Not so emotionless
The other characters leave the impression that John is an emotionless person, unable to connect with those around him. it is however revealed that John was affected by the traumatic events in his life and especially his father’s death affected him greatly. All the negative and traumatic events John went through made him into an emotionless man for the other but that didn’t mean that he was heartless. In fact, he is among the characters that are the most passionate in the book.
Love for booze
John was traumatized by his father’s death, which was caused by alcohol. One would be inclined that John would stay away from drinking but as he remembers, he used to drink excessively too. What is more, it is hinted that John’s drinking problem may be the cause of Kathy’s disappearance. All this is ironical considering how negatively John talks about those who make a habit out of drinking too often.
Unfaithful
After John returns from the war, he suspects Kathy of being unfaithful to him. Even though he know that the relationship between him and her is not what it used to be he still insists on continuing his relationship with her. Ironically, he even pressures her into marrying him even though he is not sure of her faithfulness.
Magic show
John talks about an event that took place in Vietnam when he and his troops gathered a village before them and John performed magic tricks for them. He showed them card tricks and even changed an apple into a pear before blowing the whole village and killing everyone. The event is present as being ironic because once more John was able to manipulate a group of people to do what he wanted, that is gather in a small space and then wait for their doom.
Vietnam
John seems to have contradicting feelings about his time spent in Vietnam. In the beginning, he lets it be understood that he hated the moments he had to spend there but then he admits that he liked Vietnam because it was a place full with tricks and trapdoors that made him feel alive. The information is ironical considering how much Vietnam affected John in a negative way.
