Biloxi Blues, the second play in Neil Simon’s autobiographical series, chronicles Eugene Jerome’s growth as he endures the challenges of basic training during World War II. Set in 1943, the narrative unfolds as Eugene and his fellow recruits experience the rigors of an Army boot camp in Biloxi. Eugene’s journey is narrated through his own writings, offering a dual lens that blends personal reflection with direct audience engagement.

Journey to Biloxi

The play begins aboard a train, carrying Eugene and four other draftees to their new reality at a military base in Biloxi. As they journey southward, Eugene acquaints the audience with his comrades by reading entries from his "memoir." This device not only introduces the characters but also provides insight into Eugene’s perceptions and inner musings, as he occasionally breaks the fourth wall to share his observations directly with the audience.

Military Discipline and Humor

The setting shifts to the barracks, where the young men face their first taste of military discipline, steered by a stern drill sergeant. Through humor, Simon underscores the serious nature of military life, using absurd scenarios to highlight the strictures the men must endure. The recruits are compelled to perform onerous tasks like executing one hundred push-ups or consuming unpalatable meals, illustrating the harsh realities of their new environment. Despite the comedic veneer, Simon underscores the necessity of order with a satirical remark: "If nobody obeys orders, I’ll bet we wouldn’t have more than twelve or thirteen soldiers fighting the war. . . . We’d have headlines like, ‘Corporal Stanley Lieberman invades Sicily.’”

Confronting Prejudice and Identity

Delving deeper than previous works, Simon addresses substantial themes such as prejudice and identity. Eugene and fellow Jewish recruit Arnold Epstein face anti-Semitism, enduring derogatory remarks that test their resilience. The play also touches on the era’s attitudes towards homosexuality when a fellow soldier's arrest for homosexual activity sparks sympathy among the squad, a reaction that might seem improbable given the period's pervasive homophobia. However, Eugene’s role in recording potentially damaging speculations about Epstein's sexuality in his memoir brings about guilt and a lesson in the power of words. As Eugene navigates these complexities, he also learns about the nuances of human relationships and the distinction between physical intimacy and emotional connection.

Lessons in Love and Life

The closing stages of training offer Eugene vital lessons in love and self-discovery. During a weekend leave, he experiences a clumsy encounter with a prostitute, contrasting sharply with a meaningful connection he later forms with a captivating southern belle at a dance. This duality reveals to Eugene the hollow nature of loveless encounters, leaving him yearning for deeper connections.

A Writer’s Awakening

The overarching theme of Simon’s trilogy is Eugene’s evolution into a writer, a journey that is vividly depicted in Biloxi Blues. At the play’s outset, Eugene naively pens his thoughts without consideration for their repercussions. The unveiling of his private notebook to his barrack mates becomes a pivotal moment, illustrating the potent, often unintended impact of the written word. His premature assumptions about Epstein serve as a cautionary tale; words once written gain a semblance of truth, underscoring the writer’s responsibility to approach their craft with thoughtfulness and integrity. Epstein’s admonition, delivered when Eugene destroys the offending page, emphasizes that compromising one's principles leads to mediocrity, further reinforcing the importance of getting it right the first time.

Conclusion and Reflection

As the play draws to a close, the men board another train, departing Biloxi to face the uncertainty of war. Eugene’s final words to the audience reflect on the fates of the other characters, while revealing his own path. Although he never sees combat, an injury in England reroutes him to serve on the Stars and Stripes soldiers’ newspaper. By war’s end, Eugene emerges with a clearer understanding of the ethical dimensions of his craft, setting him on the path to becoming a fulfilled, conscientious writer.