Slaughterhouse Five Chapter 5 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

How do the Tralfamadorians see humans?

Not as two-legged creatures. As great millepedes with babies' legs at one end and old people's legs at the other.

What is the one book the Tralfamadorians give to Billy to read?

Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann.

How were the Tralfamadorian's books laid out?

Brief clumps of symbols separated by stars. There is no beginning, no middle and no end. No suspense, no morals, no causes and no effects.

What happened to Billy when he and his family went to visit the Grand Canyon?

He wet his pants because he was sure he was going to fall in. Signup and view all the answers

How did Billy feel about the Carlsbad Caverns when he and his family went to visit?

He prayed to God to get him out before the ceiling fell in. Signup and view all the answers

What were the instructions regarding Billy's dog tags if he died?

Break them in two. Bury one with Billy and the other one on his gravesite to mark it. Signup and view all the answers

The Americans were to share a shed with the English prisoners who had been held for how many years?

Four Signup and view all the answers

How come the English prisoners were well fed?

There was a clerical error that happened at the beginning of the war that gave them way too much food. They had been rationing it to make it last. Signup and view all the answers

What were the candles and soap made of?

The fat of Jews and Gypsies, fairies, communists, and other enemies of the state. Signup and view all the answers

What musical did the Englishmen perform in camp?

Cinderella Signup and view all the answers

Who is Jerry as referred to by the Englishmen?

The Germans Signup and view all the answers

What did Billy do during the performance of Cinderella?

He laughed and shrieked until they took him to the camp hospital. Signup and view all the answers

Who watched over Billy while he lay in the hospital in prisoner camp?

Edgar Derby Signup and view all the answers

What book did Edgar Derby read while watching over Billy?

The Red Badge of Courage Signup and view all the answers

Who was Billy's roommate in the insane asylum?

Eliot Rosewater Signup and view all the answers

What books did Eliot like and introduce to Billy?

Kilgore Trout's books Signup and view all the answers

Why does Billy not like to get visits from his mother while he is in the insane asylum?

She makes him feel weak, embarrassed and ungrateful because she gave him life and he doesn't like life. Signup and view all the answers

What book was Rosewater first reading in the asylum?

Maniacs in the Fourth Dimension by Kilgore Trout. Mental diseases cannot be treated on earth because they can only be seen in four dimensions to cure them. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Rosewater's favorite poet?

William Blake Signup and view all the answers

Who was Valencia Merble?

Billy's fiancée and the daughter of the owner of the Ilium School of Optometry. Signup and view all the answers

What candy bar was Valencia eating when she visited Billy in the asylum?

Three Musketeer Bar. Signup and view all the answers

Where did Billy get the diamond in Valencia's wedding ring?

In Germany, spoils of the war. Signup and view all the answers

What did Billy think of Valencia when he was in the asylum?

He didn't want to marry her. He thought she was fat and ugly. He didn't know why he proposed to her and thought it was a symptom of his illness. Signup and view all the answers

What was the second Kilgore Trout book Rosewater was reading in the hospital?

The Gospel from Outer Space. Signup and view all the answers

What do Rosewater and Billy think of Trout's writing style?

They think he is a terrible writer but with great ideas. Signup and view all the answers

Where does Kilgore Trout live?

Ilium, Billy's hometown. Signup and view all the answers

What picture was taped to Billy's non-working television while he was trapped in the zoo?

One cowboy killing another. Signup and view all the answers

How many different sexes are there on Tralfamadore?

Five sexes. Each are needed for reproduction. Signup and view all the answers

How many sexes did the Tralfamadorians see on Earth?

They saw seven different sexes on Earth. All were needed for reproduction. Signup and view all the answers

How does the universe end according to the Tralfamadorians?

A Tralfamadorian test pilot pushes the wrong button and the whole universe explodes. Signup and view all the answers

Do Tralfamadorians have war and how do they handle it?

True Signup and view all the answers

What is Vonnegut doing according to this chapter?

He has severe diarrhea with the rest of the American soldiers and he says out loud, 'There they go, there they go.' He meant he was shitting his brains out. Signup and view all the answers

Why was Paul Lazzaro in the prison hospital with Billy?

He got caught stealing cigarettes from an Englishman and the guy beat the crap out of him. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Howard W. Campbell Jr.?

An American traitor who worked with the Germans. He later would hang himself in jail awaiting trial as a war criminal. Signup and view all the answers

When Billy tries to go back to work, what happens?

He tells a 12-year-old boy that his dead father is alive in another moment in time. The boy's mother tells the receptionist that Billy is going crazy. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Tralfamadorians and Human Perception

Tralfamadorians view humans as great millepedes, perceiving their physical forms metaphorically as having various legs representing different life stages.
Billy receives "Valley of the Dolls" as a significant book from the Tralfamadorians, highlighting their unique approach to literature.
Their books consist of brief symbol clusters, lacking traditional narrative structures of beginning, middle, or end, which reflects their perception of time.

Billy's Experiences and Location Events

Billy experiences anxiety during a family visit to the Grand Canyon, resulting in a humiliating accident.
A visit to the Carlsbad Caverns makes Billy fearful, prompting him to prayer amidst his unease about potential danger.
Billy holds both U.S. and POW dog tags; instructions dictate breaking the tags for burial purposes if he dies.

Conditions in POW Camps

Americans share a shed with English prisoners who have endured captivity for four years.
English prisoners receive ample food due to an early war clerical error, allowing them to sustain rations over time.
Candles and soap are produced from the fat of enemies, reflecting the harsh and immoral conditions present during wartime.

Cultural Aspects in Captivity

English prisoners perform "Cinderella" as a form of entertainment in camp, showcasing resilience through creativity.
The phrase "Jerry is on the run" indicates the use of the term "Jerry" to refer to Germans among the prisoners.
In a humorous turn during the performance, Billy finds himself laughing uncontrollably, leading to hospitalization.

Relationships and Isolation

Edgar Derby cares for Billy during his hospital stay, reading "The Red Badge of Courage" to pass time.
In the asylum, Billy shares a room with Eliot Rosewater, who introduces him to the works of Kilgore Trout, presenting unconventional narratives.
Billy feels conflicted about his mother’s visits in the asylum, associating them with weakness and embarrassment regarding his life.

Literary Influences and Symbolism

Eliot reads "Maniacs in the Fourth Dimension," suggesting that mental illnesses require a multi-dimensional approach for understanding and treatment.
Rosewater admires William Blake, illustrating the depth of artistic appreciation amid madness.
Valencia Merble, Billy’s fiancée, is introduced as part of his complicated emotional landscape, while her choice of candy highlights mundane details within significant events.

Personal Struggles and Societal Reflections

Billy expresses disdain for Valencia, feeling conflicted about his commitment, which he attributes to his mental health.
"The Gospel from Outer Space" offers a satirical lens on themes of identity and the nature of divinity, paralleling Trout's unusual writing style.
Both Billy and Rosewater criticize Trout’s writing, acknowledging the merit of his ideas despite poor execution.

Time and Existence in the Universe

Tralfamadorians recognize five sexes for reproduction, contrasting Earth’s recognition of seven, emphasizing their distinct view of existence.
They believe the universe will end due to an accidental misstep by a Tralfamadorian pilot, portraying a humorous yet fatalistic view of cosmic events.
Warfare is characterized as something to ignore, focusing instead on pleasant memories, representing an unconventional approach to conflict.

Personal Foibles and Encounters

Vonnegut’s presence is noted during a moment of physical distress shared among American soldiers, adding a touch of dark humor to the chapter.
Paul Lazzaro’s unfortunate hospital stay arises from a confrontation over stolen cigarettes, contributing to the narrative of survival and consequences.
Howard W.Campbell Jr. emerges as a complex figure, an American who betrays his nation and ultimately faces severe repercussions, illustrating themes of loyalty and consequence during war.

Aftermath and Consequences

Billy's struggles in reintegrating into daily life culminate in his unorthodox interaction with a young boy, suggesting potential mental instability and societal rejection.

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Test your knowledge of Chapter 5 from 'Slaughterhouse-Five' with these flashcards. Explore the unique perspectives of the Tralfamadorians and their influence on Billy Pilgrim. This quiz will help you grasp the key concepts and themes presented in this pivotal chapter.