Blog Post 3: What role does 1960s American culture play in Cats Cradle?

Cats Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut explores many different aspects of American culture as well as the vital role it plays in the storyline. One of the biggest ideas revolving in the novel that Vonnegut portrays is the cold war environment and the feeling of unknown that is looming in American society. After the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, the constant question of where the world was heading next in terms of nuclear power and technology frightened many. Would another war arise presenting all-out nuclear devastation? Cats Cradle describes the story of a writer trying to interview the children of famous nuclear scientist Felix Hoenikker. Felix and many other individuals working in his lab were one of the many scientists working for the government advancing military weaponry, changing global politics forever. Vonnegut seems to make humor out of this and question the scientists creating these weapons by making it seem as if they have no idea of how destructive their creations might actually be. For example, Felix gives all three of his kids a share of ice-nine, a powerful isotope of water he invented that could potentially freeze all water on earth. Another idea that the author explores in this book is religion which he also seems to use in a parody kind of way, making it seem as though it is the key to happiness and overpowers any struggle the characters are facing. Even San Lorenzo shows a role of 1960’s American culture being present in Cats Cradle for it displays wealthy dictatorships and rulers that were still present in the 1960’s stirring the pot of political debate in America. The image I have chosen for this blog is a picture of American propaganda in the 1960s warning the dangers of communism. The individuals are being killed as the American flag burns in the background. Though the book does not directly reference the war against communism, the image highlights the looming fear and paranoia that was present in American culture during this period with nuclear power, dictators, and religion all creating a time of fear and controversy in the U.S.A which I believe Vonnegut humorously captures perfectly.