Slaughterhouse-Five Chapter 5, Section 9 Summary

  • As the prisoners march, one of the guards overhears an American saying something he does not like.
  • He pulls the American out of line and knocks him down.
  • The American is totally surprised—he had meant no harm and didn't think the guard would understand.
  • He asks, why him?
  • The guard answers: Why you? Why anyone?