The characters' actions also depict the insanity. They are constantly in a state of fear and confusion. Their daily lives are filled with absurd tasks and situations that make no sense in a normal context but are the norm in war. This chaos and lack of reason are the essence of the insanity of war as shown in the novel.
The way the military leadership behaves is another aspect. They are more concerned with their own power and status than the well - being of the soldiers. This misaligned priority creates a situation where the soldiers are sacrificed needlessly, highlighting the insanity of the whole war enterprise.
It shows the physical harm. Soldiers are injured and killed in the war, like the many battle scenes described in the book where the characters face the real danger of getting shot or bombed.
It shows the psychological breakdown of soldiers. The horrors of war are so great that it shatters their mental states. For example, characters may experience hallucinations or extreme paranoia, which are symptoms of the psychological toll war takes.
In war light novels, characters are often portrayed as having to adapt quickly. For example, in 'Gate', the JSDF soldiers have to adjust to the strange new world they are in while still maintaining their military discipline. They can be shown as brave, like the heroes in 'Full Metal Panic!', who face dangerous mecha battles without hesitation. Some characters may also show growth, starting as inexperienced in war but becoming hardened veterans over time.
One of the main themes is the absurdity of war. In 'Catch 22', the military bureaucracy creates situations where the rules are self - contradictory, like Catch - 22 itself. Another theme is the dehumanization of soldiers. They are treated as mere cogs in the war machine and lose their sense of self and morality in the chaos of war.
It shows characters evolving. For example, Pierre starts as a rather aimless aristocrat but the war forces him to re - evaluate his life. He becomes more involved in the bigger picture and matures. Natasha also changes a great deal. Her naivete is tested by the harsh realities of war, especially when her fiancé is injured in battle.
The book may portray the war through the eyes of different people. Soldiers might describe the horror of combat, while civilians could talk about the hardships they faced. It could also show how the war affected different countries in different ways.
In a 'love and war novel', love is often portrayed as a powerful force that can either be strengthened or torn apart by the hardships of war. For instance, in 'A Farewell to Arms', the lovers' relationship is constantly under the threat of the brutal war, making their love seem both precious and fragile.
In 'Penguin Book of First World War Stories', the war experience could be portrayed as a complex web of emotions and events. There would be the initial patriotism that led many to enlist, but then as the war dragged on, the disillusionment set in. The soldiers would face not only the physical danger from the enemy but also the mental and emotional strain. The stories might also touch on the cultural and social changes that the war brought about, both during and after the conflict.
The movie portrays that war makes soldiers face moral dilemmas. They have to choose between following orders and doing what's right. For example, if their superiors order them to harm civilians, they have to decide whether to obey or not. This internal struggle is a big part of the impact on soldiers.
The game's portrayal of the historical context of World War I in Battlefield 1 War Stories is quite comprehensive. The dialogues in the game are a good indication of the attitudes and ideologies of the time. The characters might talk about patriotism, duty, and the reasons for the war. The uniforms, the architecture in the game, and even the languages spoken by the different factions all contribute to creating an accurate picture of the historical setting. It's not just a game about shooting; it's a window into the past, showing the chaos, the heroism, and the futility of war during World War I.