In chapter nine, the Serenity Prayer makes another appearance in the book in addition to the plaque that hung in Billy's office. After Billy returned to Tralfamadore, he saw a "silver chain around Montana Wildhack's neck. Hanging from it, between her breasts, was a locket containing a photograph of her alcoholic mother--a grainy thing, soot and chalk. It could have bee anybody. Engraved on the outside of the locket were these words: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom always to know the difference."
As Billy sees the serenity prayer between Montana's breast, it serves as a reminder to him of what was mentioned in chapter three. It reminds Billy that he cannot change the past, future, nor present. Such message sums up the gist of Slaughterhouse Five. Any attempt to change life is preposterous because no matter what it will happen. Always has happened, and always will happen.
Beautiful relation to the Serenity Prayer. I also enjoy the fish at the top, and it is fun feeding them.
ReplyDeleteI noticed the repeated prayer, too. I enjoyed how Vonnegut references God throughout the novel. In his office, the patients notice the prayer more than Billy, though.
ReplyDeletethis was 10 years ago damn
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