99 pages 3 hours read

Cat's Cradle

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1963

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Introduction

Cat’s Cradle

  • Genre: Fiction; science fiction/dystopian
  • Originally Published: 1963
  • Reading Level/Interest: Grades 9-12; college/adult
  • Structure/Length: 127 chapters; approx. 179 pages; approx. 7 hours, 11 minutes on audio
  • Protagonist and Central Conflict: In his attempt to research a nonfiction work about America’s bombing of Hiroshima, first-person narrator Jonah discovers a weapon potentially even more powerful than the atomic bomb. This novel incorporates dark comedy, satire, and sci-fi elements to explore the impact of technology and weaponry on humanity.
  • Potential Sensitivity Issues: Profanity; religious themes; apocalyptic themes; dated language no longer accepted; death by suicide

Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., Author

  • Bio: 1922-2007; born in Indianapolis, Indiana; pursued journalism in high school and college; enlisted in the US Army during WWII; returned to journalism after the war but soon turned to more creative endeavors; became a writer of novels, nonfiction, stories, and plays; known today for works with a satirical tone that couch social commentary in often absurdist or fatalistic stories
  • Other Works: The Sirens of Titan (1959); “Harrison Bergeron” (1961); Slaughterhouse-Five (1969); Bluebeard (1987); A Man Without a Country (2005)
  • Awards: Hugo Award for Best Novel (nomination; 1964)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Unit:

  • The Risks and Limitations of Scientific Inquiry
  • The Usefulness of Religion
  • The Persistence of Human Foolishness

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Unit, students will:

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