A Symbolic Pacific Island

The following is a brief overview of how the novel is separated by the author in four main parts. It is important to emphasize the fact that, although this breakdown seems clear enough, Mailer makes a very distinct use of flashbacks and time references can get the reader lost, therefore demanding strict focus from the reader in order to keep pace with the various characters and events that unfold throughout the novel.
Wave
The author begins the novel by introducing the major characters in the opening scene as the assault of Anopopei, a symbolic Pacific island, is about to begin. The platoon is part of a 6,000-man force positioned to take the Japanese-held island in order to clear the way for a much larger American advance into the Philippines.
However, they soon realize just how overwhelming the heat and moisture of the jungle is. Lieutenant Hearn feels unhappy and unsatisfied with his position as aide to General Cummings and is disrespectful to the other officers, but he still enjoys his frequent talks with the general, even though he acknowledges that he is a "tyrant." The general is a complex character who enjoys complete power over his men, and Hearn is attracted to that power. One day, Lieutenant Hearn becomes upset when the officers get more than their share of rations. In respons to this, General Cummings enlightens him with a lesson on the politics of war: "Every time an enlisted man sees an officer get an extra privilege, it breaks him down a little more." As a result of this, the "enlisted man involved is confirmed a little more in the idea of his own inferiority" and he grows to fear his superior officers. The general explains, "The army functions best when you're frightened of the man above you, and contemptuous of your
After Roth falls to his death due to exhaustion, Red refuses to go any further. Croft stands his ground regarding the trek and warns Red that he will shoot him if he doesn't continue up the mountain, and realizing at that moment what Croft did to Hearn, Red ashamedly backs down. The men continue their arduous trek up the mountain, until Croft stumbles into a hornet's nest, which forced the men back down the mountain, and Croft finally admits defeat and leads his men back to the beach. While the rest of the men are making their way up the mountain, the four perviously mentioned soldiers (Ridges, Goldstein, Stanley, and Brown) struggle with the task of carrying Wilson through the jungle. Halfway to their destination, Stanley breaks down from extreme fatigue and Brown takes the opportunity to rest, with the excuse that he would stay with Stanley, leaving Goldstein and Ridges to continue alone with the back-breaking task of carrying Wilson, who eventually