1. Cat’s Cradle
Kurt Vonnegut

2. Vonnegut Bio He was born and died. Grew up in Indianapolis.
So it goes.
Grew up in Indianapolis.
Fought in World War II.
Taught at the University of Iowa.
And he wrote.

3. Humanism
An outlook or system of thought attaching prime importance to human rather than divine or supernatural matters.
Humanist beliefs stress the potential value and goodness of human beings, emphasize common human needs, and seek solely rational ways of solving human problems.
Vonnegut was the honorary president of the American Humanist Association and his views on humanity are apparent throughout all of his works.

4. Vonnegut’s Style Satire Black Humor
The use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.
A comic work that employs farce and morbid humor, which, in its simplest form, is humor that makes light of subject matter usually considered taboo.
Black comedy is often controversial due to its subject matter.

5. Cat’s Cradle Published in 1963 Satire on many topics
Religion
Science
Technology
Response to the arms race of the cold war
Introduces many new ‘words’ – keep track of them in your notes

6. Important Themes Truth vs. Good vs. Right Lies (and their benefits)
Meaninglessness of Life
Religion vs. Science
Technological Growth
Abuse of Technology
Beliefs
Desire
Happiness

7. Cat’s Cradle Vocabulary
List 1
List 2
Benign
Gait
Charlatan
Ceremonious
Antithesis
Cloister
Mawkish
Copious
Banana republic (not the store)
Luminous
Flax
Pompadour
Chagrin
Indignant
Flue
Peevish
Trestle
Avocation
Squalor
Cadaverous
Cantilever
Apoplexy
Reticule
Nihilism

8. Our Introduction Nothing in this book is true.
“Live by the foma* that make you brave and kind and healthy and happy.” The Books of Bokonon. I:5
* Harmless untruths
Everything in a Vonnegut book is there for a specific reason.
The Books of Bokonon are an important part of the story – be sure to keep track of what they say and mean
Why start the book with this quote from TBoB?
In what position does this put the reader?