ancestry and the American society in which he was nurtured. he was which in society American the and ancestry German for roots: territories his he explored two the when searching to analyze is paper this of goal main family. extended The artificial of an author to part be tried the situationcreated, this that fragility andsense of ordertheIn loneliness to fight not is unit” (48). a family. some It’s and kids a wife survival a terribly vulnerable “a corpus, husband, of world literary the to his and understanding to his both central estadounidenses. P literario. corpus su en tiene búsqueda que esta impacto el como así vida su de alo largo cabo a que autor el lleva auténticas raíces unas de compleja la búsqueda profundidad en diaremos objetivo, estu este a cabo llevar Para los EEUU. con como Alemania con tanto vinculan se que novelista, del raíces complejas las analiza artículo presente El sociales. ámbitos diversos más de los por lectores apreciado ser un autorsobreconsiguió que científicos cientos textos de entes del siglo veinte. Desde que en el año 1969 año que el en Desde veinte. publicó se siglo del entes einfluy aclamados más norteamericanos (1922-2007)Kurt novelistas los de uno es Resumen K production. whole literary his conditioned how this exposing and authenticity author’s into the for quest delving USA, the and to Germany both linked roots, complex Vonnegut’s analyzes paper This recognition won widespread works his and period of the writers popular one most of the Vonnegut also to him. was dedicated been have papers of publication the with prominence universal achieved corpus literary His century. twentieth of the ists novel American influential Vonnegut and (1922-2007)Kurt acclaimed one most of the was Abstract alabras clave eywords In In Revista CanariadeEstudiosIngleses : American Postmodernism, , German-American relations. Vonnegut, German-American Kurt Postmodernism, : American A Man Without aCountry Slaughterhouse-Five : postmodernismo norteamericano, Kurt Vonnegut, germano- relaciones Kurt norteamericano, : postmodernismo KURT VONNEGUT’ SDUAL ROOTS VONNEGUT’ KURT Javier Martín Párraga Javier Martín Universidad in the year 1969 and from that date hundreds of scientific of scientific hundreds 1969 date year that from the in and Kurt Vonnegut summarized an idea that is is ideathat an VonnegutKurt summarized , 70 de Córdoba de ; May 2015,pp. 143-154; Slaughterhouse-Five ISSN: 0211-5913 , han aparecido aparecido , han - - -

REVISTA CANARIA DE ESTUDIOS INGLESES, 70; 2015, PP. 143-154 143 REVISTA CANARIA DE ESTUDIOS INGLESES, 70; 2015, PP. 143-154 144 a belletristicliterature thatmightexposesomeofitswriters toamoralityisextremely complex.In the Vonne river ( German the from Vonnegut comes name the since manner, geographical almost (Moore fish” of getting 273). the flight for sacrificed evolution, idiosyncratic who, their have in Islands, of Galapagos the cormorants the but like analogy) own (his mines coal in canaries not are only like books of some novels: of his “His on quality the impact anegative have had aim social Vonnegut’s have considered critics that many Nevertheless, and concern didactic Tonnyas Tanner, Fiedler, or John Leslie Updike. Peter Jerome Reed, Klinkowitz such fellow writers and attention the scholars legion of and of many readers young a attracted paths more exploring experimental to Johnson Samuel back than rather consequences” (1999,“your book should have political 21). not does hesitate following: and of the to literature state understanding Horatian his question” in identity is (140). In whenconcept the of age a coherent hope an in ‘postmodern’ maintaining writers Vonnegut possible, one decisions making are moral of few the that abelief indicates questions moral raise characters his that “the fact that, Gholson Bill explains sense, this Pynchon.In or Thomas Barthelme Donald John Barth, as such of period, the some found in often not of most prominent is the very that aim) writers a didactic of (we speak even could message amoral muchis more conveying concerned with point of view, he author but from atechnical nevertheless experimental an ered as of most problematic the Vonnegut’s points in author consid be the could career: one explain they since important, very are observations scholars’ these consider that inprominently figure that andbeliefs atheism, Vonnegut’s pacifism works” (5). I “The are: on roots heldbeliefs descents, German Vonnegut’s, German of family a literature: and life Vonnegut’spoints with out that way he conditions deals the ancestry Boon (73). American” Vonnegut’s Alexander review aGerman Kevin as status curious Vonnegut’s with into when dealing account heritage, German novels his is mention thatsomescholars,suchas LeslieFiedler ofJerome Klinkowitz, share theauthor’s judgment. Literature should notdisappear up itsown asshole, sotospeak” refreshing ifacreator ofliterature of literature so far. has something onhismindotherthanthehistory present paper I’m merely transmitting Vonnegut’s personal conclusion, “I think it can be tremendously 2 1 Vonnegut’s goes that of literature understanding of embrace atraditional Boon’s Stanton shares Smith Dennis opinion on how influential Vonnegut’s (135) it apart. is of which discourses the and history, the community, the from disembodied never is self the for which orientation- one a rhetorical reflect writing and thinking moral his props. Instead, metaphysical without comes morality his such, As relatives. freethinking German his of tradition the in grounded firmly agnostic Vonnegut aself-professed is Kurt taken be that must detail biographical first the that suggests Merrill Robert

I amwell aware thatthedebateofwhetherpostmodernismshows tendencytowards acertain As David Goldsmith explains, Vonnegut’s very surname links him with Germany in an an in Germany with him links Vonnegut’s surname very explains, Goldsmith David As Like Shaking Hands with God with Hands Like Shaking

(Hayman 185).It to is also important

2

, the author explains author, the explains 1 “We should “We should viii ). - certainly interesting, but most prominent of author’s the the interesting, examples German certainly ( insides” virtuous my secretly with myself warming outing of snowbanks, stick boots Poles and laving Gypsies, bopping around, and aNazi, have Jews been Germany, born in been “If I’d regimen: I suppose I would Nazi the with connection manner. Therefore,did anyhe nothave meaningful and adirect in to Germany of US belonging deprives the him born in been of having fact the origins German Vonnegut he that has though even introduction attests considers that this found in married a Vonnegut case, remembers “someones. this about In my aunt, too, laughs who to more give or roots, at least prominence recent American to their German their from how Vonnegut themselves the decided to detach explains that family anecdote an writerthethe tells On onehand manners: different two in origins German his Night of novels: the one three mostly akey in as stands theme butcorpus, this novel from Vonnegut’s every almost in origins of to German references aseries trace Vonnegut’s possible in is sense, it to this do theme occur In German texts. fictional (18). time” at this to this references country the in most direct the Nevertheless, quite widespread still was sentiment anti-British that frankly of isolation and the some to reflect and for aGerman-American’s concern fairness, to showseem again might column Peter points out: As Reed “This students’ to magazine. Cornell column when he wrote a weekly years, college his soon as as began roots complex German most of in theme Vonnegut’s novels. short stories and Vonnegut’s to his references (or, roots German prominent avery more of accurately, them) also lack is the toward from Apart heritage. German of atrue lack his root: deprived of German any completely he of period was the angst due anti-Germanic to the that explains The author origins. whole German chapter of book, “Roots,” his the with to deal sentiment [...]” on campus anti-German about growing the 15). (Schatt sensitive very “As time: he was early it aGerman, concerned with from an became situation and author the perceived this explains, Schatt Stanley positive.not As very the author’swas the US in during Germany infancy toward mood The dominant problematic extremely one. an considered be must as ancestors of his culture and the author’s be, might theroots land with German connection his how influential of regardless and Nevertheless, ancestry. German derived from his concerns political (1961) As I have defended above, Kurt Vonnegut was convinced that his social and and social Vonnegut his Ihave defended that above, Kurt convinced As was The autobiographical elements The autobiographical aretheintroduction includesin Vonnegut introduction autobiographical to the In it Vonnegut quotation evident from the is As above, Kurt sincerely regrets (333)patriotism. their as proof of and rootless ignorant me make to volunteered They loved. had my ancestors which histories oral or music the or the literature or the language the me with acquainting me without to raise resolved they that my parents dismayed and the First World shamed so during War country this in anti-Germanism The In German : An Autobiographical Collage An Autobiographical Sunday: Palm ,

Slaughterhouse-Five Slaughterhouse-Five German...”be (vii). can that Thesecond referenceGermany to (1969) , and and Palm Sunday Palm Mother (1981), Vonnegut a devotes , the anxiety toward his his toward anxiety , the (1982). (1982). , Vonnegut to refers viii Mother Mother ). -

REVISTA CANARIA DE ESTUDIOS INGLESES, 70; 2015, PP. 143-154 145 REVISTA CANARIA DE ESTUDIOS INGLESES, 70; 2015, PP. 143-154 146 citizen, but a genuine Nazi too. This explanation seems be supportedto seems by explanation but too.citizen, This agenuine Nazi Vonnegut undoubtedly aGerman is we pretend what to Campbell be, really we are if since ous, about we pretend what quite is ambigu to (vii). be” message the careful Nevertheless, Isimplymoral, it what happen to know We is: we pretend what are we to so be must be, know. I whose themine of story moral is only I don’t “This stated: it’s think marvelous a Vonnegut introduction which in of anovel includes abiographical protagonist that character. author the the to and both trauma and of asource anxiety is tradition or a German Germany rooted within of becoming impossibility too, this cases, both by birth.” In he “an even proud American is aGerman, of also being is Campbell and aGerman; from being prominent not very were he fact roots far is in and those if even roots, be to proudGerman Germany. toward his of tudes claims The novelist one. applies to same same The the family’s Campbell’sand atti exactly Vonnegut problem Campbell’s and is German areal as writer to rooted be the to Germany possible for it fate: never fully is same the author to and share seem character since in central (175). Howard W. hang himself” Jr., Iwill Campbell, night against for crimes the tonight is that “I think explains: character this humanity. contrary, On as the against for crimes himself he not enough does suicide. hang Interestingly commits he dilemma, internal own his with to unable deal to aNazi; pretending be he was role the and he roots own played while his completely with is obsessed Campbell bitterly have must been they tempted to do so” (32). By end the of narrative, the though did ofdisinherit me, not broken died They Some say they hearts... died. “My mother and father trauma: agreat parents his Nazi) causes notand a real spy American an (even he was Regime though Nazi support the and Germany decision Campbell’s in to stay and cause, Nazi to pretended the oris, his loyalty on Germany how ideas misunderstood his not does share family his case, any In (64). world” the in country most misunderstood the is “Germany that sidering aspy con he keeps as allies the Germany, in to he stay even decides serves and Campbell on”stayed of (18). WWII, threats the and pressure family the Besides 1939, in “My Germany mother left and father I and My wife came. when war citizen: German atrue as Germany to in live he decided long ago time birth” “by citizen considers York New American heCampbell an is if even Hell, since as me for York New that complains but not is rather, Heavencharacter at all “It Hell was (x).This English” in skill his to indifferent German, awriter in as of himself proud was “Campbell by inclination: to a German be he seems but nevertheless inclination” (3). to “nationless be Howard W. by inclination,” claims Campbell by reputation, person by aNazi anationless by and birth, American an “I am are: of protagonist the narrative, line the of first the book. section theof From very fictional the in place take roots Vonnegut has also expressed in many other interviews, “I’ve with astory other interviews, never written many in Vonnegut expressed also has as since unsatisfactory, extremely also is 222); explanation man” (Reilly bad but this interview, “Howard authentically an W. in an who was explained himself, Campbell – Becoming rooted to Germany becomes a terrible source of anxiety to the to the aterrible of becomes source anxiety rooted to Germany Becoming question to of the Germany, is we belonging see, aGerman, ofAs being or not Hell, something worse than Hell” (15). Hell” or worse not than Hell, something that It not is surprising Mother Night Mother as well as in Vonnegut’s in as well as do Coincidences not life. end here, Mother Night Mother points out how problematic roots his - - - Where theFlying Saucers ComeFrom. Peace.” Novel Somewhat inthe Telegraphic Schizophrenic Manner of Tales ofthePlanet Trafalmadore, Germany, Florence “The oftheElbe,” aLong Time Ago,andSurvived to Tell the Tale. This isa Scout Infantry Living inEasyCircumstances onCapeCod (AndSmoking Too Much), Who, asanAmerican now Aduty-DanceCrusade. withDeath. Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.German-American AFourth-Generation Hitler intensified: have been and of Germany love admiration and months later their six from Rudy’s Germany point. When at that return relatives old to Rudy, Germany, goes years invitation and the excepting only two who was accepts Führer’s Thewhole the family as guests. spend Germany some in time and he to Rudy’s visit invites him of Germany chancellor family Hitler becomes house [...]” American little ordinary (19). an up in grown I had if soul So, when sort of different avery Iwould have had that think “I sometimes manner: crucial 17). Rudy’sbuddy a in instead” change father’s life His Hitler will relation with bosom his But became to death. or freeze of century, or the simply starve let him the worst monster have could strangled that: father My of point (“Think of view quite Rudy’s are complex roots from amoral Once Germanic again, friends. became immediately moment, poor at almost the extremely they who and was Hitler. Adolf painter: Ruddy’swhen he helped Austrian met ayoung father Hitler, intensified became culture Germanic the with Germany. and fascination His tria Aus love in he with period fell both this During art. to study and illness sexual sent he to for Vienna was a to treated Rudy’s be man ayoung When was father life. his in aspect akey becomes Germany at all, German or to speak Germany to visit he never gets though even and citizen, American but not an is aGerman Ihave done” (10). things bad the all is childhood character in Evenmitted this novel:com to the crime he preface autobiographical “The from the point clear of ego Vonnegut alter this an ways author the many Rudy Waltz, makes in and is is manner interesting and amore in roots direct complex his German with author deals German-American [...].”German-American generation fourth this novel the which in Nevertheless, Vonnegut, by “Kurt written novel the was Jr. that generation clear a fourth makes of novel the themes of main the summary of long tradition far-fetched includes abroad and titles, pre-nineteenthe century Slaughterhouse-Five complex Heideggerian equally or an in paradox insolvable Schrödinger of avirtually terms in understood only be tremely problematic can roots one his since (Shenker ex of 22). an Howard a villain” thecharacter becomes Thus, Campbell W. 3 for America in a spokesman He become would activist. political and teacher [...]. life in of purpose sense a anew Germany. Hein He become had would change to Mother, aprofound spiritual he undergone (Father) had According Vonnegut’s masterpiece, of title his very from the re-appear roots German

The unabridgedtitleofthenovel isthefollowing one:“Slaughterhouse-Five or The Children’s Hors

de Combat (1969).complete The thetitle novel,of to pays homage which , asaPrisoner of War, Witnessed theFire-Bombing ofDresden, Deadeye Dick (1982). novel,this of The protagonist 3 in which the Indianapolis author Indianapolis the which in sous rature . - - -

REVISTA CANARIA DE ESTUDIOS INGLESES, 70; 2015, PP. 143-154 147 REVISTA CANARIA DE ESTUDIOS INGLESES, 70; 2015, PP. 143-154 148 However, I cannot agree with Robert Merrill’s opinion “Vonnegut’s Robert that However, with agree Icannot child World following the War, Vonnegut not did education. Kurt give a German during regime US World of Nazi in the the and because War especially I, and Germany due roots tensions own to of the between their somehow ashamed (81). it Armenian!” becomes transformed so is points out, “In Vonnegut’s Bluebeard Merrill Robert as that heritage Germanic subtle way, and more indirect extent to the increasingly an in origins German his with butwell, most recent novels it author his the in should deals noted be that of frequent Vonnegut’s rest the in very are past to related aGermanic as corpus aresomehow that characters or characters Germany, Theto references German activist. apro-German such old became father boy year when his just atwo he was since well or Hitler... question know very Germany Nazi the or understand even “Ey, terms: following the in (89), boys local Nazi” to never visit get Rudy did even by other attacked often Rudy was and them on blaming keptneighbors insisting the “German” past, to their to back go reluctance about” (44). family his Besides day,talk to else passing he so (Father)something each find with better had angrier people make seemed to the subject andGermany order “The in new Hitler of completely of point suddenly influence: and source he deprived was of this certain world, the in but at a manifestation historical and cultural highest the as praised was tradition Germanic the environment which in an in raised So, Rudy was past. War didn’t neighbors ended the had II forget (or excuse) Rudy’s “Nazi” family’s months on telephone, or the so” for three (38). ortalk mail look at his Once World [...] down. Father stoppedfell travelling Father wouldn’t leave home even the or problematic: flag Nazi “Somewhere the there in certainly became regime his and Hitler with Rudy’s and sympathies family’s situation changed, the its allies, and introduction Vonnegut to his as in movement explained Indianapolis, in Nazi the US before towards entered the of fact, World sympathy certain War was there II whatever” or flag, aIrishConfederate or Greek or matter flying a(35). As than offensive was no City more Midland in flag in Nazi a which in flag, “flying time 1934,Nazi a (35). flag” up Nazi atfrom the Germany,the looking back and flew came Rudy’s family front in of studio, the street, one the in of paper. in the picture It of is entire our family hood roots are known primarily by their absence” (76). absence” by their primarily known hood are roots As I have shown in this section of paper, who the section were parents, his this Ihave shown in As US entered the soon regime World as as Nazi the case, any In War against II world. over ( the for taking plan secret Jews’ the to be supposed member, was which of me acopy slipped somebody and thirties, the during my home in of Indianapolis town Fascists American native lively and vile some There were limited. was business monkey Nazi with experience My personal am myself “Iway: crucial ina Germany by affected be to Rudy’s Thus, starts life world. (36) of the salvation the be would time in Germany, but in which born being was order which social new the The Protocols of the Elders of Zion of Elders the of Protocols The Mother Night Mother , Ire vii - ) - : period), but was certainly affected by the Depression, Great by as in affected explains Vonnegut period), certainly but was of the families class middle situation of it the we compare most ofif with American especially all, after bad not (thator that was economic by the situation of family the mother’s have of retold (2, his well 125). story the death” Vonnegut it, preceded Kurt novels the that in might those as full prologue as novel the evident in especially is fact this that thinks Klinkowitz sense, this In sleeping pills. with themselves to mothers references killing important some extremely also are there Vonnegut’s and crazy novels to distant, mothers references show who are many overdose of sleeping pills. afatal by consuming her life own decided to take produced Great by Depression, the ontrauma and Mother’s Day, 1944, she Great Depression” the through (28). all symptoms tormentedshe was by withdrawal trips So say to Europe. might one frequent first-class to taking parties, dinner lavish to giving accounts, charge unlimited and rich, to servants to being addicted mother was town”in (8). in idea this Vonnegut expresses also of her time at marriage longer the been she what had be no she since could “my to on that, go living, declined mother novelist regrets had the prologue autobiographical novels. the of to In his mother several in his lives” (Marvin from her children’s withdrew and depressed mother the “became and of time the jobless most prominent father, became the a very been who architect, had family: his friend offriend Vonnegut, opinion Klinkowitz’s ( shares awhole” as (1, for country the ordeal more Great considers Depression the difficult to afar aperson, have been heas himself event Vonnegut’s in considered most traumatic the a writer and usually as is both life, for Great Depression the Vonnegut: was tant “Although firebombing the of Dresden ( treasures” childhood one he greatest now which as of his credits life-style into a moreforced Kurt egalitarian “(themanner, for so at Vonnegut all: were not Great traumatic Depression) years these economy, it but helped Vonnegut nevertheless amore in egalitarian life to understand thefamily on Great effect Depression the anegative had explains, JeromeAs Klinkowitz attention upon Great Depression the years. to call shows, Vonnegut wanted always has Mailer ler, Norman of 1922 that’s and it. We number of writers have alarge “I’m following: of the generation the part arguing labels, these rejected all always has Vonnegut of critics. the concerns one been of greatest the himself has hole literature his Consequently, to writer,pigeon a science fiction andsatirist. a trying a black humorist as been identified writerthehas years fifty past the post-depression During and years. of Great period Depression the historical the with linked be necessarily must American) of Vonnegut case the In notion (and the beliefs. consequentlyand of of America being ideals American truly following to him educate tried education and aGerman son with So far, I have expressed that Vonnegut’s that far,So Ihave expressed decided not parents to provide their Unlike his mother, his Unlike Vonnegut’s status of social lack not did father resent this Vonnegut’s of fact, amatter As never able mother to overcome was the oneffects The Depression Great a had and immediate number of Vonnegut Companion – who were all born in 1922” born in 33). whoquotation were all this (Abádi-Nagy As Slaughterhouse-Five Slaughterhouse-Five Deadeye Dick 3). Vonnegut how Great Depression the affected explains

31) and William Rodney Allen, scholar and close close and scholar Allen, Rodney 31) William and : “had : “had 1). This scholar also makes clear imporhow clear 1).makes also scholar This Deadeye Dick xiii Timequake ). – myself, James Jones,myself, James Joe Hel – one women of richest the been provided abeen with , his final novel: “My final , his (1979), (1979), - - -

REVISTA CANARIA DE ESTUDIOS INGLESES, 70; 2015, PP. 143-154 149 REVISTA CANARIA DE ESTUDIOS INGLESES, 70; 2015, PP. 143-154 150 include atheaterandtheIndiana Headquarters oftheIndiana Telephone Company. sociological the stress most critics “while that completelyis when he right explains More! no Lonesome or , novels: following the in occur theme this of examples most interesting the Ithink Rushdie. to Salman Barthelme Donald authors, from other postmodern many in acommon feature being as well novels, as omnipresent Vonnegut’s in almost is society frequent worst problem and American in out” to die 82). (Standish order to in be than to grow rather has something nucleationyou what know Idon’t, is? pretend but Ido. how to I’ll do It with big has 1973 famous the “Do in he Playboy explained interview: as since obsessions, main ‘sister’” ‘brother’ and others (op.cit. 103). sense of brotherhoodis This one of Vonnegut’s each Depression? We called members of unions the days, together. those banded In Great the beat brotherhood of “How is: and union asense created that Americans did awhole, it as since society but to nota positive American experience only to himself Great Depression enough, the was paradoxically that, author the explains interview 270).(Allen TheDepression another cost it;me interesting. nothing” In it liked was private school [...] elitist of an I swell. was sent and school. to Which apublic high out “I got pulled change: Vonnegut this with situation implied, Kurt delighted was this prestige academic and status of loss the social apublicin Besides institution. enrolled was and attending school he was private School, high expensive the Orchard in 227), artist Rudy’s as just adreamy is father (Reilly Vonnegut’s artist” a“dreamy becoming completely felt father he was useless, Sr., Kurt, no workand had from 1920 to 1940” (2). on, Without project any to carry architects, prominent Kurt onesenior Vonnegut was Indiana’sexplains, of most Thomas As Marvin F. but job. properties, or his his status not social to his him: most valuable of was what the Depression Great him deprivedwife’s. case, were from his quitehis In different (9). we are” amistake What concerned. Iam as far to go hell, as can in explained we are as since at all, thing a bad to de-evolution...dooms humanity aphenomenon Vonnegut’s in that, opinion not is evident in it especially is thewhole permeate to seems of certainly Vonnegut’s of defeat” This “air corpus but [..]. acompanion of (10). from been life mine” retreat always of has defeat air an So full in man a good was adult, an like something was when I myself him, to know autobiographical prologuehis to shouldn’t have anything todowiththearts. careers), bothare guncollectors remarkable: bothare ashamedoftheirGerman withinterrupted past,bothare (orartists failedartists 5 4 most the ideaof before, being the loneliness times many said been it has As economic of family’s the situation, Vonnegut young Because to leave had As I advanced above, Vonnegut’s Iadvanced As from life father’s for retreating reasons

The resemblances between theprotagonist’s fatherand Vonnegut’s own fatherare certainly Kurt Vonnegut, Sr.’s buildingscanstillbevisitedatIndianapolis, mostimportant andthey 4 but “the Great Depression of the1930s put to building, ahalt Galápagos , both are absentparents andbothinsistonthefactthattheirsons (1976). From my point Broer of R. view, Lawrence Jailbird , a novel in which a human-induced apocalypse apocalypse ahuman-induced , anovel which in : “So I have to say that my I have: “So father, to say that when Igot God Bless You, Mr. Bless Rosewater God A Man Without aCountry Deadeye Dick . 5

: “Evolution : (1965) and on the other hand it is his own personal condition that makes his dream unviable: unviable: dream his makes condition that personal own it his on other is hand the due to Eliot’s to collapse and treated, father’sstarts son to medically have desire his one it On the hand Eliot’s apart. to utopia fall to project maintain his and begins not Moonare enough Glampers Diana with success the and Rosewater Eliot toward people you,bless Mr.Rosewater (70). feel Rosewater” affection the Nevertheless, people it. little know people, to just God supposed the to help want, little and the is aman Eliot’s “You are: up aims gave beautiful everything and how important helped ever her, understands has Diana relatives thus of and any her real more than of helping afamily. But way, her by helping really her is this in Rosewater Eliot she amember is to someone her that feel she important other is words, in to make her feel to her make listen and do besides not is there much can Eliot medical, and any money, offer Diana help. material or sort of other herSince problemsaresocial why anyonereason ugly, should. She (65). was boring” stupid, and not does Eliot No too one dumb to lovedlife. ever had was her. anybody’sno Therewas standard, “(She) life: by who, her in sorrowful by asixty-eight-year-oldtime almost virgin was for first the family a member of she a real feel Moon was Glampers Diana to make cleverlyso theisolation identified. has he fighting in (57), successful not is very YOU?” afather. So,as Eliot’s HELP motto WE “HOW foundation, his besides CAN away he beloved, in is (46) a“monarch” but and Eliot not as admire do really citizens people to form, aren’t Rosewater trying is Eliot either. Rosewater family of bigger the is notable becomepart to a family (48)his own If him. abandons finally, and, oneself” [...]than “Samaritrophobia troublesthe fortunate those to less of indifference hysterical diagnosed Eliot’s with cope finally is and cannot piety obsessive wife his before, since than Eliot’sevendisturbed hand is themore On reach. toone family own difficult extremely noble are his besides intentions, goals and community. his Nevertheless, this of play role astate absolutein the in isolation; of father and loneliness he the so will live they themabout because care to figure, apaternal-like water people as him, need about people: to going care “IRosewater am “I fulfilled: quest community, considered be over, Eliot’s this Once in spiritual can his and search (and fortune) originated. family from where his Indiana in town County, asmall man a almost quest, US aspiritual that’s the really through ajourney begins Eliot abandons New Thus, collapsing. and is York marriage his and descendants too much, no he far has drinking is Eliot of narrative the beginning family. the At away that’sfoundation in poorto peopleand notthe beneficial Rosewater to only his to he going direct decides but is Rosewater Eliot down) taxes, cutting at least Rosewater Foundation. ancestors, by his ancient of foundation inaugurated an direction the as well as a huge fortune inherited who has citizen American wealthy extremely an water is Rose Eliot way: of following theme the isolation in Vonnegut this with Kurt deals (66). In poignancy” story’s special and complexity novel ( of this aspects . Anyway, his journey and quest prove unsuccessful till he arrives to Rosewater to Rosewater he arrives till prove quest and journey unsuccessful his . Anyway, In any case, this character’s actions are not fully fruitless, since he able since is fruitless, not are fully character’s actions this case, any In that of helping be will County Rosewater in The protagonist’spurpose main am am Slapstick home. I know now that this has always been home been [...]” always has home. this now Iknow that (41). Traditionally this foundation had been a way of evading (or away of been evading foundation had Traditionally this ), it is its psychological dimension that constitutes the the constitutes ), dimension that it its psychological is these people” (n.p.). considers Eliot Rose God Bless You, Mr. Bless Rosewater God Bildungsro The The - - -

REVISTA CANARIA DE ESTUDIOS INGLESES, 70; 2015, PP. 143-154 151 REVISTA CANARIA DE ESTUDIOS INGLESES, 70; 2015, PP. 143-154 152 that every child in Rosewater County said to be mine to mine be said County Rosewater in child every that acknowledge County. ofthat Rosewater Thus, he legally decided “[he]inhabitants will of of relative the many actual an to by create, he becoming tried family Rosewater the (217),again” community, of Rosewater the apart he being keep must he so that decides County to Rosewater to return never he stand could knew cringe, “Eliot soul felt his (210). state, AMERICA?” apparenthis ideal IN Besides MAN “(The)line, SANEST head under the magazine apopular in to condition appear mental as good and body slim and a such with fit hospital,in a mental is consciousness he his recovers he finally for a time long forlasts black period Eliot”(about (206). a year), The and when blank at all. Diana’s better any that feel him words do moving not make (201),friends” intense so are but of Eliot’s failure sense and breakdown emotional own group! You’re my “ time: for to last stop the him tries Moonproject Glampers Diana his and Rosewater and way,theleaving in bus you (200). if please’” he finally is When a one way or out around County, ticket of Rosewater “Eliot not did hesitate.’ One utopiahis over he is away, go must and he whether wants when he asked thus is and “’I don’tanswer: (185). know’” understands incident finally Rosewater Eliot this After she not is able necessary, so to is presence formulate acoherent his think why they one woman when asks since Eliot at all, not necessary so was County Rosewater in die’” (184), Eliot’s we’ll come that back, of fact conscious the presence also are but they for Eliot’s “’Oh, sorry feel Mr. Rosewater- departure: youreally never if away go and for trip” the (180). dressed get up and washed better had people, for they Rosewater As or “[he]project to. he seemed that He that didn’t this, it, allowed with accepted argue over. It to end had (179). sometime” his with point, disenchanted so is Eliot By this is life of your part “This utopian family: extended failed his and County Rosewater momentthat on, abandon must Eliot Eliot’s enough: been has enough decides father by afar-away of obviously, relative who Eliot, on is, directed Norman’s client). From deprived ofand control the of the insane legally (in hope the he declared is to prove sanity to Eliot his Court to take cides (171). of drunk” them more hours, of half person at all in coming but people“He one not had telephone of with hell had anight, only with calls, appeared that we would always have an extended family of genuine relatives there” there” of genuine relatives family extended have an we would always that appeared it Indiana, Indianapolis, “when in we were that, economic children situation was terrible the besides why one ahappy such he childhood had ofthat reasons the Vonnegut explains particular. in literature and general in life way he understands Great Depression”the conditioned period the (1), historical this that explains and tobiography” (1) he mentions on other hand, the “my and, in explicitly childhood au an come ever to writing Iwill closest the is “this Vonnegut that hand, declares to study. our relevant one On the especially are points that two author explains 184). abug” (Hayman prologue like the In novel, me to the squashed wanted the Vonnegut a1997 as in and of critics, explained of interview, asudden, “all critics (221-2). my daughters” sons and as of inheritance rights have full all them Let Slapstick, or Lonesome no More! no Lonesome or Slapstick, went County “everything abandoned Rosewater finally having after Shortly de when lawyer, a extreme young Mushari, Norman The situationbecomes everything! You’re my government. You’re You’re my husband. my Rosewater Foundation (1976) majority by not received the well was is mine, regardless of blood type. of blood type. regardless mine, , that will be from that point from that be will , that You’ re my church - - - Klinkowitz Hayman Goldsmith Gholson Fiedler Broer Boon Allen Abádi-Nagy (or not), Vonnegut’s not could Twain. but be of tradition Mark and those heritage real unfortunately point emotional and, of an view and from aphysical both far extremely author’s the expresses was conclusions: own Germany he how no tried, matter hard above The citizen. quotedsentence American atrue he became while roots German complex his to come with to terms trying life: of period his this authorthe during obsessed that questions the depth in Ihave paper studied (77). that” this In noise after was “That’severything andtoo.school,the of life, story I my went high good to a society. American by post-WWII demanded mobility of high the because and essay the throughout I’ve roots of of loss German analyzed the the because but especially various, brother are sister and his and to Kurt young not is important so family the role the of WWII the (5).andDepression after Indianapolis” why The reasons over, for mywas brother me away my from to and wander sister and easy it was Great Depression(4). the aSecond World and time the “by Nevertheless, War , Kevin A. , Kevin , William Rodney William , , Lawrence. , , Leslie. “The Divine Stupidity of Kurt Kurt of Vonnegut”. Stupidity Divine “The , Leslie. , David. “Kurt Vonnegut: The Art of Fiction”.Art Vonnegut: The “Kurt , David. Durham: Duke University Press, 1992. Print. Press, University Duke Durham: Print. 2003. Press, of Mississippi University Jackson: Allen. Rodney liam Popular University York, 2001. 135-49. Print. Vonnegut Kurt on Essays New End: 1994. Print. Press, of Alabama 1997. Press, Mellen Print. York: Edwin 1999. of Print. Mississippi, Press University 1996. 15-35. Press, wood Print. Chronichles: Interviews and Essays In , Bill. “Narrative, Self, and Morality in the Writing of Kurt Vonnegut”. of Kurt Writing the in Morality and Self, “Narrative, , Bill. Reviews sent to author: 22 September 2014. Revised paper accepted for publication: 19 February 2015. 19 February publication: for accepted paper 2014. Revised September 22 author: to sent Reviews , David H. , David , Jerome , , Zoltán. “Serenity, Courage, Wisdom: A Talk with Kurt Vonnegut.” Kurt ATalk with Wisdom: Courage, “Serenity, , Zoltán. Like Shaking Hands with God with Like Hands Shaking Chaos Theory and the Interpretation of Literary Texts: The Case of KurtVonnegut of Case The Texts: of Literary Interpretation the and Theory Chaos Sanity Plea: Schizophrenia in the Novels of Kurt Vonnegut Kurt of Novels the in Schizophrenia Plea: Sanity . Structuring the Void: The Struggle for Subject in Contemporary American Fiction American Contemporary in Subject for Struggle Void: The the . Structuring Kurt Vonnegut, Fantasist of Fire and Ice and Fire of Fantasist Vonnegut, Kurt . Conversations with Kurt Vonnegut Kurt with . Conversations Press, 1972. Print. Press, WORKS CITED WORKS . Ed. Kevin A. Boon. Albany: State University of New of New University State Albany: Boon. A. Kevin . Ed. . Ed. Marc Leeds & Reed, Peter J. Westport: Green Peter J. Westport: &Reed, Leeds Marc . Ed. Kurt Vonnegut affirmed the following: Vonnegut the following: Kurt affirmed Conversations with Kurt Vonnegut . Literary Conversations Series. Jackson: Jackson: Series. Conversations . Literary Enquire . Bowling Green: Bowling Green Green Bowling Green: . Bowling 74 (1970): 195-204. Print. . Tuscaloosa: University University . Tuscaloosa: At Millennium’s The Vonnegut Vonnegut The . Ed. Wil . Ed. . New . New - - .

REVISTA CANARIA DE ESTUDIOS INGLESES, 70; 2015, PP. 143-154 153 REVISTA CANARIA DE ESTUDIOS INGLESES, 70; 2015, PP. 143-154 154 Vonnegut —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— —— Vonnegut Updike Tanner Smith Stanton Standish Shenker Schatt Reilly Reed Moore Merrill Marvin —— . Palm Sunday: An Autobiographical Collage Autobiographical An Sunday: . Palm Timequake ANovel Galápagos: Deadeye Dick Palm Sunday: An Autobiographical Collage Jailbird: A Novel No More! Lonesome Or Slapstick: Night Mother . A Man without aCountry without . AMan Slaughterhouse-Five; or, the Children’s Crusade, a Duty-Dance with Death with aDuty-Dance Crusade, Children’s the or, Slaughterhouse-Five; , Peter J. Vonnegut in Fact: The Public Spokesmanship of Personal Fiction Personal of Spokesmanship Public The Fact: in Vonnegut , Charles. “Two Conversations with Kurt Vonnegut”. Kurt with “Two Conversations , Charles. , Lorrie. “How Humans Got Flippers and Beaks: A Review of AReview Beaks: and Flippers Got “How Humans , Lorrie. , Stanley , , John. “All’s Well in Skyscraper National Park: Review of Review Park: National “All’s Skyscraper Well, John. in , Tony. “The Uncertain Messenger (Kurt Jr.)”.(Kurt Vonnegut. , Tony. Messenger Uncertain “The , Tomas F. , Robert. “Kurt Vonnegut as a German American”. American”. aGerman Vonnegut as “Kurt , Robert. , Israel. “Lights Comic Paths of Despair”. of Despair”. Paths Comic “Lights , Israel. New York:New Delacorte Press, 1969. Print. Vonnegut 1950-1970 1997.Minds, Print. 76-111. 2003. Press, of Mississippi Print. University Jackson: Allen. Rodney William Ed. 20-23. Print. Mississippi. of Press The University Allen. Rodney 196-230. Print. 2003. Press, of Mississippi University Jackson: Allen. Rodney William Vonnegut Kurt to Essays 1998. Print. Press, Carolina , David. “Playboy Interview with Kurt Vonnegut”. Kurt with Interview “Playboy , David. , Kurt, and Lee Lee and , Kurt, , Kurt The Short Fiction of Kurt Kurt Vonnegut of Fiction Short The . Ed. Marc Leeds & Reed, Peter J. Westport: Greenwood Press, 1996. Print. 73-85. Press, Greenwood Peter J. Westport: &Reed, Leeds Marc . Ed. . Kurt Vonnegut, Jr Vonnegut, . Kurt . New York:. New G.P. 1997. Putnam’s, Print. . God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater; or, Pearls before Swine before Pearls or, Mr. Rosewater; You, Bless . God , Dennis . Kurt Vonnegut a Critical Companion a Critical Vonnegut Kurt . New York: Delacorte Press, 1966. Print. Press, York:. New Delacorte . New York: Delacorte Press/Seymour Lawrence, 1982. Print. Lawrence, Press/Seymour York:. New Delacorte . Ed. Tony. Ed. &Row, 1971. Tanner. York: New Harper 181-201. Print. Seven Stories Press, 1999. Press, Print. Stories Seven Ed. Robert Merrill. Boston: G.K.Hall & Co., 1976. &Co., 40-47. Print. G.K.Hall Boston: Merrill. Robert Ed. . New York: Delacorte Press/Seymour Lawrence, 1979. Print. Lawrence, Press/Seymour York:. New Delacorte . New York: Delacorte Press/Seymour Lawrence, 1985. Print. Lawrence, Press/Seymour York:. New Delacorte . Ed. Leonard Mustazza. Westport: Greenwood Press, 1994. 271-73. Press, Greenwood Westport: Print. Mustazza. Leonard . Ed. Stringer . Cliffsnotes .on Cliffsnotes Vonnegut’sSlaughterhouse-Five . New York: Seven Stories Press, 2005. Print. 2005. Press, Stories York:. New Seven . Boston: Twayne Publishers, 1976. Twayne Print. . Boston: Publishers, . Like Shaking Hands with God: A Conversation About Writing About AConversation God: with Hands Shaking . Like London: J. Cape, 1976. J. Cape, Print. London: . New York: Dial Press Trade Paperbacks, 2006. Print. 2006. Trade Paperbacks, Press York:. New Dial . New York: Delacorte Press, 1981. Press, York: Print. . New Delacorte . Westport: Greenwood Press, 1997. Press, Greenwood Print. . Westport: Conversations with Kurt Vonnegut . Westport: Greemwood Press, 2002. Print. 2002. Press, Greemwood . Westport: The Vonnegut Chronichles: Interviews and and Interviews Chronichles: The Vonnegut Conversations with Kurt Vonnegut Conversations with Kurt Vonnegut Slapstick . Columbia: University of South of South University . Columbia: City of Words: American Fiction Fiction American Words: of City Slapstick! . New York:. New Holt, 1965. Print. ”. ”. . New York: Hungry York:. New Hungry ”. ”. Critical Essays on Kurt Kurt on Essays Critical The Critical Response Response Critical The . Ed. William William . Ed. . New York: New . . Ed. . Ed. . .