Satire, and Black Humor in Kurt Vonneguts Cats Cradle Essay -- Kurt

Satire, and Black Humor in Kurt Vonneguts Cats CradleCats Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut was written in 1963. It is a satirical commentary on modern soldiery and his madness (back cover). It is a book that counters almost every aspect of our society. As well as satire, Vonnegut also includes apocalyptic elements in this novel.Satire, the use of irony, sarcasm, or bemock in exposing, denouncing, or deriding vice or folly (Webster 1193), is very prevalent in Cats Cradle. Vonnegut hits on many aspects of human life with this satire. Government, worship, medicine, and business are good a few of these aspects. In focusing on government, Vonnegut shows us a leader (Papa Monzano), who attempts to create a utopia, but just like in todays society, he makes promises to his people, and then fails to fulfill them. Ironically he allows the best for himself and his staff, while his people struggle. As well, Vonnegut attacks religion with his own creatively made up religion (Bokononism) which is nothi ng but lies. He shows religion and science to be contradictory where religion is based ...