Final answer:
The character Billy in an unidentified text cries due to an undefined sadness, which may symbolize a deeper emotional or existential distress rather than specific war-related events. Without additional context, it is difficult to determine precisely why he cries about this 'nothing' as the text hints at intricate personal and societal reactions to warfare.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question seems to be referencing the character Billy in a narrative, though it is not clear from the context which specific text or story this pertains to. However, in the context of discussing characters in literature, Billy cries about an undefined sadness that overcomes him, rather than for specific events related to war.
It suggests a deep-seated emotional turmoil or perhaps an existential crisis, which could be seen as a more profound reason to cry than any single war-related event. The select passages hint at various attitudes towards war and suffering, indicating that individual reactions to war can be complex and multifaceted, influenced by both personal grief and societal expectations.
Without more information about the character of Billy and the specific context of the war he is involved in, it's challenging to pinpoint why he cried about this 'nothing' and not about anything else. It could be that he is overwhelmed by the cumulative effects of his experiences or by the futility of war itself.
Characters in literature who experience war often have complex emotional responses that can manifest in unexpected ways. This could be an indication of the author's intent to explore themes of emotional resilience, the impact of war on human psyche, or the contrast between personal suffering and societal perceptions of war and heroism.