On the other hand, thorough readers are able to fully interpret O'Brien's text and its purpose. O’Brien utilizes contrasting diction, complicated syntax, and pathos in his writing to prove to his audience the complexity of war and impact it has on its victims. To begin with, in this quote O’Brien tells of the time a fellow soldier abruptly died. He quickly and in simple terms explains the situation using contrasting diction to demonstrate the complexity of war. Placing a pleasant, happy word such as “laughing” next to a feared word “death” allows the audience to experience the confusion going through the soldiers at the time. This confusion shows O'Brien's audience the true complexity and unpredictability of war. Next off, O’Brien uses complex
