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Kurt Vonnegut, 2001.
A paper which discuses the role of author Kurt Vonnegut in modern literature.
1,280 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the general role of Kurt Vonnegut in modern literature and includes a discussion of his interviews with newspapers through which he expresses his own view on the influence of his literature. Several of Vonnegut's books such as "Player Piano" and "Galapagos" are examined.
From the Paper
"It has been twenty years since all sorts of academic critics began paying attention to Kurt Vonnegut?s work. Many of his critics and fans have attempted to explain the very original style of Vonnegut?s books. Most of them usually do come up with some sort of a purpose for his books, but the style, usually, can?t be explained. In order to ?catagolize? Vonnegut into literary criterion, has been called, among other less presentable things, a fabulist, a fantasist, a black humorist, a mythic writer, a satirist, and a science fiction writer. Many different critics have attempted to explain his true reasons for his creations, but almost all of them are doomed to failure from the moment they begin. This is true, not because of their lack of intelligence or creativity, after-all most of them carry numerous degrees in prestigious schools, but because they aren?t Kurt Vonnegut."
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Kurt Vonnegut, 2008.
An analysis of the life, works, character and unique contribution to American fiction of Kurt Vonnegut.
1,202 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how Kurt Vonnegut's novels such as "Cat's Cradle" and "Slaughterhouse Five" have a reputation both as great literary classics and great works of underground fiction. It looks at how "Slaughterhouse Five" is his most famous novel and also regarded his most personal, as it was based on his experiences as a prisoner of war in Germany during the Allied firebombing of Dresden in 1945. It also discusses how Vonnegut is credited with helping to elevate the genre of science fiction, once considered a staple of pulp magazine racks, to that of high art and how "Cat's Cradle" tells the tale of scientists trying to create 'ice-nine,' a crystal that could turn all water solid and thus destroy all life on earth.
From the Paper
"Vonnegut is credited with helping to elevate the genre of science fiction, once considered a staple of pulp magazine racks, to that of high art. Cat's Cradle tells the tale of scientists trying to create 'ice-nine,' a crystal that could turn all water solid and thus destroy all life on the earth. In 1963, Cat's Cradle slowly developed a readership as Cold War Americans were increasingly receptive to a book that showed the dangerous potential of science and technology to develop faster than ethics and morality ("Novelist Kurt Vonnegut dies at 84," CNN.com, 2007, p.1) The novel, takes its title from an Eskimo game in which children try to snare the sun with string (Smith, 2007, p.1). Although its first printing sold only 500 copies, it has become a staple of English classes all over America today (Smith, 2007, p.1)."
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Kurt Vonnegut?s "Slaughterhouse Five", 2003.
Examines Kurt Vonnegut?s "Slaughterhouse Five", or "The Children's Crusade" (1969), as a lesson in geopolitical history.
1,123 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper provides an overview of Kurt Vonnegut and his book, "Slaughterhouse Five", or "The Children's Crusade", from the perspective of its inadvertent contribution to increasing the level of overall geopolitical awareness in America, followed by a summary of the research in the conclusion.
From the Paper
"According to one of his many biographers, Kurt Vonnegut studied at Cornell University before serving in the U.S. Air Force in World War II (Reed 1997). Vonnegut was captured by the Germans, and was one of the survivors of the fire bombing of Dresden, Germany, that took place in February 1945. Vonnegut?s book, Slaughterhouse Five, or The Children's Crusade (1969) is his attempt to recreate his Dresden experiences in a fictional form; the book uses that bombing raid as a symbol of the cruelty and destructiveness of war down through the centuries using a mixture of dark fantasy and ?numb, loopy humor ?(Giles & Dickstein 2003:11). An interesting benefit that has been realized from this evocative story about an otherwise-horrifying event (particularly one in which the United States did not play an all-that-honorable-role) has been its impact on raising the level of geopolitical awareness among Americans who have read the book. In this regard, Vonnegut has provided a poignant account of an event in history that contributes to this understanding. "
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Kurt Vonnegut's "Mother Night", 2006.
This paper reviews and discusses the film adaption of Kurt Vonnegut's novel "Mother Night," which takes place in Berlin during WWII.
822 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 29.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the film "Mother Night" directed by Keith Gordon and adapted by Kurt Vonnegut's novel of the same name. The writer of this paper details the film's tragic dimensions as well as the surreal yet inspired moments of dark humor. This paper discusses the plot and characters of the film, including that of actor Nick Nolte who plays American playwright and expatriate Howard Campbell. The writer also ponders the questions raised in the film regarding responsibility and the roles people often play for survival.
From the Paper
"During Campbell's years in Nazi Germany, the colors are very vibrant. The bright, nearly golden cinematography evokes a nostalgic feel--the rose-tinted hues that accompany one's memories of his or her days of youth and glory. However, in the postwar years, the colors are dull and dreary. And the last days of Campbell's life in an Israeli prison are shot in stark black and white. This inventive use of cinematography reveals the tragically ironic fact that the happiest years of Campbell's life were when he broadcasted hate over the airwaves, and the Nazis who revered him exterminated millions of innocent people. In his days of glory, he was treated as a celebrity among many Germans and had the undying love of his beautiful wife Helga."
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Kurt Vonnegut's "Slaughterhouse Five", 2008.
This paper explains the suitability of specific awards for the three main characters in Kurt Vonnegut's "Slaughterhouse Five".
947 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 0 sources, $ 33.95
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Abstract
The paper suggests specific awards for the three main characters in Kurt Vonnegut's novel, "Slaughterhouse Five'. Specifically, the paper discusses why a scrapbook is a suitable award for Billy Pilgrim, why a pencil with an eraser is appropriate for the narrator and why a trip around the world would have benefited Valencia Pilgrim.
Outline:
Award 1: A Scrapbook for Billy Pilgrim
Award 2: A Pencil with an Eraser for the Narrator
Award 3: A Trip Around the World for Valencia Pilgrim
From the Paper
"Billy Pilgrim is described as a character unstuck in time. His memory serves as the narrative structure of Slaughterhouse Five, a series of memories that occurs after Billy is in a plane accident. At the time of the accident, Billy is employed as an eye doctor in upstate New York. Billy has a wife, children, and comfortable life, but he is haunted by memories of his captivity during World War II, and digging out from his imprisonment in a work camp during the bombing of Dresden. Rather than finding comfort in material success and his physical survival, he is disenchanted with his current existence. He dreams as well that he is captured by aliens, who underline the principle that human beings have no free will, evidently reflecting Billy's sense of powerlessness over the actions that have shaped his life."
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Kurt Vonnegut?s "Cat?s Cradle", 2004.
Discusses the predominant theme in Kurt Vonnegut's novel, "Cat's Cradle".
1,515 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
This paper expounds on the main theme in "Cat's Cradle" that life is meaningless. The paper discusses Vonnegut's use of images, irony, and eccentric characters to express his theme about the meaningless of life. It also explains how Vonnegut relates this theme to religion, marriage, and almost everything else humans teach each other.
From the Paper
"Clearly, Vonnegut is depicting a side of human nature that cannot deal with the truth, so it is fed and willingly believes the lies it is told by the ?religion.? In fact, ?Truth was the enemy of the people, because the truth was so terrible, so Bokonon made it his business to provide the people with better and better lies? (172). In addition, to create more ?zest? and ?tang? within the lives of the people, Bokonon decides to have himself declared an outlaw. He emphasizes his belief that ?A really good religion is a form of treason? (173). The legend of a holy man in the jungle and the tyrant in the city was the only thing that made the people happy. (174) Perhaps the most striking example of this theme is the last scene of the book in which Bokonon writes in the final sentence of his book that if he were a younger man, he would ?make a statue of himself, lying on my back, grinning horribly, and thumbing my nose at You Know Who? (287). Again, we are shown Vonnegut?s opinion regarding the power of religion. Through the willingness of the people to accept Bokonon, Vonnegut is asking us to search our own lives for such blind faith."
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"Player Piano" by Kurt Vonnegut, 2006.
This paper critique's Kurt Vonnegut's, 1952 book, "Player Piano" and its main character Paul Proteus.
825 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 29.95
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Abstract
The author examines the writings of Vonnegut's "Player Piano" and the writer's view of the threat to the U.S.'s future, by the story's main theme being that Americans were becoming far too reliant upon machines and technology, which is relevant today as well. The paper explains why fiction of this sort is plentiful now, but back when the book was written, it wasn't as common.
From the Paper
"Paul's work is to run the factory in that its productivity still increases and so that there are no saboteurs. Computers operate everything else. Paul is married and his wife; Anite depends on him and always tells him to strive to follow his father's example. His father was a celebrated founder of the local industrial plant and its first general manager. Anite lectures him on the virtues of the hierarchy and opportunism. He is at the beginning of his career and he desires to obtain a better position and he knows he should follow in his father's footsteps."
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Kurt Vonnegut's "Bluebeard", 1997.
Critical review of this novel satirizing modern society, modern art, urban life and materialism.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 1 source, $ 47.95
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From the Paper
" Kurt Vonnegut, in his novel Bluebeard, examines the world of American painting (and American culture and society at large, if not the entire world and almost everything in it, past and present) and finds it and most of its denizens obsessed with money and violence and bigotry and fear far more than with the joy or creativity of life or art. In the process of making such an argument, Vonnegut presents the autobiography of a failed abstract expressionist and his spiritual and creative journey out of the darkness and back to the light of the world of human beings and human-based art.
While he perhaps too often goes for the comic touch whenever it is available, Vonnegut is nevertheless trying to make the serious point that life and art have indeed become mired in money and materialism and resentments and abstractions to such an.."
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Analysis of Kurt Vonnegut's "Harrison Bergeron", 2000.
A look at the theme of dehumanization in "Harrison Bergeron".
960 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 5 sources, $ 34.95
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From the Paper
"'Harrison Bergeron' by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. is a story literally exaggerated to its limit by showing, in the near future, what it means to be equal in every way by having people not being able to show any form of intelligence or creativity whatsoever. When Harrison Bergeron breaks the chains of government oppression, he dies for his failed cause. He dies because he chooses not to conform to the rest of his oppressive society. His parents, George and Hazel, who are nothing more than two bodies under the government?s mind control, can do nothing to save their son or seek justice for his death. The story is not only a reflection of the author?s concern with controlling the masses through television, but is also an attack on the idea of enforced equality."
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"Harrison Bergeron" and Equality, 2006.
Examines issues of equality and Social Darwinism in the story, "Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
1,995 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 63.95
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Abstract
"Harrison Bergeron," a satirical short story by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., addresses the issue of inequality among people and what is to be done to redress it. The paper looks at how the theory of Social Darwinism can be examined through the characters and events in the story.
From the Paper
"The leveling that takes place in the story is intellectual. Vonnegut makes great fun of anti-intellectualism, a very American form of leveling. In 1961 it was "uncool" to be smart. For example, in schools there were no gifted children. The concept was unknown in education. Teachers thought it was un-democratic to recognize one child as more intelligent than another. They pretended there were no differences between students. It is this kind of leveling that Vonnegut ridicules. In the story the characters think that "Ignorance is bliss." Harrison's father, for example, tells his wife not to think about sad things. Hazel, who is not exactly bright, says "Who knows better'n I do what normal is?" as though her ignorance and inability to reason were virtues."
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?Slaughterhouse-Five?, 2002.
An analysis of the science-fiction novel ?Slaughterhouse-Five? by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
1,580 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 51.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses Kurt Vonnegut Jr.'s use of time and place as part of his narrative strategy in "Slaughterhouse-Five", a novel with a science-fiction format. The paper shows how the main character is carried back and forth through time as well as space because time is a thematic subject in the novel.
From the Paper
"Not being stuck in time does not mean complete freedom, however. On the one hand, the novel seems to reflect the thematic sense that Billy's life is determined and that he has no control over it. This is because no matter how many times Billy moves through his life, appearing first in one place and then another, the outcome is always the same. Time travel does not mean the ability to change time. Indeed, since the Tralfamadorians experience all time at once, time must be unchangeable. Vonnegut offers a deterministic and even pessimistic view of life and the passage of time and also emphasizes that we live in moments in our lives that were of dramatic impact for good or ill but that can also never be changed no matter how many times we relive them or how much we want to change them when we do."
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?Harrison Bergeron?, 2005.
Examines the achievement of utopia in "Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
775 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 1 source, $ 27.95
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Abstract
In the short story "Harrison Bergeron," Kurt Vonnegut Jr. speculated what a Utopia-like society in the modern period would be like. This paper posits that the achievement of equality in the story puts forth the message to the reader that what makes human society live in harmony and unity is primarily because of our differences. Differences make 'gaps' left by someone else be filled out by another one in the society: this process makes humans interdependent on one another because each one of us complement each other.
From the Paper
"Apart from the lack of competitiveness and creativity that was shown in the ballet dance, another frightening notion that Vonnegut implied in the story was that achievement of equality could become detrimental to human rights. Illustrated in the story was Harrison's and the beautiful ballerina's death, which reflects how, in an attempt to establish an extreme kind of equality, the Handicapper General Diana Moon Glamplers killed both Harrison and the beautiful ballerina."
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"Harrison Bergeron", 2006.
A review of the short story "Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
The writer summarizes the story and explains that it is not only a reflection of the author's concern with controlling the masses through television but is also an attack on the idea of enforced equality. The paper shows how the use of television to control people is a major theme in "Harrison Bergeron". The writer describes the dehumanization in the story, which is a result of government oppression, as well as the physical punishment that awaits rebellious people like Harrison. In conclusion, the writer states that no government is able to suppress the individual completely because of the desire of humans to be themselves and not machines.
From the Paper
"The other major theme in "Harrison Bergeron" is the concept of equality. His world is similar to that of a tyrannical dictatorship, where people have no rights, thanks "to the 211th, 212th, and 213th Amendments to the Constitution, and to the unceasing vigilance of agents of the United States Handicapper General" (139). This new world represents total conformity, where people like George must wear weights and radio transmitters which play loud noises to hinder their intellectual development. Vonnegut's world is the most extreme and horrifying that anyone can imagine. According to Joseph Alvarez, "If everyone were equal in every which way, the various handicaps would not be necessary" (3). Alvarez is making the statement that it is ironic of the government to enforce equality to everyone but themselves. The government does not make themselves equal to the rest of society, but higher than the rest of the population. The Handicapper General displays a slave driver approach, in which they use physical discipline to keep everyone in check. Insane people enforce the insanity in Vonnegut's futuristic America. According to literary critic Carl Mowery, "In this society, it is the H-G's job to neutralize the human attributes that every citizen was given by God" (3). The aspect of equality Vonnegut takes so literally that even a person's basic rights such as freedom of speech and freedom of choice are nonexistent."
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"Life and Death Of Martin Luther King, Jr" ( James Haskins ) and "Martin Luther King, Jr" ( Adam Fairclough ), 1999.
Compares content, biases and sources of biographies of the civil rights leader.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 2 sources, $ 47.95
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Abstract
"The Civil Rights Movement in its contemporary form started in 1955 with an act of mild disobedience by a black woman on a bus in the Deep South. Black leaders developed several strategies over the next few years, strategies that would be successful in changing laws and in getting some of the long-standing discriminatory institutions of the South changed.
From the Paper
"The Civil Rights Movement in its contemporary form started in 1955 with an act of mild disobedience by a black woman on a bus in the Deep South. Black leaders developed several strategies over the next few years, strategies that would be successful in changing laws and in getting some of the long-standing discriminatory institutions of the South changed. Between 1954 and 1965, the Civil Rights Movement developed into a major movement for social justice, societal change, and self-determination for millions of black Americans. The tactics undertaken by the movement have ranged from violent to nonviolent, with nonviolent predominating under the direction of Martin Luther King Jr. and his followers. The movement started first around the busing issue in Montgomery, Alabama, but it was also the culmination of decades of frustration nearly a century ..."
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A Critical Analysis of "Slaughterhouse-Five"., 2003.
This paper analyzes "Slaughterhouse-Five" by Kurt Vonnegut from the view point of the protagonist, Billy Pilgrim.
1,945 words (approx. 7.8 pages), 14 sources, MLA, $ 61.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Kurt Vonnegut's motivation behind writing his novel as well as the aspects of war. The paper also directly links the main character of Slaughterhouse-Five to Vonnegut himself. It shows how Vonnegut uses the protagonist, Billy Pilgrim, as a mask for himself. From behind this mask, Vonnegut discusses the destructiveness, inevitability, and absurdity of war and also reveals that people should accept the events in their lives and concentrate solely on the positive moments.
From the Paper
"The themes of Slaughterhouse-Five do not revolve solely around the institution of war, however. In addition to its war-related themes, acceptance is another major theme that emerges from his novel. Vonnegut reveals this theme in a number of ways. When he twice includes the Serenity prayer in his novel, for example, ?God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom always to tell the difference? (209). According to William Bly, Billy Pilgrim finds comfort in the Tralfamadorian belief that people who are dead in one moment are alive and well in many other moments and, Bly further states, that this concept of life can be interpreted as Vonnegut telling his readers that they, too, should be consoled when someone dies, because the dead live on in people?s memories (27). The theme of acceptance is further evidenced when Vonnegut writes, after every mention of death in the novel, the phrase, ?So it goes? (214). This phrase appears one hundred and six times throughout the novel and gives it a cyclical quality that implies that life goes on. Reflect on the happy moments in life, Vonnegut teaches, and all will be well. "
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