Slaughterhouse Five Chapter 4 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

On the night of his daughter's wedding, what does Billy see when he looks down at his feet?

They are ivory and blue.

What happens when Billy walks into his daughter's bedroom?

Her princess phone rings. It was a drunk with a wrong number.

What kind of movie does Billy watch while waiting to be kidnapped by the Tralfamadorians?

American bombers from World War II.

How does Billy describe the flying saucer?

One hundred feet in diameter with portholes around its rim and a pulsing purple light. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Tralfamadorians communicate with each other?

Telepathically. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Tralfamadorians communicate with Billy?

By means of a computer and a sort of electric organ. Signup and view all the answers

How do the Tralfamadorians describe why they kidnapped Billy?

He is trapped in the amber of the moment. Signup and view all the answers

Where did the yellow Barca Lounger in Billy's room come from?

Sears Roebuck warehouse. Signup and view all the answers

Why do the other soldiers not want to sleep near Billy?

He yells and kicks and whimpers in his sleep. Signup and view all the answers

What were the last words of the Hobo on the train before he died?

You think this is bad? This ain't bad. Signup and view all the answers

On the ninth day in the boxcars, who were the two people that died?

Ronald Weary and the Hobo. Signup and view all the answers

How did Ronald Weary die?

Gangrene in his feet from the wooden clogs. Signup and view all the answers

Who did Ronald Weary tell everyone killed him?

Billy Pilgrim. Signup and view all the answers

What did Ronald Weary want the most?

To be avenged. Signup and view all the answers

Who was the last to be taken off the boxcar?

The dead hobo. Signup and view all the answers

What did the guards pass out to every prisoner of war?

Overcoats from dead people. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of coat did Billy get?

A civilian coat that was too small with a fur collar, appearing to be a woman's coat. Signup and view all the answers

Who had the best body of all the prisoners of war?

Edgar Derby. Signup and view all the answers

Who had the worst American body?

Paul Lazzaro. Signup and view all the answers

What did Lazzaro promise Ronald Weary?

That he would avenge his death and find Billy Pilgrim. Signup and view all the answers

What belief do the Tralfamadorians say only exists on Earth?

Free Will. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Billy Pilgrim's Experiences

On his daughter's wedding night, Billy notices his feet are described as ivory and blue, symbolizing a surreal moment.
When entering his daughter's bedroom, Billy encounters a ringing princess phone, connecting with a drunk caller, evoking a vivid sensory memory with "mustard gas and roses."

Tralfamadorians and Their Communication

While anticipating his abduction, Billy watches a film featuring American bombers, unexpectedly rewinding to a point before destruction and returning to the origins of humanity.
The Tralfamadorian spaceship is characterized by its one hundred-foot diameter, portholes emitting pulsating purple light, and an owl-like sound, creating an intense experience for Billy.

Abduction and Perception of Time

Tralfamadorians communicate through telepathy, and with Billy, they utilize a computer and electric organ, showcasing their advanced methods.
They explain Billy's kidnapping using the metaphor of bugs trapped in amber, suggesting a fixed moment in time.

Prisoner of War Experiences

Billy acquires a yellow Barca Lounger from a Sears Roebuck warehouse, highlighting the mundane amidst chaos.
Other soldiers avoid Billy during sleep due to his distressing nightly episodes, indicating his trauma from the war.

Deaths and Survival in the Boxcar

On the ninth day in the boxcars, two individuals die: Ronald Weary from gangrene and a Hobo, illustrating the harsh conditions of their captivity.
Weary blames Billy for his death, seeking revenge, emphasizing the theme of guilt and accountability in trauma.

Clothing and Physical Descriptions

Each prisoner receives overcoats from deceased soldiers, marking the bleak reality of war.
Billy is given an unusually small women's coat with a fur collar, symbolizing his vulnerability.

Notable Prisoner Characteristics

Edgar Derby, a 44-year-old high school teacher, is noted for his excellent physical condition, contrasting sharply with other prisoners.
Paul Lazzaro, described as having the worst physical state, is a car thief with severely deteriorated health, showcasing the toll of war on different individuals.

Themes of Revenge and Free Will

Lazzaro promises to avenge Weary's death, driving the narrative of vengeance among the characters.
Tralfamadorians highlight humanity's unique belief in free will, prompting reflections on choice versus determinism in life.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Chapter 4 of 'Slaughterhouse-Five' with these flashcards. Each card presents key moments and symbols that illustrate Billy Pilgrim's unique experiences. Perfect for students and fans of Kurt Vonnegut's work.