Optimist: a word defined by dictionary.com as a person disposed to take a favorable view of events or conditions. Optimist: a word defined by me as a person who should not read Cat's Cradle. Author and essayist, Kurt Vonnegut writes his dark humored satire, Cat's Cradle in order to entertain, question, and criticize. However, although entertaining, Vonnegut heavily criticizes and reveals the bleak nature of mankind. For example, when arriving at San Lorenzo, Jonah discovers that "everybody was bound to fail" (133). No one likes to hear that inevitably, their endeavors will fail, however there exist some people who have accepted that fact. This could prove too cynical for the optimistic mind who believe themselves able to do anything. Optimists also find themselves bothered by little Newt's impending question "'See the cat? See the cradle?'" (179) Newt daily takes the sacredness of life and marriage and compares it to a child's game, indirectly characterizing both of those things as meaningless and futile. The fact that the cat and the cradle never exist implies that marriage and even life prove man-made entities with no real purpose but to entertain and trick. The cynic as well as the thoughtful, open mind will enjoy this thoroughly, however it may disturb those who think happy thoughts or can not see past Little Newt playing with a piece of sting. Which leads to another group of people who should not read this book: the close-minded. At the beginning of the book, Jonah warns that people who can not understand his point of view will not understand the book, which proves very true throughout the second third. Jonah serves as the main example of an ope-minded person as he asks if the Hoenikker's have a "copy of The Books of Bokonon" (190). His eager tone and readiness to learn more about Bokonism despite his Christianity indirectly characterizes him as open-minded to things outside of his comfort zone. I know I had to take a step back in order to see the deeper meaning of the book as I tended to only see the literal meaning. Vonnegut writes in such a way that one must take on the attitude of Jonah himself, a pessimist and willing to learn, in order to truly understand and enjoy this book.
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ReplyDeleteYou recommended optimists not read this novel, however, I think in parts optimism is very relevant to the novel. For example, Bokonon created the entire Bokononist religion to make the people of San Lorenzo "'much less miserable'" (172). Even though this religion has no substantial base, the people dedicated themselves to its philosophy to avoid the continuous negativity presented by their own lives.
ReplyDeleteI, too, tend to spin bleak moments in books as a way for the author to push people towards more optimism. In other words, I think the writer hopes that people would NOT turn out like everyone in the book.
ReplyDeleteProofread closely; both of these entries have some errors that you should catch during your proofreading.