" Dozens of little semi important men with theodolites and creased trousers, were running in all directions in a frenzy of mensuration, threats and rock throwing, all trying to agree the new boarder" page 23.
Milligan uses comedic situations in the book to voice his opinions on certain issues, cowardice in the forces is yet another facet Puckoon explores. "Silence! You acted like a coward! I wasn't acting sir!" "Your action might have caused your comrades to panic and retreat Oh, I see! One man retreating is called running away, but a whole regiment running away is called a retreat? I demand to be tried by cowards! However this plays no major role with the plot, although this incongruent style is what makes the situations that much more humorous, it allows for a clearer picture of the character and the situation. The whole novel relies on this in congruency to subtly adopt serious yet amusing arguments. .
Again Milligan Satirises religion, and he's really asking why they actually follow it at all. "As a test, and the influence of an overdose of whisky he had intoned the whole of a dirty story in Latin, which concluded with a solemn "Amen" from the congregation." Both sides of this struggle over the boarder think that they are the ones who are right, god is on their side. "We"ll re-bury him in holy catholic Ireland, said the priest, his vice full of pride and achievement" Both sides believe that god is on their side and their side only, Milligan uses this misconception to mock them, exposing hypocritical values they hold." On the mantelpiece a clockwork Virgin Mary, made in Japan." Milligan was great in pointing out how hypocritical these people are, this is done with sharpness and clarity, allowing the reader to laugh and actually understand the satirical arguments.
Milligan views on art again show his satirical form of writing, he uses his own book, to convey to the audience that writing is an art yes, however writers make mistakes and not everyone will "love" their work.