities and actions are significant, even though they may seem like background figures. However, these characters are not drastically different from the main characters, with most conflicts centering around Joe himself.

Character Analysis

The main character in the novel is Joe Bonham, a round and dynamic character. A round character is a significant player, often the star of the story, who encounters conflict and is changed by it. Joe undergoes substantial internal changes in personality, attitude, or worldview throughout the narrative. Jody Simmons is another dynamic character, experiencing internal changes in personality. Conversely, Bill Harper is a static character who doesn't undergo significant changes in character, personality, or perspective over the story. Mike is a flat character mentioned only at the beginning, while Diane appears in only one chapter. These flat characters do not change significantly from the start to the end of the narrative.

Conflicts in the Novel

Joe and Kareen

The first conflict revolves around Joe and Kareen. Kareen pleads, "Joe, please stay. I want to be with you and have a family." She expresses her deep feelings and desire to be with Joe, with whom she has shared a relationship since high school. They have supported each other through thick and thin. However, Joe's growing depression and thoughts of joining the war deeply sadden Kareen. After weeks of arguing, Joe decides to enlist, leaving Kareen devastated. She returns the ring Joe gave her, unable to fathom his decision. A month into the war, Joe is wounded and hospitalized. Upon hearing the news, Kareen visits him, only to find him undergoing amputation. Overwhelmed with disbelief and sorrow, she never sees or speaks to Joe again. This conflict highlights the pivotal decision that altered Joe's life trajectory and questions whether he might have had a better life if he had heeded Kareen's advice.

Joe and His Dreams

The second conflict involves Joe's disturbing dreams. He wonders, "What is happening to me with these bizarre flashbacks I am getting?" The stress and struggles Joe faces trigger vivid flashbacks and dreams, transporting him to hospital beds, deserts, and oceans. The loss of his father and the pressure of work exacerbate his inner turmoil. As these flashbacks intensify, Joe's frustration grows, leading to an internal struggle. Although he eventually finds solace in a relationship, the dreams persist, leaving him anxious about potential underlying issues. Despite reassurances from a nurse, Joe remains convinced something is wrong. Unable to escape his anxiety, he decides to enlist in the war, seeking a distraction from his internal conflict.

Jose and Jody Simmons

The final conflict involves an argument between Jose and Jody Simmons over a box of flowers. Jose, who has worked diligently at a bakery, is well-regarded by Jody Simmons. However, Pinky Carson, a jealous colleague, convinces Jose to knock down the boxes of flowers as a prank. Despite assurances that it won't matter, Jose is caught by Jody Simmons, who fires him. Although Jose explains Pinky’s involvement, Jody remains unsympathetic. Jobless and disheartened, Jose eventually finds employment at his dream job, bringing him immense happiness. This conflict illustrates the impact of peer influence and the consequences of poor decisions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Johnny Got His Gun presents a compelling exploration of various conflicts and character dynamics. The novel features diverse character types, including round, dynamic, flat, and static, each contributing uniquely to the narrative. The conflicts, ranging from personal struggles to external disputes, enrich the story, making it an engaging read. Joe's journey through hardship is both poignant and thought-provoking, prompting reflection on the choices that shape one's life. The intricate conflicts and character developments make the novel a profound exploration of human experiences.

References

• Trumbo, D. (1939). Johnny Got His Gun. Lippincott.