Heller uses high diction and superfluous words when describing Peckem and his behavior in order to emphasize the absurdity of those in power. When General Peckem welcomes Colonel Scheisskopf to his staff, Peckem treats it as "a stimulating opportunity to throw open his whole dazzling erudite treasure house of puns, wisecracks, slanders, homilies, anecdotes, proverbs, epigrams, apothegms, bon mots and other pungent sayings" (319). Rather than treating this addition to his staff as an opportunity to develop new military plans or do something productive, Peckem relishes the interaction as a way to humor himself and demonstrate his superiority. Just like all of his actions and speeches, this description of Peckem is full of unnecessary and repeated