Oakes A
( #9, p. 138-151 ) Explore the difference between what ‘escape’ means to Gene as opposed to what it means to Leper (see usage in context on the middle of page 143).
To Gene, escape means getting out of danger, and in general being a hero, whereas to Leper, escape has bad connotations, symbolizing fear and failure. Leper sends a telegram to Gene saying that he has “escaped” and needs help. Gene takes this to mean that Leper was in some peril due to the war and he narrowly escaped into hiding, and that he will now be safe. Gene thinks that Leper’s escape is a good thing, but learns differently when Leper says he escaped. “You don’t escape from the army” Gene says (Knowles 143). Leper then says “That’s what you say. But that’s because you’re talking through your hat” (Knowles 143). Leper goes on to say that they were going to give him a “Section 8 Discharge” meaning that he was discharged for being crazy. Leper’s escape is one without a good outcome. If he stayed in the army and was discharged he would forever be branded as a Psycho and would never be able to lead a normal life, but as it is he will be in trouble for deserting. Either way, Leper is in danger, contrary to Gene’s view of escape bringing a good result.
I agree that Leper's definition of escaping and Gene's definition of escaping are two very different things. Leper felt the need to escape from the war because if he didn't his life would be ruined, because he got discharged for being crazy. Gene however thought that when Leper said he escaped, that he had escaped from spies or from Japan. On page 144, it says, " a section eight discharge is for the nuts in the service, the psychos, the Funny Farm candidates.....they give you a section eight discharge, like a dishonorable discharge only worse. You can't get a job after that" (Knowles 144). This quote shows how Leper felt the need to escape or it could ruin his life forever.
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