The Sirens of Titan reveals strong messages about society in America and society on Earth as a whole. Now before I begin, I cannot promise that you will agree with anything Vonnegut has to say about society but keep in mind this was during the post World War II time period. To get a better understand of why Vonnegut may have portrayed humans in such a bad light it is better to look at the culture and atmosphere of the post WWII time period.
Immediately after WWII the government was focusing on supporting the American economy. During the war, more jobs were created which created more income for the middle class. Additionally, the returning GI's sought education and jobs. The increase in jobs boosted the average income for an American family and contributed to the rise of consumers (1). Now, because everyone sought to consume the same goods such as cars, clothes, etc., this led to a sense of conformity. Everyone wanted the same cars, the same houses, the same education, and the same way of life so to speak. Within this cult of conformity the idea of individuality was lost. During this time period also emerged the postmodern world view. This view denounced American consumerism and use of weapons. Postmodernist tended to denounce religion because it caused divides between people. Most importantly, postmodernist believe that promises of freedom and prosperity are simply empty promises (2).
Before the war in the novel, the scene is set in America and reveals a lot about American society. To begin with, the consolation of alcohol is an idea presented in the beginning of the novel. Two people, who appear miserable, are at a bar drinking and discussing their misfortunes (3). The use of alcohol to solve problems has always been connected to American society. This truly shows our weakness as human beings to cope with the struggles of life. Later in the story, a character describes the place where Americans can reach the apex of happiness; this place is a Hollywood night club (4). For decades the fame and fortune associated with Hollywood has appeared to be glamorous. However, the character who spent the most time in those Hollywood night clubs is miserable. Perhaps Vonnegut places this idea in the novel to have the reader question the happiness provided by Hollywood. Throughout the novel drinking, fame, and wealth are American characteristics that at first seem to be praised but are then later revealed as awful misgivings.
When the war between Mars and Earth begins, a lot more is revealed about society. Earth is the clear winner in the war. However, the triumph of Earth does not come as a shock. I believe Earth's victory shows how much Earth is experienced in war; even at time when war is unexpected, they still combat and win. This idea is later reinforced by the fall of Switzerland. The only country in the world to be successfully captured by Mars was Switzerland. This is most likely implying that because Switzerland has always remained a neutral country, they are not as experienced in war as the rest of the world (5). Although Earth's victory may come off as a good thing and some might think Vonnegut is telling us that because we fight in wars so much we are able to combat unexpected attacks and triumph, Vonnegut is actually trying to tell us the opposite. Later in the novel America is shamed for killing all the martians. Winstons Niles Rumfoord, who led the attack on Earth, purposely sent troops who were armed first and knew that Earth would kill them immediately. However, after he ran out of those troops, Rumfoord commanded the unarmed women and children to land on Earth and fight. Every country brutally killed the women and children without even knowing who they were fighting against and why (6). This reveals the ruthlessness of society and the instinct society has to fight and kill. I would not say this is exactly a compliment.
In the end the humans race has been converted to a new religion and listens to and believes every thing Winston Niles Rumfoord tells them. When Rumfoord tells them to hate a certain person, they do. When Rumfoord tells them to all line up in one direction, they do. In this novel, the human race is constantly following orders from someone. If you are an outcast like the main character, Malachi Constant/Unk, Beatrice Rumfoord, and Chrono were, then you are sent away. This expresses the idea that those who do not conform are punished; however, Unk and his family are the only ones who come close to finding happiness. Before Beatrice Rumfoord is sent away for upsetting Rumfoord, she says, "the human race is a scummy thing" (7). Beatrice is disgusted with societies inability to think for themselves. Vonnegut proves that society is quick to give into conformity and lose their sense of independence. And later when Malachi Constant, Beatrice, and Chrono end up happy on Titan, it proves that conformity does not always lead to happiness.
A lot of postmodern themes appear in the novel. Weapons and violence used by society is seen as gratuitous and ruthless. Society is united under one religion instead of many which then prevents a divide in social classes. Lastly, Vonnegut proves a major point when society is united under Rumfoord. Vonnegut proves that all of Earth believed that promises of freedom and prosperity were false and therefore they united under the Church of God the Utterly Indifferent because they believed they controlled their own destiny and this way no one would become luckier than anyone else. Societies rapid adaptation to this philosophy proves the unhappiness of the world in post war state.
(1) Richard E. Schumann.
(2) "Postmodernism"
(3) The Sirens of Titan, 84
(4) The Sirens of Titan, 120
(5) The Sirens of Titan, 171
(6) The Sirens of Titan, 178
(7) The Sirens of Titan, 268
No comments:
Post a Comment