I wonder what meaning blue and ivory have in this book?
I have no doubt that this phrase will be used again, will it lead to something more?
Is it perhaps a connection between Billy and the Tralfamadorians?
Also why do you think the author choses to use this particular writing technique in his story?
There were other uses of repetition in this book, like the phrase "mustard gas and roses" a smell chose to describe the war. I think that repetition can be a very useful way to get a point across in ones writing, my only question is..... what's his point?
(Everyone should know that at this point I have only read up to page 119, and "the point" could just be further on)
I feel like the phrase "blue and ivory" is a symbol for the line between life and death, between Earth and space. When I hear the phrase, "blue and ivory", it reminds me of something that is still living, something that can still feel, but isn't quite up to its full potential. For example, with Billy's feet being "blue and ivory", he can still feel his feet, but not fully. It is similar to when it is cold outside, and the tips of your fingers are cold and the feeling in them isn't one hundred percent but some feeling is still there, that it is not numb, except on a much more extreme scale. As for the line between Earth and space, it can be a symbol for Billy's experiences on Earth and in Tralfamadore. He doesn't live on one particular planet all of the time, so the "blue and ivory" part could again be that "one hundred percent" kind of concept where Billy is neither here or there.
ReplyDeleteMost authors don't put repetition in just because it will make the story seem more interesting, but most likely, they have a reason or a few reasons as to why certain words and phrases are repeated. Vonnegut isn't an exception to this. He could have plenty of points, which makes for more than one right answer. I've read up to page 200 so far, and am going to finish the rest of the book later today, but I haven't found "the point" yet. That being stated, it is very possible that Vonnegut didn't put "the point" in, as he may want his readers to find that point and draw their own conclusions.
Thank you! This is an awesome response to my post! I don't really have anything else to say yet, but this is very insightful!
DeleteYou're welcome! I finished the book, and it didn't mention the phrase again so I am still unsure as to what exactly his "point" is, but like I said earlier, Vonnegut probably wanted his readers to draw their own conclusions. Let me know if you have an idea for what his "point" is since I haven't thought as deeply about it yet.
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