Relationships and Interdependence in the Works of Kurt Vonnegut

Relationships and Interdependence in the Works of Kurt Vonnegut

While on the surface Kurt Vonnegut's works appear to

singularly contain the pessimistic views of an aging, black

humorist, his underlying meanings reveal a much more

sympathetic and hopeful glimpse of humanity that lends

itself to eventual societal improvement. As part of

Vonnegut's strategy for enhanced communal welfare, the

satirist details in the course of his works potential

artificial family groups to connect the masses and alleviate

the lonely. Through his science fiction tales of

misinterpreted, downcast protagonists and outrageous

observations of real life, Vonnegut shines a light on

America's problems, proposing a widespread cooperation of

common decency and interdependence as viable solutions.

Whether or not such notions actually augment the quality of

relations, Vonnegut's well-reasoned and starkly ironic

scenarios entertain, challenge, and enliven his design for

relational welfare through synthetic families. Throughout

his works Vonnegut's development of artificial families and

expression of common decency between characters helps

illuminate his universal theme of societal interdependence

in family groups and proves that life is only worth living

when individuals support each other.

Throughout his writings, Vonnegut illustrates man's

necessity of family, whether hereditary or artificial, as

a vital contribution to his survival and healthy intercourse

with society. All relatives, be they naturally procured or

synthetically acquired, possess the unique ability, and

responsibility, to support, contribute t...

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...te. Vol. 25. Detroit: Gale, 1973. 451.

Vonnegut, Kurt. Bluebeard. New York: Delacorte Press, 1987.

Vonnegut, Kurt. Breakfast of Champions. New York: Delacorte

Press, 1973.

Vonnegut, Kurt. Cat's Cradle. New York: Dell Publishing Co.,

1976.

Vonnegut, Kurt. Deadeye Dick. New York: Delacorte Press/

Seymour Lawrence, 1982.

Vonnegut, Kurt. Galapagos. New York: Dell Publishing Co.,

1985.

Vonnegut, Kurt. Mother Night. New York: Dell Publishing Co.,

1963.

Vonnegut, Kurt. Slapstick. New York: Dell Publishing Co.,

1976.

Vonnegut, Kurt. The Sirens of Titan. New York: Dell

Publishing Co., 1959.

Vonnegut, Kurt. Timequake. New York: G.P. Putnam's, 1997.

Vit, Marek. Kurt Vonnegut Corner: Kurt Vonnegut Essay

Collection.

http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/4953/kv_essays.html