I have a project for school and I need help finding 10 symbols in the first 6 chapters of this novel. I have about four of them already, but I can't find 6 more, if anyone coul help me that would be great. Also, please do not write down the name of a site like sparknotes, cliffnotes etc.
2007-12-05 05:17:44 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
Do you have these?
"Throughout Slaughterhouse-Five Vonnegut used many symbols to hint at notions he has on those ideas he subtly wants to share with the reader. Note the character's names.
Billy Pilgrim is really a man on a journey through time,a pilgrim. His wife Valencia's name comes from a few sources, all adding to her character. Valencia is rooted in the name valerian, a flower known for its sedative properties. Billy often finds her boring and is put to sleep by her. Her name can also be rooted in the word valence, having to do with the combining capability of atoms. Billy feels
drawn to marry her, though he does not know why. Could it be her "valency"? Billy's hometown of Ilium can be linked to the word ileum which labels the lower part of the intestine. Billy never did have a strong bond with his hometown. It can also be rooted in a Latin word having to do with illusion.
Billy's entire life is an illusion. If said slowly Roland
Weary can sound like "roll on weary". Roland was a sad, pathetic man who kept plugging away despite his weariness. Montana Wildhack adds to our image of her "mountainousness" like the state of Montana. Her last name is an obvious
compound word describing her as a free spirited person in search of work (i.e. an actress). Not only are names but other images in the text are symbolic. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah can be linked to the destruction of
Dresden. Both were blown up with "brimstone and fire." Vonnegut's repetition of the phrase "mustard gas and roses" echoes the mixture of the horrors of war and the beauty of humanity, a consistent theme throughout the novel.
Billy's career reflects truths about his own state of mind. Ironically his optometry enables others to see when he can't see for himself. It also parallels his need to "comfort so many people with the truth about time." Like the catcher in the rye, Billy wants to save people by helping them see."
2007-12-05 05:44:02 · answer #1 · answered by johnslat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well i was supposed to read that book but i couldn't even find it, not that i tried that hard but buddy i wish i was atleast in ur situation! Be happy u have the book cuz i don't:*(
2007-12-05 05:21:51 · answer #2 · answered by Ladybird 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋