Comparing Themes in Cat’s Cradle and Slaughterhouse Five Essay

Comparing Themes in moulds rock n roll musician and Slaughterhouse Five Throughout his c atomic number 18er, Kurt Vonnegut has used writing as a tool to convey penetrating messages and ominous warnings about our society. He skillfully combines vivid imagery with a distinctly satirical and anecdotal style to explore complex issues such as trust and war. ii of his most well kn induce, and most gripping, novels that embody this subtle talent are Cats Cradle and Slaughterhouse-Five. Both books represent Vonneguts genius for manipulating fiction to come upon glaring, disturbing and occasionally redemptive truths about human nature. On the surface, Cats Cradle and Slaughterhouse-Five are dramatically different novels, each with its own characters, symbols, and plot. However, a close examination reveals that both contain common themes and ideas. Examining and lotvas the two novels and their presentation of different themes provides a unique insight into both the novels and the auth or allowing the reader to gain a fuller understanding of Vonneguts true meaning. One of the most prevalent themes in Vonneguts plant life is religion. In the early pages of Cats Cradle, Vonnegut submits his contention that a utilitarian religion can be founded on lies (Vonnegut, Cats Cradle 16), meaning that, fundamentally, religion is about people, not about faith or God. Reminiscent of Karl Marxs description of religion as the opiate of the masses, he describes all religions as clean collections of harmless untruths that help people cope with their lives. The Book of Bokonon in Cats Cradle represents this portrait of religion at both its dreariest and its most uplifting, Bokononism is contradictory, paradoxical, and founded on lies its following are aware of this... ...refree tone highlights them by providing irony and contrast. This unparalleled strength to seamlessly combine a light tone with serious theme is what distinguishes Kurt Vonnegut from otherwise writers, Althoug h Cats Cradle and Slaughterhouse-Five share common themes, the presentation of each of the themes is different in each book. The two novels complement each othe, and comparing both can provide a higher level of understanding for each. Vonnegut never forces his opinions - he makes statements by asking questions, and presents his themes through subtle, but powerful stories, His goal is to take down readers to re-examine, not necessarily to change, their lives, morals, and values. Themes such as death, war, and religion are as old as literature itself, yet Vonnegut adds a unique turn of events to them, inviting the reader to look at these issues from an entirely new perspective.