A Man Without a Country | Topics for Discussion & Projects

A Man Without a Country Topics for Discussion

Kurt Vonnegut often argues that humor and comedy are the best, and most natural, self-defenses against the world around us. Citing examples from the book, do you agree or disagree with the author's assessment?

Vonnegut makes a fairly inflammatory statement, when he calls the U.S. government full of "power hungry chimpanzees." Does absolute power corrupt? Why or why not?

Vonnegut figures out how to write Slaughterhouse-Five only after the wife of an old war buddy yells at them for telling war stories. What kind of "truths" do you think realizing this allowed Vonnegut to reveal in his writing? What is the difference between the two perspectives?

Are humor and tragedy linked? Why or why not?

Vonnegut makes strong cases for certain aspects of Socialism. Do you agree or disagree with his statements? Do you think he makes a good case? Include specific details with your response.

Vonnegut has strong feelings...
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