The Pacific War
Yahara Hiromichi, The Battle for Okinawa
E. B. Sledge, With the Old Breed at Peleliu & Okinawa
Consider similarities and differences in the following areas and how these elements shaped the two works–
General presentation and narrative style
Themes and arguments
Implicit and explicit motives for writing
The background and battlefield position of the authors
Please combine analysis (including the use of outside sources) and context with your personal reflection on the strengths and weaknesses of the works.
Sample Answer
General Presentation and Narrative Style
Both The Battle for Okinawa by Yahara Hiromichi and With the Old Breed at Peleliu & Okinawa by E. B. Sledge are memoirs written by participants in the Battle of Okinawa, one of the bloodiest battles of World War II. However, the two works have different presentation and narrative styles.
Yahara’s book is written in a formal and detached style. He provides a comprehensive overview of the battle from a strategic and operational perspective. He also discusses the political and social context of the battle and the impact it had on Okinawa and Japan.
Sledge’s book is written in a more personal and emotional style. He focuses on his own experiences and observations as a Marine infantryman during the battle. He writes about the horrors of war and the camaraderie of his fellow Marines.