Chapter 3 begins with German soldiers finding, and taking hostage, both Billy Pilgrim and Robert Weary. Showing the true hardship of war, Weary's shoes are taken and replaced with "clogs", Pilgrim's shoes have only one heel and he is constantly teetering from one foot to the next. Crossing Luxembourg, in order to get to Germany, the days are long, and cold, causing both mental and physical stress. Upon reaching Germany, all captives are loaded into trains. Meanwhile Billy is often becoming "unstuck" in time, mainly back to his life in 1967. Billy owns his own Optometry practice, and is surprised by the wealth he has gained. Billy's life in 1967 is one of loneliness, he realizes that though he can travel through time, he can't change his own outcome. Back to the past.... Upon entering the train, Billy chooses a spot near a ventilator (a decision he will soon regret). Though Billy feels this is a desperate situation, the Hobo nearest him constantly reminds, "this ain't nothing at all."
Though I feel the constant flashes into the future can be unnecessary, each shows a valuable story and lesson. I think Vonnegut's characters are interesting and complex, and I look forward to reading more. =)
2 comments:
The time jumps confuse readers at first, but serve as an interesting way to read the story of Billy's life. If you think about it, he must feel a similar frustration as he makes the jumps himself.
This method of storytelling exemplifies Vonnegut's unique writing craft. His strength of character and tone drag the reader into the spiraling tale, long enough to reach and understanding and apprecitation of his craft.
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