Flashback

Within Slaughterhouse Five, by Kurt Vonnegut, we are constantly jumping back and forth between Billy's memories and his time with the Tralfamadorians. In chapter three, Billy has a flashback to when he was in his optometry office in Ilium and his conversation with a patient. Within this flashback, Billy goes to his desk where an open copy of The Review of Optometry lies and reads a part of the editorial. Shortly afterwards a siren goes off to announce noon time.

"A siren went off, scared the hell out of him. He was expecting World War Three at any time" (Vonnegut 57)

This quote not only refers to PTSD within Billy and how the siren corresponds to a horrific moment when he was at war but also reflects today's soldiers and veterans. PTSD is common among people coming back from deployment. Simple things such as a siren or fireworks can send a vet or soldier into a memory of war. The things soldiers witness stay with them. By showing how scared Billy was at the sound of the siren, Vonnegut shows how war continues to affect soldiers even when they return home. What are your opinions on PTSD? Do you think Vonnegut may be using Billy's experience with the siren as a way to show how he was affected by the war?