If you’ve ever read the play Trifles or the novel Johnny Got His Gun, then you might be wondering which theme is best reinforced by the excerpt. This article will help answer your question by exploring the themes found in each work.

Trifles

The best theme that is reinforced by an excerpt from Trifles is “The thoughts and opinions of women were not considered noteworthy.” This theme is prominent throughout the text, as characters like Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters are often overlooked and their efforts neglected despite their valuable contributions to the mystery in the play.

For example, Mrs. Hale is the first to notice a few clues that point to the murderer, but her observations are quickly dismissed. Similarly, Mrs. Peters discovers a few important details that ultimately lead to a breakthrough in the case. Nevertheless, these revelations are ignored and instead, the men take credit for their discoveries.

These moments of disregard for the thoughts and opinions of women are further reinforced by an excerpt from Part Two of the play, which reads, “Mrs. Hale. We’d better go, too. It’s all guesswork anyhow. You know what women are — and their nerves. [Motioning to the bird cage.] I guess this is all the evidence we’re likely to get.” This quote not only shows how little value is placed on the ideas of women, but it also implies that women’s contributions are insignificant.

Johnny Got His Gun

The theme best reinforced by an excerpt from Johnny Got His Gun is the unmatched horror of war. This is highlighted by Joe’s own experiences in the novel, as well as the stories he hears from other injured soldiers. These men are traumatized by their experiences, and their stories of death, destruction, and loss of life create a powerful sense of dread and despair.

For example, one excerpt from the novel reads, “It was a world of horror and of cruelty and of burning, searing, hellish pain. Nothing could prepare Joe for what he saw inside that ward.” This quote not only reinforces the horror of war, but it also paints a vivid picture of the destructiveness and senselessness of it all.

In addition, the theme of the unmatched horror of war is further reinforced by other characters in Joe’s life, such as his family and the doctors who treat him. These characters show a great deal of sympathy and understanding for Joe’s plight, and their reactions to his story serve to emphasize the traumatic effects of war.

Conclusion

The themes found in both Trifles and Johnny Got His Gun reflect the same core message: the thoughts and opinions of women were not considered noteworthy, and the unmatched horror of war had devastating effects. Both works emphasize these themes through their characters, stories, and settings, making them powerful and memorable pieces of literature.

So, to answer the question, the best theme that is reinforced by an excerpt of either work is either “The thoughts and opinions of women were not considered noteworthy” or “The unmatched horror of war”.