Study Questions & Essay Topics
Study Questions
1. What is the
relationship between the structure and the content of
Slaughterhouse-Five?
2. Briefly
discuss some of the consequences of a Tralfamadorian view of the
universe for a human.
3. How does
Vonnegut's technique of time-shifting affect our understanding of
the novel? Is there an advantage to structuring
Slaughterhouse-Five in
the “telegraphic schizophrenic manner”? If not, is it too random
to allow a cohesive, linear story to emerge?
Suggested Essay Topics
1. Many Vonnegut novels deal
with traffickers of “useful lies.” Are the lessons of Tralfamadore
useful lies? Why or why not?
2. Is Billy Pilgrim sane or insane?
Does it matter?
3. Discuss the use of irony or
black humor in
Slaughterhouse-Five.
4. What does Vonnegut achieve
by placing himself as a character in the story?
