Pg. 144 “When he got close enough to see the faces of the soldiers, two of them raised their guns....”
At this point in the story, Zeitoun is realizing that the city is emptying out and there are fewer opportunities for him to help. Those who waited out the storm are now evacuating, and the soldiers are multiplying every day. The idea of military personnel entering the city was to restore safety and order, but as it is suggested in this passage, that safety and order was not always recognized.
Zeitoun is looking for help. He assumes that the armed military men are there for that reason. As he approaches he is turned away and even threatened. Is this the way we see our own American government; cruel and willing to shoot at any given time just because someone was asking for help? It is hard to believe that the people here to protect us turned into animals in a state of terror and disorder.
New Orleans had turned into a wasteland and what seemed like a third world country. The hope of order was lost in the madness of the police force. Looting became the norm. Everyone was a suspect and nothing could be done to calm the city down. As Zeitoun becomes engulfed in this pandemonium the reader begins to realize the dangers that really did happen during this tragic time.
This is so insightful!
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