When Tonder explains, “the flies conquer the flypaper” (Steinbeck 68), he is comparing the soldiers, including himself, to flies, is expressing his personal discontent and loneliness, and is also … . Tonder exclaims, “I would like to get out of this god-forsaken hole!” (Steinbeck 63). Tonder and other soldiers desire to leave and visit their family for the holidays, but they must stay and maintain control of the town. Tonder aggressively attempts to convince himself that there is hope and he will be granted permission to travel home when he states, “I mean this: we’ll be going home before long, won’t we?” (Steinbeck 66). Tonder is filled with self doubt and repeatedly questions whether the war is as successful as many declare it is. Tonder