Paragraph Support Work

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Here is the work we did on how to support ideas in an essay using quotes from a story. Use these ideas as a jumping off point for your own paper.

Example 1: Due to the news of her husband’s death, the mood of the story would most likely be depressing and full of grief. Instead, in paragraphs 5-6, the mood appears to be hopeful. Typically, the setting most used to create a depressed mood is gray or stormy skies. In paragraph 6, however, the narrator uses “patches of blue sky” to describe the view from Louise’ window. This blue sky represents the clear, bright future she expects now that her husband is history.

Example 2: In paragraph 5 of the story, there are several details that do not fit the expected tone of the situation. Considering the fact that Louise Mallard has just learned of her husband’s death, it is reasonable to expect the tone to be one of grieving. However, the tone comes through as hopeful and joyful when the outside landscape is described. As Mrs. Mallard looks out into the square, Chopin describes the view as showing “the tops of the trees that were all aquiver with the new spring life.” The mention of the “new spring life” evokes a hopeful tone due to its allusion to rebirth, an allusion that doesn’t fit a death scene.

Example 3: In paragraph 5 of the story, there are several details that do not fit the expected tone of the situation. Considering the fact that Louise Mallard has just learned of her husband’s death, it is reasonable to expect the tone to be one of grieving. However, the tone comes through as hopeful and joyful when the outside landscape is described. Chopin begins the paragraph by describing the view out the window: “She could see in the open square before her house the tops of the trees that were all aquiver with the new spring life.” The mention of the “new spring life” evokes a hopeful tone due to its allusion to rebirth, an allusion that doesn’t fit a death scene.

The Dreaded Essay

OK...It has been requested that I post the writing prompt on the blog, so I will do so. Afterwards, I will give some advice to help you write a solid paper. Should you have any questions about writing the paper, please put them on this post...that way I can answer them here for everyone. Therefore, before you ask your question, read through what has already been asked and answered so there are no repeat questions. So, here goes:

Essay Question

Science fiction often involves social criticism. Write a 3-4 page paper explaining what parts of the social world are being criticized by these novels and explain how the authors create the criticism within the framework of their stories.

I expect a solid introduction and conclusion. Your paper should reflect extensive knowledge of the novels and insightful analysis. Show me what you know.

The essay should be typed in 12 point font (Times New Roman or Courier New). It should be double-spaced and have one-inch margins all around. I will be looking at your grammar usage and spelling as part of your grade on this paper, so have someone read it over before you turn it in to me.

Remember, the paper should be 3-4 pages in length…not 4 pages, not 2.5 pages. Be concise and precise.

Again, the paper is due on the first day of class and will act as your pass into my class. You will also have an objective test over the novel on the first day of class.

The paper should also be formatted in the MLA Style. If you don't know what that looks like, consult the OWL at Purdue website (On-Line Writing Lab). Just Google it.

I don't want you to use sources for your paper. I want your own thoughts and insights. You may consult various sources to develop your own definition of literature, but since it is considered common knowledge, you won't have to cite those sources.

Most important: solid thesis statement and solid, specific support from the novel. You only have 3-4 pages, so I don't expect every iota of support you can find. Use the best of what you have. Make sure that your support comes from various parts of the novel, indicating that you have knowledge of the novel as a whole.

Again, all other questions should be posted below.

See you on Tuesday.

The Road 270-287

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When asked by the boy to tell about the bravest thing he'd ever done, the man replied, "Getting up this morning." What does he mean by this statement? What is so brave about him getting up?

What do you think is more difficult: being the boy and listening to see if your father is still breathing or being the man and knowing your son is doing that?

crozzled...new word to me...I like it.

He'd stop and lean on the cart and the boy would go on and then stop and look back and he would raise his weeping eyes and see him standing there in the road looking back at him from some unimaginable future, glowing in that waste like a tabernacle. There are still religious allusions sprinkled in here. If there is no hope -- as seems to be the case -- why cling to religion?

The man imagines this is the reversal of creation -- what it must have been like before, when the earth was first made. If so, isn't this hope, since the world would have evolved from this point before? Is it plausible that this could be a new starting point?

Look around you, he said. There is no prophet in the earth's long chronicle who's not honored here today. Whatever form you spoke of you were right. What does this passage mean to you?

What clues do we have that the man (and woman) are not cannibals -- are "good guys"? What doubts are there?

Once there were brook trout in the streams in the mountains. You could see them standing in the amber current where the white edges of their fins wimpled softly in the flow. They smelled of moss in your hand. Polished and muscular and torsional. On their backs were vermiculate patterns that were maps of the world in its becoming. Maps and mazes. Of a thing which could not be put back. Not be made right again. Inn the deep glens where they lived all things were older than man and they hummed of mystery.

Love that final paragraph. There appears to be some hope buried there...what hope do you see in this last paragraph? What other things are hidden in this paragraph?

The Road 245-269

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"I will not send you into the darkness alone." We know what this suggests, but what does this tell us about the man as a person...as a father?

You tried to kill us.
I'm starving, man. You'd have done the same.
You took everything.
Come on, man. I'll die.
I'm going to leave you the way you left us.
Is the man being hypocritical here? Is he being fair to the thief?

You're not the one who has to worry about everything.
Yes I am, he said. I am the one.
Explain the meaning of this exchange. What does this tell us about the man? the boy?

The boy believes they killed the thief. What do you believe?

The man tells the woman that she was left here...she claims she chose to be here...what do you think?

How well do you think the boy understands their predicament? Give examples for support.

The Road 220-244

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"One vast salt sepulchre. Senseless. Senseless." Again, the description of the beach is quite different from what is expected of a beach. What images stand out to you and what about them stands out?

What is the translation of the boat's gilt lettering? What is the significance? Is it ironic?

What is a mae west? Is there any significance to this?

What is a sextant? What does the fact that he put it back in a cupboard suggest about the man?

The man thinks, "good luck might be no such thing." He envies the dead on most nights. If this is the case, what keeps him going? Why is he trying so hard to survive?


On p. 244 in my book, there is an exchange between the man and the boy:

Boy: I don't know what we're doing.
Man: There are people and we'll find them. You'll see.

Focusing on the entire exchange, what do we learn about these two characters at this point?

The Road 195-219

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What is so significant about the fact that the group who is following them has a pregnant woman with them?

How traumatic to see the baby cooking over the fire...what do you make of the way the boy handled seeing that?

What is significant about the man finding a Spanish coin and arrowheads at this point in the book? What do these items represent?

Great line: "They wandered through the rooms like skeptical housebuyers."

The man involves the boy in most decisions, such as the decision to eat the home-canned food. Why is it important that the man involves him?

The man thinks, "They are watching for a thing that even death cannot undo and if they do not see it they will turn away from us and they will not come back." Explain your understanding of this quote.

Another great line (though gruesome): "The dull green antique coppers spilled from out the tills of their eyesockets onto the stained and rotted coffin floors."

tokus --> a clue to heritage?

When the boy comes in from his swim, he's crying. Why do you think he's crying?

The Road 168-194

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The old man says, "I was always on the road." Does this mean he was a transcient before the devastation? Why would this matter?

"Nobody wants to be here and nobody wants to leave." Explain this quote, then tell me what you think about it.

"There is no God and we are his prophets." What? What does this mean?

"Where men can't live gods fare no better." Explain this one...

The old man thinks the boy will "get over" believing in God. What do you think, and why?

"I am going to die," he said. "Tell me how I am to do that." What does the man mean? What are the possible answers?

The boy forgets to turn off the valve for their make-shift stove. What do we learn about the characters from the exchange that takes place concerning this oversight?

On p. 177 in my book, there is a description of the coastal plains. Compared with your experience of the coastal plains (assuming you've experienced them), what is the difference between your experience and the description we get? Why is this significant?

What is different when you compare the boy looking over the map to the man doing the same thing as a boy?

The man dreams of a library where the books were charred and he sees the shelves were tipped over. "Some rage at the lies arranged in their thousands row on row." What lies are in the books that cause rage?

Why do you think McCarthy included the memory with the burning snakes? What prompts the man to remember this scene from his childhood?

"When your dreams are of some world that never was or of some world that never will be and you are happy again then you will have given up." Explain your understanding of this quote.

What has caused the new distance between the man and the boy?

The Road: 145-167

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The boy says a prayer...sort of...what is significant about the prayer? What does it tell you about the boy and the man?

Great image: "The only light was from the ring of blue teeth in the burner of the stove."

They only stay in the bunker a couple of days. If no one has found it so far, what makes them think it's dangerous to stay longer?

"If trouble comes when you least expect it then maybe the thing to do is always expect it." What do you think of this logic?

McCarthy does a masterful job of writing the dialogue -- he captures a young boy's curiosity and imagination quite vividly and accurately. The conversation about crows is priceless. How does it help characterize the two characters?

"What are our long term goals?" Why doesn't the man answer this question?

Why do you think the boy is so much more willing to help others? He knows the consequences they could face, yet he still wants to help -- why?

What's significant about the old man's name (allusion)?

The Road: 100-144

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What is port cochere?

“Can you do it? When the time comes?” This is repetition of an earlier phrase. Is he any more apt to do it now? Is there any difference between the earlier situation and this one?

How do they discern between good houses and bad houses?

The man explains why they didn’t help the people in the cellar. Is it a solid explanation? Do you think the boy will settle for it?

Is cannibalism acceptable given the setting? Is it understandable?

Considering the state of the country, why does he put flower seeds in his pocket? They’re not edible…

On p. 134, the boy doesn’t want the man to open the door they found in the grass. Why is he so against it?

Why is it important to the boy that the people who built the bunker were the good guys?

The man thought he was going to die. Now he finds himself in a food paradise. It says he has to think about that. What does he have to think about?

The Road 77-100

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The man makes the boy a flute, allows him to put toys in the cart, and tells him stories -- still trying to give the boy as normal a childhood as possible...

Why is the boy so concerned about the dog? Why is it important that they don't eat the dog?

Did the boy actually see another little boy or didn't he? How is the man so sure he didn't? Or is the man just trying to get the boy to think he imagined it? He changes his tune later, though, indicating that he does believe the boy. Why is he now conceding this?

On p. 87 in my book, there is a shift in narration: "The dog he remembers followed us for two days." It is the voice of the father...what does this narration change add to the story?

"He doesn't remember any little boys." How sad that the boy has never had a sibling, a friend, or a playmate...his whole life...Just sayin'...

"The names of things slowly following those things into oblivion. Colors. The names of birds. Things to eat. Finally the names of things one believed to be true." At what point does it end? What things or names of things would be the most devastating to lose?

Very gruesome scene of bones, etc. He and the boy are together, but the man stops and looks for longer. Why?

They see the bad guys march by, and the father states that it's not a good sign. Why do you think this is a bad sign?

The Road: 52-76

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On p. 52 in my version of the book, there is a quote that begins like this: "They stood on the far shore of the river..." Find this paragraph and explain what it means to you.

He fills the tub with water. She asks why he's taking a bath. He says he isn't...so what is it that he's doing here?

Why does the man play cards with the boy...or, rather, why is it so important that he does?

On p. 55 in my version of the book, there is a quote that begins like this: "No lists of things..." What are your thoughts on this paragraph?

She says there used to be three bullets, but now there are only two. What happened to that third bullet?

Why do "women dream of danger to those in their care and men of danger to themselves?

Why do you think her heart was ripped out of her the night her son was born? This goes against a mother's natural instincts...

Why do you think that the boy's reaction to her leaving was so emotionally cold?

Why won't the boy talk to him for a while in this section?

"Where you've nothing else construct ceremonies out of the air and breathe upon them." What is important about this?

When the man mentions that the guy he killed was the first person he had talked to in a year (besides his son), why does he refer to the man as "my brother at last?"

The snow presents practical problems, but what do you think it might symbolize?

What is quoits? Gotta look that one up...

The Road: 27-52

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"The last instance of a thing takes the class with it. Turns out the light and is gone. Look around you. Ever is a long time. But the boy knew what he knew. That ever is no time at all." What are your thoughts on this passage?

"Can you do it? When the time comes? Can you?" What is it the man is thinking of doing?

"Not all dying words are true and this blessing is no less veal for being shorn of its ground." What are your thoughts on this sentence?

Great query: "How does the never to be differ from what never was?" Got an answer? Take a shot.

I think you can figure out why the man gives the boy all of what's left of the hot chocolate while he drinks hot water, pretending it's hot chocolate...but how do you explain the boy's reaction to this?

Can you interpret the penguin dream? Take a shot.

What is significant about the fact that the man tells "old stories of courage and justice?"

The man is extremely honest with the boy about their situation, but his truthfulness appears to have limits. What limits do you see?

What do you think of the man's decision to leave the lightning-struck man alone with no help?

Cormac McCarthy meets Oprah

Here is a link to an interview with Cormac McCarthy. I couldn't get the video to download for me, but this will work just as well.

Cormac McCarthy meets Oprah

The Road: 3-27

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So as you can tell, I am creating posts on this novel based on page numbers...it may not match your pagination, but it should be pretty close. And so, we begin...

Remember the dream that starts the novel. McCarthy wouldn't have begun the novel with the dream if it wasn't important.

"With the first gray light..." This paragraph is packed with info, both stated and implied. What important info can you get from this tightly written paragraph?

McCarthy chooses not to use quotation marks for his dialogue. Why do you think he made this stylistic choice? What effect does this have on the story?

Why do you think the man tried to call his father from the gas station?

What color(s) dominate the story? What is the symbolism of the color(s)? What tone do the colors in the book help to create? Without naming a color, McCarthy often mentions objects that we see as a particular color in our mind's eye. What are some of these objects?

Who is the narrator? What stands out about the narration?

On p. 10, the point of view changes to the boy, but just briefly...what stands out to you about this conversation between the boy and the man?

How would you characterize the man's religious beliefs?

The man describes his perfect day from his childhood. What stands out to you about this brief memory?

"It's snowing, the boy said. He looked at the sky. A single gray flake sifting down. He caught it in his hand and watched it expire there like the last host of christendom." Love this. What is so good about this excerpt?

First real mention of other people in the book's present tense: bloodcults, road-agents, and marauders. What does this suggest about the area where they are?

The man is very handy and a creative, practical thinker. What profession do you suppose he had in the past?

"...the right dreams for a man in peril were dreams of peril and all else was the call of languor and death." Do you agree with the man's assessment of dreams? Why do you think he believes this (or at least says that he believes it)?

Where are the only sections of the book with bright colors set? What is significant about the use of bright colors?

Where is Rock City? What does this reference do for us as readers?

What do you find significant about the Coca Cola scene?

So up to this point (p. 27), there hasn't been an encounter with another LIVING person or animal...what do you think has happened here? Do you think it is a regional, national, international, or universal event?

Chapter Ten: Fin

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Our narrator places himself back into the story again with an account of the deaths he has recently encountered. What is significant about the wording?

Why would aliens be so interested in Darwin? Why would they be interested in golf?

How had O'Hare and the narrator become so "extremely well-to-do"? Why does the narrator repeat Billy's phrase about Wild Bob?

What do you make of the comments the narrator and O'Hare have after they read the population data?

Now we have the narrator, O'Hare, and Billy all together in Dresden...does this solidify Billy's story?

Why is Dresden described as being the moon? Do you suppose it's a fitting description?
If so, how?

What does the position and condition of the first set of bodies found in Dresden suggest?

I like this ending...but it might not strike you the same. Take a look at the last 3-4 paragraphs...do you think this was a good way for Vonnegut to end the novel? Did the narrator keep his promise to Mary O'Hare?

Chapter 9

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What a bizarre way for Valencia to go. Since we know that writers can dispose of characters in any way they wish, why do you think Vonnegut chose this circuitous route to Valencia's demise?

Love the Roosevelt quote...

Why is Rumfoord brought into the story? What does he do to move the plot along?

Why doesn't Rumfoord believe Billy was in Dresden initially?

Billy and the Americans were looting Dresden...does this change your opinion of Billy?

What does it say about Billy that the only thing he cries about during the entire war is the condition of the horses?

Why does the Rumfoord section end after Billy mentions the Tralfamadorians?

Billy realizes that he has read The Big Board before. This novel kind of mirrors his own experiences on Tralfamador. What does this fact suggest?

What is significant about the Jesus story?

Why does Vonnegut choose to put Billy in an adult bookstore? What do we learn about Billy based on his reactions there?

So we see the serenity prayer again, this time on Montana's necklace...what does this suggest about the earlier encounter with the prayer?

Chapter Eight

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Although Howard W. Campbell, Jr., is a fictional character, "The Free American Corps" was very real. Look it up.

What do you make of Derby's stance against Campbell? What do you make of the fact that he's the only one to make that stand?

Why does Billy's daughter want to kill Kilgore Trout?

Kilgore Trout created the idea of burning jellied gasoline. What is this substance referred to as today? Where was it used extensively? Why is it important that robots created and used it in the book?

Another great description: "She was a dull person, but a sensational invitation to make babies." Made me chuckle.

Why do you think Billy reacts so adversely to the "old gang of mine" song?

Has anyone ever tried the mirror/dog trick? I wonder if it works...

Odd thing to say about one's son: "Billy liked him, but didn't know him very well." How do you think this came to be?

Odd that after the bombing of Dresden, one of Billy's strongest memories is that the guards reminded him of a barbershop quartet...

Bombing of Dresden: 2/13/45. Why does this date sound familiar?

So Billy fathered a child with Montana Wildhack. He also goes through the entire pregnancy with her while in the Tralfamadorian zoo. As far as characterization goes, what does this tell us about Billy?

What a bizarre scene...Billy and the Americans come out of the slaughterhouse to see Dresden utterly destroyed...they make their way through the destruction, and just outside of town they see an inn open for business. Why do you think Vonnegut included this seemingly unlikely scene?

Chapter Seven

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How can you know the plane is going to crash and not say something -- allow people the opportunity to make their peace with God, for instance?

How does the nature of the Polish songs characterize Lionel Merble?

Billy was in a mental institution, and now we find out he had a massive head injury in the plane crash...could this explain the fact that his narration is questionable at best? Later it states that -- while unconcious from surgery -- billy "dreamed millions of things, some of them true. The true things were time travel." True according to whom?

Why do you think Vonnegut includes the scene with the women showering?

Interesting to see how Vonnegut described the spooning of vitamins. It was as if his body was thanking him...Have you ever craved some type of nourishment and had your body thank you?

Chapter 6: Dresden

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Again, Vonnegut starts with, "Billy Pilgrim says..." Does this mean Billy is an unreliable narrator to our narrator?

Vonnegut keeps describing Edgar Derby as the "high school teacher who would eventually be shot." Why does he keep reminding us of that fact?

How could the lumps in the jacket work miracles for him if he didn't question their nature?

"Golgotha sounds" -- anybody have a comment on the source of this allusion? Great phrase...

Isn't it odd to have dartboards and pool tables in a war? Are they included simply as touches of realism or for some other reason?

What are your thoughts on Lazzaro's canine revenge? What about his planned revenge on the Blue Fairy Godmother? What do these things reveal about his character? Should Billy be nervous, or is Lazzaro just a big talker?

Billy dies on 2/13/76, the day before Valentine's Day...is there any other historical significance to that date?

The state of the United States has changed. There are "20 petty nations" instead of one that is united. Chicago has been hit by a hydrogen bomb that was dropped by "angry Chinamen." These things have not actually taken place in history. What is the idea behind these facts? Why does Vonnegut choose this fate for the United States?

What is geodesic? Why is that important?

The flag described is a Hereford bull in a field of green. Anybody read
Animal Farm? Seems to be a similarity between the flags. What is the significance of that?

Death is said to be nothing but violet light and a hum...no one else is there...not even Billy Pilgrim. Kind of depressing and empty.

What does the line drawn in the dirt by the Englishman mean?

What do you make of the fact that the Cinderella boots fit Billy perfectly? Is there any of the Cinderella story in Billy's story?

On page 146 in my book, the Englishman states that nothing in Dresden is worth bombing. If all of the reasons he gives are true, then why was Dresden obliterated by bombs?

Our narrator shows up in Dresden...behind Billy in the boxcar. What significance might there be in his comparing Dresden to Oz?

Since Billy knows that Dresden will be destroyed in the bombing, he takes in the beauty of the city with new eyes. Why is it that people generally don't take in beauty like this until it's too late?

What was the purpose of hiding a denture in the lining of the muff?

Chapter 5

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What is the significance of the Tralfamadorians having only one book and the fact that the one book they have is Valley of the Dolls?

Billy seems to be full of fear at age 12...fear of the Grand Canyon, fear of falling in, fear of having his mother push him in, the Carlsbad Cavern's roof falling in on him, a glow-in-the-dark watch...what's with all the fear?

I wonder what the American said to make the guard angry enough to knock him down...

The Englishmen had saved all that food...why not take care of the clerical error so that the troops on the front would have enough food?

New word alert: rodomontades

The British are shown to treat war as something stylish, reasonable, and fun. Why?

"The banquet hall was illuminated by candlelight." The candlelight was provided by candles made of human fat. grotesque image in an otherwise celebratory, welcoming environment...

Where else would one be able to take in a showing of Cinderella during WWII?

Why is it significant that Derby is reading The Red Badge of Courage?

So Billy was in a mental ward after the war...Does this make his story more or less plausible?

"So they were trying to re-invent themselves and their universe. Science fiction was a big help." How so?

Derby refers to the war as the "Children's Crusade." Where have we heard that before? Why is that significant?

Why do you suppose Billy is so averse to seeing his mother? Is the explanation of feeling guilty sufficient, or is there more to it?

Valencia sounds like a prize...

What do you make of the re-write of the New Testament?

Funny that the Tralfamadorian crowd goes crazy when Billy goes to the bathroom -- just like crowds at the zoo react when apes or monkeys go to the bathroom. What's up with that reaction?

Why can't humans follow the advice of the Tralfamadorians and just ignore the bad and celebrate the good?

What are your thoughts on the gravestone drawing?

What are your thoughts on Howard W. Campbell, Jr.'s thoughts on Americans and war?

Is Billy cheating on Valencia when he is sleeping with Montana, or is he absolved by the fact that it happens on a different planet?

Chapter 4: For every action...

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Who has an orange and black striped tent for a wedding? Jack Skellington?

I find it interesting that Billy knows he's going to be abducted by aliens, yet he does nothing to change this fact. Wouldn't he at least hide? Why do you think he does nothing to change his fate?

"So it goes." Even when it's just a bottle of champagne that's gone dead...funny.

What did you think about the WWII movie that Billy described backwards?

When Billy asks, "Why me?", why do the Tralfamadorians say that this was a very human question?

I found it funny that a Barca-Lounger is used as part of the human habitat in the Tralfamadorian zoo...What does that suggest about humans?

Why do you suppose Billy is so violent when he sleeps? Do you think his lack of sleep caused him to break from reality?

Why does Weary claim that Billy Pilgrim killed him?

Before the spaceship arrives, there is a sound like an owl. When the train arrives at the extermination camp, there is a cooing sound...significant?

Billy seems to jump around in time a lot at the end of this chapter. Why do you think this happens here?

What is so baffling to the Tralfamadorians concerning free will? Are humans brilliant because they're the only ones in the universe concerned with free will, or are they foolish to believe there is such a thing as free will?

Chapter 3: At War

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Why are the scouts killed, but not Weary or Billy?

p. 56: Is there any significance to this instance of time travel? Any significance to falling asleep (increasingly) at work?

What is "Ausable Chasm"?

What does the Lion's Club do? Who can join?

Interesting that Billy was not affected by the talk of bombings in Vietnam...why do you think he is so ambivalent?

What is the origin of the prayer on Billy's office wall? What group is associated with this prayer? What does this suggest about Billy?

Why do you think Billy just randomly weeps now?

Is there any significance in Billy's business investments?

"When food came in, the human beings were quiet and trusting and beautiful. They share." Love those lines.

Any significance to Billy's train moving and his being abducted by aliens?

Chapter 2: Unstuck in Time

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This chapter reminded me of this cheesy television show,
Quantum Leap. The premise of the show was that the handsome lead character would be sent back and forth in time in order to help with one situation or another. Until the situation was resolved, he was stuck wherever he landed...but one of the main differences between the show and the novel is that in the show, he could become other people...so he might be a woman, or he might be an old man, or he might be African American...that would be even tougher than Billy Pilgrim trying to figure out what age he was. It's much easier to act like yourself, no matter what age.

I love the phrase "unstuck in time," if for no other reason than it indicates that we are all currently stuck in time. Interesting to think about.

When relating Billy's situation, the narrator says, "He says." Does this mean that Billy Pilgrim is unreliable to the narrator? If the narrator doesn't trust the story, should we?

Billy Pilgrim's father dies in a hunting accident while Billy is away at war...Billy's wife dies from a random carbon monoxide accident after Billy survives a tragic airplane crash as the only survivor. Irony? If not, then what do you make of these odd coincidences?

What is significant about Billy's profession?

OK...so you're in New York, you're up late, and you're listening to talk radio. A man calls in and tells a story about being abducted by aliens, being put on display in a zoo, and being forced to breed with a former starlet with the unlikely name of Montana Wildhack...what is your reaction? What do you think of Billy's story?

So according to the Tralfamadorians, when someone dies, they are still alive in the past. All moments -- past, present, future -- have always existed and will always continue to exist. What do you think of this interesting theory? Is it plausible?

We finally find out the source of "so it goes." Does it change the way you hear that phrase?

[Note: Gotta love an author who uses the word "flibbertigibbet."]

vox humana and vox celeste...meanings?

Four survive the Battle of the Bulge: 2 scouts, 1 tank gunner, and 1 chaplain's assistant. Is there any significance to their jobs?

[Note: I hope no one ever describes me as a "filthy flamingo"]

Everyone on the gun crew was killed except for Weary...sound familiar?


A Spanish thumbscrew, in case you were wondering... (Photo Credit: http://medieval-castles.org)

Weary has a sick fascination with torture, don't you think? The Iron Maiden...

(Photo credit: http://123rf.com)

What does Weary's version of the war tell you about Weary as a character?

Why did Billy resent being rescued from the bottom of the pool?

We get the story of Private Slovik, the only American soldier shot for cowardice since the Civil War. Why are we told this story?

When Billy is unstuck in time, why does he visit his only infidelity? Is there a method to the madness of this time travel?

The chapter ends with the surreal scene of Weary beating Pilgrim while Germans watch in wonder...what does the scene suggest to you about the line between fantasy and reality?

Chapter 1

(Photo Credit: http://feelingfeelings.wordpress.com)

As this is the first chapter, let me tell you how I work. I am going to post all of my thoughts and questions from each chapter, taken from my own notes. I do not expect you to answer every question...or even answer any of the questions, necessarily. They are here merely to spur thoughts. You can comment on what I've written here or comment on whatever you like related to each chapter. You can even bring in connections to other novels, movies, or your own life. When all is said and done, we should have a pretty decent conversation about each chapter. And so it goes...

First, it's interesting that Vonnegut makes himself a character in his own work. That will pretty much disappear after chapter 1, but you should think about why he would do so.

p. 1: It's odd that in his description of Dresden/Dayton that he mentioned the bone meal so offhandedly...it's probably true, but an odd detail to bring up.

"So it goes." What do you make of this repeated phrase? What does the phrase do to the narrative around it?

What significance do the limerick (p. 2) and the song (p. 3) have?

I like the anti-glacier comment by Harrison Starr. Sad, but true...

What differences do you notice between the narrator (Vonnegut here) and O'Hare? Anything of significance?

I love that the narrator admits to drunk-dialing operators to stalk former friends and lovers...

What is the irony of Edgar Derby's sad tale?

What significance is there in the fact that he outlined the story in crayon?

Why is what he learned in college so important?

What does an anthropologist do?

What is important about his first news story? Why did he share that particular story? What was his tone as he related this story?

The Dresden bombing was worse than Hiroshima? How so? Is this a fact?

p. 10 -- why does he repeat the phrase, "I know"?

What is significant about the list of jobs Vonnegut has had since the war?

Eheu, fugaces labuntur anni. What does this mean?

I thought it was odd to compare carp with atomic submarines...

Mary has a cold demeanor upon Vonnegut's arrival...she then seems angry...then she unleashes her anger. What do you think of her as a character, and do you think her outburst was understandable/justifiable?

What is the irony of the information from the book by Mary Endell (p. 17-18)?

Great Quote: "And I asked myself about the present: how wide it was, how deep it was, and how much was mine to keep."

Theodore Roethke's Words for the Wind and Erika Ostrovsky's Celine and His Vision ... Any significance in the allusion to these works?

Starting Lines

(Photo credit: http://barefootdaves.com)

OK...just a few things to consider as you begin this novel...three things, to be precise.

1) Why did Vonnegut choose to include a verse from "Away in a Manger" to start the novel? Is there anything significant here?
2) Why did Vonnegut choose to dedicate the book to two of the fictional characters from the novel?
3) What do you make of the alternate title for the novel: The Children's Crusade: A Duty Dance with Death?

Give those things some thought and share your ideas here...

The Widsom of Vonnegut

(Photo Credit: http://musicisart.ws)

Here is a lesson in creative writing. First rule: Do not use semicolons. They are transvestite hermaphrodites representing absolutely nothing. All they do is show you've been to college.

Kurt Vonnegut, A Man without a Country

Summer of Fun

I decided to do something a little different this summer, and I hope you all like it. I have chosen two books that fall into the science fiction genre, but they are so much more. Slaughterhouse Five is a crazy, fun, sad, disturbing work of genius by one of America's most prolific author's. Do a little research on Vonnegut...get to know him...he's an interesting fella. Also, remember this book cover and come back to this post when you're done reading. I want to know why Vonnegut gave it the alternate title...what do you think (don't research it...just share your opinion)?

Enjoy the read. I'll have a post up for chapter 1 soon.

Research Writing Examples

Here are the examples we did in class, as promised. Use them as a reference.

Ernest Hemingway, a proponent of bullfighting, has gone on record as seeing the brutal act as something more noble than mere violence. “Bullfighting is the only art in which the artist is in danger of death and in which the degree of brilliance in the performance is left to the fighter’s honor” (Hemingway 90).

Ernest Hemingway, a proponent of bullfighting, has gone on record as seeing the brutal act as “the only art in which the artist is in danger of death and in which the degree of brilliance in the performance is left to the fighter’s honor” (Hemingway 90).

[Note: This next one wouldn't format right for the blog, but just note that it should be indented 1" from the left, as we did in class.]

Ernest Hemingway, a proponent of bullfighting, has gone on record as seeing the brutal act as something more noble than mere violence:
Bullfighting is the only art in which the artist is in danger of death and in which the degree of brilliance in the performance is left to the fighter’s honor. (Hemingway 90)



Ernest Hemingway, a proponent of bullfighting, has gone on record as seeing the brutal act as something more noble than mere violence. His view is that it is a work of art, and a matador’s performance is measured through his level of honor (Hemingway 90).

Ernest Hemingway, a proponent of bullfighting, has gone on record as seeing the brutal act as something more noble than mere violence. Although he sees the reality of the “danger of death” in the sport, he believes that a matador’s “performance is left to the fighter’s honor” (Hemingway 90).

Research Sites Worth Checking Out

Here are the research sites I spoke about in class. It would be wise and very helpful to you to spend a little time looking at their content. Work smarter, not harder.

Digital Research

Bedford Research Tools

The Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is the guiding force of your research paper. It lets the reader know what it is that you are going to be looking at in the essay. Everything in your thesis statement should be covered and supported in the body of your essay, so it is critical that your thesis statement be solid. Below are some links that define and explain how to write a thesis statement.

Purdue Online Writing Center Thesis Statement

University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Thesis Statement

Indiana University Bloomington Thesis Statement

Research Paper Topics

Here are the sites for research topics. You don't have to use topics from these sites, but they are a solid jumping-off point. Remember...be genuinely interested in learning something about a topic you are genuinely interested in...this is what research is all about. Also remember to stay away from the following: Abortion, Death Penalty, Legalizing Marijuana, Gay Marriage, and Assisted Suicide. I've just read far too many research papers on these topics, and there a gazillion other topics out there.
UCF Writing Center

Midway Research Topics

Writing Center Research Topics