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 satiric commentary on modern man and his madness (back cover). It is a phonograph record 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 ridicule 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, religion, medicine, and business are just a few of these aspects. In focusing on government, Vonnegut shows us a drawing card (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, fleck his people struggle. As well, Vonnegut attacks religion with his own creatively made up religion (Bokononism) which is nothing but lies. He shows religion and science to be contradictory where religion is based ...