Chapter 5 - Rhetorical Questions

After muttering something a guard apparently did not like, the American POW was knocked down. Scoffing at the American's questioning, the guard simply responds "Vy you? Vy anybody."  The rhetorical question was meant to make American feel powerless and weak, and that he was under total submission.  The Germans could choose to beat anyone they pleased because the POW could not fight back, as they were powerless.  This confrontation was meant to parallel the Billy's earlier confrontation with the tralfamadorians.  "Why you? Why us for that matter? Why anything?"  This was meant for Billy to see how submissive he really is to time and space.  Moments in the future are already set to happen, and Billy cannot control this because the choices have been made.  It also represents Billy's start in time travel as he beings to break away from the earthling restraints of time.