19-23 Summary and Analysis

Star-Spangled Man:

Using hyperbole and sarcasm, Mencken makes fun of General John Pershing (who headed operations in World War I) for the vast quantity of medals and commendations he has, with the sheer amount of colors and shapes on his uniform making him look ridiculous. Tongue-in-cheek, Mencken wishes to spread this spirit of award-giving to all of those who make sacrifices for the war, not only soldiers but common folk and people who fight from behind a desk. Mencken also (sarcastically) wishes to award all of those who have fomented German hate and prejudice, including intellectuals, writers, and politicians. This passage, beyond the sarcasm, takes an obvious anti-war stance, and particularly criticizes those who have incited irrational hatred of the Germans.

The Archangel Woodrow: Former president Woodrow Wilson is the target of Mencken's derision and ire. He criticizes him particularly for...