Paul Fussell’s book Doing Battle: The Making of a Skeptic is obviously biased. Fussell is attempting to explain to the reader how serving in World War II caused him to become disillusioned and skeptical. When he looks back on his experiences throughout the book he views them with bias against the government and the war. This causes him to be overly pessimistic and to slightly exaggerate about the experiences and ordeals he underwent. It is important for the reader to be aware of the bias present in this book and take an analytical approach while reading. However, despite the bias present Fussell makes a strong point and tells an excellent story.
The bias in The Greatest Generation Comes Home is less obvious but still present. In this novel Gambone focuses more on the positive impact veterans had on society especially the positive effects of the GI Bill. Although Gambone does discuss some of the difficulties veterans encounter, he paints a much brighter picture of the return home. Gambone is trying to show the positive effects returning veterans had on different aspects of American society and because of this he tends to gloss over some of the less positive aspects of the return home. However, for the most part this book is less biased then Fussell’s and is more of a scholarly account then a personal narrative. However, the reader should still be aware that this bias exists while reading.
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