1. Most of the characters in this novel are weak and pathetic in their own way. Describe two characters, how they interact with Billy, and how they help Vonnegut develop any of the themes in the novel.
2. Explain Vonnegut’s commentary on free will and choice. Use examples from the text to explain it, and discuss briefly why he may have written about this in this particular book.
3. Vonnegut says this is not an “anti-war book.” Do you believe him? Why or why not?
4. What is metafiction? How does Vonnegut use it in the novel? What effects does it have?
5. Vonnegut says this book is a "failure." What do you think he means by that? Do you agree or disagree?
6. Many postmodern novels are "de-centered," meaning that they have no clear central message, but rather have a number of perspectives and themes that interact with each other without any of them being "central." Using two examples, discuss the ways Slaughterhouse Five employs de-centering, and what effect it has.
2. Explain Vonnegut’s commentary on free will and choice. Use examples from the text to explain it, and discuss briefly why he may have written about this in this particular book.
3. Vonnegut says this is not an “anti-war book.” Do you believe him? Why or why not?
4. What is metafiction? How does Vonnegut use it in the novel? What effects does it have?
5. Vonnegut says this book is a "failure." What do you think he means by that? Do you agree or disagree?
6. Many postmodern novels are "de-centered," meaning that they have no clear central message, but rather have a number of perspectives and themes that interact with each other without any of them being "central." Using two examples, discuss the ways Slaughterhouse Five employs de-centering, and what effect it has.