1. Why does Martin try to commit suicide?
Martin hates the Army. He hates the Army so much that it makes him physically ill, and he also finds everyone in the Army mean.
2. Why is the fact that Roger smokes contradictory to his other behaviors?
Roger is obsessed with cleanliness and his health. It is contradictory for Roger to smoke because smoking is widely considered bad for one's health. Smoking is also considered dirty by some.
3. What is ironic about Rooney being a demolitions expert?
The irony in Rooney being a demolitions expert lies in his shaking hands. Rooney's hands shake so bad that he cannot light his own cigars. The men can see the trembling and recognize the irony.
4. Why does Billy say that he would rather face "freezin' cold" than snakes?
Billy says that he would rather face freezing cold than snakes because during war the less you have to worry about the better. If you are in battle in the jungle (or somewhere where snakes are), not only do you have to worry about flying bullets, you have to worry about snakes too.
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