The feeling of loss can change perspective and destroy lives. While individuals deal with emotions differently the most significant feelings one has when experiencing loss is anger and sadness. Almost always one will experience loss in their lives and it happens in many different ways but they seemingly always cope with the loss in similar ways. Although Shenandoah and Johnny Got his Gun show different circumstances both are very similar in showing how one is affected emotionally by the loss of someone close to them.
In Dalton Trumbo’s novel Johnny Got his Gun the main character is Joe and while fighting in war he has lost all his limbs and all his senses. The only thing he can do is think to himself. Therefore it is not surprising to the audience that Joe does not express his feelings to those around him because, there is no way that he would be able to do so, even if he wanted to. He does however express them to himself in many forms. He is first effected by the realization that he has lost his limbs this causes a brief moment of shock and confusion that lead to anger and rage of having lost everything for liberty and justice which he did not…show more content… His girlfriend, Kareen, comes to mind and Joe remembers how she told him not to get on the train that would take the individuals riding it to their death. Joe would cry when he realized the loss of the hand that held the ring representing his marriage. Joe’s emotional well being after he gets over his injuries and the harsh reality that he will not be able to do the things he once did, goes way down and he seems to have depression. He often wishes that he was dead and has jealousy towards a piece of meat. Joe appears to be lifeless and constantly talks about death. He eventually copes with with what seems like depression by using distractions such as calculating time and attempting to use morse
