Cat's Cradle Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What do Bokononists do during their foot ceremony?

Touch each other's feet sole-to-sole to mingle their souls together.

What did Philip Castle say about the hospital he worked in?

  • It looked like Auschwitz or Buchenwald. (correct)
  • It was well-equipped.
  • It had no dead bodies.
  • It looked like a five-star hotel.

    • What name does the narrator prefer to be called?

  • Ishmael
  • No preference
  • Jonah (correct)
  • John

    • Julian Castle is primarily a follower of Albert Schweitzer.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The narrator's real name is Ishmael.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term used for the teams in Bokononism?

    <p>karass</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Julian believes he couldn't run his hospital without ________ or aspirin.

    <p>boko-maru</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the unfinished book that John starts writing?

    <p>The Day the World Ended</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is 'zah-mah-ki-bo' according to Frank?

    <p>Fate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Bokonon say about trying to understand God?

    <p>It will prove pointless.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the only reason McCabe executes someone?

    <p>To keep up appearances. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Angela complain about during cocktail time?

    <p>That her father gave the world so much but received so little in return.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the chapter ‘Nice, Nice, Very Nice’ explain?

    <p>The concept of karass (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who receives a letter from John asking about the atomic bomb?

    <p>Newton Hoenikker</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their meanings:

    <p>Black Death = Bubonic plague that struck San Lorenzo. Cat's Cradle = Newt's avant-garde painting. Zah-mah-ki-bo = Fate, as explained by Frank. Aspirin = Medication Julian considers essential for his hospital.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What job does Frank offer John?

    <p>The President of the Republic of San Lorenzo. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Newt recall while playing on the carpet?

    <p>His father playing with string.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Everyone on San Lorenzo wants to be President.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Newt was content with his father's attention.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is Zinka in Newt's life?

    <p>His girlfriend</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Julian estimates Dr. Schlichter Von Koenigswald will break even in ________.

    <p>3010</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Angela play on her clarinet?

    <p>Jazz improvisation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Dr. Breed say was the most valuable commodity on Earth?

    <p>Truth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was seen as the highest form of treason according to Minton?

    <p>The letter mentioning that Americans aren't loved wherever they go.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What peculiar problem did the Marine general want Dr. Hoenikker to solve?

    <p>Eliminate mud (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Claire argue about the feelings towards Americans?

    <p>Americans shouldn't feel exempt from being disliked. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is ice-nine?

    <p>A form of atom stacking creating a new state of matter.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where is Minton now an ambassador to?

    <p>San Lorenzo</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the only book about San Lorenzo that is mentioned?

    <p>San Lorenzo: The Land, the History, the People by Philip Castle</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Bokonon's theory of dynamic tensions represent?

    <p>The equilibrium between good and evil</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Bokonon was originally named Lionel Boyd Johnson.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What major event interrupted Bokonon's education?

    <p>World War I</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Bokonon do after being captured by a German submarine?

    <p>He was taken aboard a British destroyer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is 'Papa' Monzano?

    <p>The current dictator of San Lorenzo (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What holiday is approaching when Minton talks to 'Papa'?

    <p>The Day of the Hundred Martyrs to Democracy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the condition of the San Lorenzans as observed by John?

    <p>They were malnourished and impoverished.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the index of Philip Castle's book reveal about him?

    <p>He loves Mona, has issues with his father, is insecure, and will never marry her.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following concepts with their descriptions:

    <p>Dynamic Tension = Equilibrium between good and evil Bokonon = A prophet of San Lorenzo Mona = The love interest of John Frank Hoenikker = A character who renounced his American citizenship</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a member of the Yellow Press?

    <p>A member of the Yellow Press is someone who engages in sensationalized journalism to sell newspapers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Dr. Hoenikker create, according to Dr. Breed?

    <p>Ice-nine.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a wampeter?

    <p>A wampeter is a pivot of a karass.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was Dr. Hoenikker's main focus, according to Naomi?

    <p>The truth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Naomi claim to be an absolute truth?

    <p>God is love.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is Dr. Hoenikker's office described?

    <p>Decorated with a brass plate declaring his importance as 'incalculable' and littered with toys.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Knowles, the elevator driver, claim about elevators?

    <p>They were from Mayan architecture.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What marked Dr. Hoenikker's tomb?

    <p>A twenty-foot high tombstone.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the name of the cemetery where Dr. Hoenikker is buried?

    <p>The cemetery is unnamed in the content.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Marvin Breed think of Dr. Hoenikker?

    <p>He considers him to be a weirdo.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What tragic fate did Jack mention about Frank Hoenikker?

    <p>He was killed by gangsters.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'vin-dit' mean?

    <p>A sudden, very personal shove in the direction of Bokononism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is San Lorenzo referred to in the story?

    <p>A banana republic.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is Julian Castle?

    <p>The inheritor of a sugar empire who opened a free hospital.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a granfalloon?

    <p>A fake karass.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Crosby believe tyrants deal with crime?

    <p>They use a hook.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why did Claire Minton's letter get her husband fired?

    <p>It was published during McCarthyism, criticizing American attitudes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    The Day The World Ended

    • The narrator prefers the name Jonah instead of Ishmael, linking to the biblical figure Jonah.
    • Real name: John, a Bokononist who believes in predestined connections called karass.
    • Unfinished book titled "The Day the World Ended" about Hiroshima, abandoned as John Hersey's work surpassed it.

    Nice, Nice, Very Nice

    • Bokonon describes karass as the people whose lives are inexplicably intertwined, disregarding societal norms.
    • The chapter ends with a calypso from the Book of Bokonon, celebrating collective belonging despite diverse backgrounds.

    Folly

    • Bokonon asserts that attempts to understand God are futile and shares a story demonstrating human folly in pretensions of understanding divine will.

    A Tentative Tangling of Tendrils

    • John aims to include members of his karass and discuss their earthly purpose, introducing humor surrounding the concept of a "religion founded on lies."
    • Key members include Dr. Felix Hoenikker and his children, starting with Newton Hoenikker's recollections from Hiroshima.

    Letter From A Pre-med

    • Newt, at age six during the bomb drop, recalls his father Dr. Hoenikker's indifference while playing with string from "2000 A.D.," a manuscript predicting the future destruction of humanity.
    • Newt's encounter with his father was marked by a blend of fascination and fear, pivotal in shaping his memory.

    Bug Fights

    • Newt reflects on family dynamics, mentioning his mother's detached interaction with his father and his siblings' behavior.
    • Dr. Hoenikker's unique approach to relationships is highlighted, along with Newt's discord with his siblings.

    The Illustrious Hoenikkers

    • Newt humorously critiques the label "illustrious," emphasizing his and his brother's shortcomings in comparison to their father's legacy.

    Newt's Thing With Zinka

    • Newt develops a relationship with Zinka, a Ukrainian dancer, engaging in a scandal involving her age and her asylum pursuit.

    Vice-President in Charge of Volcanoes

    • Dr. Asa Breed's perspective on Dr. Hoenikker showcases his view of Hoenikker as an unparalleled force rather than a conventional employee.

    Secret Agent X-9

    • Conversations about Frank Hoenikker reveal his reclusive behavior and the curiosity surrounding his secretive nature during his youth.

    Protein

    • Discussion on scientific research hints at previously discovered secrets of life, diving into protein's significance in this context.

    End Of The World Delight

    • A bartender recounts his experience during the Hiroshima bombing, connecting personal anecdotes to larger historical events.

    The Jumping-off Place

    • Dr. Breed shares the history of Ilium, posing it as a place of significance tied to dark moments, including hangings.

    When Automobiles Had Cut-Glass Vases

    • A story of Dr. Hoenikker's aloofness towards material possessions culminates in a tragic accident involving his wife's car.

    Merry Christmas

    • Encounter with Miss Francine Pefko highlights the disconnect between scientific jargon and lay understanding.

    Back to Kindergarten

    • Conversations reflect on education, science, and the perceived naive perspective of those outside the scientific community.

    The Girl Pool

    • Dr. Breed and John attend a quirky Christmas setting in the lab, with Naomi Faust reminding them of the human aspect within the scientific realm.

    The Most Valuable Commodity on Earth

    • Dr. Breed stresses the value of pure research, positioning truth as the ultimate goal of their endeavors.

    No More Mud

    • Inquiry into scientific requests yields an anecdote where Dr. Hoenikker employed unconventional thinking to address mundane military concerns.

    Ice-Nine

    • Dr. Breed introduces the concept of ice-nine, a theoretical structure that could alter water's physical properties drastically.

    The Marines March On

    • Ice-nine's application for military purposes raises ethical questions about scientific advancements and unintended consequences.

    Member of the Yellow Press

    • Dr. Breed dismisses John's concerns about ice-nine's global implications, labeling him as sensationalist.

    The Last Batch of Brownies

    • Ice-nine exists, having been created by Dr. Hoenikker, with the three children inheriting its remnants post his death.

    What a Wampeter

    • A wampeter is defined as a pivotal object for a karass, with ice-nine identified as John's connecting theme for his current journey.

    The Main Thing about Dr.Hoenikker

    • Naomi expresses doubts about Dr. Hoenikker being truly knowable, only emphasizing his relentless pursuit of truth rather than personal connections.### Naomi and Bokononism
    • John suggests Naomi was "ripe for Bokononism," hinting at her existential struggles (25.9).
    • Naomi perceives that the truth alone may not satisfy people's needs.

    What God Is

    • Naomi claims "God is love" when tasked with defining an absolute truth but struggles to clarify what "God" and "love" signify (26.4).
    • Her unwavering belief persists despite the inability to define key terms.

    Dr. Hoenikker's Legacy

    • Dr. Hoenikker's office features a brass plate praising his "incalculable" contributions to human history (27.3).
    • His laboratory, filled with cheap toys, was a source of inspiration for his significant experiments, including cannonballs, symbolizing his scientific quirky nature.
    • Naomi likens Hoenikker's disconnectedness from humanity to that of a Martian.

    Elevator Encounter

    • Knowles, an eccentric elevator driver, shares nonsensical anecdotes and implies Dr. Hoenikker achieved a state beyond death (28.6).
    • His peculiar logic and surreal conversations highlight the absurdity surrounding Hoenikker's legacy.

    Hoenikker's Tomb

    • John visits the cemetery; Hoenikker's monumental tombstone reads "MOTHER," contrasting the grandiosity of being the atomic bomb's creator (29).
    • Poems dedicated to their mother by Angela and Frank Hoenikker are inscribed nearby, showing a personal side to the family (30).

    Tombstone Salesroom

    • A detour to Avram Breed and Sons reveals a connection between Marvin Breed and Dr. Asa Breed, both of whom have ties to the Hoenikker family (31.16).
    • Marvin discusses Hoenikker's neglect of his wife's memorial, indicating a lack of emotional investment in his family.

    Marvin's Reflections

    • Marvin describes his unrequited love for Emily and expresses disdain for Felix Hoenikker, questioning his moral character while acknowledging his brilliance (33).
    • Reflects on the emotional coldness contributing to societal problems.

    Vin-Dit Concept

    • "Vin-dit" refers to a profound personal revelation or shove towards Bokononism (34.1).
    • Marvin reflects on Frank's disconnection from societal norms, painting a grim picture of the Hoenikker family's fate.

    Jack's Hobby Shop

    • At Jack's Hobby Shop, John learns about Frank Hoenikker's childhood passion for model building, revealing a contrasting side to his more notorious traits (35.3).
    • Jack mourns Frank's untimely demise, pondering the loss of potential and innocence.

    Nihilism Encounter

    • John's experience with Sherman Krebbs, a nihilist poet, emphasizes the destructive nature of nihilism through the destruction of his apartment and the death of his cat (36).

    Discovery of Frank

    • News reveals Frank Hoenikker's surprising survival, transforming him into a prominent figure in San Lorenzo as Minister of Science and Progress (37.12).

    San Lorenzo Insights

    • San Lorenzo is described as the barracuda capital of the world and under the dictatorship of "Papa" Monzano, who remarkably favors nepotism in hiring Frank (38.6).
    • Frank touches on themes of modernization, drawing attention to the socio-political dynamics on the island.

    Bokonon's Theories

    • Bokononism presents a philosophical framework for understanding the balance of good and evil through dynamic tension (47.3).
    • The narrative details Bokonon's tumultuous life journey, culminating in his establishment of a new identity on San Lorenzo.

    A Fish's Journey

    • Bokonon's life story is filled with adversity, including military service during WWI, shipwrecks, and ultimately landing on San Lorenzo, where he finds purpose (49).
    • His transformation from Lionel Boyd Johnson to Bokonon reflects themes of survival and identity change amidst chaos.### Characters and Relationships
    • Hazel interrupts John's reading about two new passengers, a girl named Conners and a midget named Hoenikker.
    • Angela treats Newt, her brother, childishly, reflecting their complicated sibling dynamic.
    • John learns Angela and Newt are headed to San Lorenzo for Frank's wedding, where the bride is Mona Aamons Monzano, the love of John's life.

    Significant Events

    • John discovers that Dr. Hoenikker, Angela and Newt's father, died unexpectedly while they were occupied with holiday activities; his family later omits mentioning their Christmas gift of ice-nine.
    • Angela proudly states her husband, Harrison Conners, is the president of Fabri-Tek, involved in secret government projects.

    San Lorenzo Background

    • San Lorenzo has a troubled history with various colonizers, leaving it impoverished and poorly managed.
    • The current conditions are dire; the island is characterized by a lack of education and basic needs, with each resident once sharing a meager income of six to seven dollars.
    • "Papa" Monzano, the dictator, welcomes guests to San Lorenzo, presenting it as a Christian nation resistant to communism.

    Cultural Insights

    • The inhabitants of San Lorenzo are depicted as malnourished, with visible poverty evident in clothing and living conditions.
    • Bokononism, the island's predominant religion, is officially banned despite being widely practiced among the locals; followers risk severe consequences for their beliefs.

    Political Dynamics

    • McCabe and Bokonon sought to transform San Lorenzo into an ideal society but ultimately fell short; McCabe adopted a ruthless dictator persona while Bokonon took on the role of a benevolent spiritual leader, complicating their relationship.
    • "Papa" Monzano's health issues hint at instability in leadership and the underlying tensions within the political structure.

    Key Themes

    • The theme of meaninglessness is explored through characters like Newt and Julian Castle, who discuss the futility of their artistic expressions.
    • Relationships and power dynamics evolve, highlighting the absurdities and complexities of governance, belief systems, and personal desires.

    Quotable Insights

    • The phrase "You get what you pay for" sums up Newt's pragmatic view on love and life.
    • Julian Castle believes both boko-maru (a Bokononist ritual) and aspirin are vital for his hospital’s operation, indicating a blend of traditional and unorthodox medical practices.

    Symbolism

    • The xylophone with "Mona" inscribed serves as a reminder of John’s affection for her amidst the chaos of San Lorenzo’s political and social challenges.
    • Philip Castle’s black painting symbolizes the deeper themes of existential dread and ambiguity prevalent in the narrative.

    Miscellaneous

    • The phrase "an underprivileged nation" aptly describes San Lorenzo’s struggles against its dire socio-economic conditions.
    • The "pissant" discussion reflects the overarching irony present in the characters' interactions and their perceptions of one another.

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    Test your knowledge on Kurt Vonnegut's 'Cat's Cradle'. This quiz covers key concepts, characters, and practices of Bokononism as well as insights into the narrator's identity. See how well you understand the themes and ideas in this satirical novel.

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