"There are almost no characters in this story, and almost no dramatic confrontations, because most of the people in it are so sick and so much the listless playthings of enormous forces. One of the main effects of war, after all, is that people are discouraged from being characters."
This section stood out to me simply because of the horrible sadness it portrays. He seems to see no hope in the war and expresses his thoughts that nothing good comes from it. Rather than creating all these heroic, ideal images and "characters" of the men fighting in the war, Billy ironically points out that war runs them down so much that they are too weak and malnourished to do anything of heroic worth at most times. When they are not fighting in the actual war, they are too busy being lethargic in their slaughterhouse to even interact, much less have "dramatic confrontations." I liked this part because it shines light, once again, on how bad being in the armed forces can actually get sometimes. It's not all rainbows, bravery, and purple hearts that we as spectators are led to believe. The soldiers are often in harsh living conditions and struggle mentally, physically, and emotionally. I think showing this aspect of the life of a soldier is one of Vonnegut's strongest anti-war arguments.
This section shows the sacrifices our soldiers make for our country. Would you have the courage and endurance to sacrifice your mental/physical/emotional health for the safety and well being of thousands of people in your country that you don't even know? Would the chance of even making it out alive be worth the incredible suffering and struggle? I think we don't think about these things enough and don't realize just how much our soldiers give up for the good of the nation.
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