Johnny Got His Gun Analysis

Writing Sample (synthesis essay of two works):

Democracy is glorified for its ability to bring power to the people and is viewed as a source of freedom and liberty; unfortunately, that is not the case. In fact, all that is accomplished from this abstract idea is the reality of stagnation in government resulting in a lack of choice and oppression of citizens. Rather than providing a voice for individuals, the democratic process supports authority and their manipulation by placing them in the limelight and encouraging the spread of falsified ideas and brainwashing. In both Patrick Henry’s “Speech in the Virginia Ratifying Convention” and Dalton Trumbo’s novel, Johnny Got His Gun, the supposed values of democracy are deconstructed and put through the …show more content…
Henry, in his speech, explains how “two thirds of the Congress, or of the state legislatures, are necessary even to propose amendments”. He further outlines the destructiveness of this aspect of democracy: “if one third of these be unworthy men, they may prevent the application for amendments…[this] may prevent the removal of the most grievous inconveniences and oppression”. Trumbo presents a similar situation where the government seeks to compel society using propaganda. The government would persuade, “You’ll get a chance to die for your country…not everyone dies little kiddies” (Trumbo, 228). In this statement, Henry shows how although the Congress is democratic by allowing all states to vote, this “equality” actually promotes the apathy of politicians and the collapse of democracy. The speech illustrates the dangers and volatility of corruption in such a system, where even a corrupt minority can bring the train to a skidding halt. Trumbo demonstrates the dangerous effects of government influence through