Our book group choice for Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut. In the book, Billy Pilgrim travels through time. He was captured by the Germans in World War II and witnessed the bombing of Dresden.
Slaughterhouse-Five is a semi-autobiographical novel by Kurt Vonnegut, first published in 1969. The novel is narrated by Billy Pilgrim, a man who has the ability to travel through time. Billy’s experiences in World War II, particularly the firebombing of Dresden, are a major focus of the novel.
The novel begins with Billy’s capture by the Germans during the Battle of the Bulge. Billy is taken to Dresden, where he is forced to work in a slaughterhouse that has been converted into a prison camp. On February 13, 1945, the Allies firebomb Dresden, killing an estimated 135,000 people. Billy survives the bombing, but he is deeply traumatized by the experience.
After the war, Billy returns to the United States and tries to resume his life. However, he is unable to escape the memories of Dresden. He begins to have flashbacks and nightmares, and he starts to travel through time. Billy’s time travels take him to different points in his life, as well as to other historical events, such as the Battle of the Bulge and the trial of Adolf Eichmann.
Throughout the novel, Vonnegut explores the themes of war, trauma, and the nature of time. He argues that war is a senseless and destructive act, and that it leaves a lasting mark on those who experience it. Vonnegut also suggests that time is not linear, but rather a fluid and unpredictable phenomenon.
Slaughterhouse-Five is a challenging and thought-provoking novel. It is a powerful indictment of war, and it offers a unique perspective on the nature of time. The novel has been praised for its humor, its insights, and its anti-war message. It has been adapted into a film, a stage play, and an opera.
Here are some additional details about the novel:
- The novel’s title refers to the slaughterhouse where Billy Pilgrim is held prisoner in Dresden. The slaughterhouse is also known as “Slaughterhouse-Five” because it is the fifth slaughterhouse in the city.
- The novel is written in a non-linear fashion, with Billy’s time travels taking him to different points in his life. This structure reflects the way that memory works, and it also allows Vonnegut to explore the different ways that war can be experienced.
- The novel is full of dark humor, which Vonnegut uses to make the horrors of war more palatable. However, the humor is also used to make a serious point about the absurdity of war.
- Slaughterhouse-Five is a powerful anti-war novel. Vonnegut argues that war is a senseless and destructive act, and that it leaves a lasting mark on those who experience it.
- The novel has been praised for its humor, its insights, and its anti-war message. It has been adapted into a film, a stage play, and an opera.
Discussion Questions for Slaughterhouse-Five
- Is this a war book?
- Do you think the constant change of setting is confusing? Does it add or take away anything from the story?
- Why does the narrator say ‘And so it goes’ after each reference to death?
- What did you make of the Tralfamadorians?
- Are the lessons of Tralfamadore useful lies? Why or why not?
- Is Billy Pilgrim sane or insane? Does it matter?
- What did you make of the black humour and irony used throughout?
- What does the bird and “Poo-tee-weet” represent?
- What is the significance of the hobo on the prisoner transport train?
- Why did Vonnegut chose to write this from the perspective of Billy Pilgrim? Why didn’t he just make himself the main character?
- What does Vonnegut achieve by placing himself as a character in the story?
- Billy knows the date and time of his death. How does this inform our view of Billy?
- What is Vonnegut saying about family?
- Did you have a favourite character? Which, if any, were particularly memorable?
- Howard Campbell is an American Nazi. What did you make of him and what does he represent?
- Is Vonnegut saying something with the repeated reference to the serenity prayer?
- To whom would you recommend this book? Why?
Individual Comments
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