Drew Bowers - Question 1

At this point in the book, it appears to me that the story is begging to become a little dry. I think that the introduction of Campbell is a very minute, but an essential, part of the story. In my interpretation, Vonnegut introduces Campbell, and his wild and crazy plan, into the story because the characters need something to boost their morale at this point. They almost need something to make them laugh and at least let themselves know that they aren't the craziest ones in there as Mr. Campbell appears to be. Mr. Campbell introduces his “Free American Corps” plan, “You’re going to have to fight the communists sooner or later,” said Campbell, “Why not get it over with now?”. Withered and tiring away from working in the syrup factory all day, Billy Pillgram was not to into Campbell's proposition. Campbell was dressed head to toe in the most ridiculous fashion, as described in the book. I think that Vonnegut dresses Campbell so elaborately because the whole character of Campbell is so elaborate essentially. Campbell is an American who had become a Nazi, which that in itself is kinda crazy. Campbell’s whole entire plan is nuts, so it only fits that he looks the part too. He was also wanting to make it known that he was a converted Nazi by making sure that he was covered in swastikas. I think that all in all, Vonnegut put Campbell in the story to produce some kind of morale. However, in the end, this goal to produce some kind of morale is achieved when Derby decides to stand up and call Campbell out. He decided that Campbell was a “snake” but he later corrected himself because a snake was apparently to high of an honor for Campbell. As it was said by Vonnegut, “Poor old Derby, the doomed high school teacher, lumbered to his feet for what was probably the finest moment in his life.”