Essay Questions

Why is the narrator so interested to write the novel Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk?

Ben Fountain is writing this novel to let the public know the interests of the United States’ administration on the Iraq war. Bill Lynn is a soldier and squad leader in Iraq. When he comes home, President Bush’s administration organizes various events to celebrate Lynn’s victory and his Bravo squad. However, Lynn later realizes that all these celebrations and events are majorly meant to promote President Bush’s political agenda. The winning of the Iraq war is used as publicity strategy for President Bush to gain the confidence of Americans. Immediately the celebrations are over, Lynn and his squad are again commanded to go back to continue with the war in Iraq. Lynn realizes that the government is just using him and his squad to score its political agenda.

What is the figurative meaning of the title Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk?

The title of this novel is symbolic because it represents Bill Lynn’s uncompleted journey in the military. Bill and his Bravo squad are back home after winning the war. Bill receives state honor and he is celebrated throughout the country. Bill believes that he has completed his military journey because the state has recognized his efforts in ensuring that America remains victorious. However, Bill is greeted with a rude shock when the state later tells him to return to Iraq to continue with the war. Therefore, this title is not only symbolic of Bill’s uncompleted military service but it also satirical. The reader does not expect Bill to be sent back to Iraq but this is the reality because at last Bill returns to war.

What is the main melodramatic satire in the novel Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk?

Bill is treated by the rude reality that all the celebrations and honor accorded to him by the state after the war victory is just a profile-raising deed by the government to fulfill its political agenda. Bush and his administration want to paint a picture that it is necessary by the United States to continue with its war in Iraq. The main agenda of the government is to continue testing its weapons of mass destruction in Iraq and also promote the agenda of the state. Bill is shocked when he is ordered to go back to Iraq to continue with the government’s agenda.