Smells Like Napalm In The Morning Quote
The quote "Smells like napalm in the morning" is one of the most iconic lines from the movie Apocalypse Now. The line, delivered by the character Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore, has become synonymous with the Vietnam War and the brutality of warfare.
Context of the Quote
The movie Apocalypse Now, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is set during the Vietnam War. The plot follows Captain Benjamin Willard, played by Martin Sheen, as he is sent on a mission to assassinate a rogue Special Forces officer, Colonel Walter E. Kurtz, played by Marlon Brando.
Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore, played by Robert Duvall, is a supporting character in the movie. He is the commander of a helicopter squadron and is known for his love of surfing and his obsession with the smell of napalm.
The quote "Smells like napalm in the morning" comes from a scene in which Kilgore is leading an assault on a Viet Cong-held village. As his helicopters fly over the village, he orders his men to play "Ride of the Valkyries" over loudspeakers, creating a terrifying and surreal atmosphere.
Meaning of the Quote
The quote "Smells like napalm in the morning" has several possible meanings. On one level, it is a reference to the actual smell of burning napalm, which would be a familiar scent to soldiers in Vietnam.
On another level, the quote can be interpreted as a commentary on the dehumanizing effects of war. Kilgore is so obsessed with the smell of napalm that he seems to have lost touch with the humanity of the people he is fighting against.
Finally, the quote can be seen as a metaphor for the destructive power of war. Napalm is a highly flammable substance that can cause immense damage and suffering, just like war itself.
Legacy of the Quote
The quote "Smells like napalm in the morning" has become a cultural touchstone, referenced in everything from music to TV shows to video games. It has also been parodied and adapted in various ways, demonstrating its lasting impact on popular culture.
However, the quote also has a darker legacy. It has been used to glorify war and to dehumanize the enemy, perpetuating the cycle of violence and suffering that characterizes armed conflict.
Conclusion
The quote "Smells like napalm in the morning" is a powerful and evocative statement that captures the brutality and horror of war. While it has become a cultural touchstone, it is important to remember the context in which it was originally spoken and to reflect on the destructive legacy of armed conflict.