Cat's Cradle

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. What social, political, economic, and other factors contributed to the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union?

Teaching Suggestion: It maybe be helpful to clarify the generic term “cold war,” which refers to a nonviolent power struggle between two countries, as distinct from the Cold War, which refers to the tensions between the Soviet Union and the United States, along with the Allies, following World War II and concluding with the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. As a link to the novel, you might explain that Cat’s Cradle imagines a substance even more powerful and destructive than the atomic weapons that proliferated during the Cold War.

• This article gives an overview of the Cold War, including its causes and development.
• This video gives an overview of the Cuban Missile Crisis, which is particularly relevant to Cat’s Cradle.

2. What are some of the major themes of Vonnegut’s work, and how might his life experiences have influenced his writing? If you are not familiar with this writer, search for images of his book covers and speculate on his topics, style, and genres.

Teaching Suggestion: While Vonnegut’s work is relatively well known, it’s possible that few, if any, students will know much about him. In that case, you could ask students what they expect from a satirical science fiction novel set during the Cold War, and then reveal details about Vonnegut and Cat’s Cradle, perhaps watching one or both videos below, as they fit into the ensuing discussion.

• This video provides an overview of some of Vonnegut’s unique work and ideas.
• In this excerpt from a panel discussion, Vonnegut shares his views regarding ethics and science (note that Vonnegut uses a minced oath to comedic effect), relating to the theme of The Risks and Limitations of Scientific Inquiry.
• This list highlights and summarizes Vonnegut’s most well-known novels.

Personal Connection Prompt

This prompt can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before reading the novel.

Have you ever used humor to cope with a difficult situation? If so, did you find that it helped you feel better and/or face the situation more productively? If not, would you consider doing so? Why or why not? Are there any topics or situations that you would never want to joke about?

Teaching Suggestion: Though it deals with heavy topics, Cat’s Cradle is filled with humor. As students share their experiences, you might compile a list of the ways humor impacted them and their situations, then draw parallels to the humor that permeates Cat’s Cradle.

• “Is It OK to Laugh During Dark Times”: 2020 New York Times article by Jeremy Engle exploring the use of humor during the COVID-19 pandemic
• This overview of humor’s potential as a coping mechanism may provide helpful categories or concepts to help students brainstorm responses.