Fish and chips. Funny accents. The "Loo". Royal weddings. Those unmovable guards at Buckingham Palace. London 2012. The Barclays English Premier League. Harry Potter.
These are just a few things that come to mind when I think of the "jolly old U.K." However, in Chapter 5, Vonnegut paints a different picture of the British. His image of the men across the pond is much more respectable than mine. In fact, Vonnegut's portrayal of the British in WWII is completely honorable.
Example:"The Englishmen had also been lifting weights and chinning themselves for years. Their bellies were like washboards. The muscles oftheir calves and upper arms were like cannonballs. They were all masters of checkers and chess and bridge and cribbage and dominoes and anagrams and charades and PIng-Pong and billiards, as well" (Vonnegut, 94).
Amazing. Simply amazing. These British soldiers are everything that a soldier would want to be. Is there anything they aren't exceptional at? (Answer:Yes, basketball.) Vonnegut later goes on to explain that the British are admired by the Germans, so much so that the Germans have provided them with an embarrassment of riches and camps. Wait a second. The Germans adore their warring rivals? Yes, and for good reason.
Vonnegut's portrayal of the Brits is one of "model citizens" and perfection. This has to have a purpose, doesn't it? So what is his purpose? I think Vonnegut's trying to show that the British aren't the people we believe them to be. They should be looked up to for their valiant effort in the war. Vonnegut is attempting to give them credit for their true heroism, and I now agree with him. They should be lauded. Professor Dumbledore, give them a hand:
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