In "Tree of Smoke," author Denis Johnson explores the complexities of conflict and human nature through vivid imagery and stark contrasts in language. The phrase "We solve the problems?" suggests a more conventional, perhaps naive approach to difficult situations, whereas "We dissolve fuckers in acid?" introduces a brutal, unfiltered mindset that reflects desperation and raw emotion. This juxtaposition highlights the extremes one might resort to when facing dire challenges.

The contrasting quotes serve to depict the duality of thought in times of turmoil, presenting not only the desire for resolution but also the darker, more violent impulses that can emerge. Johnson’s work challenges readers to consider the implications of each mindset and what they reveal about human instincts and survival in a chaotic world.