# War and Violence in Manhattan Transfer

> Theme guide for Manhattan Transfer by John Dos Passos.

World War I and urban violence (murders, fires, strikes) permeate the narrative, with war depicted as a distant but consuming force that disrupts lives, while street-level violence reflects the city's raw brutality.

## Where it surfaces

- [V: Went to the Animals’ Fair](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/chapters/v-went-to-the-animals-fair): The news of Sarajevo and the looming war permeate the chapter, juxtaposing personal drama with global catastrophe.
- [I: Rejoicing City That Dwelt Carelessly](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/chapters/i-rejoicing-city-that-dwelt-carelessly): The chapter opens with the aftermath of World War I, featuring returning soldiers, patriotic displays, and the lingering impact of conflict.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/themes/war_and_violence
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/manhattan_transfer_se/themes