In "The Armies of the Night," Norman Mailer discusses the complex societal forces at play during a period of unrest. He describes a group he considers the "elite," depicting them as a mix of embracing Marxist ideology, American middle-class anxieties, and a yearning for technological dominance. This unique blend of views results in a paradoxical response to the war, where these individuals find themselves oscillating between pacifism and a latent communist sentiment.

Moreover, Mailer illustrates how the younger generation, influenced by their upbringing in the suburbs, moves from a place of comfort to expressing their dissent through activism, symbolized by a love-in at the Pentagon. This generational shift highlights a transformation in attitudes toward war and authority, showcasing how historical circumstances have pushed these individuals to adopt more militant stances as they navigate their identities and beliefs in a turbulent political landscape.