The first selection by Vonnegut that I chose is The Sirens of Titan. This was only his second book, but my favorite and is considered by many his best book for it's simple complexity.
In Sirens, all of the characters have a specific purpose or two that falls perfectly into place with the other characters' respective purposes to crate this book. For example, Malachi Constant, the main character, always wanted to live up to his name (faithful messenger) and do something with his life, but always led a hollow, lonely life as a socialite. It is only after he meets a wealthy, space-traveling man from Newport, RI that he is truly given the opportunity to do so.
Winston Niles Rumfoord is written to be the main attraction the to the story-A rich man who traveled into space, entering a wormhole that allows him to pass through different points in the solar system at any time. Vonnegut uses his characters wisely, seeing as there are only about ten that directly influence Malachi.
As well as his wise use of characters, Vonnegut also uses a slightly Hemingway-esque writing style to really get the theme of purposefulness across. He tells you in plain English what he wants to, and allows you to conclude the rest, and what isn't plain Englsih, he elaborates on in a way that is comical, informative, and cynical.
In Sirens, all of the characters have a specific purpose or two that falls perfectly into place with the other characters' respective purposes to crate this book. For example, Malachi Constant, the main character, always wanted to live up to his name (faithful messenger) and do something with his life, but always led a hollow, lonely life as a socialite. It is only after he meets a wealthy, space-traveling man from Newport, RI that he is truly given the opportunity to do so.
Winston Niles Rumfoord is written to be the main attraction the to the story-A rich man who traveled into space, entering a wormhole that allows him to pass through different points in the solar system at any time. Vonnegut uses his characters wisely, seeing as there are only about ten that directly influence Malachi.
As well as his wise use of characters, Vonnegut also uses a slightly Hemingway-esque writing style to really get the theme of purposefulness across. He tells you in plain English what he wants to, and allows you to conclude the rest, and what isn't plain Englsih, he elaborates on in a way that is comical, informative, and cynical.
So clearly character(ization) plays a huge role in this novel... as well as the style of writing. I wouldimagine you should also comment on the sci-fi-ish genre of KV. Why do you think he chose this mode of expression?
ReplyDeleteGood start.
20/20