Figurative Language In Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse Five
ughterhouse Five, written by Kurt Vonnegut illustrates ideas and opinions that one
may consider while reading the novel. Vonnegut uses word choice, details and figurative language
in the text to demonstrate how the different styles of writing can change a readers perception.
The novel is very in depth and allows for many different opinions to raise. 3 points will be
discussed high lighting the different writing styles to emphasize the ambiguous details in the
novel.
In the novel the Tralfmadorians discuss free will and mention the travels that their people have
endured. While explaining this to Billy it said that “they have visited thirty one inhabited planets
in the universe…only earth is there any talk of free will” (pg. …show more content…
154.) Vonnegut could have included
this point to address an opinion on freewill, and how it might not exist. Realistically, most
decisions are made by society. Advertisements and expectations become embedded in minds and
have the capability to influence ones choices and judgement.
A second interpretation that could
be made is that freewill is dangerous. Over provided amounts of freedom can cause loss of
direction and chaos in the world. Some may feel that a more protected government could sustain
a controlled population. Vonnegut could have also been trying to address the idea that free will
could be the cause of war.
Correspondingly, is the detail that was selected to discuss an ambiguous opinion. Vonnegut
makes a reference to the religious Christmas carol away in a manger in the dedication (pg3)
and later on in chapter 7 (Pg156). This reference could be seen as a sign of reassurance to
some. Religion is often turned to in times of distress and loneliness, and when there are
questions that want answers. Christianity could be interpreted as a sign of peace and hope,
maybe some believed that it could help to stop the war and bind society together in a time
of separation. Having something to believe in could act as a distraction from the violence
that was surrounding the lives of so many. However, to some it is scrutinized as a waste of time and a loss cause,
possibly even the source of some wars. It is common to face disagreement when there
is
a belief with no physical evidence, debates rise and anger is formed. Division becomes
present and a solution doesn’t, thus the beginning of war. Vonnegut may have used this
a verse from this song to give readers an idea that sometimes the most pure of things can
be transformed to the most ugly. On the other hand, Vonnegut may have been trying to
show that some things are misunderstood and are presumed to be bad or have bad
intentions but are in fact harmless.
Furthermore, is figurative language that Vonnegut used in the novel. In chapter 7 (pg 154)
Billy Pilgrim states that “Lionel Merble is a machine.” This could be to raise the point on
on how corrupting society can be of minds. Growing older more and more responsibilities
become apparent in ones life; families, jobs, money etc. Slowly all of these duties catch up
and it is easy to lose individuality, the soul purpose in life is to make others happy, it is
almost as if there is a non-existent contract that states personal priorities are to be thrown
away. Ones mind becomes conformed, or rather programmed like a machine. Moreover, the Tralfmadorians state that they see each human on earth as a machine
“Tralfmadorians of course, say that every creature and planet in the universe view humans
as a machine.” (pg. 154) Machines are programmed pieces of technology however, when
one breaks down it is fixed. Vonnegut may have been trying to say that yes, Lionel is a
machine and is controlled by ]the demanding image of society in life, but also has the
potential to be fixed. There is a potential for self enlightenment and to move forward and
make personal decisions without waiting for societies approval.
To summarize, this text contains many points that could be argued as ambiguous. Many
different opinions and theories could be considered from ones point of view while reading
the text. Vonnegut seemed to use word choice, details and figurative language considerably
well throughout the course of the novel. It was a biased novel that still offered other
personal perceptions to be explored.
may consider while reading the novel. Vonnegut uses word choice, details and figurative language
in the text to demonstrate how the different styles of writing can change a readers perception.
The novel is very in depth and allows for many different opinions to raise. 3 points will be
discussed high lighting the different writing styles to emphasize the ambiguous details in the
novel.
In the novel the Tralfmadorians discuss free will and mention the travels that their people have
endured. While explaining this to Billy it said that “they have visited thirty one inhabited planets
in the universe…only earth is there any talk of free will” (pg. …show more content…
154.) Vonnegut could have included
this point to address an opinion on freewill, and how it might not exist. Realistically, most
decisions are made by society. Advertisements and expectations become embedded in minds and
have the capability to influence ones choices and judgement.
A second interpretation that could
be made is that freewill is dangerous. Over provided amounts of freedom can cause loss of
direction and chaos in the world. Some may feel that a more protected government could sustain
a controlled population. Vonnegut could have also been trying to address the idea that free will
could be the cause of war.
Correspondingly, is the detail that was selected to discuss an ambiguous opinion. Vonnegut
makes a reference to the religious Christmas carol away in a manger in the dedication (pg3)
and later on in chapter 7 (Pg156). This reference could be seen as a sign of reassurance to
some. Religion is often turned to in times of distress and loneliness, and when there are
questions that want answers. Christianity could be interpreted as a sign of peace and hope,
maybe some believed that it could help to stop the war and bind society together in a time
of separation. Having something to believe in could act as a distraction from the violence
that was surrounding the lives of so many. However, to some it is scrutinized as a waste of time and a loss cause,
possibly even the source of some wars. It is common to face disagreement when there
is
a belief with no physical evidence, debates rise and anger is formed. Division becomes
present and a solution doesn’t, thus the beginning of war. Vonnegut may have used this
a verse from this song to give readers an idea that sometimes the most pure of things can
be transformed to the most ugly. On the other hand, Vonnegut may have been trying to
show that some things are misunderstood and are presumed to be bad or have bad
intentions but are in fact harmless.
Furthermore, is figurative language that Vonnegut used in the novel. In chapter 7 (pg 154)
Billy Pilgrim states that “Lionel Merble is a machine.” This could be to raise the point on
on how corrupting society can be of minds. Growing older more and more responsibilities
become apparent in ones life; families, jobs, money etc. Slowly all of these duties catch up
and it is easy to lose individuality, the soul purpose in life is to make others happy, it is
almost as if there is a non-existent contract that states personal priorities are to be thrown
away. Ones mind becomes conformed, or rather programmed like a machine. Moreover, the Tralfmadorians state that they see each human on earth as a machine
“Tralfmadorians of course, say that every creature and planet in the universe view humans
as a machine.” (pg. 154) Machines are programmed pieces of technology however, when
one breaks down it is fixed. Vonnegut may have been trying to say that yes, Lionel is a
machine and is controlled by ]the demanding image of society in life, but also has the
potential to be fixed. There is a potential for self enlightenment and to move forward and
make personal decisions without waiting for societies approval.
To summarize, this text contains many points that could be argued as ambiguous. Many
different opinions and theories could be considered from ones point of view while reading
the text. Vonnegut seemed to use word choice, details and figurative language considerably
well throughout the course of the novel. It was a biased novel that still offered other
personal perceptions to be explored.