Pugilist At Rest Analysis

In the “Pugilist at Rest” by Thom Jones, the reader sees a story about the Vietnam War. Looking deeper, the story is one that deals with the disaster that comes from excess.
There is nothing good about a war. All the volunteers see is the American flag waving and that “their fathers and their father’s father defended the United States.” They have no idea what is in front of them. Most are sent off to war; some pay the ultimate price for patriotism. They can be killed in combat or maybe worse, scarred for life reliving their experiences.
Jorgeson, or as many think Thom Jones, is a person obsessed with being a Marine. He goes through the motions of getting through boot camp, being sent on jungle missions and also takes up boxing. He tolerates his surrounding, his friends and his enemies. This appears to be a
In the story, Jones shows his admiration to the sport. Here, Jorgeson can channel his violent tendencies and become an avid boxer however; he does not know when it is time to stop. A good boxer must know when to quit or it could lead to extreme consequences.
Returning back to patriotism, Jorgeson is befriended by Hanes, a person drafted straight out of high school and not having a clue about the real world. He is busting at the seams to fight. He is full of spirit and anger. He hears all the patriotic talk and jumps in with both feet. This jump leads to Hanes’ undoing. No one tells him what they are in store for and that patriotism can only go so far. Maybe if he were told of what was instore for him he would have made other decisions. Now the reader sees patriotism in excess.
Trying to understand the disaster that come with excess a person can see one essential factor. If a person can allow themselves, without limits, to follow the path to their demise it must be human nature. The “Pugilist” may be Jones’ attempt to show futility in people resisting their excess because maybe they have no choice in the