Mike Royko’s “A Faceless Man’s Plea” (1973) illustrates the absurdity of the Veterans Administration for not compensating soldiers with treatment of a disability received during battle. Repetition is used through the essay to describe the cause and effects that the rocket had on Leroy Bailey’s life; he had no face after the impact. Bailey’s letter, explaining the reason why couldn’t get the treatment, contradicts the policies of the Veterans Administration; the letter is shown to exemplify the outrageousness. Royko wrote this for veterans who may have faced the same problems as Bailey did, to encourage them to take action and receive proper medical attention. Repetition used gives the effect of reminding the author’s claim to the reader.
