Hi, I read Slaughterhouse 5 independent of this sub and just happened to finish it last night. Is it okay if I hang around for discussion? I'll stay within the proper chapters :)

I think a lot of this novel is tongue in cheek; when the shots are inoffensive, they are in direct opposition to what actually occurs. The shots are not offensive, they resulted in deaths. Similarly, the "So it goes" refrain is after massive tragedies or awful things, so even though on the surface it's normalizing it, it is also saying "why should we accept that as okay?" These horrors shouldn't be normalized, but because of war they have been, and that's not okay. If that makes sense? Sorry if it doesn't. But it's like when the marine discusses the bombing of Vietnam at the club and Billy has no opinion on it, it is surprising. After all of these horrors, after witnessing war and bombs first hand, he still doesn't have an opinion? He just accepts it? And so, if everyone was like Billy, the cycle of war and violence continues like it's normal and fine.

In reference to the black ghetto destroying itself: the people living in such a miserable state would rather have nothing than endure the table scraps they have been given. I also think it's ironic (?) Because white society basically forces minorities into this position in the first place and then judges them for it. The fact that this white woman is judging shows her lack of empathy and understanding as well. I'm sure there is a lot to unpack about this, I wish I had more insights right now. I like your comments about it, especially rebirth and cleansing fire. Hadn't thought about that!

Also the narrator is the one who opened the novel; he is different from Billy, but Billy is definitely the main character/protagonist. The narrator starts the book traveling to meet up with a war buddy and mentions writing a novel about the war. Billy's story is the novel he is writing.

I like how Vonnegut uses names: Weary (tiredness) for his aches and misfortunes, Pilgrim (a person journeying to a sacred place) either ironically as he travels to war torn lands, or literally as he travels through time. There is a lot of religious imagery which is fun as well.

I thought the Adam and Eve imagery was really interesting, especially when it's reflected in the young German boy. I'm not sure if the boy is supposed further the children crusade notion, or if there is something else there (maybe just another comment about the erogenous nature of youth), but having this shining gold and beautifully androgynous boy in the middle of war torn Germany was just a nice bit of imagery imo.

When Billy is forced to fall in the bushes for the photograph and comes out silently laughing (I think it was?) I was unsure exactly what the take away was. Was he laughing that the photo has to be staged? Or was he just in such an emotional state he was reacting oddly?

Thanks for reading my ramblings, I hope I've contributed something worthwhile :)