A Dreadful Masterpiece (Pyle)
vivid, realistic memory
depicts graceful aspects of war
deep sense of appreciation of war
not fearful of danger of war
“They weren’t too far away”
establishes proximity to active battle
devoid of fear
in awe of surroundings
ashamed of awe (contrast with Billy - moody, serious)
Slaughterhouse Five:
focus on negative aspects of war
much more analytical approach to describing war
Both:
sense of serenity after attack
More realistic?
Pyle distances himself from the realistic/ negative aspects of war
soldiers in Vonnegut’s camp seem at ease
Vonnegut: hectic, newly enlisted perspective
Pyle: describes arbitrary details
Comparison:
juxtaposition of both narratives draws out the contrast between older and younger people in war
disconnect between reality and what is being perceived