Morse code is featured in Chapter 7 of "Johnny Got His Gun." Protagonist Joe Bonham, disabled from World War I injuries, communicates by tapping his head, symbolizing isolation and inner struggles.
In Dalton Trumbo's "Johnny Got His Gun," Morse code is prominently featured in Chapter 7. This chapter unveils a unique form of communication employed by the protagonist, Joe Bonham, who is severely disabled and unable to speak or move after sustaining injuries in World War I. Trapped within his own body, Joe discovers that he can communicate by tapping his head against the pillow, creating Morse code signals.
This Morse code communication becomes a poignant and symbolic element in the narrative. Joe uses these taps to express his innermost thoughts, desires, and struggles. The rhythmic and deliberate tapping against the pillow serves as a powerful metaphor for his isolation and the challenges he faces in connecting with the external world.
Chapter 7, with its Morse code passages, delves into Joe's psychological and emotional turmoil as he grapples with the consequences of war and the profound impact on his life. Through this unconventional means of communication, Trumbo effectively conveys the depth of Joe's suffering and his desperate attempt to maintain a semblance of agency and connection. The use of Morse code becomes a literary device that enriches the narrative, emphasizing the human spirit's resilience in the face of profound adversity.