Summary of Battle Cry by Leon Uris

Literary texts represent historical times. The experiences that the author faces during their
times also provide backgrounds upon which texts can be evaluated. The text Battle Cry weaves
both the historical times of World War II and the experiences of Leon Uris. Through major
thematic events, content, and literary techniques, the perspectives of the novel are emphasized.
The novel thematically accounts for the history of the world war. The author, Leon Uris,
explains the bravery of a young marine platoon during World War II. It is a story emphasizing
acts of valor in the glaring effects of war. The author says, “And what makes these kids who
have the normal loves and hates and fears throw their lives away, and what is it they carry within
them that makes retreat worse than death?” (Uris 3). The excerpt explains the heroic attitude of
the young recruits that made them stand against the insurgencies of war. When the war began, it
was advisable to retreat due to the advances of enemy forces at Pearl Harbor. However, the Sixth
Regiment of the Marine Corps stood its ground to defend its country. In summary, it is a novel
that provides a first-hand description of heroic events that impacted the recruits in one of the
global wars.
Moreover, the novel uses literary techniques that help to underline further the
significance of the text in wartime contexts. It uses first, third, and omniscient narrative
perspectives to direct the readers through emotional and unsettling images and the effects of war
(Uris 218). Narrative perspectives used in this literary piece are meant to stir readers into the

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actions and scenarios of the characters. Similarly, the novel uses dialogue to emphasize the
significance of conversations during a war. Dialogue during war battles determines who is strong
enough to hold the line or those with faint hearts, as depicted throughout the text (Uris 418).
Although the novel recounts war experiences that the author faced, the events are canonical to
works of war fiction. Therefore, literary techniques, such as imagery and narrative perspectives,
promote the aesthetics of the book.
In conclusion, Battle Cry demonstrates the effects of war while also exalting the courage
and determination of the young marines. It is a classical representation of history. Using literary
techniques helps to emphasize the themes described by the novel. The novel remains a historical
masterpiece of war times.

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Work Cited

Uris, Leon, and David Baldwin. Battle cry. No. 13. New York: Putnam, 1953.