| The main character is a writer who has decided to write a book about Dr. Hoennekir, father of the atomic bomb. In his research, he inadvertantly gets his life entangled with those of Dr. Hoennekir's three children. His main research visits are to the science center where Dr. Hoennekir worked and to the island of San Marino. In his research, he basically reveals that Dr. Hoennekir was like a child who would do research because it interested him, and who could get easily distracted and would then forget completely about anything else and do reserach on that thing. He couldn't really think beyond that, in terms of any social life, or on potential implications of his research.
Two things that end up playing a big role in the book are Ice-9 and Bokonism. Ice-9 is the science fiction element... a device capable of ending life on Earth if ever used. It is basically an extreme (parody) version of nuclear bombs, in that it is absolutely useless, and Vonnegut is showing through hyperbole how ridiculous it is to create a weapon that creates mutual assured destruction. He also criticizes scientists who refuse to think of the implications of research and only go after truth, no matter what it could lead to. Bokonism, another aspect which plays a big role in the book, is a religion created by San Marino resident Bokonon, however, it is very different from most religions. | ||
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Plot & Themes Tone of book - cynical or dry-wit FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION? - science fiction story Tech./$$$/Info hunt Yes Stealing/recovering/destroying Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book Religious overtones? Yes Descript. of chases or violence - 0 % planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 10 % Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 30 % Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 60 % Inventing-of-item story? Yes Main Character Identity: - Male Profession/status: Age: - 20's-30's Setting Terrain Earth setting: - 20th century Takes place on Earth? Yes Writing Style Accounts of torture and death? - moderately detailed references to deaths scientific jargon? (SF only) - none/very little science jargon needed Sex in book? Yes What kind of sex: - vague references only How much dialogue? - significantly more descript than dialog |
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