Ironton High School

Slaughter House 5

 Answer the following questions by using references from the novel. Any assertions should be backed up with text from the novel. I expect your answers to be thoughtful and thorough.  Your answers should be typed.

1.       Why is SH5 dedicated to Mary O’Hare?  (15)

2.       In chapter 2 Billy Pilgrim is behind the enemy lines with Weary.  Why does Weary beat him up?

3.       Is SH5 Science Fiction or Psychological?  Why do you so answer?

4.       What is the significance of Vonnegut’s use of repetition? ( So it goes)

5.       On page 128-130 Vonnegut records German “propaganda” that states that poor Americans are taught to hate themselves for being poor.  That essential being poor in the US is a sin because it is believed that being poor means you are either too lazy or too stupid to make money.  Do you agree that to a degree Americans believe this?  Is the statement pure propaganda or does it have some basis in truth?  Defend your answer.  “…who have no one to blame for their misery but themselves.”

6.       SH5 is truly a modern American classic.  Partly due to the fact that Vonnegut uses a unique structure and employs literary devices in unexpected ways.  What sorts of literary devices or structures do you see Vonnegut using that make this novel different from other novels.

7.  There is a great deal of strong symbolism in SH5 choose five examples and write a paragraph explaining what each one means and how it fits into the context of the novel.

Pick three of the following projects.  They must be completed on the first day of school. 

1.  Write a letter from Edna to her husband explaining why she does not want to live with him any more.  Make sure the letter is written in the correct format and that it displays your knowledge of the novel.

2.  This novel is told from Edna’s perspective.  Retell a part of the story from the perspective of Robert, Mr.  Pontellier’s or the children’s.

3.  Create a scrapbook that visual represents each chapter of the novel.  You may do this digitally or as a paper scrapbook. Include captions with your photos.

4.  Research the Creole culture and write a report explaining the origins, beliefs and traditions of the culture.  The concluding paragraph should explain how what you have learned applies to the novel.

5.  Read one of Kate Chopin’s short stories and write an essay comparing the female character to Edna.

6.  Write a poem as if it was written by Edna.  Remember that the purpose is for you to display your knowledge of the novel so include as much information about place, feelings, other characters, and her thoughts that you can.