Eugene Debs Hartke is the main character of Hocus Pocus, or more accurately, his observations are, as an "editorial note" at the beginning of the book announces that the reader is about to read Hartke's diary. The character's name is another joke; Eugene Debs was a socialist crusader, and Vance Hartke was a liberal senator from Vonnegut's home state, Indiana, one of the most conservative areas in the country. Thus Hartke's name is a reflection of national confusion. Most of the action occurs in 2001, another joke, since that year is not only the beginning of a bright new millennium but the title of a film which suggests a new beginning for the human race.

Such a future is hardly likely, says Vonnegut.

Hartke's life, as revealed in his diary, is an excuse for Vonnegut to comment indirectly on many contemporary events and our reactions to them. One of...