Paul, follows the “hero monomyth, which affirms the value of the individual and the desirability of that individual's finding a suitable role in society” (Hume 431). This progression is at odds with Vonnegut’s pessimistic views on society as a whole, but especially with regards to machines. Paul’s journey is one of self-realization, as he comes to realize how empty a life he has been living. He finds part of this meaning in the farm; becoming so infatuated with the place that “Indulging an atavistic whim, he set his watch to correspond with the hands of [an old grandfather clock]” (Vonnegut 153). Paul further shows that he wishes he lived in the past, before technology was virtually in every speck of dust.
Not only is the farm void of electronics, …show more content…
Finnerty, a revolutionary that Paul later sympathizes with, experiences the effect loneliness can have on one’s self to a great extent. Perceived by many on the outside as crazy, Paul observes that “‘the loneliness, the not belonging anywhere, [Finnerty] just about went crazy with loneliness’” (Vonnegut 86). However, while others may look upon him with pity, he is in reality most in tune and aware of what is going on with the government and their efforts to control the American people. Quitting his lucrative position in the capital may seem queer to onlookers but he knows what has to be done. This further shows how isolation can help one reflect on what is going on and develop their own ideas and opinions on the system they are part of without any biased propaganda influencing their …show more content…
He wrote this in response to his experience working at a General Electric plant. It is said “that Player Piano was intended to be not just a depiction of a future America, but rather, the future America that will be realized if it continued to follow the vision of progress that Vonnegut identified in his General Electric plant” (Boria 49). Evidently, Vonnegut saw or experienced some thing or idea in the plant that inspired him to write this work and warn us of machines. This is even more likely since it was an electrical plant. A corrupt business model or vision for the future of the company can have struck Vonnegut strongly. This is feasible, knowing that he was very sensitive to these
Not only is the farm void of electronics, …show more content…
Finnerty, a revolutionary that Paul later sympathizes with, experiences the effect loneliness can have on one’s self to a great extent. Perceived by many on the outside as crazy, Paul observes that “‘the loneliness, the not belonging anywhere, [Finnerty] just about went crazy with loneliness’” (Vonnegut 86). However, while others may look upon him with pity, he is in reality most in tune and aware of what is going on with the government and their efforts to control the American people. Quitting his lucrative position in the capital may seem queer to onlookers but he knows what has to be done. This further shows how isolation can help one reflect on what is going on and develop their own ideas and opinions on the system they are part of without any biased propaganda influencing their …show more content…
He wrote this in response to his experience working at a General Electric plant. It is said “that Player Piano was intended to be not just a depiction of a future America, but rather, the future America that will be realized if it continued to follow the vision of progress that Vonnegut identified in his General Electric plant” (Boria 49). Evidently, Vonnegut saw or experienced some thing or idea in the plant that inspired him to write this work and warn us of machines. This is even more likely since it was an electrical plant. A corrupt business model or vision for the future of the company can have struck Vonnegut strongly. This is feasible, knowing that he was very sensitive to these