"Billy was preposterous- six feet and three inches tall, with a chest and shoulders like a box of kitchen matches." (pg. 33)
This quote shows characterization of Billy, the eye doctor turned alien abductee turned soldier. I think this quote is a little bit ironic, too, because in addition to pointing out his bony features and awkwardness, the setting, the middle of a war, is even more out of place. This is direct characterization since it says that he is preposterous. It is also indirect because it uses his physical features to imply his awkward nature, especially on a battlefield. Another quote, from the same page, that I find humorous is Billy's reaction to nearly getting shot. "Billy stood there politely, giving the marksman another chance." (pg. 33) This quote shows how, along with his gigantic stature (see what I did there?), his "polite" demeanor proves him as ill-equipped for fighting a war. I'm not sure, but that quote could also show the anti-war theme. Billy was too polite, considered a good quality, which contrasts with his effectiveness in war, something the author rebukes as an evil thing. So at least Billy almost getting shot and awkwardly standing in the middle of the range of fire helped us readers learn a lesson. :)
This quote shows characterization of Billy, the eye doctor turned alien abductee turned soldier. I think this quote is a little bit ironic, too, because in addition to pointing out his bony features and awkwardness, the setting, the middle of a war, is even more out of place. This is direct characterization since it says that he is preposterous. It is also indirect because it uses his physical features to imply his awkward nature, especially on a battlefield. Another quote, from the same page, that I find humorous is Billy's reaction to nearly getting shot. "Billy stood there politely, giving the marksman another chance." (pg. 33) This quote shows how, along with his gigantic stature (see what I did there?), his "polite" demeanor proves him as ill-equipped for fighting a war. I'm not sure, but that quote could also show the anti-war theme. Billy was too polite, considered a good quality, which contrasts with his effectiveness in war, something the author rebukes as an evil thing. So at least Billy almost getting shot and awkwardly standing in the middle of the range of fire helped us readers learn a lesson. :)
OH, YES HE DID.
I didn't hardly notice this instance of characterization, but it makes total sense. Basically these quotes sum up Billy's character at least as it relates to war. He is not meant to be a soldier and I think that might relate to the fact that the Americans were using everyone they could in WWII.
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