Sarcasm is Key in Vonnegut’s Cat’s Cradle

          In the novel Cat’s Cradle, the author Kurt Vonnegut adopts a sarcastic, humorous tone in his writing. In the beginning of the book, this tone has served the purpose of creating a satirical commentary on the technology and ideologies of his modern society, the 1960’s, and shines these in more of a negative light. For example the majority of the beginning on the novel has been background on the life of a character named Newt whose father played an integral part in the design and construction of the atomic bombs used in World War II. His father is described as extremely as an extremely awkward man who does nothing outside of his work for fun. Vonnegut even describes a scene where his wife makes him dinner and his father tips her, in their home to exemplify his character. In the novel Vonnegut writes “… somebody asked father what games he played for relaxation, and he said, ‘Why should I bother with made-up games when there are so many real ones going’”. By characterizing a creator of the atom bomb as extremely awkward through the use of a satirical, Vonnegut it able to set up the foundation of his novel.

          I believe that throughout the rest of the novel Vonnegut will continue to use the same satirical tone that he adopts in the beginning. The difference that will occur is, he will utilize this tone to satirize modern ideas of his time in a more serious way. As mentioned previously so far Vonnegut has only utilized this tone to make fun of the scientists behind the atom bomb and how awkward they were in their non-science lives. Later in the novel I think Vonnegut will create satirical comedy about scenarios where one of these topics, such as the arms race, goes very wrong. This will create a tone that, while still funny, has a hint of seriousness behind the humor to convey a stronger message to the audience. While the purpose behind Vonnegut’s tone may slightly change, the ultimate satirical tone will continue throughout the novel, as it is a satirical comedy on the modern society of the 1960’s.


One thought on “Sarcasm is Key in Vonnegut’s Cat’s Cradle

  1. This was the book that I was initially going to read! It’s interesting how Vonnegut utilizes a satirical tone to convey his meaningful message, especially in the time period that he writes in. It demonstrates the many layers needed to develop a strong argument. Overall, the plot sounds intriguing and I really hope that you enjoy this read!

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