Slaughterhouse Five Chapter 1 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Who is talking about their time in the war and surviving Dresden?

Kurt Vonnegut

When Vonnegut goes back to Dresden in 1967, what does he say it looks like?

Dayton, Ohio but with more open spaces

Who did Vonnegut go back to Dresden with?

Bernard V. O'Hare

What was the name of the cab driver that took them to the slaughterhouse?

Gerhard Muller Signup and view all the answers

What kind of cigarettes does Vonnegut smoke?

Pall Malls Signup and view all the answers

Who is Yon Yonson and where is he from?

A song that Vonnegut reminds him of his life, 'My name is Yon Yonson, I work in Wisconsin' Signup and view all the answers

What does the movie maker Harrison Starr say that Vonnegut should write about instead of an anti-war book?

An anti-glacier book because it is just as pointless Signup and view all the answers

What does Vonnegut tell O'Hare the climax of the book should be about?

Edgar Derby being shot by a firing squad for taking a teapot Signup and view all the answers

Vonnegut makes his best story outline of Dresden on the back of what?

Roll of wallpaper Signup and view all the answers

What were the rescued soldiers fed to fatten them up when they were saved and brought to France?

Chocolate Malted Milkshakes and other rich foods Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of Vonnegut's dog?

Sandy Signup and view all the answers

What does Vonnegut like to do late at night after his wife goes to bed?

Call the telephone operator and ask to look up old girlfriends and friends Signup and view all the answers

Where did Vonnegut go to school?

University of Chicago, a student of Anthropology Signup and view all the answers

What did Vonnegut's father say to him right before he died?

You never write a story with a villain in it Signup and view all the answers

What was Vonnegut's job after college?

A police reporter Signup and view all the answers

How did the veteran die in the elevator?

His wedding ring got caught in the iron lace and he got squashed Signup and view all the answers

Who does Vonnegut dedicate this book to?

Mary O'Hare and Gerhard Muller Signup and view all the answers

Why was Mary O'Hare mad at Vonnegut when he came to visit her husband?

She thought he was going to write a pro-war book Signup and view all the answers

What does Vonnegut promise Mary?

That he won't write a pro-war book Signup and view all the answers

What does Vonnegut tell Mary he might name the book?

The Children's Crusade Signup and view all the answers

What does Vonnegut tell his publisher about what happens after a massacre?

Everything is quiet except for the birds, 'poo-tee-weet' Signup and view all the answers

How does Vonnegut say the book starts and ends?

Starts: Listen Billy Pilgrim has come unstuck in time. Ends: Poo-tee-weet Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter Insights

Kurt Vonnegut narrates in first person, reflecting on his wartime experiences in Dresden.
The book explores the absurdities of war through personal anecdotes and reflections.

Return to Dresden

Vonnegut revisits Dresden in 1967, comparing its appearance to Dayton, Ohio, but noting its increased open spaces.
Accompanied by Bernard V. O'Hare, a former combat mate and fellow prisoner of war, during the visit.

Key Characters and Anecdotes

The cab driver who transports them to the slaughterhouse is named Gerhard Muller.
Vonnegut’s cigarette of choice is Pall Malls, highlighting a personal quirk.
He recalls a song about "Yon Yonson" that symbolizes his life's narrative.

Literary Commentary

Filmmaker Harrison Starr suggests Vonnegut swap themes from an anti-war narrative to an "anti-glacier" book, emphasizing the futility of conflict.
The climax is proposed by Vonnegut to involve Edgar Derby being executed for stealing a teapot, underscoring the absurdity of war.

Writing Process

Vonnegut sketches his primary story outline of Dresden on a roll of wallpaper, indicating the chaotic beginnings of his writing process.
He mentions that rescued soldiers were fed rich foods like chocolate malted milkshakes to regain their health.

Personal Details

Vonnegut's dog is named Sandy, presenting a glimpse into his personal life.
Late-night habits include calling operators to reconnect with past acquaintances.
He studied Anthropology at the University of Chicago before his journalism career.

Family and Career

His father’s final words advise against writing villainous characters, suggesting Vonnegut’s complex views on morality.
He worked as a police reporter after college, shaping his observational and narrative skills.

Tragic Events

A veteran faced a fatal accident in an elevator when his wedding ring became caught, leading to his death.

Dedication and Promise

The book is dedicated to Mary O'Hare and Gerhard Muller, depicting significant figures in Vonnegut's life.
Mary O'Hare initially believes Vonnegut will write a pro-war book, prompting her anger during his visit.
Vonnegut reassures her he will not produce a pro-war narrative, solidifying his stance against war themes.

Title and Themes

Vonnegut contemplates naming the book "The Children's Crusade," indicating a focus on innocent victims of conflict.
He articulates to his publisher that, after a massacre, "everything is quiet except for the birds," with the phrase "poo-tee-weet" used to symbolize this silence.

Book Structure

The narrative begins with "Listen, Billy Pilgrim has come unstuck in time," setting the tone for the nonlinear storytelling.
It concludes with "Poo-tee-weet," reinforcing the cyclical and absurd nature of the experiences detailed throughout the text.

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Description

Test your knowledge on Chapter 1 of 'Slaughterhouse Five' by Kurt Vonnegut. These flashcards cover key points about the narrative, the author's experiences during the war, and his return to Dresden. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of this classic novel.