Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse Five: pioneering science-fantasy, or a memoir of trauma and PTSD? A psychological study of mental health and survivor guilt? Or a whimsical, non-conformist rejection of social mores? Or all of the above?
Can Billy Pilgrim, survivor of the infamous fire-bombing of Dresden really time travel? Is he ‘un-stuck in time?’ Or is he trapped in flashbacks to his time as a prisoner of war under allied bombing?
He returns again and again to the bombing of Dresden, confined inside a former slaughterhouse as the firestorm rages.
Post-modern masterpiece
Vonnegut’s non-linear novel jumps around Billy’s life as it explores themes of war, trauma, free will, and the nature of time. Billy, our pilgrim everyman, never fits in, as a child, drafted soldier, or civilian optometrist after the war. Billy goes through the trials of Job in search of connection and meaning after the horrors of the war.
The novel’s fragmented structure reflects the protagonist’s mental state. Eventually abducted by aliens from the planet Tralfamadore, Billy identifies with a race who perceive the whole of time simultaneously. Are they real, or is this a coping strategy? “So it goes” is Billy’s stoic mantra, after each mention of death, stunned into acceptance, because… what else can do do?
Lasting legacy
Konnegut is the eternal rebel author. Slaughterhouse Five is anti-war, anti-religion and anti-politics. Frequently banned for profanity and sexual references, the novel remains controversial since it’s publication in 1969. It is touchingly humanist and humane as he struggles to make sense of life and death.
Terrific article!
Thank you =)
Wonderful article, I loved the science dictionary for kids bit
Saved as a favourite, cool web site!