Challenging The Metanarratives Of Science And Religion

Kurt Vonnegut, throughout his career, has remained one of the shrewdest commentators and harshest critics of American society. He, proclaimed by many critics as one of the most significant postmodernist writers, enjoys pondering with great energy and humor the problems of human existence. What distinguishes Vonnegut from many of his contemporaries is his incredulity toward the many metanarratives in American society, and his unflagging determination to show it in his works, among which, Cat's Cradle can be taken as the best example.In Cat's Cradle, the magical science serves as the villain in destroying the human world, and the so-called "sacred" religion turns out to be nothing but lies to beguile people. This thesis will make a thematic study on Cat's Cradle, and hopes to prove, through the reading of it in light of what Jean-Francois Lyotard calls the "incredulity toward metanarratives", that the exposure and the subsequent deconstruction of the illusory but controlling modern metanarratives of science and religion which propagate their myths of essential truth remains a main target for Vonnegut in his literary creation.In this thesis, the present writer will first expound Vonnegut's challenge to the metanarrative of science in Cat's Cradle, showing his scathing criticism to the amorality and irresponsibility of scientists and his warning of the danger of the blind faith in scientific and technological progress. Then, the present author will discuss Vonnegut's challenge to the metanarrative of religion in Cat's Cradle. She will lay bare how Vonnegut, first with the technique of parody, challenges and deconstructs the traditional religion, and then together with the multiple ironies, reveals the essence of all religions:nothing but lies to deceive human beings. Moreover, the present writer will indicate that Vonnegut not only challenges the two major metanarratives of science and religion in Cat's Cradle, but also demonstrates his deep humanistic concern. He appeals to people that, in the disturbing postmodern era, they should be kind and love whoever around, instead of trusting science and searching solace in religion.