Funny Comment, Sad Context. Humor in Kurt Vonnegut’s Novels - Alexandru Oltean-Cimpean

            More than with most other writers, what the author wanted to say in his works cannot be ignored, since his intent when composing them was a wholly pragmatic one – to get some specific ideas through to his reader. In this sense, as will be shown, the first of the three selected novels is arguably the best illustration of the concerns that Kurt Vonnegut had during the first half of his career, namely the blind faith in scientific research that is otherwise left morally unchecked, as well as the condition and future of humanity as a whole. The second novel is one that marks a drastic shift in theme and style, wherein conventional storytelling is circumvented and autobiographical elements are introduced, thus making Vonnegut’s writing hereafter all the more personal in nature. The last novel represents the byproduct of this shift, as well as a stepping stone for his use of humor.