Introduction to the second world war

[Daniel]

Why do you think that instead of entering straight into World War 2 the author told the stories of the soldiers of Wake Atoll and Perl Harbor?

[Patrick]

I believe the author included these stories because it helps to create a background for the ordeal that Louie was about endure. Not only that but to emphasize what this war means to Louie and the rest of America. When Louie hears about Pearl Harbor the author goes into great detail and seeing as this passage is based off of memory, it is incredible that Louie can remember his exact thoughts down to the word. Pearl Harbor was like the 9/11 of that day; so just like 9/11, when Pearl harbor happened it permanently burned into Louie's memory as it was so terrible. Once he heard he of what had occurred, he picked up his hat and ran out of the theater, he was going to war. No questions asked. And as for Wake Atoll, the story helps to describe the feelings that Louie and the Americans felt towards the Japanese. The Japanese enslaved and killed the American soldiers at the fall of Wake Atoll, instilling hatred for the Japanese and fear of enslavement in the American soldiers. Also it helps provide reason and familiarity for when Louie goes on his first combat mission in the air raid on Wake Atoll.

[Joseph]

I believe the author included individual back stories to create a connection between the characters and the reader. This enabled a greater affect of pathos during moments of grief, excitement, fear, or even chaos. The key is that it reminds you that these characters aren't just characters, they're real people, who really went through all of this. That invokes stronger feelings of sympathy towards the characters like Zamperini. "On the weekend after the crash, Pete, Virginia, and Louise Zamperini made an impromptu visit to the home of Cuppernell's parents, who lived in Long Beach. It was a merry meeting..." (Hillenbrand 143). This scene specifically made them the most human to me, reminding me that they have families that don't realize what has happened. That, on top of the fact that this is a true story, makes for a lot of logos to be included. And this is all set up by the description of the individual characters at the very beginning.

[Joseph]

Patrick, I agree. Especially about the part where Hillenbrand was setting up a backstory for what they were going to endure. It was kind of like foreshadowing in a way. For example, when the crew first got lost in training, take explained that it was a common fear that the pilots would crash. "The panic had been justified, for accidents were common and deadly" (Hillenbrand 66). This, plus the statistics she gave, are foreshadowing their fate. Also, this can be seen when Hillenbrand discusses the soldiers fear of being captured, and also Execution Island.

[Eoghan]

Yes Patrick and Joe i agree with both of you as i think that the author was trying to develop the characters as well as show the fear of Louie and the American public because as Patrick said it was similar to the 9/11 of that generation. I believe Hillenbrand was trying to grow the relationship between the character and the reader by appealing to pathos. Through the stories of Pearl Harbor and Wake Atoll the reader develops a sense of pity for the characters which draws the reader in by appealing to their emotions. In addition I agree with Joe when he says it is a way of foreshadowing as Hillenbrand had used foreshadowing throughout the book. An example of foreshadowing was when in the first chapter a young Louie sees the German plane and is frighten of it saying he wants nothing to do with planes which is ironic and foreshadowing because Louie ends up in the Army Air Corps as a bombardier. The two stories of Pearl Harbor and Wake Atoll offer a good transition into the War.

[Alex Rousso]

By not entering straight until World War 2, the stories of Wake Atoll and Pearl Harbor help the reader understand the era that they are going to be reading in. With the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, Americans were fearful of more attacks. The background of Pearl Harbor and Wake Atoll set up into the draft, and provide background for the reasons for the war. Pearl Harbor may also have foreshadowed Louie's position as a bomber as stated by Eoghan.

[Brigid]

Be wary of sounding repetitive of another (or a few others) post above your own. If I view it as repetitive then I will give 0 points for that post.

If you feel that the question was answered fully, then you can always say so and propose another question that connects in some way. For example, "Great points guys; I think we flushed this topic out fully. So, to keep this thread from sounding too repetitive, how about we comment on the different appeals to pathos and how imagery aids in making this appeal?"