In
the novel, No Easy Day, Mark Owen puts readers alongside himself and the
other handpicked members of the twenty-four-man team as they train for the
biggest mission of their lives; the mission to kill Osama Bin Laden. Owen also
takes readers into the field of battle in America’s ongoing War on Terror, and
details the selection and training process required for one of the most elite units in
the military. This blow-by-blow narrative illustrates many unreported
missions in addition to the daily life and work of a Navy Seal. In this novel, readers travel along side Owen from the intense training leading up to the mission straight
through to the radio call confirming Bin Laden’s death. In telling the true
story of the Seals whose talents, skills, experiences, and exceptional
sacrifices led to one of the greatest victories in the War on Terror, Mark Owen
honors the men who risk everything for our country, and he leaves readers with
a deep understanding of the warriors who keep America safe. The author of
this novel is Mark Owen himself. However, Mark Owen is only a pen name; his
real name is Matt Bissonnette. As noticed, Matt is a Navy Seal apart of the
prestigious DEVGRU team.
The context of this story that prompted Owen to write this book is simply his want to share with the rest of the world a true, play-by-play narrative of this unforgettable moment in history, rather than a government speech that , "the JOSC (Joint Operations Support Center) had reviewed to make sure the details of the mission were kept secret." In the introduction of the novel, Mark Owen explains that his purpose in recreating this moment in history is that hopefully, “one day a young man in junior high school will read it and become a SEAL, or at least live a life bigger than him” (Owen 1). However, that stated purpose does not seem to be carried out in the novel. Therefore, I think his purpose is instead to tell people what really happened during that day which differs from the vague story that the government shares with the public. He wants you to experience the mission first-hand so you get more then just the overview. After finishing the book I have come to the conclusion that the audience is anybody who has some sort of a military background or is interested in military activity. The reason for this audience is that Owen uses a surplus of military jargon that only knowledgeable military personnel would be able to comprehend. The military background would help readers understand what is going on when Owen gets into the nitty gritty details of the mission.
The context of this story that prompted Owen to write this book is simply his want to share with the rest of the world a true, play-by-play narrative of this unforgettable moment in history, rather than a government speech that , "the JOSC (Joint Operations Support Center) had reviewed to make sure the details of the mission were kept secret." In the introduction of the novel, Mark Owen explains that his purpose in recreating this moment in history is that hopefully, “one day a young man in junior high school will read it and become a SEAL, or at least live a life bigger than him” (Owen 1). However, that stated purpose does not seem to be carried out in the novel. Therefore, I think his purpose is instead to tell people what really happened during that day which differs from the vague story that the government shares with the public. He wants you to experience the mission first-hand so you get more then just the overview. After finishing the book I have come to the conclusion that the audience is anybody who has some sort of a military background or is interested in military activity. The reason for this audience is that Owen uses a surplus of military jargon that only knowledgeable military personnel would be able to comprehend. The military background would help readers understand what is going on when Owen gets into the nitty gritty details of the mission.
There are several rhetorical devices used in this
novel such as diction, imagery, persona, and internal monologue. To focus on a
couple, diction and internal monologue and two devices worth expanding upon. The
diction in this novel is very informal. Not only is the author's tone informal, but there
were also several grammar mistakes that contributed to the informality.
Surprisingly, this diction made me think that I could trust him because I did
not feel like this information was being presented to me in a news report; instead, it
felt like he was talking directly to me. Another rhetorical device used
was internal monologue, also known as inner voice, internal speech, or verbal
stream of consciousness. In shorter terms, it is basically when a character is talking
to him or herself in their own mind. It is usually used to show what a character is
thinking, even though the character isn't saying it out loud. This use of
internal monologue allows readers to get into Owen's head, which further helps
to create the feeling like one is experiencing the event firsthand.
Overall, I do believe the author achieved his
purpose of illustrating to people what really happened that day. He is so detailed to
the point where I could tell you the order he puts his clothes on and what he
puts in each pocket. His specificity truly makes you feel like you are in the
scene amongst all the chaos. Additionally, his constant use of military jargon
again gives you the feeling that you are the Seal risking your life. Owen had a story to tell, and he made sure to tell it how it was experienced.
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