Johnny Got His Gun Blog 8

• Blog – What does Joe want and why is it against regulations?

Joe is finally able to communicate with the new nurse. After she spelled out “MARRY CHIRSTMAS” on his chest he begins tapping again. Instead of trying to comfort him like the other nurse did, she leaves, and comes back with a man who taps, “WHAT DO YOU WANT?” Joe cannot however think of anything that he wants because has been longing to communicate with people and now he can do just that. At first Joe thinks to himself, maybe they are asking what material goods I want. Joe doesn’t want any material goods; he has no use for them. Then Joe goes into thinking that they, the hospital staff, should know what he wants, legs, arms, ect. Joe’s wanting to have a new life inspires himself to think more. However, Joe knows that taking this outside the hospital would cost money that he does not have. In order to pay for this Joe imagines himself being put on display for paying viewers to come and see his body. After he translates this to Morris Code the man leaves. Then comes back with the response, “WHAT YOU ASK FOR IS AGAINST REGULATIONS WHO YOU ARE.” He then feels the sharp pain of a needle being struck into his skin. At this point Joe realizes that the hospital just wants to get rid of him. They are giving him more dope. He doesn’t understand why they wont even let him talk. As Joe goes into an unconscious state, he has another dream with Christ. In this image Joe realizes now why they won’t let him talk. Joe’s body needs to be kept in secret so that generals can still recruit men to go off to war. If young men would happen to see Joe’s body they believe that it will scare them off because they have seen the common horrible truth about war.